I've been wondering if Confederate guerilla fighters, such as Mosby's Rangers of northern VA, might also be members of early Klan-type organizations that terrorized African Americans during Reconstruction. If so, do any documents support this speculation? During the Civil War, Mosby's Rangers were notorious for guerilla operations against the Union army. Several of these Virginia Confederates refused to surrender at the end of the war.

In Fauquier County, VA, several white families that my black ancestors lived near and/or worked for (1867-1870) had strong ties to John Singleton Mosby (aka "Gray Ghost of the Confederacy") and the men of Mosby's Rangers. Mosby used the homes of the Rector, Hathaway, and Blackwell families as headquarters and hide-aways, where he also kept secret stores of weapons and ammunition. According to Freedman's Bureau records, KKK-style intimidation, assault, and murder of African Americans were frequently reported in Fauquier County. The few records I've seen don't name the perpetrators. I can't help thinking that some of Mosby's men might be involved. No wonder my ancestors moved to Pennsylvania by 1878!