The Fog of War

The Fog of War. The Mosby, also, Forbes Chase of July 4 to July 6, 1864. , ❶ Evening, July 4, 1864: Union Col. Charles Lowell sends Major William Forbes from Fairfax with 157 horse soldiers of the 2nd Massachusetts and 13th New York Cavalry (detachments) on patrol between Aldie and Leesburg to report any Confederate movements. Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby and his cavalrymen are encamped at Point of Rocks., ❷ Morning, July 5: Major Forbes passes through Aldie and finds “all quiet.” Forbes continues north passing Ball's Mill to Leesburg, returning to camp south of the mill. , ❸ Evening, July 5: Mosby receives a report that Union cavalry is in Leesburg. He moves around Leesburg and halts near Waterford. , ❹ Morning July 6: Forbes breaks camp and rides by Balls Mill to Leesburg. Finding no evidence of Mosby's Rangers, they return to Goose Creek. , ❺ Morning, July 6: Mosby rides to Leesburg but finds Forbes has departed towards “Oatlands.” The Rangers head south for a possible ambush. , ❻ Afternoon, July 6: Forbes moves east on Little River Turnpike, halting near the Skinner farmhouse. Mosby's scouts shadow Forbes's cavalry, moving onto the turnpike east of the Federal troopers. , ❼ Afternoon, July 6: Mosby moves west and confronts Forbes at Mount Zion Church and the Skinner farm. Supported by a cannon, the mounted Rangers charge Forbes's dismounted cavalry, either capturing them or forcing them from the field.