Author, Historian to Discuss Famous Civil War Unit Mosbys Rangers
The Southern Maryland Civil War Roundtable will feature a presentation by author Eric Buckland on Mosbys Rangers at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the College of Southern Marylands (CSM) Center for Business and Industry (BI) on the La Plata Campus. The roundtable is open to anyone interested in the Civil War.
Commanded by Colonel John Singleton Mosby, the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry was one of the most famous units of the Civil War. Formed on June 10, 1863 at Rector's Cross Roads, Va., the unit was noted for its lightning strikes on Union targets, its role in disrupting federal communications and supply lines, and its ability to consistently elude pursuit. The troopers melted into the civilian population until called to arms for a mission. Their speed and the element of surprise they held allowed them to successfully strike much larger bodies of enemy troops then otherwise possible. Capturing a Union general was perhaps the rangers most celebrated feat.
Buckland is the author of several books on Mosbys command. After graduating from the University of Kansas, Buckland entered the U.S. Army, serving with distinction for 22 years in Special Forces and several airborne divisions in Panama, Honduras and El Salvador. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1999. Bucklands interest in Mosbys Rangers began as a young boy and increased with his military service. He is especially interested in the individual stories of Mosbys men.
For information on Buckland, his books and research, visit http://www.mosbymen.com/.
For information on the Southern Maryland Civil War Roundtable, contact SMCWR