July 19, 1862

July 19, 1862: Gen. Stonewall Jackson and his 11,000 men arrive in Gordonsville, after a swift march, and thus place themselves athwart the intended invasion route of Gen. John Pope and his Federal forces. Gen. Hatch of the Union Cavalry approaches Gordonsville cautiously, with 3,000 troopers and a few infantry, having failed in his assignment to conduct a swift raid and take Gordonsville before the Rebels arrive. Pope demands answers, and Hatch’s corps commander Nathaniel Banks has no answers.

---Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, in command of Lee’s cavalry, sends a young lieutenant on a special scouting mission at the young man’s own request. Thus begins the legend of the Gray Ghost of the Confederacy, John Singleton Mosby. Stuart writes a letter of introduction to Stonewall Jackson, whose troops are nearing the Federal positions:

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE,

July 19, 1862. Major General T. J. JACKSON,
Commanding Army of the Valley:

GENERAL: The bearer, John S. Mosby, late first lieutenant, First Virginia cavalry, is en route to scout beyond the enemy's lines toward Manassas and Fairfax. He is bold, daring, intelligent, and discreet. The information he may be obtain and transmit to you may be relied upon, and I have no doubt that he will soon give additional proofs of his value. Did you receive the volume of Napoleon and his Maxims I sent you through General Charles S. Winder's orderly?

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. B. STUART,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry.

John Singleton Mosby, late in the war