Mosby Shoots Turpin.
IN March, 1853, John S. Mosby,
whose family at the time were
residents of the county, shot
George W. Turpin, the son of
a tavern keeper (at what is now as
the Cabell House) in Charlottesville,
in the course of an altercation; but his
adversary, though severely injured, fortunately
recovered. For the offense
Mosby was prosecuted. At that period
Judge W. J. Robertson was Attorney
for the Commonwealth and Watson
and Rives defended the accused. Mosby
was convicted and sentenced to pay
a fine of $500 and to suffer imprisonment
in the county jail for twelve
months. During the term of his confinement
his counsel loaned him the
necessary books, and he improved his
enforced leisure by devoting himself
to the study of law. Two years later
he was admitted as a member of the
Albemarle Bar. Shortly after he removed
to Abingdon, where he was
practicing his profession when the
Civil War broke out, in which he was
destined to achieve such brilliant renown.
[ILLUSTRATION]
The Old Postoffice, Corner Main and Second Streets, East.
