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Gene C · 01-12-2017, 08:25 AM

Here is an item from the Latin Library regarding Richard Zarvona.

http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/chron/civ...rvona.html

Quite a story, N'est-ce pas ?

L Verge · 01-12-2017, 12:41 PM

Go here http://mht.maryland.gov/nr/NRDetail.aspx?NRID=289 for a photo of Deep Falls, the Thomas family home where Richard is buried. It still stands today in Chaptico and is unique in that it has remained in the Thomas family for over 300 years. It is not open to the public since it is a Thomas residence. I have read the historic marker on the side of the entrance, but have never had the nerve to drive up the lane to the house.

I tried to find a picture of Mattapany, where Richard was born, to no avail - probably because it is now the home of the base commander for Patuxent River Naval Air Station. I believe it was originally a Catholic mission in the 1600s, but there was a fire sometime in the 1700s, so the current house may only date to the early-1800s.

There is wonderful history in the whole state of Maryland, especially the southern counties; but tourism around Baltimore and Annapolis seems to get the most attention.

If you are interested enough in the Battle of Mechanicsville (MD), google a map of St. Mary's County to understand the lay of the land. Chaptico and Mechanicsville should be easy to find, with Chaptico being on Chaptico Bay (a little protrusion of the Wicomico River) and Mechanicsville being about midway between it and the Patuxent River, where the Sothorons lived.

BTW: The Wicomico dumps into the Potomac River, but extends upwards to Zekiah Swamp in Charles County - near Bryantown. The Zekiah should be familiar to all.

I'm now off to pursue whether or not there were government confiscated farms along the Wicomico such as the one taken from the Sothoron family and used to settle contrabands as basically "slave labor" to grow crops to feed the Union soldiers.

Rick Smith · (This post was last modified: 01-12-2017 05:00 PM by Rick Smith.)

Laurie,

The answer to your question is, "Yes."

Rick

Wild Bill · 01-13-2017, 07:02 AM

Rick is correct--the answer is "yes." The seizure of "rebel" farms and putting "freed" blacks to work on them was a common procedure by the Federals throughout the South as it was captured by the Union army. See the Captured and Abandoned Property Act pf 1863. The man in charge in the Mississippi Valley was Col. John Eaton of Grant's staff, I do not know who did it in Maryland.

SSlater · 01-13-2017, 01:12 PM

(04-24-2014 07:38 AM)L Verge Wrote: Good Grief, Jonathan - the Courier accepts pertinent articles to the Civil War in Southern Maryland, Victorian life, etc. in addition to assassination material. Get thee busy on that article!

Thanks for the encouragement. (BTW - Glad to see that you are up and about. Are you back to work?)
I'll start from the beginning so I may repeat some info, but you will see how it all fits. Here goes!

