"Moccasin Rangers" Company A, 19th Virginia Cavalry at "On Our Own Soil" The Fall of '63
Brigadier General Henry Heath famously described them in 1862 as “an organized outlaw band that robbed and plundered.”
Captain, Mike Hammond
Company A Staff:
Captain - Mike Hammond
1st LT –
1st Sgt. -
Company A Organization & Leadership Assignment:
Once Company A reaches full registration, HHV will publish the complete roster on this page — sorted into two ranks by height (tallest to shortest) as height will be a required field on the registration form. Captain Hammond will then appoint Sergeants and Corporals to each section/squad, ensuring every group has clear, capable leadership.
From that moment, Corporals and Sergeants immediately assume responsibility for their section/squad. They will begin hands‑on preparation: coordinating authenticity, drill, gear checks, and immersive training exercises. This early engagement transforms our collection of reenactors into a unified, battle‑ready company.
All NCOs will receive comprehensive virtual leadership training from HHV staff before the event. Armed with these proven principles, each Corporal and Sergeant will personally mentor their soldiers — forging the cohesion, discipline, and historical authenticity that truly defines a successful immersive experience.
2nd Sergeant -
· Corporal -
o Private 1 -
o Private 2 -
o Private 3 -
o Private 4 -
o Private 5 -
· Corporal -
o Private 1 -
o Private 2 -
o Private 3 -
o Private 4 -
o Private 5 -
3rd Sergeant -
· Corporal -
o Private 1 -
o Private 2 -
o Private 3 -
o Private 4 -
o Private 5 -
· Corporal -
o Private 1 -
o Private 2 -
o Private 3 -
o Private 4 -
o Private 5 -
4th Sergeant -
· Corporal -
o Private 1 -
o Private 2 -
o Private 3 -
o Private 4 -
o Private 5 -
· Corporal -
o Private 1 -
o Private 2 -
o Private 3 -
o Private 4 -
o Private 5 -
Research and Information on the Moccasin Rangers
Origins & Early History
- The Moccasin Rangers began as an irregular Confederate partisan unit in 1861, operating in western Virginia (now West Virginia).
- They were mainly recruited from Calhoun, Braxton, Gilmer, Roane, and Wirt Counties and engaged in guerrilla-style warfare against Union forces and pro-Union civilians.
- They were initially unofficial, acting more as bushwhackers than a disciplined Confederate unit. Their raids targeted Union outposts, local Unionists, and federal supply lines.
Key Figures & Leadership
- Perry Conley (Connolly) – One of the earliest leaders, known for his aggressive partisan tactics. Killed in August 1862.
- George Downs – Took command after Conley’s death; later incorporated into the 19th Virginia Cavalry.
- Daniel Duskey – Another leader of the group; his role was primarily in western Virginia skirmishes.
- Colonel William L. “Mudwall” Jackson – Confederate officer who incorporated the Moccasin Rangers into his 19th Virginia Cavalry in 1863.
Transition to Regular Confederate Cavalry
- Due to the Confederate Partisan Ranger Act of 1862, irregular forces were encouraged to either disband or join conventional Confederate units.
- In April 1863, the Moccasin Rangers were mustered into the 19th Virginia Cavalry as Company A.
- This move placed them under Confederate command structure, turning them from irregular partisans into regular cavalry soldiers.
- The company being so large, some were split in July 1863 to form Company F of the 20th Virginia Cavalry and some to form Company H of the same regiment. This split mirrored the division of Company C of the 19th Virginia Cavalry, which also helped form Companies F and H of the 20th Virginia Cavalry.
Major Battles & Campaigns
- Jones-Imboden Raid (April-May 1863) – Raided western Virginia, targeting Union supply depots and disrupting federal control.
- Battle of Droop Mountain (November 6, 1863) – One of the largest battles in western Virginia; Confederate forces, including Company A, were defeated by Union troops.
- Burning Springs Raid (May 1863) – A surprise attack that destroyed Union-controlled oil fields, one of the first attacks on petroleum infrastructure in history.
- Shenandoah Valley Campaigns (1864-1865) – The 19th Virginia Cavalry was active under "Mudwall" Jackson, engaging in raids and skirmishes in Virginia.
Impact on Local Communities
- The Moccasin Rangers were both feared and revered—Confederate sympathizers saw them as protectors, while Unionists considered them lawless bandits.
- Their early guerrilla activities often blurred the line between military action and vigilantism, leading to harsh Union retaliation.
- Once they became part of the 19th Virginia Cavalry, their reputation improved, but their early partisan days left a lasting impact on Appalachian memory.
Post-War Legacy
- After the war, many former members of the Moccasin Rangers returned to civilian life, with some relocating due to lingering wartime tensions.
- Their actions were polarizing—Confederate sympathizers honored them, while Unionists and their descendants viewed them as raiders.
- They became part of West Virginia Civil War folklore, often portrayed in different lights depending on the perspective of the storyteller.
Conclusion
The Moccasin Rangers represent a classic example of Civil War-era partisan warfare—beginning as an irregular force before being absorbed into Company A of the 19th Virginia Cavalry. Their history reflects the deep divisions in Appalachia, where loyalty to North or South often split communities. While some saw them as heroes, others viewed them as dangerous raiders.
The earliest sign we have of Company A receiving government clothing is in late November of '63. For the purpose of this event (Bulltown) and the nature of the Moccasin Rangers, this company will be wearing a mix of civilian clothing and some military from possible earlier issues.
Click HERE for more information on the
Arms and Equipment of the 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry