The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations

by Patrick K. O'Donnell

From the bestselling author of The Indispensables , the unknown and dramatic story of irregular guerilla warfare that altered the course of the Civil War and inspired the origins of America’s modern special operations forces The Civil War is most remembered for the grand battles that have come to define Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, among others. However, as bestselling author Patrick K. O’Donnell reveals in The Unvanquished , a vital shadow war raged amid and away from the major battlefields that was in many ways equally consequential to the conflict’s outcome. At the heart of this groundbreaking narrative is the epic story of Lincoln’s special forces, the Jessie Scouts, told in its entirety for the first time. In a contest fought between irregular units, the Scouts hunted John Singleton Mosby’s Confederate Rangers from the middle of 1863 up to war’s end at Appomattox. With both sides employing pioneering tradecraft, they engaged in dozens of raids and spy missions, often perilously wearing the other’s uniform, risking penalty of death if captured. Clashing violently on horseback, the unconventional units attacked critical supply lines, often capturing or killing high-value targets. North and South deployed special operations that could have changed the war’s direction in 1864, and crucially during the Appomattox Campaign, Jessie Scouts led the Union army to a final victory. They later engaged in a history-altering proxy war against France in Mexico, earning seven Medals of Honor; many Scouts mysteriously disappeared during that conflict, taking their stories to their graves. An expert on special operations, O’Donnell transports readers into the action, immersing them in vivid battle scenes from previously unpublished firsthand accounts. He introduces indelible characters such as Scout Archibald Rowand; Scout leader Richard Blazer; Mosby, the master of guerilla warfare; and enslaved spy Thomas Laws. O’Donnell also brings to light the Confederate Secret Service’s covert efforts to deliver the 1864 election to Peace Democrats through ballot fraud, election interference, and attempts to destabilize a population fatigued by a seemingly forever war. Most audaciously, the Secret Service and Mosby’s Rangers planned to kidnap Abraham Lincoln in order to maintain the South’s independence. The first full chronicle of the shadow war between North and South, rich in action and offering original perspective on history, The Unvanquished is a dynamic and essential addition to the literature of the Civil War.

Genres: History, Civil War, Nonfiction, American History, War, Military Fiction, American Civil War

432 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2024

About the author

O’Donnell is a bestselling author, critically acclaimed military historian and an expert on elite units. The author of twelve books, including: Washington’s Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution, The Unknowns, First SEALs, Give Me Tomorrow, The Brenner Assignment, We Were One, Beyond Valor, and Dog Company, he has also served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon during the Battle of Fallujah and speaks often on espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency. He has provided historical consulting for DreamWorks’ award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers and for scores of documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery and is the recipient of several national awards. He also regularly contributes to several national publications and shows.

Reviews

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually find that when a good writer puts out an underwhelming book, it's because of a scope problem. Unfortunately, Patrick O'Donnell's The Unvanquished falls into this trap. The book looks at the special operators of the Civil War like John Singleton Mosby's Confederate Rangers or Philip Sheridan's Scouts. In fact, I think if O'Donnell focused entirely on just these two men then this would have a been a fantastic read.

Instead, O'Donnell tries to tackle what seems like every single unit on each side of the Civil War and their actions. This leads to two extremely distracting problems. The first is the abundance of names. I am a history nerd and am used to being dropped into a story with a lot of characters. This is too much. It also means there is a lot of repetition. I didn't count, but I'd venture to say O'Donnell reiterates that getting caught in enemy uniforms was an automatic death sentence at least a dozen times.

That said, there is still a lot to like and learn about in this narrative. O'Donnell is an excellent writer (I highly recommend his book, The Unknowns) and his skill shows through when he focuses on a specific story or action. His in-depth research is on display and his passion for the topic can't be faulted. I just wish he was a bit more focused when it comes to this subject.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.)

[David Eppenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to my attention a few weeks ago thanks to the reviews of a couple of GR friends of mine to whom I am now indebted. While these reviews caught my eye what really motivated me to purchase a copy of the book was a childhood memory of an old TV show based on the exploits of the "Grey Ghost", John Singleton Mosby. The show probably didn't last very long but it did catch my interest and the discovery of this book ostensibly about this legendary Civil War hero rekindled, pardon the unintended pun, that youthful interest. The purchase was made.

The author's apparent intent with this book was to establish the historic basis for the present day existence of military units like the Green Berets, the Navy Seals, the Army Rangers and all other special ops and unconventional warfare units. In this goal the author certainly succeeds but his accomplishment goes far beyond this singular goal. I wasn't expecting much from this book other than to flesh out the identity of Mosby beyond the probably grossly exaggerated TV episodes that I once viewed. I ended up being quite surprised by what I learned and I think this volume would be a great addition to the library of any Civil War fan. Mosby's Rangers were a serious threat to Union activities in Western Virginia and Maryland. So seriously were Rangers regarded that their activity spawned the creation of similar opposing units by the Union. So the book not only details the actions of Mosby's Rangers but also the actions of the various Union Scouts. The intelligence gathered by these units was incredibly helpful to the success of their respective armies in engagements of historic significance. General Sheridan was particularly grateful for the services of his Scout and their intelligence activities in the closing days of war and the race to trap Lee's army.

This book also provides the kind of history I really enjoy in that it gives the reader a glimpse into what the life of soldiers like this was really like. While what these men did significantly affected the outcome of major engagements their contributions never made it into the pages of history until books like this one are published. I never knew that Mosby's Rangers were linked to the Lincoln assassination or that one of the conspirators was one of Mosby's men. It also appears that Dr. Samuel Mudd wasn't quite the innocent doctor unknowingly treating John Wilkes Booth after the assassination. Who knew that the Confederacy had a Secret Service and what they were up to and planning? While the book is primarily about Mosby and his Rangers there is a great deal more to this book and it filled a gap in my knowledge that I didn't even know I had. Enjoy.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume fills a vital gap in Civil War historiography. It's amazing to think that almost two centuries later, there are still untold stories from the conflict; but here we are. The only complaint I had with the book was a small error: Secretary of State Seward's jaw was already broken when he was attacked by the Lincoln conspirator. He had received the injury in a carriage accident shortly before the attack. In a dose of supreme irony, the metal brace holding his fractured jaw shut may have actually saved his life by deflecting some of the blows the would-be assassin rained down on him. Other than this error, the narrative was flawless. This is how history should be written. A very good effort.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jessie Scouts were a group of Union soldiers that did clandestine operations in the Confederacy. This band of irregular soldiers were created by General John C. Fremont, and his wife's name became the name of these men. They fought mostly against John Singleton Mosby's Rangers, but they did other missions. They destroyed railroad lines and committed other acts of sabotage in the South. After the North lost at the Battle of New market, they burned down Virginia Military Institute as an act of revenge since the victorious soldiers at that battle were cadets from this school. They even disguised themselves as Southern soldiers, but they wore a white handkerchief, so their fellow soldiers knew they were on their side and not really Johnny Rebs.

I learned a lot about these clandestine soldiers. The writing, for the most part, was captivating and a thrill ride. Some of the anecdotes of individuals were entertaining to read about. The minutiae of detail were tedious at times, and I skimmed some parts. If you are familiar with the Civil War, you will find yourself skipping parts like I did. I am familiar with Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and the other battles mentioned in this and giving me a basic overview was not beneficial to me. Having said that, it is good for those who need a refresher or are novices to the Civil War. It was nice to read a new story about the Civil War, so I recommend this book to novices and experts alike.

[Chad Manske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick O’Donnell’s “The Unvanquished” is a thrilling and eye-opening look at the untold story of Lincoln’s Special Forces and the shadow war that helped shape America’s special operations. Focusing on the manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers during the Civil War, O’Donnell paints a vivid picture of the daring exploits and strategic genius of these elite soldiers. From the very first page, O’Donnell’s writing grabs you and doesn’t let go. His meticulous research and attention to detail bring to life the intense cat-and-mouse game between the Union forces and Mosby’s Rangers, a group of Confederate guerrilla fighters who wreaked havoc behind enemy lines. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of espionage, sabotage, and daring escapes as both sides employ every trick in the book to outwit their opponents. What sets “The Unvanquished” apart from other historical accounts is O’Donnell’s ability to humanize the characters involved. Through intimate portraits and personal anecdotes, he brings to life the men and women who risked everything for their cause. From the cunning John Mosby himself to the brave Union operatives who hunted him down, each person leaps off the page with their courage and determination. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is O’Donnell’s exploration of the evolution of special operations tactics during the Civil War. As both sides struggled to adapt to the changing nature of warfare, new strategies and technologies were developed that would have far-reaching effects on future conflicts. O’Donnell’s insights into these developments shed light on the birth of modern special operations forces and their crucial role in shaping the course of history. Despite the serious subject matter, O’Donnell infuses the book with a sense of excitement and adventure that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. His vivid descriptions of daring raids, narrow escapes, and high-stakes confrontations make “The Unvanquished” read like a Hollywood blockbuster. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the drama and suspense of the story as it unfolds. And it would make for an entertaining movie, too! Pick up a copy today and prepare to be transported back in time to a world of danger, intrigue, and heroism.

[Jerry Jonckheere · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative book on the “behind the scenes” combat units in the Civil War. Highly recommended for Civil War buffs.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many Civil War books in my lifetime [it's the war that just won't let me go, history-wise], and I still am learning things about that war that I never knew before; such is the case here, and boy-howdy was I blown away by all I was reading!

This is an exhaustive [and often exhausting - SO. MANY. NAMES.], deep-dive book about Jessie's Scouts [named for the formidable Jessie Fremont] and their infiltration [as well as the disruption of train lines, re-routed supply chains, and took endless risks, including the wearing of the southern uniform, which would result in immediate death of caught] of the confederate army and their opposition, the southern-based Mosby's Rangers, who when not scouting and fighting, were fleeing the northern army [they too took risks everyday]. Learning about these two groups of men and all they did was amazing and I spent much of the book just having my mind blown. I knew about scouts of course, but had no real knowledge of their names or who they were led by or all that they truly accomplished during the war. It truly was overwhelming at times.

Scouts on both sides were involved in seriously dangerous situations, and it really amazed me that more didn't die doing their jobs; it was really sad to learn about the one that never made it home - it was a reminder once again that war is awful.

One of the coolest things I learned was how, during World War 2, the guerilla shadow warfare of the Civil War and the scouts that carried it out, helped the Allies develop the special forces and the OSS, both were instrumental in helping the Allies win the war - it was a truly fascinating part of the book.

Well-researched and written, this is a great book for anyone who is a history buff; there is something for everyone here - I highly recommend it!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Patrick K. O'Donnell, and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I live in the UK and due to visits to NH, have a developing interest in North American History. Of course, I know the basics, but wanted to go beyond the most famous moments in history and dive deeper.

