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J.E.B. Stuart: Battle of Gettysburg Scapegoat
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America's Civil War |
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.
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. Help HistoryNet by bookmarking to
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7            Tags: 19th Century, America's Civil War, American Civil War, Historical Conflicts, Historical Figures
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2 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