[3.2] Can't open /dev/wsmouse (lame rodent)

[Harry Putnam <hgp@sbcglobal.net>]

Checking out google on recent  /dev/wsmouse issues I see some
discussion in November 2002.  But all seems to be related to X11 as
well as console.

I've installed the X11 packages but have not configured X as yet.
I'm running on an older Toshiba laptop a(4005CDS).

Looking at /etc/rc.conf I see:
# wsmoused_flags=NO  # for ps/2 or usb mice: "", serial: "-p /dev/cua00"

Far as I know the builtin mouse is considered ps/2 so
  wsmoused_flags=""
Seems right  Starting up with that in rc.conf doens't bring up a
functioning mouse.

As root `# wsmoused <ENTER>`
Shows `wsmoused: unable to open /dev/wsmouse'

/etc/fbtab shows:
[...]
/dev/ttyC0  0600  /dev/console:/dev/wskbd:/dev/wsmouse:/dev/ttyCcfg
/dev/X0     0600  /dev/wsmouse
[...]

Actual /dev/wsmoused permissions

ls -l /dev/wsmous*
crw-------  1 root  wheel   69,   0 Apr 13 17:19 /dev/wsmouse
crw-------  1 root  wheel   68,   0 Apr 13 17:19 /dev/wsmouse0
crw-------  1 root  wheel   68,   1 Apr 13 17:19 /dev/wsmouse1
crw-------  1 root  wheel   68,   2 Apr 13 17:19 /dev/wsmouse2
crw-------  1 root  wheel   68,   3 Apr 13 17:19 /dev/wsmouse3


Pressing the little post/knob that serves as a mouse does bring a
cursor on the screen at upper left.  It will not move or do other
mousey things.

What do I need to do here?