Ebook Mosby's Rangers

It is my purpose in this Revised Edition to correct errors, supply omissions, and add such new material as I have collected since its first publication. In doing this I sought the co-operation of my old comrades, asking them to call my attention to any statements which they found at variance with their knowledge of affairs, or where they may have had better opportunities of learning the facts.

After the close of the war and the disbanding of our command, the survivors scattered over the country, some even seeking refuge beyond the border, so that it was difficult to ascertain the whereabouts of parties to obtain information regarding affairs of which I had but few details. Even when these were found it was sometimes hard to reconcile contrary statements. Two persons, perfectly honest, equally reliable, and either with or without prejudice, will give different versions of the same occurrence, each viewing it from his own standpoint. This is particularly noticeable in recounting the details of a fight, where each one usually has sufficient to demand attention in his own immediate vicinity, and things may take place at a little distance from him, or without his range of vision, unnoticed by him, though plainly seen by others. Aware of this, I have sought to get the statements of others, not only to verify my own, but to add to my account what may have escaped my observation or may be brought to my recollection in this way. The reunions of these later years have brought together the survivors and given an opportunity of picking up many missing links.

There are no doubt many things yet which are not mentioned in this work. I have had comrades say "You do not speak of a little affair which took place at - (naming time or place)."