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J.E.B. Stuart: Battle of Gettysburg ScapegoatAmerica's Civil War | 6 comments | Print This Post | Email This Post
Stuart, based on the directions given him, did everything that could have been expected of him. Typically, raids on enemy communications are only a nuisance and rarely cause any real damage. Still, in carrying out the raid, Stuart followed his orders to the letter. Given no real timetable, he moved quickly, doing what damage he could, and brought in much-needed provisions for the army. Expecting to meet Ewell’s corps at the Susquehanna River, Stuart chose the best available route. All the same, he lost valuable time by lugging with him the captured wagon train and prisoners, which gave the Union cavalry time to intercept him at Hanover, Pa., causing Stuart to lose an extra day. Subscribe Today
In the end, there was blame enough for all. Lee and Longstreet should have given better instructions. Stuart should have left behind better officers than Jones and Robertson, who, in turn, should have better carried out their clearly stated orders. Mosby should have given Stuart better scouting information. Ewell should have made more of an effort to find Stuart and come to his aid at Hanover. All could have joined Lee in groaning, after Gettysburg, Too bad! Too bad! Oh, too bad!
This article was written by Daniel Zimmerman and originally appeared in the May 1998 issue of America’s Civil War. For more great articles be sure to pick up your copy of America’s Civil War. Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Help HistoryNet by bookmarking to
            Tags: 19th Century, America's Civil War, American Civil War, Historical Conflicts, Historical Figures
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6 Comments to “J.E.B. Stuart: Battle of Gettysburg Scapegoat”
A long article that misses the point. The first, and foremost decision in a battle is the ground upon which it is to be fought. For some reason, one must always justify Lee’s blunder. The truth is, Lee’s success prior to Gettysburg was mainly due to the strategic decisions recommended by Jackson. Check the battle history of the Confederates, pre and post Gettysburg.
Lee was a mild mannered, extreme egotist, and this was reflected at Gettysburg. Longstreet had it correct, re-deploy the army and select the ground upon which to fight. The significant battles of the Gettysburg campaign
were fought on the worst possible terrain for the Confederates, and Lee made all those battle decisions.
The question is raised: Was lee really the great general of the southern forces?
By DENNIS MILAM on Sep 17, 2008 at 6:57 am
Lee was a great General, just as their are great college football coaches. However, anytime one is a great college head coach, watch how quickly his offensive and defensive cordinators move on to be HEAD COACHES?
Lee had a “Loose” management style, undestanding that great Generals like Jackson and Longstreet performed best when NOT micromanaged, and allowed to utilize their critical thinking skills.(And prior to Gettysburg it was a perfect style.)………..Lee assumed that other Generals did not need exacts, and details as well?….But, some did……And Gettysburg was where it surfaced….On both sides, according to all military’s of the world studdying the War of Northern Agression, all are in agreement that Stonewall Jackson’s mind to military tactics, was as Einstein was to physics!…………But, Lee was still a magnificent field commander.
By roho on Jan 30, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Stuart was not the scapegoat—Custer was the hero at Gettesburg..plain and simple. Lee’s battle plan on the thrid day was wonderful–but it was spoiled by one George Armstrong Custer. The East Calvery Battelfield was the key to victory, and the North won that battle thus keeping Stuart from carrying out his mission. If Stuart could have made it into the rear of the Meade with his 5800 horsemen, then Pickett’s charge would not have been in vain. Study the battle–you will see the truth.
By albert sewell on Feb 17, 2009 at 9:26 am
General Lee’s army won battle after battle against federal troops who were led by less than stellar generals. Did General Lee get the idea his army was invincible? I tend to think so. Would the Battle of Gettysburg have a different outcome if he had listened more to his generals? I think so. The loss of General Jackson was also a factor at Gettysburg.
By Denzil Minyard on Oct 31, 2009 at 11:07 pm