Patrick O'Dennell is a phenomenal writer, bringing history alove with a colourful narrative and raw authenticity. He is clearly a master of his subject (and I will certainly be putting his other book, 'The Indispensables' on my History TBR)

Most of us know about the Gettysburg address, the reasons for the war between North and South (lets not sugar the pill here, it was about abolishing slavery and those who wanted to keep it, power and control) This book goes beyond the battles we know about, to those who went undercover, the Jessie Scouts who were commissioned by Lincoln to go after Mosby's Confederate Rangers. The tactics and subterfuge detailed at a time where people were just learning about this new country they were inhabiting are truly fascinating

One fact I certainly did not know was the plot to kidnap Lincoln by Mosby's Rangers to bring an end to the war. How different the United States would be if they had succeeded

This book is utterly fascinating, intriguing and so very well written. A must for lovers of North American history and Military History. Even readers of general fiction, because the story is outstanding and written like your favourite thriller

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Grove Atlantic and author Patrick K O'Donnell for this outstanding account of a little known part of history that changed the course of the conflict. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Len Knighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had a pretty basic knowledge of the American Civil War --- its major battles and its major personalities, both military and civilian. That was before I read Patrick O'Donnell's THE UNVANQUISHED. O'Donnell chronicles what was called "unconventional warfare", the gathering of intelligence by any means possible. The author tells us of how even a tidbit of information made the difference between victory or defeat on the battlefield.
The primary combatants in this conflict were Mosby's Rangers of the Confederacy and Jessie's Scouts of the Union. I was careful not to identify them by uniform color for very often they wore the enemy's uniforms in order to infiltrate their camps. They invented tricks of the trade that were often used in future wars but were unknown in what many historians call the "first modern war." Indeed, these units and their operations contributed to that monicker.
In this book you will read of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Phil Sheridan, and other familiar friends and foes. The names and exploits of Richard Blazer, Harry Gilmor, Joseph McCabe, John Mosby, Lewis Powell, "Barefoot" Rowand, may be foreign to you now but you will learn how important they were to their countries' cause. Lincoln spoke of some when, in his Gettysburg Address, he referred to those who gave "the last full measure of devotion " but such was the case for these and many others.
Below are a couple of highlights:


PAGE 29
The military value of a partisan’s work is not measured by the amount of property destroyed, or the number of men killed or captured, but by the number [of the enemy] he keeps watching [him]. Every soldier withdrawn from the front to guard the rear of an army is so much taken from its fighting strength.

Page 257
HENRY HARRISON YOUNG, 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry:
You say you think it [the suffering] would discourage anyone from going to war. The fact is, no one knows what fighting is till they have seen it; and they that have, after it is over and they think about it, there is a longing for it again that no one knows who has not experienced it.

Four stars

[Dylan Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Specialized units in the Civil War are difficult to uncover. Either they existed for a battle or were shrouded in so much myth that historians do not bother to unpack their stories. Luckily Patrick K. O’Donnell has done a great job chronicling Jessie’s Scouts and the impact a unit like this had on the war.

[Drtaxsacto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick O'Donnell is a careful historian with a special interest in covert military operations. This book is about the two main bands of scouts/spies who plied their craft during the Civil War - one named after their Confederate commander (Mosby) and the other after the wife of John Fremont (Jessie Scouts).

The Civil War advanced many things including new techniques of war like the land mine, the torpedo and the hand grenade - but also of daring tactics to gain a battlefield advantage. O'Donnell has a keen eye for capturing details and for dissecting the complex nature of covert operations.

For me one of the most interesting parts of the book was his coverage of the role of some of Mosby's troops in plots to first capture and then assassinate President Lincoln. Booth clearly had ties to Mosby and there is some evidence that Jefferson Davis helped to plot the two schemes against Lincoln.

