The Mosby Heritage Area Association invites history buffs, friends and supporters to an April 2, 2017 talk by editor Lee Lawrence on "Society of Rebels: the Civil War Diary of Amanda Edmonds."

The talk will begin at 2:00pm at the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church (Now called the Ashby Chapel) at 684 Federal Street, Paris, VA 20130 and will conclude at a reception at nearby historic Belle Grove in Delaplane.

Tickets are $30 for MHAA members and $40 for non-members and may be purchased at www.mosbyheritagearea.org/events.

Amanda Edmonds kept a diary in the years leading to and during the Civil War, from her home in Delaplane, Belle Grove. Amanda mentions many cavalrymen and soldiers passing through her farm as she lived in what was known as a Safe House for Mosby's Rangers to hide from the Union. Belle Grove was located in a very heavily-traveled area during the Civil War, Paris in Fauquier County and both sides vied for control of the area often. Amanda's brothers rode with the Virginia cavalry, in addition to riding with Mosby's Rangers, the 43rd Virginia Battalion. Editor Lee Lawrence will discuss the fate of some of the soldiers and cavalrymen mentioned in the diary entries.

Lee Lawrence offers a new edition of the diary, featuring never before published entries which give us an eye witness account of America's most brutal war. The afternoon will conclude at Amanda's home, Belle Grove, for a reception and tour. Lee Lawrence also will share original photos of the Edmonds/Chappel family. Belle Grove Plantation