By Warren C. Robinson
“The Army was much embarrassed by the absence of the
cavalry,” Robert E. Lee wrote of the Gettysburg campaign, stirring a
controversy that continues even today. Lee’s statement was an indirect
indictment of Gen. James Ewell Brown (“Jeb”) Stuart, who was the cavalry. This
book reexamines the questions that have shadowed the legendary Confederate hero
and offers a fresh, informed interpretation of his role at Gettysburg.
Avoiding the partisan pros and cons characterizing previous
accounts, Warren C. Robinson reassesses the historical record to come to a
clearer view of Stuart’s orders for the crucial battle (as well as what was
expected of him), of his actual performance, and of the impact his late arrival
had on the outcome of the campaign. Though Stuart may not have disobeyed Lee’s
orders, Robinson argues, he did abuse the general’s discretion by raiding
Washington rather than scouting for the army at Gettysburg—a move that
profoundly affected Confederate fortunes and perhaps the war itself.
ISBN 978-0803248564, University of Nebraska Press, © 2007,
Paperback, 216 Pages, Photographs & Illustrations, Maps End Notes, Bibliography
& Index. $17.95. To Purchase the book click HERE.
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