[Bill Tress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is atrocity ok in a war? War itself is obscene but humanity is always willing to take that next step in its cruelty. This book illustrates for me the times during the Civil War when men stepped over the line of human decency and committed atrocities. Yet, the author endeavored to seek balance in his presentation by demonstrating courage and heroism in the exploits of the special operations soldier. This reviewer see’s unhinged killing and atrocities while our author points to the need for special operations people. O’Donnell’s balanced narration is riveting, and it does demonstrate his excellent research.
This is a Civil War book like no other! We are not following Armies or great Generals but guerrilla fighters. A guerrilla fighter is a person who engages in irregular warfare, especially as a member of an independent unit conducting harassment and sabotage. Guerrilla fighters are not nice people, they are adrenaline junkies, fearless, aggressive to the extreme and ruthless in their work.
The commandos described here conducted many of the Civil War’s most hazardous duties. Daring and bold, they were predecessors to America’s special operations forces, which the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) studied and analyzed before America entered World War II.
O’Donnell follows the great guerrilla fighters of the American Civil War, such as, the Union Army Corp known as Jessie Scouts. They frequently wore Confederate uniforms and operated behind enemy lines. They had the cool courage that enabled them to sit around Confederate campfires and listen in on staff meetings. They gathered intelligence about the position of armies, their plans, their size, and munitions. The steely resolve to spend your time amid your enemy knowing that if identified your life will be over is frightening to most people but not to these men. This book is chockful of chilling true stories regarding their exploits and remarkable escapes.
The author focuses his attention on the Shenandoah Valley and the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland and while there are amazing tales told; we must be mindful that similar guerrilla forces existed in all parts of this conflict.
Early in the war Missouri and Kansas were nominally under Union government control and became subject to widespread violence as groups of Confederate bushwhackers and anti-slavery Jayhawkers competed for control. Quantrill's Raiders were the best-known of the pro-Confederate partisan guerrillas (also known as "bushwhackers") who fought in the American Civil War. Their leaders were William Quantrill and the James brothers, Jesse, and Frank. O’Donnell made the decision to limit his story to the Mid-Atlantic area, and there is plenty to tell about this region, yet I speculate whether he should have gone farther. Other descriptions of Quantrill and the James brothers showed them to be certifiable killers and this extreme may have been why O’Donnell did not see them as special operations fighters.
The research illustrated in this narrative is extraordinary, there is an intimacy with the facts gained from personal accounts into the raids and movements of special ops groups. Thurmond’s raiders and the Confederate Colonel John Mosby, also known as the Grey Ghost, are also well documented. Colonel Mosby was the greatest guerrilla leader in American history. Mosby tied up tens of thousands of Union troops and pioneered a modern form of guerrilla warfare studied by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).
There were other men like Mosby that O’Donnell by choice did not include in his book, and it is unclear why he is not all inclusive. Examples come to mind like Nathon Bedford Forest, the great Confederate guerrilla fighter. He was an expert cavalry leader, Forrest commanded a corps and established new doctrines for mobile forces, earning the nickname "The Wizard of the Saddle". Francis Marion, called The Swamp Fox and John McNeill and Jack Hinson are not included, and I am sure there are others, but I assume O’Donnell wanted his focus on Jesse Scouts and Colonel Mosby.
These were the days of little or no communication between armies. Most armies were blind to the movements of their enemy and their own troops; you could be within a mile of an opposing force and not know it, so scouts were the army’s eyes and ears and therefore extremely necessary. A good example of the lack of awareness is the inadvertent cloison of armies at Gettysburg.
To his credit, O’Donnell’s tale includes the dark side of these independent units. These men rode silently ambushing and killing while out of uniform and in most cases disguised in their enemies’ uniforms. The killing seems cold blooded, sadistic, cruel, and reckless beyond reason and these fighters seemed fearless of danger; and at times enjoyed the killing.
Killing is killing, a man is dead whether killed in a glorious charge on the battlefield or killed in ambush by Comanches; war is never pretty. Mosby and other leaders could control their troops, the actions and direction of officers dictated how the soldiers behaved with strong officers maintaining order and weak officers allowing unwarranted killing.
O’Donnell with a light touch described the burning of Chambersburg, Pa and this disappointed me. Other historians have addressed what happened more explicitly.
The Confederate force entered Chambersburg and demanded a ransom of either $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in greenbacks from the town. When the residents failed to raise the ransom, general McCausland ordered his men to burn the town as retaliation for similar Union actions in the Shenandoah Valley. The destruction of Chambersburg was a tragic consequence of the escalating conflict during that time.
After the Confederate raiders found a large quantity of alcohol the attacks on civilizations became frenzied and aggressive, rape and civilian killing followed. This one attack is a good example of the dark side of these attacks; it was Comanches out of control with no supervision.
Despite my opinion that he poorly described the attack on Chambersburg, O’Donnell did an excellent job in describing General Early’s attempt to seize Washington, DC. It is unnerving to think of what would have happened had Early been more aggressive. The city was poorly defended and was his for the taking. This reader speculates that a more aggressive general, a Grant or a Stonewall Jackson, would have occupied the Nation’s Capital; and then what? There would have been a different result to that war, and our Country would look quite different today. O’Donnell illustrated beautifully how close the Confederacy came to securing a different result to this war; it was chilling.
All the raids in the author’s narrative described courage, cruelty and amazing escapes and exploits. His writing style and reminisces of participants puts the reader at the scene. But this is not the strength of this book, its strength comes from stories like Chambersburg, the attack on The Nation’s Capital, the story of Confederate support for John Wilkes Booth and the grand finality, Lee’s attempted escape from Petersburg.
Most studies of the Lincoln Assassination show Booth as a lone killer. O’Donnell’s gift for research demonstrated that Booth was involved with the Confederate Secret Service. He went to Canada and worked out with other Southern conspirators a plot first to kidnap Lincoln but later to kill him. O’Donnell establishes what other historians have overlooked, namely that the Lincoln assassination was not the singular act of John Wilkes Booth. O’Donnell puts Booth in Canada collaborating and planning the capture of Lincoln with the Confederate secret service. The best evidence of Confederate complicity is the help that Booth received in his escape attempt. Even Colonel Mosby assisted, and this act kept Mosby from getting a pardon. The whole narrative regarding the assassination is excellent work and just as professionally researched; the criticism I have is that he fragmented the story over separated chapters; yet his final summarization is excellent.
Petersburg was another O’Donnell triumph. Historians have described Lee’s attempted escape, but O’Donnell included how valuable and necessary the Jesse Scouts were in infiltrating the Confederate ranks while Lee was on the run. They gave Sheridan information about troop strength, escape routes and Lee’s need to feed his army and how he planned to get the supplies for the starving Confederate army. With this knowledge Sheridan was able to intercept those must have supplies, enabling him to keep the starving Confederate troops weakened resulting in surrender.
Appomattox was a brilliant chase, and the surrender was majestic in its magnanimous actions of the Generals, and I thought O’Donnell with prose, research and remembrance made these chapters memorable.
The book ends with Grant sending Sheridan into Mexico chasing a rag tag confederate force that would not surrender. The Sheridan scouts continued to demonstrate their value in this final campaign to end the violence.
This reviewer finds war one of the worst human endeavors and the atrocities scouts committed are crimes against humanity. Yet, O’Donnell makes his case that they did make a large contribution to the successful ending of the Civil War. This book is an important contributor to finally knowing what went on from those who fought.