I am not questioning whether or not there was a battle at Mechanicsville, I'm only questioning who was involved. I doubt sincerely, that there were any of Mosby's people there.
I'm basing my doubts on "orders sent to Mosby" and on "information that we are now findings on Harney." If Dave Taylor can correct any assumption about the Battle at Mechanicsville, that I am making - please do so. Here is what I am working with.
On March 27, 1865 - Mosby was directed to "Collect your Command and watch from the front of Gordonsville to the Blue Ridge, and also the Valley. Your Command is all now in that section and the General will rely on you" (Emphasis added)
After receiving those Orders - Would Mosby leave Company G in Southern Maryland, to watch for Mosby? (No Way!) In early April Co. C, E, F and G returned from the Northern Neck.
"The Companies which had been sent to the
Northern Neck to winter now returned, having
done very little except to recruit their horses."
Chapt. XXIX "Mosby's Rangers"
Now "new" information is being applied to this situation. The effort to use Harney appears. Richmond had most likely developed the new plan to attack Lincoln and started authorizing it. April 2 -Harney leaves Richmond for Upperville and Mosby. April 4, Harney arrives in Upperville. Mosby organizes an escort troop to take Harney to Washington. The Troop was composed of "old" Company G and a new Company H. (That's further confirmation that Company G was in Upperville about April 4 - not in Southern Maryland.)
Undoubtedly, Mosby now knows that Booth "got fired". There will be no need to watch for Booth coming down the "Doctor's Line". He probably was told that Booth has been ordered "Not to shoot Lincoln" (as per statements by L. T. Hogan). This indicates that Booth is no longer a "welcomed traveler" on the "Doctor's Line". In fact, the principle Agents along the "Doctor's Line" have been called to Richmond for a meeting. (probably to be told of the change in Plans).
I know positively that Thomas Jones and Charles Cawood - were in Richmond at this time. Jones said he went "to collect 2 years back pay". Cawood went to see his new wife, who lived across the River from Richmond.
All the evidence that I can find,, indicates that Booth did not get help as he went South. Jones did help him a little bit - as any friend would. But - Booth was not sent to the "next agent" in the system. He was sent to Mrs. Quesensberry with the warning " I THINK she will help you". He would not have needed to say that to a "sponsored Traveler" .
Since all these facts are well supported, then who is left to fight at Mechanicsville? The NAVY! That's no joke. There was a Navy Partisan Group active in Virginia and Lower Maryland and camped in King George. Their assignment was to harass the enemy and do as much damage as possible and they would be rewarded commensurate with the damage done. They also had an assignment to secrete a supply of guns and ammunition in Southern Maryland to be available to a mass release of prisoners from Point Lookout Prison.
Camp Stanton would be of interest to these Money Grabbers If they could capture some of these "escaped slaves" and return them to Virginia each would bring a tidy sum. Any orders - issued by the Army would have no effect on these Navy people.
I can find no mention of Mechanicsville in any Mosby literature. I would like to know where Lt. William Garland Smith got paroled. (I will work on that).
I believe that the South authorized a "Hap-hazard" search for Booth after he shot Lincoln - on his own volition. For example: Thomas N. Conrad was probably alerted to Booth's possible appearance at the Potomac and to watch for him. This is how Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jett (and maybe Enoch Mason) got involved. Ruggles was never a Mosby Man. He spent the war with his father - General Ruggles, but in April '65 hw was second in command to T. N. Conrad. Fact: Booth rode Conrad's horse, Old Whitey from the Rappahannock to the Garrett Farm. Bainbridge - was Ruggles' cousin and Jett was a childhood friend. Both of these were Mosby men. All 3 grew up in King George, together. ( I see it as; Ruggles was under orders, the other two tagged along). Mason's Uncle was a State Senator from King George and very active in Secret stuff.
Dave Taylor. How does this compare with your research? (I'm all ears - to anything you can add. Do you want any cites on my sources?

L Verge · 01-13-2017, 02:11 PM

Questions: Dave, are you focusing on the activities of the Secret Line and the thesis of Tidwell, Hall, and Gaddy? I thought you told me last year that you were not and did not place that much faith in what was going on in Southern Maryland relative to that. Did I misunderstand you?

Did regular members of the Secret Line know who other operatives were, other than the next person to pass someone off on? Also, how would they know if someone on the Line had ceased "operations" once Lee surrendered - especially in the Northern Neck, where Booth encountered his first experiences of being turned away?

Did the Navy Partisan Group have access to horses? Where were they based/sheltered (men and beasts)? Who funded them?

Would it be unusual for Mosby to "retain" a few men for special duty while sending the remainder of a company back to normal duty?

How did Ruggles come to have Conrad's horse?

Addendum: John, if all goes well, I will be returning to my desk at Surratt House next Wednesday (1/18) on a part-time basis at first. I got final approval from the "company doctor" this morning after my two specialists approved it last week. Unfortunately, I will be dragging oxygen with me; but you do what you have to do.

All three doctors stressed to limit my activities to "as tolerated." Trust me, after the past three months and with over 4000 hours of sick leave still remaining, I will heed their advice for a change. No more workaholic.

Rick Smith · 01-13-2017, 02:50 PM

Laurie, Very good post.

John,

In response to a couple of statements you made in your most recent post:

First; you said that Thomas Jones helped Booth a little. Jones risked his neck to aid Booth & Herold by keeping them provisioned and secured for almost a week until he got them across the river in a boat which he provided. I suppose some would call that helping a little, but where I come from, if someone risks their life on your behalf, they are not just giving a little, but their all.

Second; Yes, Mosby's people were still in the area and yes, the skirmish at Mechanicsville was between a Union patrol and elements of Mosby's command, namely, Co. G under Garland Smith. Why is this so unlikely? Mosby's command was the special operations of The Army of Northern Virginia. General Tidwell is very specific in regards to this in "Come Retribution" & "April '65." The officer in charge of the Union patrol cites Garland Smith as being in command of the opposing force in his after action report, from intelligence he gleaned from one of Smith's men, who had been captured during the fight.

