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NOTE: From this Public Domain work, the original publication was, scanned, assembled, proofed, with additional historic photographs and text added as appropriate by the editor. – Galen C. Dukes, 2011.

Usually “truth” is supposed to be either “boring,” or “unbelievable,” and must be “fictionalized” to correct either condition. That is certainly not the case with the Memoirs of Col. John S. Mosby. His truth is larger than life.
In today’s military is the elite “Special Operations Group,” or SOG – Col. Mosby was the SOG of the Civil War: Operating behind enemy lines, spying out the enemies plans; disrupting or destroying communication; destroying or capturing supplies, prisoners and war materials; having thousands of the enemies troops detailed to try and stop or catch him; having a major influence on the movements or operations of both armies; all of which he was extremely successful.
Having enlisted in the Confederacy as a private, he literally created his own position and command, with all of his promotions being recommended by General Stuart or General Lee, and all supported by General Lee.
He was a master at deception, trickery, ambush, and the surprise attack.
With less than 20 men, he attacked a 200 man cavalry unit having lunch, drove them into the woods, capturing their weapons, supplies and horses. He also captured the unit’s officers, relieved them of their weapons, ate their lunch, and then released them. Imagine being that Major, and having to explain to your general how this all came about – but there is an amazing footnote to this incident that you will have to read the book to find out.
“ . . . Lee was not in the habit of paying compliments, yet his papers show that Colonel Mosby received from him more compliments and commendations than any other officer in the Confederate army.”
The Union army both feared and hated Mosby and his men – for the damage done, and for the embarrassment caused them. For a time the Northern belief was that "Mosby” was a myth of the struggle. Later, he was termed the "Modern Rob Roy." Such epithets as "land pirate", "horse thief", "murderer", and "guerrilla" bear witness of the feeling of exasperation against the man. The Union officer who termed him a “horse thief” later had great cause to regret it, and the consequences of his actions, for he was soon afterward relieved, but not before Mosby’s men raided his headquarters and carried off his staff, his horses, and his uniform.
So far did the hostility and feeling against Mosby carry that as late as May 4, 1865, almost a month after Lee's surrender, General Grant telegraphed to General Halleck, "I would advise offering a reward of $5,000 for Mosby."
After the war, Colonel Mosby was both a friend and confident to Generals Lee and Grant.
Colonel Mosby’s memoirs shows many actions and events from a different viewpoint, and clarifies many issues of the war, such as the first battle of Bull Run. He explains why the battle of Gettysburg was an “accident.” There is a great deal of humor in some of his accomplishments, and the frustrations caused.

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