This book was written by Jeffry D. Wert, published in 1990, the narrative is 295 pages and is illustrated with black and white photos. In this first modern study of "probably the most renowned combat unit of the Civil War", Wert recounts with verve and style the legendary deeds of the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry, a.k.a. Mosby's Rangers. Formed in January 1863 and led by the aggressive and cunning Colonel John Singleton Mosby, a scout for Confederate General JEB Stuart, these guerrillas struck without warning at Union outposts, pickets, wagon trains, troop detachments, headquarters and railroads, inflicting far greater losses on their foes than they suffered themselves. In one particularly audacious raid, they captured a Union General, two Captains, 30 enlisted men, and 58 horses without losing a man. "Mosby's Confederacy", a 125 square mile region that stretched from the outskirts of Washington, across the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Shenandoah Valley, and beyond the Potomac River into Maryland, became a no man's land for the Union's Army of the Potomac. They never managed to eliminate the pesky rangers, who did not surrender at wars end, but simply disbanded without a formal surrender. These cavaliers in plumed hats and red lined capes engaged in the lightning raids and hairbreadth escapes much cherishes by Lost Cause devotees, but Wert, using published and unpublished accounts, takes pains to provide a more measured assessment. This hard back book is in excellent condition, with a dust jacket that is in very good condition.

Item # AA2206