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LIFE OF J. E. B. STUART
LIFE OF J. E. B. STUART
BY MARY L. WILLIAMSON Author of Life of Lee, Life of Jackson, and Life of Washington EDITED AND ARRANGED FOR SCHOOL USE BY E. O. WIGGINS English Department, Lynchburg High School, Virginia Harrisonburg, Virginia SPRINKLE PUBLICATIONS 1989 Harrisonburg, Virginia SPRINKLE PUBLICATIONS 1989 BOOKS by Mary L. Williamson For Third Grade Life of Lee 183 pages, cloth. Price, 35 cents For Fourth Grade Life of Jackson 248 pages, cloth. Price, 40 cents For Fifth Grade Life of Washington 211 pages cloth. Pr
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PREFACE
PREFACE
Some years ago, to fill what appeared to me a need in our literature for children, I made a study of the lives and campaigns of General R. E. Lee and of General Stonewall Jackson and prepared, for very young readers, histories of those great commanders. In performing these tasks, I became interested in the combats and maneuvers of General Lee’s chief of cavalry, Major-General J. E. B. Stuart, who has been justly called “the eyes and ears of Lee.” As the years go by, I find no book in print recou
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The publishers wish to acknowledge their obligations to Mrs. H. B. McClellan for permission to use material from her husband’s book, Life and Campaigns of General J. E. B. Stuart ; to General T. T. Munford and to Judge Theodore S. Garnett for information and pictures; to Mr. J. E. B. Stuart and the Confederate Museum, Richmond, Va., for permission to make photographic copies of the personal relics of General Stuart in the Museum; and to Mrs. J. E. B. Stuart for the ambrotype and letters of Gener
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Henry of Navarre was a famous French king who led his forces to a glorious victory in a civil war. An English writer, Lord Macaulay, wrote a stirring poem in which a French soldier is represented as describing this battle. Here is his picture of the great, beloved king:— “The King is come to marshal us, in all his armor drest, And he has bound a snow-white plume upon his gallant crest. He looked upon his people and a tear was in his eye, He looked upon the traitors and his glance was stern and h
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CHAPTER I YOUTHFUL DAYS 1833-’54
CHAPTER I YOUTHFUL DAYS 1833-’54
James Ewell Brown Stuart, commonly known as “Jeb” Stuart from the first three initials of his name, was born in Patrick county, Virginia, February 6, 1833. On each side of his family, he could point to a line of ancestors who had served their country well in war and peace and from whom he inherited his high ideals of duty, patriotism, and religion. He was of Scotch descent and his ancestors belonged to a clan of note in the history of Scotland. From Scotland a member of this clan went to Ireland
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CHAPTER II A LIEUTENANT IN THE UNITED STATES CAVALRY 1854-’61
CHAPTER II A LIEUTENANT IN THE UNITED STATES CAVALRY 1854-’61
Most of Stuart’s time from his graduation at West Point until the outbreak of the War of Secession was spent in military service along the southern and western borders of our country. During this period, there was almost constant warfare between Indians and frontier settlers. Stuart had many interesting adventures in helping to protect the settlers and to drive the Indians back into their own territory. The training that he received at this time helped to develop him into a great cavalry and art
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CHAPTER III A COLONEL OF CONFEDERATE CAVALRY 1861
CHAPTER III A COLONEL OF CONFEDERATE CAVALRY 1861
There seems to have been no doubt in the mind of Lieutenant Stuart as to what he should do in the event of Virginia’s withdrawal from the Union. As soon as he heard that the Old Dominion had seceded, he forwarded to the War Department his resignation as an officer in the United States army, and hastening to Richmond, he enlisted in the militia of his native state. Like most other southerners, he preferred poverty and hardships in defense of the South to all the honors and wealth which the United
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CHAPTER IV A BRIGADIER GENERAL: THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN AND THE CHICKAHOMINY RAID 1861-’62
CHAPTER IV A BRIGADIER GENERAL: THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN AND THE CHICKAHOMINY RAID 1861-’62
On September 24, 1861, Stuart received his promotion as brigadier general. His brigade included four Virginia regiments, one North Carolina regiment, and the Jeff Davis Legion of Cavalry. These regiments were composed of high-spirited, brave young men who could ride dashingly and shoot with the skill of backwoodsmen, but who were for the most part untrained in military affairs. Stuart, however, was an untiring drillmaster and by his personal efforts he developed his brigade into a command of cap
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CHAPTER V A MAJOR GENERAL: CAMP LIFE AND THE SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS 1862
CHAPTER V A MAJOR GENERAL: CAMP LIFE AND THE SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS 1862
As a reward for his faithful and efficient services in the Peninsular Campaign, Stuart received his commission as major general of cavalry on July 25, 1862. His forces were now organized into two brigades, with Brigadier-General Wade Hampton in command of the first and Brigadier-General Fitzhugh Lee in command of the second. During the month following the defeat of McClellan, these two brigades were placed by turns on picket duty on the Charles City road to guard Richmond and in the camp of inst
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CHAPTER VI THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN 1862
CHAPTER VI THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN 1862
General Lee knew, however, that he did not have men enough to take by assault the strong fortifications around Washington, and he, therefore, planned to cross over into Maryland before the Federal army had recovered from its defeat, when its commanders were least expecting him. In order that he might completely mislead them and make it appear that he was beginning a general attack on Washington, he ordered Stuart and his troops to advance toward that city. In their advance, they engaged in sever
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CHAPTER VII THE CHAMBERSBURG RAID 1862
CHAPTER VII THE CHAMBERSBURG RAID 1862
On October 8, after a final dance and serenade to the ladies at The Bower, Stuart started out to join the forces that he had ordered to assemble at Darkesville, from which point he was to lead them on the famous “Chambersburg Raid.” The purpose of this raid, which had been ordered by General Lee, was to march into Pennsylvania and Maryland and to secure information concerning the location of McClellan’s army, and also to secure provisions and horses for the Confederate forces. Not a soldier of t
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CHAPTER VIII THE CAVALRY AT CULPEPER AND FREDERICKSBURG 1862-’63
CHAPTER VIII THE CAVALRY AT CULPEPER AND FREDERICKSBURG 1862-’63
The brief space of two days was all the time given to the men and horses of Stuart’s command to rest and enjoy life at The Bower, before they were again called out to active service. General McClellan had sent two large forces of infantry and cavalry across the river to find out whether General Lee’s army was still in the Valley or whether it had moved east of the Blue Ridge mountains. After several skirmishes with Stuart’s cavalry, these troops retired, convinced that Lee was still in the Valle
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CHAPTER IX CHANCELLORSVILLE 1863
CHAPTER IX CHANCELLORSVILLE 1863
In the meanwhile, General Lee’s soldiers across the Rappahannock river suffered greatly for want of proper food and clothing during the long cold winter. The appeals of their beloved commander to the Confederate government were not heeded; but the soldiers endured their privations with great fortitude and when spring arrived, they were ready for the coming great battle with the army of “Fighting Joe Hooker.” On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, there was a cavalry engagement at Kelly’s Ford, near Cul
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CHAPTER X THE BATTLE OF BRANDY STATION 1863
CHAPTER X THE BATTLE OF BRANDY STATION 1863
Soon after the battle of Chancellorsville, Lee’s army was reenforced by the return of Longstreet’s corps, which had been for some time at Suffolk, Va., and the cavalry was increased by the addition of new regiments from North Carolina and the Shenandoah Valley. Lee’s total forces were now about 80,000 and his men, encouraged by their recent victory, were in good fighting trim. Lee decided to carry the scene of war once more into northern territory. He hoped to form a line of battle near the Susq
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CHAPTER XI THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN 1863
CHAPTER XI THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN 1863
Stuart did not attempt to follow Pleasanton, because Lee’s plan for the invasion of the North would not allow the useless sacrifice of men and horses. Indeed, all of the cavalry was needed to screen his army as it marched through the Blue Ridge gaps into the Valley, from which point it was to cross the Potomac into Maryland. While Longstreet’s corps, which was the last to move from Culpeper, was advancing to the Valley, Stuart and his cavalry had a hard time trying to protect Ashby’s and Snicker
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CHAPTER XII FINAL CAMPAIGNS AND DEATH 1863-’64
CHAPTER XII FINAL CAMPAIGNS AND DEATH 1863-’64
General Meade now advanced into Virginia and attempted to follow General Lee and cut him off from Richmond. Lee being at once informed by Stuart of the movement, skillfully eluded his foe and by the first of August, had placed his army behind the Rappahannock river, between Meade and Richmond. The cavalry now had a short period of rest. The whole force was reorganized, and Hampton and Fitz Lee were promoted to the rank of major general. This much-needed rest was broken on September 13, by the ad
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CHAPTER XIII SOME TRIBUTES TO STUART
CHAPTER XIII SOME TRIBUTES TO STUART
While General Stuart’s life was ebbing away, General Sheridan retired from the attack on Richmond. The delay at Ashland and the all-day fight at Yellow Tavern in which two brigades of Stuart’s cavalry had detained the ten thousand men of Sheridan’s command, had given the authorities at Richmond time to collect forces for the defense of the city. General Fitz Lee who now commanded the cavalry, harassed the retreat of Sheridan for a while, but his men and horses were too worn-out to attempt to cut
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Chapter I
Chapter I
Give three incidents to prove that Stuart inherited his spirit of patriotism and devotion to duty. Tell an interesting story connected with his grandmother, Bethenia Letcher Pannill. What do you know of Stuart’s life at Laurel Hill? Tell what you can about his early education. Give an account of his life at West Point. What do you know of his religious feelings and convictions? Tell about his choice of a profession and his equipment for it....
