March 15, 2003 Reenactment The Reenactment Scenario: This event calls for five categories of reenactor: Mounted Confederate Cavalry Although 40 Rangers took part in the original raid, the event must be scaled down, both for practical and safety reasons. Plans are for a minimum of eight and a maximum of ca. twelve mounted rangers. (See cavalry section for details) Dismounted Confederate Cavalry Prior to the raid, a few of Mosby's men dismounted and captured the Federal vedette on the edge of town. There are roles for ca. 6-8 dismounted Rangers Dismounted Federal Cavalry This is the largest group required. We are aiming for ca. 25 renactors to portray the 1st Vermont lounging around the Station awaiting the arrival of their relief column and then attempting to escape capture in various ways. Approximately half are captured and half escape. Mounted Federal Cavalry There are four mounted roles for individuals portraying the federal officers captured at Herndon. After Mosby's men departed with their prisoners, the Federal relief column arrived, heard what had happened and went off in pursuit. We are in discussions with a leading Federal cavalry unit to portray the pursuit after the raid. Civilians There is ample scope for civilian involvement, portraying the townspeople of Herndon. Male civilians are particularly needed. As well as civilians in first person -- looking on in shock, and trying to get out of the way of the raid, we also need "dressed out" civilians reenactors to provide "human scenery" while assisting with crowd control and collecting money for historic preservation. Basic Scenario of the Raid Reenactment: 1. Opening scenario: men of the 1st Vermont are loitering around the station, waiting for the relief column, engaged in a number of activities: eating lunch, cleaning their weapons, reading the newspapers, playing cards, playing music, talking with comrades, etc. There is a grassy area by the station and Federal reenactors are encouraged to set up tents there as this was indeed an encampment and this would add to the atmosphere. 2. Mosby's men, having managed to capture the vedette on the edge of town, ride toward the station, coming from the same direction (Dranesville) from which the relief column would have been coming. From a distance they look like Federal cavalry - they are riding in columns of fours and many have on Federal greatcoats. When the Rangers get close enough that the Federals can figure out that they're Rebels, Mosby orders the charge. 3. The men at the station are surprised and caught off guard. Most run for cover in local houses and a nearby sawmill. To keep the action within the area of public view, those who run to escape will divide and go to two different places, the white frame galleried building across the street (only 1919 but looks earlier) which will be our "sawmill" for the day (see event map) and into the station itself. 4. One of the Federals, Sgt. Jonathan Blin Aitcheson, is shot in the left buttock / upper thigh while attempting to escape and falls, appearing to be more seriously injured than he is. 5. Not all the Federals run for cover. Some are so astonished that they merely freeze on the spot (good acting opportunity here for the dramatically inclined) and a few others surrender. A small handful return fire. 6. While this is going on, various civilian bystanders sound the alarm "The Southrons!" and run for cover. 7. Mosby and John DeButts and a few others go to the sawmill and demand that those inside surrender or they're burn the place down. The other Rangers go to local houses (in this case, the station) and begin shooting through the walls until the men inside surrender. DeButts is holding his arm, as he has been grazed by a bullet. 8. Slightly over half of the Federals surrender, the others continue hiding and come out when the raid is over. 9. The captured Federals are instructed to drop their guns and a couple of Rangers collect them. 10. Other Rangers go to round up the Federal horses 11. As the horses and prisoners are rounded up and the group prepares to depart, Mosby's attention is drawn to the home of Ned and Kitty Hanna (in this case, portrayed by the town hall) where there are officers horses tied up there. Mosby goes over to the house with James "Big Yankee" Ames and one or two other Rangers, and secures the surrender of the officers. Major Wells emerges covered with plaster dust, having missed his footing and fallen through the ceiling from his hiding place. The officers are allowed to ride their own mounts when led away. 12. All prisoners are led away by a group commanded by Ranger John Underwood, followed by the rest of the Rangers under Ranger Dick Moran. Mosby and a few others wait a few minutes, look around to see if the relief column is coming, and then depart, bringing up the rear. 13. The prisoners and Rangers go up the W&OD trail (this is reasonably accurate, as the railway was NOT operational by 1863 beyond Vienna) when they are well out of site, the uncaptured Federals emerge and begin chatting excitedly with the civilians. The wounded Sgt. Aitchison gets up when he's sure the coast is clear. 14. The relief column under Lt. Higley shows up, is briefed on what happened and rides off in hot pursuit. This concludes the raid reenactment. Participants are encouraged to go to the living history area to provide a bit of local color, etc. The Union encampment will still be functional and Federal reenactors are encouraged to do living histories there. (The depot museum will also be open) The 4th Virginia will be beside the W&OD trail giving a cavalry living history display. Additional Confederate reenactors, including those without a part in the reenactment itself, are encouraged to set up living history encampments in the living history area. Logistics and Safety Points Relative to the Above Scenario: Firearms Confiscation Scenario: After the Federals are captured, they will be disarmed and their weapons confiscated by Mosby's men. At registration Federal reenactors involved in the capture scenario will be asked to provide identifying details for all weapons, to ensure that everything is returned to its rightful owner. If your guns still have their serial numbers on them, this, plus a general identification, should be sufficient. However, the serial numbers on many reproductions become either faint or obliterated when those guns are "de-farbed". In this case, we strongly urge that you put your card under the buttplate (cards and screwdrivers will be provided) or mark your weapon in an inobtrusive place with brown masking tape or something equally durable. Guns will be returned after the Rangers have completed their escape with the prisoners and have returned to the living history area. Confiscated guns will be returned ca. 2:30, probably at the cavalry display area. Details will be annouced at registration. Firearms Safety: The Vermont troopers at Herndon depot largely did not fire back. We will ASSIGN which Federals are to be scripted to return fire, based on who is the most experienced, knowning both to elevate and not to fire into horses' faces. All dismounted Federals not specifically assigned to return fire are asked to keep their weapons unloaded and unprimed, as you will be dropping them on the grass when you are captured. There will be spectators, including children, nearby and we want to ensure that all precautions are taken to avoid a misfire.   Key Links for Reenactors: Reenactors Schedule Event Scenario Site Map Parking Uniform Guidelines Civilian Guidelines Mounted Cavalry Camping /Hotels "First Person" Resources History of the Raid Contact us Return to Reenactor Information Main Page

Visit MosbysRangers.com For 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)