Jeffry D. Wert Knihy

No single battalion was more feared during the Civil War than the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry. As one contemporary said, “They had…all the glamour of Robin Hood…all the courage and bravery of the ancient crusaders.” Better known as Mosby’s Rangers, they were an elite guerrilla unit that operated with stunning success in northern Virginia and Maryland from 1863 to the last days of the war. In this vivid account of the famous command of John Singleton Mosby, Jeffry D. Wert explores the personality of this iron-willed commander and brilliant tactician and gives us colorful profiles of the officers who served under him. Drawing on contemporary documents, including letters and diaries, this is the most complete and vivid account to date of the fighting unit that was so hated by General Ulysses S. Grant that he ordered any captured Ranger to be summarily executed without trial.

The narrative chronicles the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, emphasizing the intense seven-hour combat at Culp's Hill. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts from soldiers' letters and diaries, the author vividly portrays the events and decisions made, including Meade's council of war. The book highlights key figures from both the Union and Confederate sides, particularly General George Greene, who played a pivotal role in the battle as the oldest general present.

Focusing on key Civil War battles such as Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, and Chancellorsville, the narrative unfolds through the experiences of two brigades that faced off on these historic fields. It offers a poignant exploration of their stories, highlighting the human aspects of warfare and the profound impact of these pivotal confrontations.