Mosby's Rangers

A Record of the Operations of the Forty-Third Battalion Virginia Cavalry, from Its Organization to the Surrender

By: James Joseph Williamson

Narrated by: Tom Perkins

Mosby's Rangers were some of the most feared Confederate troops of the American Civil War. Under the command of Col. John S. Mosby, they executed small raids behind Union lines, raiding at will and then vanishing quickly into the countryside to remain undetected. Formally known as the 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, they were formed after the Partisan Ranger Act of 1862. By the summer of 1864, Mosby had around 400 men at his disposal in six cavalry companies and one artillery company. Their success led to the area around Fauquier and Loudoun counties becoming known as "Mosby's Confederacy", due to the grip that he and his men held on the area.

James Joseph Williamson was a private who fought under Mosby from April, 1863, through until the end of the war. He records in fascinating detail the activity of Mosby and his men from their companies' organization until the moment that they were disbanded. Williamson provides brilliant insight into the campaigns that Mosby's men fought, how they were organized, who led them, and the difficulties they faced, as well as their greatest victories.

The effectiveness of Mosby and his small band can be seen in these two statements: General Lee said that Mosby was "zealous, bold, and skillful, and with very small resources he has accomplished a great deal." While on the Union side, "General at one point reported that seventeen thousand of his men were engaged in keeping Mosby from attacking his weak points, and thus away from active service on the firing line. Finally it was not safe to send despatches by a courier unless a regiment was sent along to guard him."

Yet, after the war, Grant held no animosity against his former foe and stated, "I have come to know Mosby personally and somewhat intimately. He is a different man entirely from what I supposed. He is able and thoroughly honest and truthful. There were probably but few men in the South who could have commanded successfully a separate detachment in the rear of an opposing army, and so near the borders of hostilities as long as he did without losing his entire command." Thus demonstrating the respect that Mosby and his men engendered with their enemies even after the war.

Mosby's Rangers is a perfect book for anyone interested in the partisan activities of Mosby and his men through the course of the American Civil War.

Public Domain (P)2018 Tantor

Wonderful diary of Mosby's organization

I was impressed with the great detail of the raids and the men who were part of this very successful unit. I could not fathom the total number of captives, horses and booty captured. It seemed like the size of a small army. I can fully understand how they were a big thorn in the side of Union forces. I found the story slightly dry, but became fascinated how action after action led to captives. Recommend for Civil War buffs.

The bravery and heart of a lion

I loved their story, trying to protect there Capital investment , and doing with quite a bit of success

One of best accounts on Mosby and 43rd Battalion

Mosby’s Rangers is one of the best primary accounts of Mosby and the 43rd Battalion. It is historical, interesting and enjoyable. I enjoyed listening to Tom Perkins, who was the reader, read Williamson’s book. Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military and Civil War history.

Wonderful story

Struggled to finish it, once it got about half way through the reports, in the Appendix. Love the story though