My friend has forwarded the following information. She does have more. I'll try to get her to contact you directly.

VBR,

Bill Lockridge
Selma Research Project

Bill,

Not knowing exactly what you were wanting to know, below are several articles pub. about John Cussons and a picture of him that I'd sent you when we corresponded before. If this isn't enough, or what you wanted, please let me know. I do have a little more.

Cheers, Martha

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http://history-sites.com/~kjones/4amstr.html

CUSSONS, John, 3rd Lt., Capt., Staff [1838, England—1912, VA] -

(Enlisted, aged 25; born in England; an editor; residence: Selma, AL; captured, Gettysburg; burial: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA)

"History of the Corn Exchange Regiment, 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers", by Pierpont Roll Coles,
the Survivor's Association (Philadelphia: J. L. Smith, Publisher, 1888), pp 256-267:

"The regiment was just becoming familiar with its new surroundings when a Confederate officer, without sword or belt, with his coat thrown back with an air of ease, independence and authority, comfortably enjoying a cigar, moving calmly and leisurely as he were quietly out for a stroll, deliberately walked into our lines. The enemy was close, and our skirmishers were advanced but a few paces. He had passed them unobserved, or had been permitted to do so, with a conviction that his capture was certain to follow elsewhere. Astonished, he moodily accepted his fate, and was promptly conducted to the rear. He was a staff officer, and had no idea he was in such proximity to the Union lines, when a few moments before he sought a short respite from the bustle and activity of head-quarters by strolling off in a direction where he thought he would be alone. Of good address and culture, he was keenly sensitive to the reproach that might follow the unfortunate way in which he had permitted himself to be taken."

Selma Morning Reporter, 30 March 1864 – “CAPT. JOHN CUSSONS RETURNED"

– The following announcement from the Richmond Whig of the 22nd instant will be hailed with delight by the many friends of the gallant Cussons.

Capt. Cussons, of General Law’s staff, was among the officers who arrived in this city Sunday from Johnson’s Island. He was captured at Gettysburg, but was reported killed, and a brief obituary was copied into this paper from the Selma Reporter, with which journal Capt. C. was formerly connected. We are gratified to record the fact that he is still in the “land of the living”, and trust he will survive many campaigns. He has won many laurels during this war.”

There is a story of an escape, falling in love with the woman whose farm he hid out in while making his escape. Apparently, he run into the bedroom of a dying husband, while the wife kept vigil over him. Cussons hid under the dying man's bed. The poor wife could not see 2 men dying that nite, so when the guards burst into the bedroom looking for the escaped Cussons she did not give him up. Her husband died within hrs. Making way for Cussons and the wife to fall in love, and build a life together... He went on to build a grand lodge in Glen Allen, VA, which was torn down within the last 10 yrs to make room for condo's.

To my understanding, he entertained guests with the Buffalo Bill and Indian Shows. I heard he was a scout for war effort, making friends with the Indians. He originally came from Horncastle, England, wanted to see the Indians. I have his pocket knife, it is beautiful, just as clean and sharp as the day he received it. Some sort of white stone, and sterling on the ends, his name is engraged in silver in it. My grandmother used to wear it around her neck. She had to have worn it in a pouch, not a mark on it. I have kept it in my father's pajama flannel, just as it as given to me by my mother.

--- Regards, Anne C.