[J.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a bit humbling to realize just how much of this history I didn't know. The book explores the Confederate Mosby's Rangers and the Union Scouts (that went by many names). These forces paved the way for American asymmetric warfare and were the precursors to modern U.S. Special Operations. Fun book and well written.

[Jquick99 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mish mash of my thoughts below.

The author hasn’t met a killing he didn’t want to mention and describe.

I continuously felt as though the author is pro Confederates. Eek.

After just a few of the more interesting stories, they all seemed to run together… someone in a butternut uniform went up to a soldier, blah, blah and they either left with info or as mentioned above, we were told how he was killed.

I kept ff the audiobook waiting for General Sheridan to appear, finally at just over 50 %. But, unfortunately, the stories were still the same….and more ff.

The author plows thru the various battles, so if one isn’t familiar with the battles or the generals then I would think it would be tough to follow along.

The Union won at Antietam? Well, I guess that’s one of the few Union/US bias’ that the author made.

The author is way too generous re the ability of General McClellan.

The author uses the word “federals” a lot when mentioning a Union/US soldier. I’ve read/listened to easily 30+ books on the civil war, and this word seems to be seldom used.

And the biggest irritant of all? The correct version of the infamous telegram exchange from Lincoln to Grant is “Gen. Sheridan says “If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender.” Let the thing be pressed.” In the book, the reader says “Let the thing be PASSED.”

If the author (and editor) messed up on this, what else have they messed up on? And yeah, I found other things, but didn’t bookmark them, since doing so I would take more interest than they did.

I ended up DNF.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for an advance copy of this history books that looks at the role of irregular warfare in the American Civil War, and how this legacy still influences modern military planning.

War is hell, but civil wars seem to bring out something in combatants that makes hell seem pleasant in comparison. Brother fighting brother, neighbor fighting neighbor, north against south, the violence seems more visceral, more personal. Atrocities are not random, civilians are made to suffer, and rules are tossed out the window, along with the people living in the room, then the room is blown up to be sure. Maybe it is the fact that civil war is based on one side being sure of something, the other side being equally sure that is wrong. Humans hate to be proven wrong, as our modern politics show. Many will keep digging other than suffer they truth that there convictions are not just misplaced, but even evil. The popular meme showing a man dressed as a Nazi asking "Are we the bad guys?' comes to mind. The American Civil War changed much in the way war was fought, and even in the thinking of who could be considered combatants. The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations by writer and historian, Patrick K. O'Donnell is a look at how modern war was starting to come of age, and the lessons that still frame much of how war is still fought today.

Two signs pointing out to different events in Virginia were the well spring for this book. One sign detailing where a Union scout Jack Sterry gave his last words, and another pointing out where a mountain howitzer used by Mosby's Rangers to destroy a union train was placed. As a writer of history, especially detailing the history of special forces operations in warfare, these signs were hints of a much bigger story. Many of the ideas that started to form in the Civil War, working deep in enemy territory, causing disruptions and confusion among military leaders and civilians alike, had an effect on the Office of Strategic Operations during World War II. Especially the idea that units could work outside of the military hierarchy, which at the time was a pretty entrenched system. O'Donnell looks at both sides from the North's Jessie Scouts who worked deep in enemy territory, learning as they went about war in the woods. And the previously mentioned Mosby's Rangers, the Grey Ghosts who hindered Union war efforts until the end of the battles. There is also a discussion on the Confederate Secret Service, who were based in Canada and seemed to be an early OSS group, with a lot of grandiose plans, but few results.

An interesting look at the Civil War from an almost uncivil view. O'Donnell has a lot of experience writing about this subject, and seeing the early days of this kind of thinking is interesting to watch come to be. O'Donnell covers both sides, and there is a lot of history here, but the chapters are short and written well, so one doesn't become overwhelmed. There is a mix of boy's own adventuring, along with a lot of wow that was beyond cruel actions on both sides. There is also a lot of "what if?" moments too. This plan was crazy and couldn't have worked, but if it had, or hmm that could have worked if they just left a day early, or later. A different way of looking at the battle in the shadows, that made up much of the Civil War.

Recommended for fans of the writer, and Civil War fans. And also for military history fans, including role players and game designers. This would be an excellent resource for quite a few different adventures, especially for fans of alternative history.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

How up are you on American Civil War History? If you have read any histories, you have likely encountered Mosby, the Gray Ghost of Northern Virginia. But what do you know of the Jesse Scouts? The Blazer Scouts? The various plots ran by the Confederate Secret Service out of Canada to burn down New York City, raise up an insurrection in the Midwest, and blow up the White House? You didn't know about these? Well then pick up The Unvanquished and dive into the heart of these operations!

Patrick O'Donnell opens The Unvanquished with a preface and prologue linking the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and their activities to the "shadow war" conducted by Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. He then divides the book into three broad sections - Part I: The Jesse Scouts, Part II: The Confederate Secret Service, and Part III: Sheridan's Scouts and "Come Retribution." While the headings provide some structure, the book basically starts in what is now West Virginia when Union General John Frémont brought the Jesse Scouts (named after his wife) from Missouri in 1862 and turned them loose to scout ahead of his forces, conduct raids behind enemy lines, and deal with local guerrillas. Under various names the Jesse Scouts played a role until the end of the war. In northern Virginia, John Singleton Mosby formed his Independent Ranger Company to operate behind Union lines, raid supply trains, and disrupt anything and everything that he could. In response to the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren raid that aimed to kill President Jefferson Davis and burn Richmond, the Confederate Secret Service tried to burn New York, raid Northern banks from Canada, promote dissent and rebellion in the Midwest, and sow discord. They also worked on several schemes to blow up the White House, kidnap President Lincoln and other officials, and finally to decapitate the Federal government.

