The Memoirs of Colonel John S. Mosby


Read by Mark F. Smith

(4.7 stars; 119 reviews)

This is not a work of fiction! These are the actual memoirs of a legendary leader of partisans who bedeviled the Union army for years, almost within sight of the capitol. With only a few local men under command, John Singleton Mosby's ability to strike fast and then melt away before an effective pursuit could be organized kept the Yankee forces awake and often snarled in knots. With daring feats like capturing a Yankee general out of his bed within his defended headquarters, Mosby made his name a synonym for guerrilla warfare. Even today you can purchase in Middleburg, Virginia, a map showing "Mosby's Confederacy."

The mettle of the man may be judged by the enemies he kept. Said General Joseph Hooker, "I may here state that while at Fairfax Court House my cavalry was reinforced by that of Major-General Stahel. The latter numbered 6,100 sabres. . . . The force opposed to them was Mosby's guerrillas, numbering about 200, and, if the reports of the newspapers were to be believed, this whole party was killed two or three times during the winter. From the time I took command of the army of the Potomac, there was no evidence that any force of the enemy, other than the above-named, was within 100 miles of Washington City; and yet the planks on the chain bridge were taken up at night the greater part of the winter and spring."

Mosby outraged many of his Southern admirers after the war when he publicly endorsed General U.S. Grant for President. After an appointment as U.S. Consul to Hong Kong and a 16-year career with the Southern Pacific Railroad, he came to Washington as an assistant attorney in the Department of Justice. Loyal to the end to his commander, J.E.B. Stuart, Mosby also answered accusations that Stuart's grandstanding cost Lee the battle of Gettysburg. (9 hr 34 min)

Chapters

Introduction by Charles Russell 16:49 Read by Mark F. Smith
Early Life 13:36 Read by Mark F. Smith
The War Begins 16:30 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Private in the Cavalry 14:39 Read by Mark F. Smith
Johnston’s Retreat 18:04 Read by Mark F. Smith
Recollections of Manassas 11:16 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Strategy of Manassas 43:46 Read by Mark F. Smith
About Fairfax Court House 18:44 Read by Mark F. Smith
Campaigning With Stuart 31:46 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Campaign Against Pope 33:09 Read by Mark F. Smith
First Exploits As a Partisan 30:18 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Raid on Fairfax 46:31 Read by Mark F. Smith
Stuart and the Gettysburg Campaign, Part 1 40:03 Read by Mark F. Smith
Stuart and the Gettysburg Campaign, Part 2 39:32 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Year After Gettysburg 39:16 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Campaign Against Sheridan 38:36 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Greenback Raid 18:56 Read by Mark F. Smith
Last Days in the Valley 35:41 Read by Mark F. Smith
Final Scenes 17:27 Read by Mark F. Smith
In Retrospect 14:21 Read by Mark F. Smith
My Recollections of General Lee 11:53 Read by Mark F. Smith
My Recollections of General Grant 23:24 Read by Mark F. Smith

Reviews

excellent book


(5 stars)

Mosby was some soldier. Amazing book. Make sure you listen to the last few chapters taking note of Mosby's relationship after the war with Grant. Attitudes then were very different than attitudes today. Grant and Lincoln were very anxious to reconcile with the South, including tbe ex-Confederates like Mosby. Today? Their statues are being torn down! Grant and Lincoln would be appalled at what is happening today. Great book. Well read. Thanks

Fascinating


(5 stars)

Fascinating life that Colonel Mosby lived. He was a remarkable man, southern patriot and certainly, in my opinion, the most intriguing man of the war

Intriguing first-hand account from the Southern Confederacy


(4 stars)

Not everyone will find this a pleasant read. But as a first-hand account of the Civil War from the perspective of an officer of the South, it is nonetheless a valuable contribution. Be warned that it does not read like a novel. There is no central conflict other than the war and no climax. Mosby can drone on and gets tangled in the minutia of locations and the defense or attack of strategies and tactics of various players. Modern readers are unlikely to be interested in these details. However, the spirit of the man and his brilliance in a thorough grasp of war are enough to make it worth your time.

Real history


(5 stars)

Interesting and straightforward. Mosby was probably the most underutilized officer in the CSA. His memoir presents an honest account of his experiences with a modicum of opinion here and there. Excellent reading.

Very educational and engaging


(5 stars)

I have come to love Mark Smith and I really enjoyed hearing of Mosby's life and service during the WBTS.

lots of history. well read. not a lot of high drama action.


(3 stars)

great book great reader


(5 stars)

another great read by Mark Smith


(4 stars)

Interesting firsthand history from the civil war. Excellent reader.