[SAMWolf]

Then there was the telegram he sent to the US Quatermaster General during the winter of 1862 complaining about the quality of mules he had been capturing lately.

LOL. It's a shame his not being there at Gettysburg blemished his record.

[carton253]

I have read many books on Gettysburg... (still more to read and learn from) but I don't think JEB deserves the bum rap that he has received throughout history.

First of all, Stuart had permission to get in the Yankee rear and disrupt communications, supply lines, etc. Lee gave him a great deal of latitude.

Second of all... Stuart left instruction with one of his regiments (I want to say Grumble Jones) to ride north and provide cover for Lee. This order was not obeyed. (This tidbit comes from the book "High Tide at Gettysburg")

Third of all... Lee had calvary with him. He was not as blind as history make Lee out to be. He did have calvary with him.

Fourth of all... When the Union Army began North, Stuart rode North to join Lee but chose not to go the direct route. Instead he wanted to circle the Union Army again. This, he should not have done. After capturing 125 wagons... he could not get far enough ahead of the Union Army to circle in front and join Lee.

Fifth of all... Stuart's orders were not to join Lee but to meet Ewell at Hanover. Stuart arrived at Hanover and not only was Ewell not there (he was on his way to Gettysburg), Ewell didn't leave word for Stuart as to where he went.

To me, there is a huge injustice done to Stuart's reputation. I would hold him responsible for his decision to continue to ride around the Union Army instead of disengaging and meeting Ewell at Hanover. But... he wasn't AWOL or disobeying orders... He was performing well within the parameters of his order.

I have two more books on Gettysburg coming in the next week or two. I will have to read and see what the authors say about Stuart.