While Patrick O'Donnell does a wonderful job of detailing the exploits of the various Jesse Scouts, Mosby's Rangers, and various members of the Confederate Secret Service, he doe not provide any sources that show a link between the ACW "shadow warriors" and the OSS or current special Forces. Despite that caveat, if you want juicy stories of daring Civil War exploits, The Unvanquished is the book for you!

Thanks Netgalley and the Atlantic Monthly Press for a chance to read this title.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations by Patrick K. O’Donnell is a riveting account that delves into the shadowy corners of the Civil War, a conflict often remembered for its grand battles and prominent figures. However, O’Donnell shifts the focus to the unsung heroes and the clandestine operations that played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the war.

The narrative centers on the Jessie Scouts and Mosby’s Rangers, two groups that operated beyond the conventional battlefield, engaging in espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare. These units, donning enemy uniforms and risking death upon capture, executed raids and spy missions that were as crucial as any fought on the well-known battlefields of Gettysburg or Antietam.

O’Donnell, with his meticulous research and narrative flair, brings to life the high-stakes maneuvers and the personal stories of these early special forces. The book is not just a recounting of events; it’s a tribute to the ingenuity and daring of these men who, through their “irregular tactics,” arguably became the U.S. Army’s first modern special operators.

The author also sheds light on the Confederate Secret Service’s operations in Montreal, which sought to influence the 1864 election and supported the Copperheads—northern sympathizers prepared to undertake armed insurrections. O’Donnell suggests that even John Wilkes Booth’s assassination of Lincoln was part of a larger, well-planned operation by these secret forces.

While The Unvanquished is rich with military minutiae that will satisfy any Civil War buff, it is also accessible to the casual reader, thanks to O’Donnell’s engaging prose.

In essence, The Unvanquished is a testament to the enduring impact of these covert operations on the development of America’s special operations forces. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in military history, the Civil War, or the evolution of warfare tactics. O’Donnell’s work is a significant contribution to the literature on American history, offering a fresh perspective on the Civil War and the origins of modern special forces.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not a greater expert with respect to the history of elite US military units than Patrick K. O'Donnell. In the recently published The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln's Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby's Rangers, and the Shadow War that Forged America's Special Operations, O'Donnell looks at the roots of US Special Ops in both the Union and Confederate forces of the US Civil War. O'Donnell, consistent with his prior books, takes a complex topic and pieces together an organized, thoroughly engaging, and at times deeply moving story of emerging military strategy.

The US Civil War was not a gentlemen's war. Troops were generally poorly equipped and conditions were far from humane -- or even human. The teams that emerged as the forebears of today's elite special operations units existed in horrible conditions and usually came from rough backgrounds. Outside of a military context, most might just as easily have roamed in criminal gangs or been considered thugs, but such were the times. Their stories were not generally compiled and their histories have not so far generally been told.

O'Donnell has meticulously researched a multitude of strands about Mosby's Rangers, the Jessie Scouts, Blazer's Scouts and other similar groups -- names that have largely been lost to history or at least forgotten by most of us. He crafts a chronology of their actions from the start of the war and up to the summer of 1865 after Lincoln had been assassinated and the war finally brought to a close. It is not one cohesive story but many connected stories tied together by the bravery and ingenuity of a small number of soldiers who, at times, had a far greater impact on the war, its outcome, and history, than larger armies did.

Anyone with an interest in military history, in general, or the US Civil War, in particular, will benefit from reading The Unvanquished and will learn from it. More importantly, despite the ugliness of war's depiction, readers will find it difficult to put it down.

[Lissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so glad that this was a book I borrowed from the library and I didn't spend any money on it.

The book suffered from a serious lack of direction. If the author had focused on just the Mosby Rangers or just the Jessie Scouts and tried to make some sort of cohesiveness to the narrative, I think it may have been enjoyable. Instead, the author tries to cover every "special operations" event of the American Civil War, and even worse, in chronological order. So we are left with a bunch of short, disjointed chapters that bounce around all over.

The author is a big fan of throwing tons of names and place names at the reader. I was pretty obsessed with the Civil War while in high school and read a lot about it and visited every major (and many minor) battlefields from the war, and I STILL hadn't heard of half of the names or places in this book. There were a few maps, but the author kind of expected the reader to know where very obscure places were in relation to other towns and cities.

Also, the author tries to make some Big Points in the book (such as the assassination of Abraham Lincoln being a Confederate Secret Service operation) and yet provides almost NO evidence to back up his claims. He just says he believes it went down a certain way, that his chain of events is more logical, or that no one else did it this particular way so no one else could. If you're going to make some big claims, you better bring some big evidence to the table. The author brought nothing.

At that point, I realized I had to question just about everything the author said, which made the book even less enjoyable.

I finished this book in ten days, mostly because it was due back at the library and I kept hoping the book would gel into some sort of form. It never did. Most of the book was so repetitive (one side did this, the other side retaliated and did that, meanwhile someone else did this other thing...&c.) that I found myself skimming the last hundred pages or so just to be done.

[Neil Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In historical context, "The UNVANQUISHED" by Patrick K. O'Donnell is a phenomenal work, showcasing the author's exceptional storytelling ability. Readers are captivated by the secrets of our finest writers, with O'Donnell specifically answering the compelling question, "how?" How does he weave narratives with such vivid detail that readers can visualize the black walnut tree, see the sandy hair of Blazer, feel the tension of being introduced to Mrs. Gen. Grant as a Jessie Scout, and experience the surrender with General Johnston on April 26th at Durham Station, feeling the stress and heat from “fire in the rear and that Five Forks was not a mistaken placement setting”?

