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FAREWELL ADDRESS OFTHE “GRAY GHOST”
9
●
(CIVIL WAR.) MOSBY, JOHN SINGLETON. Autograph
Letter Signed, “Jno.S. Mosby / Colonel,” a fair copy of his farewell
address to his troops (“Soldiers!”). 1 page, 4to, ruled paper;
mounted to a larger board, folds with horizontal one through sig-
nature (without loss).
“Fauquier,April 21st 65” [Np, nd]
[50,000/75,000]
“
I have summoned you together for the last time.The vision we have cher-
ished of a free & independent country has vanished and that country is
now the spoil of a conqueror. I disband your organization in preference to
surrendering it to our enemies. I am now no longer your commander. After
an association of more than two eventful years, I part from you with a just
pride in the fame of your achievements & grateful recollections of your gen-
erous kindness to my self.And now, at this moment of bidding you a final
adieu, accept the assurance of my unchanging confidence & regard.
Farewell!”
Mosby (1822-1916), a Confederate cavalry officer who, operating under
partisan ranger law, organized his legendary Rangers in early 1863,
enjoying successful raids south of the Potomac between 1863 and 1865,
including the capture of General Edwin H. Stoughton at Fairfax Court
House in March of 1863. Despite Robert E. Lee’s surrender in April of
1865, Mosby continued fighting, electing to disband the Rangers so as to
allow each man to choose whether to surrender.While many of his men did
surrender, some remained with Mosby, who did not submit until he applied
for parole at Lynchburg in June of 1865.
The text of the present letter is identical to that published in Mosby’s
Memoirs of Colonel John S. Mosby
, 1917, excepting that the pub-
lished version includes the complete date and all ampersands are fully
expanded.