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

From bestselling author Patrick K. O’Donnell comes The Unvanquished, the untold story of the shadow war that shaped the Civil War and inspired modern American special operations. Beyond famous battles like Gettysburg and Antietam, O’Donnell reveals the crucial role of Lincoln’s special forces—the Jessie Scouts—who waged daring raids and spy missions against John Singleton Mosby’s Confederate Rangers. Disguising themselves in enemy uniforms and risking death if captured, they targeted supply lines, high-value figures, and influenced key campaigns, including Appomattox.

Drawing on firsthand accounts, O’Donnell introduces remarkable figures such as Archibald Rowand, Richard Blazer, Mosby, and enslaved spy Thomas Laws. He also uncovers the Confederate Secret Service’s covert efforts to influence the 1864 election and even plot Lincoln’s kidnapping. Blending thrilling action with groundbreaking research, The Unvanquished illuminates a hidden front of the Civil War that proved decisive in America’s destiny.