In addition, O'Donnell explores the deep divisions within the nation over the Civil War, the formation of the Secret Service and Special Forces, and how these institutions, which originated during the Civil War, continue to play significant roles today. The detailed imagery in his writing leaves a lasting impression, creating a vivid mental picture for readers. Patrick's talent provides readers with a profound reflection on how this nation was built and the countless untold souls who sacrificed their lives, often resting in unmarked graves known only to God.

"The UNVANQUISHED" has transformed my observation of Memorial Day. Reading about the immense loss of American lives during the Civil War inspired me to learn more about the origins of our Memorial Day observance. I discovered the significance of Decoration Day and how this tradition evolved into today's Memorial Day, a testament to the enduring power of O'Donnell's book, which ignited a desire for further learning. Now it’s up to you to learn the story’s end. Thank you, Patrick, for your incredible contribution to our understanding of history and the sacrifices that shaped our nation. As Steve Bannon proudly states, O'Donnell is among the best writers, and we wholeheartedly agree.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read very few books about the American Civil War (is war really civil, isn't that a misnomer?) or as it should be properly called, the War Between The States, since it's not really an area that interests me that much. However, occasionally, one will come along, and that's the case with this one. In particular, because it involves the hunt by the Union forces for Mosby's Raiders (John Mosby, "The Gray Ghost" of the Confederacy).

Mosby's Raiders were the first American guerilla fighters and spies and literally drove the Union forces crazy trying to capture them. This led to the formation of the Union version of the spy network called the Jessie Scouts and their attempts to bring down Mosby's raiders who bedeviled the Union forces from 1863 until the war's end. Eventually, Mosby's men were forced to surrender, but it was more on their terms; there was no great battle where they were annihilated by the Union forces. They had no choice. Mosby, as a matter of fact went on to a distinguished government career for his former foes and even became friends with some of those whom he fought against in the war.

As to the Jessie Scouts - Lincoln's Special Forces - they wound up fighting in a proxy war in Mexico and then essentially disappeared into the pages of history. As the forerunners of the OSS during World War II, commandos parachuted into France and were responsible for the surrender of thousands of German troops and even today carry on a form of unconventional warfare first employed by Mosby's Raiders, cutting off the supply lines of the enemy and employing other tactics which disrupt the plans of the enemy.

Not for everyone obviously, Civil War buffs will find it interesting as will those who are interested in those little known facets of the War Between The States.

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secret unconventional wars in the shadows of the American Civil war…

The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln's Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby's Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America's Special Operations by Patrick K. O'Donnell covers some key scout, guerrila, and spy activities that played a role in the battles between the Union and the confederacy.

Officially, this book focuses on the origins, abilities, clashes, and aftermath of two major civil war units, the Union’s Jessie Scouts and the Confederacy’s Mosby’s Rangers, but there’s actually a larger cast of hundreds (documented in the nearly 15 page index and 50 page footnote section).

The book overall handles various partisans, field scouts (often clad in enemy uniforms), and even spies (some committed to seeing rebellion in enemy states and some even seeking to murder or kidnap government leaders). There are also a ton of useful maps documenting the main areas of activity documented in the book.

I would have liked it to focus more on JUST the Jessie Scouts and Mosby’s group, but with historical books like this I guess you have to cover all the intricacies and other units impacts by their activities (no matter how loosely) in addition to how they often crossed paths and squabbled…

I highly doubt anyone interested in the subject of civil war covert ops won’t enjoy this book. I also suspect the book will have plenty of references (either from military figures, certain battles, or even locations) that might cause you to want to pursue later research (and the index and footnotes are once again useful for some of this).

While I did feel it got too broad at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed it…

[Zeb Kantrowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning of the Civil War, the Confederacy knew that they were going to be outnumbered by the North. Though many in the Confederate Army believed in fighting an honorable war, some thought it would be better to continue the use of guerilla tactics like those used during the Revolutionary War. Using hit and run attacks would allow the South to use unorthodox warfare as a force multiplier.

Though General Robert E Lee didn’t like this type of warfare, as the war continued using up the quantity and quality of those who volunteered for the military, something had to be done to offset the North’s ability to keep full armies in the field even after major losses of Troops.

The Confederacy would need to create their own “Secret Service” to spy on the North and to cause as much discord and chaos as they could. In addition to spying on the North and creating double agents and getting assistance from supporters who stayed at their jobs in the US government, they would need specialized military units that could disrupt communications, railways and supply lines.

What we now think of as units who can operated behind enemy lines, were first created in each of the contending Armies. That’s the story that told in this book and explains how much of today’s special units use tactics that were first used by these special units.
 

[Kevin Kosar]

The history of the Civil War frequently is told through its biggest battles and personalities: the Battle of Bull Run. Antietam. Gettysburg. Abraham Lincoln. Jefferson Davis. U.S. Grant. Robert E. Lee.

Certain big moments inevitably figure into the narrative. South Carolina’s secession. The attack on Fort Sumter. The Emancipation Proclamation. Booth’s assassination of Lincoln.

The Civil War was all that—and it was the first modern war, featuring ironclad ships, submarines, trains, and instantaneous communications via the telegraph.

But the War Between the States also very much was a story of small, often furtive machinations by individuals of less stature—most of whom are unknown to history. The Unvanquished, as Patrick K. O’Donnell terms them, were proto-special forces operatives who engaged in unconventional warfare to extraordinary effect.

