pretty much until Sheridan came East and consequently with JEB Stuart dead, the Union didn't use their Cavalry correctly.
But since the Confederates couldn't knock out the US that quickly, it is amazing (and a tribute too) the skill that the warriors the CSA had in fighting that war.
I've often thought about how the South was such an under dog when entering this war. They didn't come close to the factoryies, shipyards and the like.........and to be able to hold the North off for 4 years is a testament to those men and their commanders.