Rick

L Verge · 01-13-2017, 05:33 PM

(01-13-2017 02:50 PM)Rick Smith Wrote: Laurie, Very good post.

John,

In response to a couple of statements you made in your most recent post:

First; you said that Thomas Jones helped Booth a little. Jones risked his neck to aid Booth & Herold by keeping them provisioned and secured for almost a week until he got them across the river in a boat which he provided. I suppose some would call that helping a little, but where I come from, if someone risks their life on your behalf, they are not just giving a little, but their all.

Second; Yes, Mosby's people were still in the area and yes, the skirmish at Mechanicsville was between a Union patrol and elements of Mosby's command, namely, Co. G under Garland Smith. Why is this so unlikely? Mosby's command was the special operations of The Army of Northern Virginia. General Tidwell is very specific in regards to this in "Come Retribution" & "April '65." The officer in charge of the Union patrol cites Garland Smith as being in command of the opposing force in his after action report, from intelligence he gleaned from one of Smith's men, who had been captured during the fight.

Rick

Thanks for the back-up on this, Rick. Many moons ago, before Come Retribution was published, Mr. Hall asked me if I knew of a Garland Smith from St. Mary's County (one of my great-greats was Charles Somerset Smith and married into the Sothorons - of previous mention). I cannot find my notes on this, but for some reason, I think I found a Dr. Garland Smith from St. Mary's County who skipped over to the Confederacy and served as a doctor to Jefferson Davis.

Mr. Hall et al. had found reference to Booth arriving in Southern Maryland in November of 1864 with letters of introduction to three people -- Dr. Queen, Dr. Mudd, and a Garland Smith. This has me thinking that Garland Smith was not a doctor, but rather a Mosby Man stationed in St. Mary's County to assist Booth from the beginning. He remained on special assignment until after the assassination.

Just wild speculation on my part, but...

SSlater · 01-14-2017, 12:40 AM

(01-13-2017 02:11 PM)L Verge Wrote: Questions: Dave, are you focusing on the activities of the Secret Line and the thesis of Tidwell, Hall, and Gaddy? I thought you told me last year that you were not and did not place that much faith in what was going on in Southern Maryland relative to that. Did I misunderstand you?

Did regular members of the Secret Line know who other operatives were, other than the next person to pass someone off on? Also, how would they know if someone on the Line had ceased "operations" once Lee surrendered - especially in the Northern Neck, where Booth encountered his first experiences of being turned away?

Did the Navy Partisan Group have access to horses? Where were they based/sheltered (men and beasts)? Who funded them?

Would it be unusual for Mosby to "retain" a few men for special duty while sending the remainder of a company back to normal duty?

How did Ruggles come to have Conrad's horse?

Addendum: John, if all goes well, I will be returning to my desk at Surratt House next Wednesday (1/18) on a part-time basis at first. I got final approval from the "company doctor" this morning after my two specialists approved it last week. Unfortunately, I will be dragging oxygen with me; but you do what you have to do.

All three doctors stressed to limit my activities to "as tolerated." Trust me, after the past three months and with over 4000 hours of sick leave still remaining, I will heed their advice for a change. No more workaholic.

