During the American Civil War, groups of so-called “partisan rangers”
engaged in bloody campaigns of guerilla attacks, raiding and psychological warfare
against rival military units and civilians. These units had tenuous ties to the regular
Confederate and Union Armies and were led by men who often operated
outside the recognized rules of warfare.
In 1863, Confederate ranger John Singleton Mosby and his
band of guerrilla raiders snuck ten miles into Union territory
and were able to capture 40 Union troops at the Fairfax,
Virginia Courthouse. All this without firing a shot.
Mosby and his crew stuffed duffle bags full of gold, jewelry, candlesticks,
silver and other family valuables. The stuff was from wealthy plantation
owners in the south. Allegiance was not an issue.
Learning of a nearby Union outfit, Mosby decided to entomb these bags
between a couple trees. Staking a knife at the foot of the loot, Mosby was
determined to come back for the treasure.
Upon returning, 7 of his band were captured and executed. So much for
Mosby's "grit." There is no evidence that Mosby ever returned to the scene of his
compatriots' deaths.
Mosby lived an interesting life. I suggest checking out the link below for factual history and many photographs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S._Mosby
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