Jeb Stuart
Jeb Stuart was a combination leadership general in the mid-nineteenth century. He was a great leader as well as a good follower. In the following paragraphs I intend to tell about his life before the army and his life during his service, explain why he was such a great leader, and discuss the roles he played in the battles he fought.Every great story has a beginning. This one is no exception. James Ewell Brown Stuart was born on February sixth, eighteen thirty-three. He was the seventh of twelve children and the youngest son. Stuart attended Emory and Henry College before being appointed to the United States Military Academy. He graduated thirteenth out of forty-six in his class and was appointed cavalry sergeant, which was the highest rank attainable for these cadets. After graduation Stuart of course entered the U.S. army and because of his participation in the military academy was given the rank of second lieutenant, and was assigned to the regiment of the Mounted Texas Riflemen. He excelled in leading the regiment, and was promoted and transferred to the newly formed first Regiment, U.S. Cavalry. On January fifteenth, eighteen sixty-one Jeb sent a letter to Jefferson Davis askin
His first service was in the Shenandoah Valley, but he was at First Manassas where he nipped at the Union right flank, and then tried to organize a pursuit. Lee then moved into the North, ending up in Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. g him for a position in the confederate army. The losses were roughly equal, Stuart held the field, but he hadn't routed the Yankees as he almost always had before. Just before the Seven Days Battles he led his brigade in a raid behind the Union lines. Just after the Seven Days Battles Stuart was promoted to Major General and given command of a whole division of cavalry. It was his largest command to date, and a difficult time. His cavalry didn't play much role at Fredericksburg, only covering a flank, but the next spring at Chancellorsville they were vital. He saw action in most of the battles in the eastern theater. Though little damage was done the raids were great boosts to confederate morale. Stuart's force was outnumbered; Union cavalry had matched the confederates in quality, and Sheridan was as fine a general as Stuart. Stuart couldn't prevent Sheridan raiding the communications of the Army of Northern Virginia, but Stuart intercepted Sheridan as he was returning to his base. Then he couldn't force the Union rear, being checked by Gregg and Custer.
Common topics in this essay:
Stuart Stuart,
Valley Manassas,
Jefferson Davis,
Gettysburg Stuart,
Days Battles,
Jeb Stuart,
Army Potomac,
Military Academy,
Dutchmen Jackson,
Battles Stuart,
cavalry didn't,
confederate morale,
union cavalry,
seven days battles,
confederate army,
union flank,
cavalry stuart,
sent letter,
gettysburg stuart,
mortally wounded,
days battles,
james ewell brown,
|