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Mosby the Idol. Mosby the Outcast. Mosby the Redeemed.

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

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The death of Colonel John Singleton Mosby at age 83 in 1916 made headlines in newspapers across the United States. The Baltimore Sun published a biographical sketch of the late colonel written by James W. Foster, who had served as captain of Company A in Mosby's 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry.

"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.

Image: Library of Congress

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20 Comments

@Stevew443 6 months ago

While covering a lecture on Mosby's raid on the depot at Duffields, WV I had the opportunity to handle and inspect Mosby's revolver that he carried during the war. It was in such good condition I would have been happy to load it up with black powder and shoot it at that time.

@hscollier 6 months ago

Thank you for another interesting and informative production, Ron. I'm 68 and have been studying the Civil War for 50+ years, academically and privately, and always learn something new and useful from you. Really appreciate your work.

@JustinRahn-q6d 6 months ago

Thanks Ron for another great episode. You have to admire Ulysses S. Grant for the respect he showed for fighting men regardless of which side they were on.
John Mosby was what is known today as a force multiplier. He basically pioneered the concept of our modern day Green Berets. He was an absolute military genius.

@Coulterculture 1 month ago

My husband is his descendant, they look similar. He retains possession of Mosbys unused Sabre and some letters, as his grandfather helped to pen “our noble heritage”.

@Bumper776 6 months ago

Thank you for another great video, Ron. In my opinion, Mosby has always been one of the more interesting figures of the war.

@raymondroan873 6 months ago

More Mosby history please.

@williamrossetter9430 6 months ago

A good book to read is The Vanquished, a history of Calvary warfare in the Shenandoah during the Civil War. Mosby's Rangers versus Bessies' Scouts, named after John Fremont's wife Bessie. Fremont was a native Southerner who explored California and fought for the Union. A great read for those interested! Great story, Ron!

@johnsimms4501 6 months ago

"Mosby's Rangers" is one of the very best books of civil war series of actions. This guy was a true warrior.

@darrellborland119 6 months ago

Another good one to consider, Ron....and he lived to see the radical transformation of America, into the 20th Century. Thank you.

@travisbayles870 6 months ago

Hurrah for Mosby

General Robert E Lee

@Echo-wc7sm 3 months ago

A legendary Confederate becoming friends with Grant and helping him politically is quite interesting.

@savage3960 1 month ago

Ron, I could listen to you for hours and often do.

@christopheromeara689 5 months ago

My Gr Gr Grandfather and his Brother served with Mosby.

@robbinsteel 5 months ago

During the early 80s in Richmond I worked with Robert Mosby, a descendent of Col Mosby. He had many stories about his ancestor that I never encountered in the books I read.

@kittitaskid 6 months ago

Reading a tome on Mosby currently. Excellent study...thanks!

@rangerista3933 6 months ago

Beautifully narrated as always Ron.

@gottadomor7438 2 weeks ago

I've enjoyed viewing many of these War Between The States YTs, t/y for them.
I add here humbly, that during this one tho, found myself rising form my seat to stand up the rest of it.
And at its end, taking a moment to admire his story so well told by the newspaperman.
I shall be ashamed should I ever not remember the name John Singleton Mosby.

@peterallen4605 5 months ago

Mosby wasn't anywhere near as chivalrous during the war as this story portrays. Having grown up in an area of Maryland where Mosby raided on multiple occasions, I've seen the actual scars on the structures from his burning of civilian houses and barns, while looting everything they could ride off with.