In his presentation, our guest speaker David Goetz will explore Colonel John Singleton Mosby’s role—and that of his Rangers—not only in the Civil War, but especially in the Lincoln conspiracies. He will examine Mosby’s service as both soldier and spy; his refinement of the “need-to-know” principle; his communications network with Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia; and the critical use of cover stories to conceal the actions of Mosby and his men.

You will learn about deep-cover Confederate clandestine operatives in Washington and Baltimore, and how Ranger Lewis Powell was introduced to John Wilkes Booth, ultimately becoming part of Booth’s circle. Mr. Goetz will also detail how Mosby’s men tracked Booth and David Herold as they fled Washington, moved through Maryland, and crossed into Virginia following Lincoln’s assassination. In addition, he will examine the role of Confederate munitions expert and saboteur Sgt. Frank Harney, whose mission was to destroy the White House—with Lincoln and his cabinet inside.

David Goetz
David Goetz is the owner of Mosby’s Confederacy Tours, where he leads guided tours through “Mosby’s Confederacy,” encompassing the Virginia counties of Fauquier, Loudoun, Warren, and Clarke. He is the author of two non-fiction works. His most recent book, Ever the Gray Ghost: Colonel John Singleton Mosby and the Lincoln Conspiracies, explores the clandestine dimensions of the Lincoln Conspiracies and Colonel Mosby’s role within them. His first book, “Hell is Being a Republican in Virginia”: The Postwar Relationship Between John Singleton Mosby and Ulysses S. Grant, examines Mosby’s efforts toward peace and reconciliation with President Grant during and after Reconstruction.

Mr. Goetz is descended from the family of Chaplain Father James M. Graves, a Jesuit priest who served with Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson in the Army of Virginia during 1861–62. He is a past commander of Black Horse Camp #780, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Fauquier County, Virginia, and currently serves on the board of directors of the Fauquier Historical Society.

Professionally, Mr. Goetz has worked in public relations, sales, and marketing, primarily with nonprofit organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Master of Science in Community Development from the University of Louisville. A U.S. Army veteran, he received an Honorable Discharge and resides in Culpeper County, Virginia.