Fabled Confederate ranger (1833–1916) whose guerrilla band specialized in attacking and disrupting Union supply lines. He earned the nickname “The Gray Ghost” for his clandestine and highly effective attack tactics. Exceptional ALS, signed “Jno. S. Mosby,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, April 8, 1912. Mosby writes to Colonel D. C. Pavey. In part: “I send you three half tones taken in the last gray jacket I wore in the war. You can see a picture of me in the uniform I wore the night we captured Stoughton in a memoir of my command by Williamson. I wd. be glad if you wd. speak to Houghton Mifflin Co. about publishing my book—Memoirs of the War in Virginia—I don’t propose to confine myself to an account of the operations of my battalion (43d Va.) but to include a general account of military operations in Virginia. Munsey’s for June (May 25th) will have an article of mine on Stone Wall Jackson—& Leslie’s Weekly—May 30th will also have a piece from me. I suppose my book will be the last that will appear written by an actor in the war…. I went over to Harvard to see Mrs. Webster, wife of Prof. Webster—I captured her father.” Mosby letters with this sheer quantity of war-related references are quite uncommon and highly coveted. In fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