Ans. Question 2. We have been told, that Agents on the Secret Line knew only the Agents on each side of him (or Her). That way the capture of one would not destroy the whole line. Some Agents could see each other. Example Jones and Cawood. They were on opposite sides of the River. I believe they had other ways of signaling to a more remote Agent , like a towel on the clothes line, which meant "I have a message for you."
I don't know enough about "who quit"- when Lee surrendered. I do know that this was of serious concern to the Rebel Government when they evacuated Richmond. That "was not the end of the war"! We do have examples of clandestine operations - after Lee surrendered - from Richmond to New York City. (mostly involving Harney.)
Ans. Q 3. The Navy Partisans did not - normally - have horses. They were intended to be "Boat People". However that would not prevent them from appropriating a horse or two, if they needed one.
Their base was said to be in E. Pliny Bryan's camp, in King George, between Cawood's Camp and Brogdan"s Camp.
As for funding, they funded themselves. They kept a portion of all they could steal. Beyond that they were paid 'for damage inflicted" from Richmond -like all the other Partisan Groups.
Ans. Q 4. Mosby often split his Command. For example. When part of his Command was assigned to put Harney into Washington, the remainder went west with Mosby, to raid on unprotected trains.
Ans Q 5. Ruggles was working for Cawood at this time of the war. So, he had access to Conrad's horses. When Ruggles, Bainbridge, and Jett arrived at the Rappahannock, they were on Conrad's horses. This leads me to believe that Ruggles was on an assignment - to look for Booth, and his two buddies were tagging along. - with nothing else to do. (This makes me question their military standing. were they still with Mosby or had they deserted. If they owed allegiance to Mosby, they would be on Mosby horses.) Who cares? Anyhow, when they met Booth, Bainbridge and Jett doubled up on one horse and Booth and his broken leg rode the freed horse.
Addendum Comment: So glad to hear this good news. If you expect to take time off, please write down everything that you know - everything- so that we will never be without your input.

L Verge · (This post was last modified: 01-14-2017 12:43 PM by L Verge.)

(01-14-2017 12:40 AM)SSlater Wrote:
(01-13-2017 02:11 PM)L Verge Wrote: Questions: Dave, are you focusing on the activities of the Secret Line and the thesis of Tidwell, Hall, and Gaddy? I thought you told me last year that you were not and did not place that much faith in what was going on in Southern Maryland relative to that. Did I misunderstand you?

Did regular members of the Secret Line know who other operatives were, other than the next person to pass someone off on? Also, how would they know if someone on the Line had ceased "operations" once Lee surrendered - especially in the Northern Neck, where Booth encountered his first experiences of being turned away?

Did the Navy Partisan Group have access to horses? Where were they based/sheltered (men and beasts)? Who funded them?

Would it be unusual for Mosby to "retain" a few men for special duty while sending the remainder of a company back to normal duty?

How did Ruggles come to have Conrad's horse?

Addendum: John, if all goes well, I will be returning to my desk at Surratt House next Wednesday (1/18) on a part-time basis at first. I got final approval from the "company doctor" this morning after my two specialists approved it last week. Unfortunately, I will be dragging oxygen with me; but you do what you have to do.

All three doctors stressed to limit my activities to "as tolerated." Trust me, after the past three months and with over 4000 hours of sick leave still remaining, I will heed their advice for a change. No more workaholic.

Ans. Question 2. We have been told, that Agents on the Secret Line knew only the Agents on each side of him (or Her). That way the capture of one would not destroy the whole line. Some Agents could see each other. Example Jones and Cawood. They were on opposite sides of the River. I believe they had other ways of signaling to a more remote Agent , like a towel on the clothes line, which meant "I have a message for you."

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAD BEEN TAUGHT ALSO.

I don't know enough about "who quit"- when Lee surrendered. I do know that this was of serious concern to the Rebel Government when they evacuated Richmond. That "was not the end of the war"! We do have examples of clandestine operations - after Lee surrendered - from Richmond to New York City. (mostly involving Harney.)

PERSONALLY, I THINK THE 'DIVISION' OF PARTISAN GROUPS FOR CLANDESTINE OR SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE WAR AND IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THAT UNUSUAL TO FIND MOSBY MEN AND OTHER UNITS WORKING IN MARYLAND AT CERTAIN TIMES FROM 1861-1865.

Ans. Q 3. The Navy Partisans did not - normally - have horses. They were intended to be "Boat People". However that would not prevent them from appropriating a horse or two, if they needed one.

GOOD LUCK APPROPRIATING HORSES IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND IN 1865 AFTER THE YANKS HAD PLUNDERED THE FARMS FOR FOUR YEARS... IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A MOUNTED UNIT WOULD HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLE OF MECHANICSVILLE, MARYLAND.

Their base was said to be in E. Pliny Bryan's camp, in King George, between Cawood's Camp and Brogdan"s Camp.
As for funding, they funded themselves. They kept a portion of all they could steal. Beyond that they were paid 'for damage inflicted" from Richmond -like all the other Partisan Groups.
Ans. Q 4. Mosby often split his Command. For example. When part of his Command was assigned to put Harney into Washington, the remainder went west with Mosby, to raid on unprotected trains.

