In the American Civil War, or the War between the States, three dashing cavalry leaders—Stuart, Forrest, and Mosby—so captured the public imagination that their exploits took on a glamour, which we associate—as did the writers of the time—with the deeds of the Waverley characters and the heroes of chivalry.

Of the three leaders, Colonel John S. Mosby (1833–1916), was, perhaps, the most romantic figure.

In the South his dashing exploits made him one of the great heroes of the “Lost Cause.”

In the North he was painted as the blackest of redoubtable scoundrels.

This is his story in his own words.