Patrick K. O'Donnell describes how Ulysses S. Grant ordered Phil Sheridan to wage total war in the Shenandoah Valley, commanding the execution of Mosby's men and the destruction of crops. Although Sheridan moderated these orders due to political optics, h

Patrick K. O'Donnell describes how Ulysses S. Grant ordered Phil Sheridan to wage total war in the Shenandoah Valley, commanding the execution of Mosby's men and the destruction of crops. Although Sheridan moderated these orders due to political optics, he deployed Richard Blazer and his Scouts—armed with rapid-fire Spencer carbines—to hunt Mosby. The conflict turned brutal, involving ruthless figures like the bushwhacker Mobberly. At Kabletown, Mosby finally eliminated the threat by ambushing and capturing Blazer. One of Mosby's rangers, the lethal Lewis Powell, was tasked with escorting the captured Blazer to Richmond. (5)
1865