Have a little knowledge of the war in the area as a devotee of partisan Col. John Singleton Mosby. Much of the area was continually in Union hands during the war but Mosby's "depredations" as well as the efforts of commands like McNeill, Gilmore and White made the occupation hazardous in the extreme for the invaders.
There are those who deprecate Mosby's accomplishments (such as establishing an area in the midst of Union influence that was so much "non-Union" as to be referred to as "Mosby's Confederacy") because he operated in a relatively small area compared to the guerrillas in the Western theater. But given the extremely important nature of that area - close to both the Union and Confederate capitols and of paramount importance in the struggle - I believe that the efforts of Mosby and the commands of McNeill and White were strategically far more important than that which transpired in the Western theater - at least with regards to guerrilla activities. Certainly, the larger war was greatly influenced by Union victories in the West, but speaking now just of guerrilla actions, northern Virginia was by far the most important.
The Gray Ghost, always been sort of a hero of mine but I have never had the chance to reserach him to any degree. If you would be so kind as to make a few posts or an article for our article section, regarding this outstanding commander, I for one would apprecitae it.
George I know its a looong link but here is a biography of John Mosby to read on line for free, your posts got me in interested and I am reading it now.
Did you know after the war Mosby supported Grant for President, joined the GOP and was appointed American Consul to Hong Kong by President Rutherford B. Hayes