For sure, guerrilla warfare was as old as the country. The rebellious early Americans flummoxed and outraged the Red Coats by taking the fight off the battlefield and into the forests and swamps...
Read more of my review of The Unvanquished at https://freebeacon.com/culture/guerri...

[J.L. Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good spy never leaves the field of direct, or in-direct warfare; their uniforms are many, and every situation offers a strategic win, or an unimaginable loss. Throughout the trevail of time, they remain, "Unvanquished"; an appropriate title for Patrick K. O'Donnell's new book highlighting the covert warriors of the Civil War. From the smallest thicket where game can hide, to the open battlefield, these tradecraft magicians play a game of life-or-death, betting their lives and liberty that they can fool the enemy at hand. No one could tell their story like O'Donnell, a highly skilled historian and author who has in fact tread on the field of battle and personally witnessed such deceptive deeds at work. From the beginning, O'Donnell brings you direct quotes, maps, descriptive narrative, and deeply researched facts with footnotes that take you into the contest of espionage, and inside of the most cunning minds to ever attempt these tricks. O'Donnell peels back the curtain and reveals their story, their names, and their missions that time, and necessity have never known. You will hear it in their words, hear it in the author's words, and hear it in the tone of battle.

[skip thurnauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Donnell tracks the origins of the OSS & CIA to Union and Confederate irregular units, spys, who wore the uniforms of their adversary and probed deep behind enemy lines. I was familiar with the Confederate John Singleton Mosby and his Rangers. Mosby and the Rangers waged guerilla warfare from 1863 until the end of the war, attacking Union supply lines, skirmishing with the enemy, and providing intelligence critical to the Confederate cause. The Union Army's Scouts led by men like Henry Harrison Young, Richard Blazer and Archibald Rowland played a similar role for the North. Their intelligence provided critical information and support leading to the Confedertate surrender at Appomatox. I found the Confederate plans to disrupt the 1864 election particularly interesting. Coordinating plans in Canada, the Confederates were attempting to skew the election to the Democrates, the party more likely to sue for peace and end the war on terms favorable to the South. Ongoing at the same time were efforts to mobilize Midwesterners to rebel against the U.S. government. Seeds were also being planted to kidnap Lincoln and carry him off to Richmond. This latter plan included John Wilkes Booth and set the stage for Lincoln's assassination. Lots of battles to wade through but well.worth the effort.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Military historian O’Donnell reveals the vital shadow war that raged amid and away from the major battlefields. He focuses on the story of Lincoln’s special forces, the Jessie Scouts. The Scouts hunted John Singleton Mosby’s Confederate Rangers from the middle of 1863 to Appomattox. O’Donnell transports readers into the action, immersing them in detailed battle scenes.

O’Donnell covers in detail raids on supply trains and misdirecting or harassing enemy forces to keep them away from the main front. They also acted as spies, often wearing enemy uniforms.

He also brings to light the Confederate Secret Service’s covert efforts to influence the 1864 election through ballot fraud, election interference, and attempts to appeal to a population fatigued by a seemingly endless war with the goal of having the Peace Democrats win.

O’Donnell offers evidence that John Wilkes Booth’s assassination of Lincoln was the result of a well-planned operation funded and supported by the Confederate Secret Service and known at the highest levels of the Confederate government.

[Daniel Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive look into the use of unconventional guerilla warfare used during the Civil War. The story traces the creation of the Union Jesse Scouts and Mosby's Confederate Rangers and their clandestine missions, intelligence gathering and skirmishes.

The author's passion for the subject matter is highly commendable, but the scope of the book was too wide. In wanting to explore every facet of the shadow war taking place amongst the larger Civil War, the author touches upon dozens and dozens of names and places. It was difficult to find your footing as a reader because you were constantly joining a new raiding party or secret mission. And along those same lines, a feeling of monotony creeped in at times. An ample amount of time was also spent looking into the Confederate Secret Service and their plotting to destabilize the North, interfere with elections and kidnap or assassinate President Lincoln. I would have preferred a deeper dive into that operation or of a straight biography of Captain Richard Blazer or the Grey Ghost John Mosby.

[Matthew Loewenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick K. O'Donnell has taken the students of the American Civil War on a journey through a part of that war that has often been overlooked and misunderstood. This fast-paced narrative provides the reader with plenty of action that keeps their attention while bringing to life some of the unsung heroes of the war. Confederate John Singleton Mosby and his Rangers are well known to many, and their roles are justifiably told. Some of their stories though will be new to readers. However, it is the lesser-known exploits of the underappreciated Union men who went up against Mosby's Rangers during those crucial final years of the war that readers will find most compelling. The reader will learn about men like Richard Blazer, Henry Harrison Young, and Jack Sterry as well as the units with which they served, the Jesse Scouts and Blazer's Scouts. O'Donnell also explains the role of the Confederate Secret Service fleshing it out in a way that will be eye-opening to many. After finishing this book, the reader will have a better understanding of the importance of this shadow war of special operations that contributed to Union victory. The lessons learned helped later generations form our modern special operations forces of WWII and beyond. With so many Civil War titles to choose from, this book stands out as a unique topic that needed to be told.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting stories I must say it got a little repetitive of the types of stories unless you really knew civil war history could tie it all together. I liked the little know a little bit more about the technology they used or how they communicated with each other or how they trained people, but the actual events were really interesting and fun could be a great movie. I definitely didn’t realize all the tricks all the gorilla warfare all the ways confederacy was really pulling out the stops and doing everything possible to fight with what they had for what they believed in against all odds and was nearly successful amazing . If you like spy stories if you like history if you like interesting characters in military, this is a decent Reed. Try it out very well researched and very well written.