OR HEADED (OR STAYED) IN THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA OR LOWER MARYLAND IN ORDER TO ASSIST WITH ANY PLOTS AGAINST MR. LINCOLN??

Ans Q 5. Ruggles was working for Cawood at this time of the war. So, he had access to Conrad's horses. When Ruggles, Bainbridge, and Jett arrived at the Rappahannock, they were on Conrad's horses. This leads me to believe that Ruggles was on an assignment - to look for Booth, and his two buddies were tagging along. - with nothing else to do. (This makes me question their military standing. were they still with Mosby or had they deserted. If they owed allegiance to Mosby, they would be on Mosby horses.) Who cares? ............

COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT UNDERCOVER AGENT CONRAD AND PARTISAN MOSBY WERE WORKING IN TANDEM?

DIDN'T MANY OF THE SOUTHERN MEN TAKE THEIR OWN HORSES INTO WAR, IF ASSIGNED TO A CAVALRY UNIT OR A MISSION REQUIRED THEM TO BE MOUNTED? THE STRENGTH OF THE SOUTHERN CAVALRY WAS ONE OF THE GREAT ASSETS OF THE CSA, I THOUGHT - AT LEAST AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR. ALSO, I UNDERSTAND "ROUTINE" HORSES BELONGING TO ANYONE IN THE UNIT; BUT I FIND IT UNUSUAL THAT A COMMANDER WOULD TURN OVER HIS OWN TRIED AND TRUSTED STEED TO ANYONE ELSE. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HORSES, BUT HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WAR HORSES (ESPECIALLY) BECAME VERY ATTUNED TO THEIR MASTERS.

Addendum Comment: So glad to hear this good news. If you expect to take time off, please write down everything that you know - everything- so that we will never be without your input.

I'LL GET BUSY ON THAT RIGHT AWAY --- OR, PLAN B, FOR OTHERS BESIDES JOHN: MAKE USE OF THE JAMES O. HALL RESEARCH CENTER AT SURRATT HOUSE.

Rick Smith · (This post was last modified: 01-14-2017 02:04 PM by Rick Smith.)

(01-14-2017 12:42 PM)L Verge Wrote:
(01-14-2017 12:40 AM)SSlater Wrote:
(01-13-2017 02:11 PM)L Verge Wrote: Questions: Dave, are you focusing on the activities of the Secret Line and the thesis of Tidwell, Hall, and Gaddy? I thought you told me last year that you were not and did not place that much faith in what was going on in Southern Maryland relative to that. Did I misunderstand you?

Did regular members of the Secret Line know who other operatives were, other than the next person to pass someone off on? Also, how would they know if someone on the Line had ceased "operations" once Lee surrendered - especially in the Northern Neck, where Booth encountered his first experiences of being turned away?

Did the Navy Partisan Group have access to horses? Where were they based/sheltered (men and beasts)? Who funded them?

Would it be unusual for Mosby to "retain" a few men for special duty while sending the remainder of a company back to normal duty?

How did Ruggles come to have Conrad's horse?

Addendum: John, if all goes well, I will be returning to my desk at Surratt House next Wednesday (1/18) on a part-time basis at first. I got final approval from the "company doctor" this morning after my two specialists approved it last week. Unfortunately, I will be dragging oxygen with me; but you do what you have to do.

All three doctors stressed to limit my activities to "as tolerated." Trust me, after the past three months and with over 4000 hours of sick leave still remaining, I will heed their advice for a change. No more workaholic.

Ans. Question 2. We have been told, that Agents on the Secret Line knew only the Agents on each side of him (or Her). That way the capture of one would not destroy the whole line. Some Agents could see each other. Example Jones and Cawood. They were on opposite sides of the River. I believe they had other ways of signaling to a more remote Agent , like a towel on the clothes line, which meant "I have a message for you."

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAD BEEN TAUGHT ALSO.

I don't know enough about "who quit"- when Lee surrendered. I do know that this was of serious concern to the Rebel Government when they evacuated Richmond. That "was not the end of the war"! We do have examples of clandestine operations - after Lee surrendered - from Richmond to New York City. (mostly involving Harney.)

PERSONALLY, I THINK THE 'DIVISION' OF PARTISAN GROUPS FOR CLANDESTINE OR SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE WAR AND IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THAT UNUSUAL TO FIND MOSBY MEN AND OTHER UNITS WORKING IN MARYLAND AT CERTAIN TIMES FROM 1861-1865.

Ans. Q 3. The Navy Partisans did not - normally - have horses. They were intended to be "Boat People". However that would not prevent them from appropriating a horse or two, if they needed one.

GOOD LUCK APPROPRIATING HORSES IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND IN 1865 AFTER THE YANKS HAD PLUNDERED THE FARMS FOR FOUR YEARS... IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A MOUNTED UNIT WOULD HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLE OF MECHANICSVILLE, MARYLAND.

Their base was said to be in E. Pliny Bryan's camp, in King George, between Cawood's Camp and Brogdan"s Camp.
As for funding, they funded themselves. They kept a portion of all they could steal. Beyond that they were paid 'for damage inflicted" from Richmond -like all the other Partisan Groups.
Ans. Q 4. Mosby often split his Command. For example. When part of his Command was assigned to put Harney into Washington, the remainder went west with Mosby, to raid on unprotected trains.

OR HEADED (OR STAYED) IN THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA OR LOWER MARYLAND IN ORDER TO ASSIST WITH ANY PLOTS AGAINST MR. LINCOLN??

Ans Q 5. Ruggles was working for Cawood at this time of the war. So, he had access to Conrad's horses. When Ruggles, Bainbridge, and Jett arrived at the Rappahannock, they were on Conrad's horses. This leads me to believe that Ruggles was on an assignment - to look for Booth, and his two buddies were tagging along. - with nothing else to do. (This makes me question their military standing. were they still with Mosby or had they deserted. If they owed allegiance to Mosby, they would be on Mosby horses.) Who cares? ............

COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT UNDERCOVER AGENT CONRAD AND PARTISAN MOSBY WERE WORKING IN TANDEM?

DIDN'T MANY OF THE SOUTHERN MEN TAKE THEIR OWN HORSES INTO WAR, IF ASSIGNED TO A CAVALRY UNIT OR A MISSION REQUIRED THEM TO BE MOUNTED? THE STRENGTH OF THE SOUTHERN CAVALRY WAS ONE OF THE GREAT ASSETS OF THE CSA, I THOUGHT - AT LEAST AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR. ALSO, I UNDERSTAND "ROUTINE" HORSES BELONGING TO ANYONE IN THE UNIT; BUT I FIND IT UNUSUAL THAT A COMMANDER WOULD TURN OVER HIS OWN TRIED AND TRUSTED STEED TO ANYONE ELSE. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HORSES, BUT HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WAR HORSES (ESPECIALLY) BECAME VERY ATTUNED TO THEIR MASTERS.

Addendum Comment: So glad to hear this good news. If you expect to take time off, please write down everything that you know - everything- so that we will never be without your input.

I'LL GET BUSY ON THAT RIGHT AWAY --- OR, PLAN B, FOR OTHERS BESIDES JOHN: MAKE USE OF THE JAMES O. HALL RESEARCH CENTER AT SURRATT HOUSE.

Laurie,

All you have posted is very well said.

As to the signaling process; Jones tells us about this in his book. For example, Mary Watson, who lived down river from Jones would help him by a hanging black signal flag from one of the high dormer windows of Major Watson's house.

With regard to the Navy Partisans acquiring horses; this would not have been an easy task, since, as you point out, horse flesh was at a premium and almost nonexistent in lower Maryland by 1865 due to Yankee incursions. The fight at Mechanicsville was between two mounted units; again, members of Mosby's Co. G, under the command of Garland Smith, participated in this fight. We know this from the after action report written by the captain in command of the Yankee patrol. He states non-equivocally, that Garland Smith was in command of the Rebel troopers.

{As an aside: Regarding the value placed on horses at this period, it is still my belief that Booth's & Herold's horses were not destroyed, but faked up and put away in a safe, secure spot. Killing the animals with a .52 cal. carbine or a .36 revolver would have drawn the attention of every federal in the area to the fugitive's hiding place.}

It is nonsense to assign ownership of horses ridden by Ruggles, Bainbridge & Jett to Conrad or Mosby. The horses were owned by the men who rode them. I seriously doubt that Conrad kept a string of horses at his camp. I grew up on a horse farm and I can tell you that maintaining horses is a full time occupation. They require exercising, stabling, feeding & watering. Conrad would have to be a part/full time groom and stable hand which would take away from his other duties.

