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Mosby's Men
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.
- GenresHistoryWarNonfiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 1, 2018
This is a glimpse into the American Civil War. It's short, the remembrances of a man who rode with Mosby, aka The Gray Ghost, a guerrilla cavalry leader on the Confederate side during the last year of the war.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S....
Alexander was 16 when he joined riding a horse he'd stolen from the Yankees. He didn't write this until decades later. Between that & the style, it seemed a very clean sort of war, but still held a lot of interest. Some was plain funny, like the girls who were engaged to multiple guys & many of the close calls. One of the last chapters mentions how his slave helped him even to threatening to shoot a Yankee.
It was well narrated & certainly gives a different viewpoint than most histories.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S....
Alexander was 16 when he joined riding a horse he'd stolen from the Yankees. He didn't write this until decades later. Between that & the style, it seemed a very clean sort of war, but still held a lot of interest. Some was plain funny, like the girls who were engaged to multiple guys & many of the close calls. One of the last chapters mentions how his slave helped him even to threatening to shoot a Yankee.
It was well narrated & certainly gives a different viewpoint than most histories.
January 18, 2025
Alexander puts you in the saddle with Mosby's men. Daring escapades and dashing escapes. You get to see the brutality and chivalry of war through Alexander's eyes, as he and his comrades disrupt Union supply lines and clash with Union cavalry, all living on a knife's edge having the time of their lives until a bullet takes another of their number. Alexander provides a reliable narrator, quick to point out his own short comings in battle, and turning to other sources, both allies and enemies, for their prospectives on his accounts.
Most memorable quote: "But of all fool words of tongue or pen, the idlest tell what might have been." (In reference to his reflection on a defeat due to miscommunication and how the battle could have been won)
Most memorable quote: "But of all fool words of tongue or pen, the idlest tell what might have been." (In reference to his reflection on a defeat due to miscommunication and how the battle could have been won)
March 30, 2010
This is a very interesting first-hand account of life in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. I love the author's use of gentle sarcasm, when describing "relations" with the enemy.
January 19, 2017
John Alexander rode with Mosby’s men, a group of Southern fighters assisting the Confederates during the Civil War. He talks in some detail of events from his perspective during his year of service. I don’t dwell the historical accuracy, he makes it clear in the beginning that different people remember things different ways, and this is his version. This is a quick read, written in first person perspective. I enjoyed the nature of Mr. Alexander’s writing. It felt as if we were sitting in the shade and he was reminiscing. His language, terms and phrases were relaxing to hear; from the days when speech was more practiced and apologies offered if the story mentions something that may be a bit harsh on the ears. Of course being accustomed to today’s speech and writings, his apologies weren’t expected or needed, but it adds a nice touch.
Mr. Alexander’s memoirs bear proof that time softens the memory of harsh events. He lived thru some awful times and witnessed terrible atrocities. He doesn’t dwell in that though, he even has a bit of humor in his stories.
The Civil War was a dark time for so many reasons. I found it refreshing to read something not written by the victors, nor by someone embittered with an axe to grind. Mr. Alexander is simply writing what he has remembered. I found this read very interesting and entertaining.
I appreciate that Albion reprinted this book. I missed it on the previous printing.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Albion and NetGalley for making it available.)
Mr. Alexander’s memoirs bear proof that time softens the memory of harsh events. He lived thru some awful times and witnessed terrible atrocities. He doesn’t dwell in that though, he even has a bit of humor in his stories.
The Civil War was a dark time for so many reasons. I found it refreshing to read something not written by the victors, nor by someone embittered with an axe to grind. Mr. Alexander is simply writing what he has remembered. I found this read very interesting and entertaining.
I appreciate that Albion reprinted this book. I missed it on the previous printing.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Albion and NetGalley for making it available.)
March 25, 2008
A great account of one of the more successful groups fighting in the civil war.
May 11, 2009
Very interesting book written by a soldier that served with Mosby. He was very humble and unassuming and lent a great voice to his experiences.
August 2, 2011
John H Alexander is actually a direct relative of mine, so finding and reading this was a particular joy. It's a very good first-hand account of the civil war and a very enjoyable read.
January 12, 2017
An excellent historical memoir
No better way to learn the true experience of the Southern view of the " War of Northern Agression." Excellent.
No better way to learn the true experience of the Southern view of the " War of Northern Agression." Excellent.
October 18, 2018
John Alexander rode with Mosby’s men, a group of Southern fighters assisting the Confederates during the Civil War. He talks in some detail of events from his perspective during his year of service. I don’t dwell the historical accuracy, he makes it clear in the beginning that different people remember things different ways, and this is his version. This is a quick read, written in first person perspective. I enjoyed the nature of Mr. Alexander’s writing. It felt as if we were sitting in the shade and he was reminiscing. His language, terms and phrases were relaxing to hear; from the days when speech was more practiced and apologies offered if the story mentions something that may be a bit harsh on the ears. Of course being accustomed to today’s speech and writings, his apologies weren’t expected or needed, but it adds a nice touch.
Mr. Alexander’s memoirs bear proof that time softens the memory of harsh events. He lived thru some awful times and witnessed terrible atrocities. He doesn’t dwell in that though, he even has a bit of humor in his stories.
The Civil War was a dark time for so many reasons. I found it refreshing to read something not written by the victors, nor by someone embittered with an axe to grind. Mr. Alexander is simply writing what he has remembered. I found this read very interesting and entertaining.
I appreciate that Albion reprinted this book. I missed it on the previous printing.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Albion and NetGalley for making it available.)
Mr. Alexander’s memoirs bear proof that time softens the memory of harsh events. He lived thru some awful times and witnessed terrible atrocities. He doesn’t dwell in that though, he even has a bit of humor in his stories.
The Civil War was a dark time for so many reasons. I found it refreshing to read something not written by the victors, nor by someone embittered with an axe to grind. Mr. Alexander is simply writing what he has remembered. I found this read very interesting and entertaining.
I appreciate that Albion reprinted this book. I missed it on the previous printing.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Albion and NetGalley for making it available.)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews