Mosby's Men in Southern Maryland

[SSlater]

I have to believe that many times men were sent on "Missions" and before long the mission was changed. The stay in So. MD is an example. I believe that Mosby sent men out to get FOOD. A large group of men were spotted returning to Mosby with wagons of food and were driving a herd of Beef. We also know that this was not all his men. so, if he left some behind, they were reacting to orders. Who, when where why etc. we don't know. But I doubt that their original orders had anything to do with Booth. They were on the road
long before Booth made his move. I doubt that Mosby did very much with his whole command at one time. He had people going off in every direction. Even his attention to Harney involved only one company. Several Companies moving in unison would attract to much attention. They did their best when they worked small.

I remember reading that the "escort troop" (for Booth) was sent from Richmond and included men who lived in this area (so as not to attract attention), and they were to hang back -to prevent capture from behind.

All of this makes me believe that the gang that had the battle were in the process of doing something described here. I can also add -they were off on some mission we don't know about and didn't get Mosby's orders to return to Upperville. (Maybe they wanted more food and hadn't picked up their quota) At any rate they were not there to protect Booth. (He had already passed through here when they had their battle.)

Tell me what you think.