For the most part, you are correct, as regards a horse not responding to an unfamiliar rider. Some horses are very particular in this way. But, a well schooled mount will also respond to a good horseman.

Wild Bill · 01-14-2017, 02:08 PM

Interesting, Sarah.

Nice of you to offer Dave Taylor any cites on your sources. How bout the rest of us?

I assume that your "Mosby's Rangers," ch xxix is Williamson, James J. Mosby’s Rangers: A Record of the Operations of the Forty-Third Battalion of Virginia from Its Organization to the Surrender (2nd ed rev and enlarged, New York; Sturgis & Walton Company, 1909).

There is more?

I agree with Laurie's answer to the questions above.

Bill

SSlater · 01-14-2017, 04:56 PM

I owe a reply to several people, but I can't type it near the Question. So, bear with me and I'll get to all the questions.

Rick (Garland) Smith Finding horses late in the war was a problem not limited to southern Maryland. It was everywhere in the South. I am aware that the Union provided a horse to their Troopers, but Rebel Riders had to provide their own. So, a Rebel could be granted Leave, to find a new horse. Usually, he first looked at home. Mom and Dad knew this and tried to keep a few good horses - well hidden.
In the absence of a horse at home, he could choose one from the Union Cavalry, not necessarily "after a Battle".
This problem was sometimes settled at a man's Parole. If the horse could be proven to have been stolen, or confiscated - by checking the Brand Mark etc. He would not be allowed to take that horse home. (that might be a good reason to not seek a Parole)
I don't know if Jett and Bainbridge ever fought a battle for Mosby - and lost a horse - and came home to find a horse - but they were on Conrad's horses at the Rappahannock. (see CR Pg 465 Para. 2)
I believe Conrad keep a string of horses for the use of his "Crew" and for his many needs for a fresh horse.
(I will do some more after supper.)

Rick Smith · 01-14-2017, 05:38 PM

(01-14-2017 04:56 PM)SSlater Wrote: I owe a reply to several people, but I can't type it near the Question. So, bear with me and I'll get to all the questions.

Rick (Garland) Smith Finding horses late in the war was a problem not limited to southern Maryland. It was everywhere in the South. I am aware that the Union provided a horse to their Troopers, but Rebel Riders had to provide their own. So, a Rebel could be granted Leave, to find a new horse. Usually, he first looked at home. Mom and Dad knew this and tried to keep a few good horses - well hidden.
In the absence of a horse at home, he could choose one from the Union Cavalry, not necessarily "after a Battle".
This problem was sometimes settled at a man's Parole. If the horse could be proven to have been stolen, or confiscated - by checking the Brand Mark etc. He would not be allowed to take that horse home. (that might be a good reason to not seek a Parole)
I don't know if Jett and Bainbridge ever fought a battle for Mosby - and lost a horse - and came home to find a horse - but they were on Conrad's horses at the Rappahannock. (see CR Pg 465 Para. 2)
I believe Conrad keep a string of horses for the use of his "Crew" and for his many needs for a fresh horse.
(I will do some more after supper.)

John,

I agree with the authors of Come Retribution that Mortimer Ruggles, Absalom Bainbridge & Willie Jett were looking for Booth; just as Garland Smith, Thomas Harbin & Joe Baden had been on the Md. side of the Potomac, with a view to extracting him. I would venture even further and speculate that with all the various operatives following, looking for and finding Booth, that there may have been an order to eliminate him should the federals get too close. Enoch Mason was also out searching, as was William Lightfoot, who probably took the news to Mosby that Booth was dead.

The various means of procuring a mount were just as you described, just not sure that Conrad would have kept a stable, but, I suppose that anything is possible.

And, please accept my apologies; I do see from CR that Ruggles' mount at least, did indeed belong to Conrad.

Thanks for your response, it was much appreciated.

Rick

SSlater · (This post was last modified: 01-14-2017 11:40 PM by SSlater.)

