History of the Herndon Raid:
Source MaterialsMosby's Rangers (1895), by Ranger James J. Williamson (reprinted by Time Life Books and now out of print. Pages 48-49
"On Tuesday, the 17th of March, Captain Mosby attacked the reserve picket post of the first Vermont Cavalry at Herndon Station, in Fairfax. Gaining their rear, he advancd on the post. The sentinel seeing them coming from the direction of the Federal camp supposed them to be a patrol and allowed them to approach within a short distance before challenging. The pickets being surprised made but little resistence and the majority were captured, among them 1 major, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants and 21 privates, together with 26 horses and equipments. One of the Federals was wounded and left on the field. Some of the enemy who escaped gave the alarm and a force was started in pursuit, but coming up with Mosby's rear guard and receiving a check, abandoned the pursuit. Mosby announced his success to General Stuart in the following Report..... (Wilkinson then quotes the Official Records of the War of Rebellion, both Confederate and Union.
How to buy the above-referenced book:Although the book is officially out of print, the last time we checked, there were still a few copies available from:
Clio's History Bookshop (P.O. Box 168, 103 Loudoun St SW, Leesburg VA 22075, 703-777-1815) run by Jason Duberman, who attended the Mosby Heritage Area conference. (Note: their online catalogue does NOT include their extensive Civil War offerings -- call or write for a written catalogue.In addition, there are almost always copies being auctioned on EBay (link to search on 'Mosby")
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Visit MosbysRangers.comFor information on the event, contact:
Richard Downer: mosbysraid@HRIAssociates.com
(general information, logistics, civic involvement)
Kathryn Coombs: MosbyWeb@aol.com
(reenactors, living history program, website)