Fire In The Valley
Berryville Wagon Train Raid, August 13, 1864
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Special Remarque on
Artist Proof Only |
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The 43rd Virginia Cavalry Battalion, better known as Mosby's
Rangers, was one of the most feared and renowned combat units
operating in northern Virginia and the Lower Shenandoah Valley.
These rangers were an elite force of scouts and guerrilla fighters
who were commanded by John Singleton Mosby. The adventures and
exploits of Mosby's Rangers became legendary in American military
history.
In early August 1864, the Federal Army came under the command
of a new leader, Major General Phillip H. Sheridan. Sheridan began
to push his army southward down the valley and established his
headquarters south of Winchester. Supplies for the Federal Army
came from Harper's Ferry by wagon train. On August the 12th, Mosby
gathered his men at Rectortown, intent on interrupting Sheridan's
supply line. Mosby's force consisted of nearly 350 Rangers, bolstered
by two cannons.
Sheridan's 525-wagon train, supported by 3 regiments and a small
cavalry force left Harper's Ferry loaded with supplies on the
morning of the 12th. After traveling all day, the wagon train
camped near Berryville at Buck Marsh Creek. Early the next morning
as the fog lifted, Federal soldiers preparing for the day's travel
were suddenly panicked by three rounds of cannon fire, followed
by the rebel yell of charging Southern cavalry. Pandemonium ensued,
and the Federals fled for life and limb, leaving the supply train.
After burning many of the wagons, Mosby and his men captured
200 prisoners, 500 mules, 50 horses, 200 cattle, along with what
spoils they could carry from the wagons. Left behind however,
was a cash box of the 8th New York Cavalry containing $112,000.
As the Rangers rode away in high spirits, a number were trying
to play melodies on some captured fiddles, to the complaints of
their friends. Later that evening the prizes from the raid were
divided among the men, with the prisoners and most of the cattle
sent off to the Army of Northern Virginia.
Artist Comments:
This is the first time that I have had the opportunity to paint
John S. Mosby. He and his men did not carry sabers and were armed
with multiple revolvers rather than cavalry carbines. It was said
that a Ranger could be riding at full gallop and fire 3 rounds
into a tree trunk before he passed. This accounted for many empty
Federal saddles. Fighting behind enemy lines, the Rangers usually
didn't carry a flag, but on the Berryville raid, riding beside
Mosby was 17 year-old Robert Stockton Terry who carried the battalion's
new flag.
750
Limited Edition Numbered and Signed.
75
Artist Proofs Numbered and Signed.
Image Size: 19" x 27 1/2".
Overall Size: 23 1/2" x 31 1/2".
This print may still be available on
the secondary market. Please call 817-560-2143 or
contact us through our website for
more information.
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