This I will call 'Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jet, and their career with Mosby.]
These 3 Troopers have been assigned a glorious title by virtue of unknown facts. They are said to be "Mosby Men"
BOSH! You are not assigned that title - You earn it.
Back ground: Mortimer B (Bainbridge) Ruggles was the son of General Daniel Ruggles, and was appointed the rank of Lieutenant and was to act as an aide to his Dad, in the front Office wherever they went. As the war progressed, and the General got different assignments, the need for an aide diminished, so Mortimer found a job as a Lieutenant under the well known Captain Thomas Nelson Conrad, the well known Spy and Regimental Chaplain. Conrad maintained a Camp in King George. Ruggles was considered to be his second-in-command. There were several others based at Conrad's Camp, but we are not interested in them for this report. Ruggles then was living at home with a commission as a Lieutenant. Conrad's job was spying and he did do it, and he did it well.
William S. (Storke) Jett was an 18 year old Private in the 9th. VA. Cavalry, who was wounded on 29 June 1864 nd sent home to King George to recover. During this period he also acted as a Commissary Agent. It was his job to collect "taxes" from he local residents to be sent to the troops.
Absolom R. (Ruggles) Bainbridge. - only 17 - and a Private in 3rd VA. Inf. was also a relative of General Ruggles (Uncle / Nephew, I think) and was in King George with nothing to do.

In December 1864, Lt. Col. William Chapman, of Mosby's Command arrived in King George with 4 Companies of the Command, to "Winter", on the Northern Neck, away from the Farmers in Upperville, VA, to give some relief to those who had been housing and feeding Mosby's men during their various campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley. They remained here between December and late March 1865(say April 1, 1865), when they were ordered to return to Mosby in the Loudon County area of Virginia.

Before leaving King George, L/C Chapman did a little recruiting, and convinced Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jett that they should join the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry and they did sign up. The main party of the Rangers gathered up a few wagon loads of food and a small herd of cattle and set out for Upperville.

WOOPEE! Now Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jett will get to meet C

[quote='SSlater' pid='63319' dateline='1484453990']
This I will call 'Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jet, and their career with Mosby.]
These 3 Troopers have been assigned a glorious title by virtue of unknown facts. They are said to be "Mosby Men"
BOSH! You are not assigned that title - You earn it.
Back ground: Mortimer B (Bainbridge) Ruggles was the son of General Daniel Ruggles, and was appointed the rank of Lieutenant and was to act as an aide to his Dad, in the front Office wherever they went. As the war progressed, and the General got different assignments, the need for an aide diminished, so Mortimer found a job as a Lieutenant under the well known Captain Thomas Nelson Conrad, the well known Spy and Regimental Chaplain. Conrad maintained a Camp in King George. Ruggles was considered to be his second-in-command. There were several others based at Conrad's Camp, but we are not interested in them for this report. Ruggles then was living at home with a commission as a Lieutenant. Conrad's job was spying and he did do it, and he did it well.
William S. (Storke) Jett was an 18 year old Private in the 9th. VA. Cavalry, who was wounded on 29 June 1864 nd sent home to King George to recover. During this period he also acted as a Commissary Agent. It was his job to collect "taxes" from he local residents to be sent to the troops.
Absolom R. (Ruggles) Bainbridge. - only 17 - and a Private in 3rd VA. Inf. was also a relative of General Ruggles (Uncle / Nephew, I think) and was in King George with nothing to do.

In December 1864, Lt. Col. William Chapman, of Mosby's Command arrived in King George with 4 Companies of the Command, to "Winter", on the Northern Neck, away from the Farmers in Upperville, VA, to give some relief to those who had been housing and feeding Mosby's men during their various campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley. They remained here between December and late March 1865(say April 1, 1865), when they were ordered to return to Mosby in the Loudon County area of Virginia.

Before leaving King George, L/C Chapman did a little recruiting, and convinced Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jett that they should join the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry and they did sign up. The main party of the Rangers gathered up a few wagon loads of food and a small herd of cattle and set out for Upperville.

WOOPEE! Now Ruggles, Bainbridge and Jett will get to meet C
(Something happened - I lost my thread)
Col John S. Mosby.

They might have developed some reservations about leaving King George and joining up physically with men who were really in the war, because they "got a late start" .....(???????) .and by April 21st - when Mosby disbanded the unit they were still a long way from Salem VA (where Mosby disbanded.) So, they turned around and went back to King George.

So, in the future, I suggest that these three not be called Mosby Men. There can be a thousand good reasons why they were late, but the fact remains they never even saw Mosby.