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Chapter II
Chapter II
How did Stuart win distinction in his first military service? What good qualities for a soldier and leader did he show in this adventure? What two events of deep personal interest happened to Stuart in the fall of 1855? Tell about the political trouble in Kansas at this time. Who was “Ossawatomie” Brown? Tell about Stuart’s being wounded in a fight with Indians. What qualities did he show in leading the party back to Fort Kearny? What was the reason for his visit to Washington in 1859? What inte
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Chapter III
Chapter III
What was Stuart’s first cavalry commission under the Confederate government? What kind of troops did he have, and what was his work? Tell about his wonderful capture at Falling Waters. What did General Joseph E. Johnston say about Stuart? Tell about Stuart’s part in the First Battle of Manassas. Tell about the visits paid Stuart by his family at his outpost near Washington. What did General Longstreet write President Davis about Stuart?...
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Chapter IV
Chapter IV
See if you can paint a word-picture of Stuart when he was made a brigadier general. Why did the soldiers still keep their confidence in Stuart after his defeat at the battle of Dranesville? What was the Peninsular Campaign? What was Stuart’s part in it, up to the time that General Lee was made commander of the Army of Northern Virginia? Describe the Chickahominy Raid. Why is this raid one of the most wonderful cavalry achievements in history? Tell two interesting incidents connected with the cap
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Chapter V
Chapter V
What was Stuart’s reward for his services in the Peninsular Campaign? Tell about the reörganization of the cavalry. Give an account of life at Dundee. What brought it to a close? Tell about the capture of Stuart’s hat. Give an account of the adventure in which he “made the Yankees pay for that hat.” What was Stuart’s part in the Second Battle of Manassas?...
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Chapter VI
Chapter VI
Tell about the capture of Fairfax Courthouse. Tell a story to show how the people of this section felt toward General Stuart and the cause for which he fought. Describe the crossing of the cavalry into Maryland. Do you think the Maryland people were glad to welcome the Confederates into their State? Why? Tell about the ball at Urbana. How did the Confederates treat the Unionists in Frederick? Describe Stuart’s retreat from Frederick to South Mountain. What were the principal mountain passes and
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Chapter VII
Chapter VII
Would you have been proud of being one of the soldiers chosen by Stuart to accompany him on the Chambersburg Raid? Why? Give a brief account of the raid. To whom did Stuart assign all the glory and honor? What was the effect of the raid on the North? On the South? Why was Stuart sometimes called “Knight of the Golden Spurs?”...
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Chapter VIII
Chapter VIII
Tell about McClellan’s campaign in the autumn of 1862 and the retreat of the cavalry toward Culpeper. What exciting adventure did Stuart have at Ashby’s Gap? What qualities as a man and a soldier did Stuart show during the illness and after the death of his “little Flora”? When and how did Stuart lose a part of his mustache? What was the condition of Stuart’s cavalry at the time that Burnside took McClellan’s place as commander of the Federal army? Tell about the snowball fight in the Confederat
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Chapter IX
Chapter IX
Tell about the death of young Pelham and Stuart’s love for him. Give an account of Stuart’s encounters with the Federal cavalry just before the battle of Chancellorsville. How did Stuart and his cavalry assist Jackson in surprising the Federal left flank? When Jackson was wounded, what did he say about Stuart? How did Stuart fulfill Jackson’s trust? Tell about Stoneman’s raid and its result....
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Chapter X
Chapter X
Describe the Culpeper cavalry review. Draw a diagram showing how the Federals gave Stuart a double surprise in the battle of Fleetwood Hill, or Brandy Station, attacking him from both the front and the rear. Describe the final combat for the possession of the hill....
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Chapter XI
Chapter XI
Why did Lee’s plan prevent Stuart’s following up Pleasanton’s retreat? Why did not Stuart follow the route of the remainder of the army when he started into Pennsylvania to join Early at York? Describe his march from Seneca Ford to Carlisle. In the light of what he knew, would it have been wise for Stuart to abandon his captured wagons? Give a reason for your opinion. How long did his saving the wagons delay his march? Do you think that he would have kept the wagons if he had known what was happ
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Chapter XII
Chapter XII
Tell about General Lee’s position and Stuart’s encounter with Buford and Kilpatrick at Jack’s Shop. What was the “Bristoe Campaign?” Tell how Stuart drove the Federals a second time from Fleetwood Hill. What narrow escape did Stuart and his cavalry have near Catlett’s Station? Tell about Virginia Pelham Stuart. What northern general took command of all the Federal armies in the spring of 1864? Tell about the Battle of the Wilderness. What interesting anecdote is told about Stuart when he was on
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Chapter XIII
Chapter XIII
What tribute did Fitz Lee pay his dead commander? What private and public tributes were paid by General Robert E. Lee? How did the city of Richmond show her grief at the time of Stuart’s death? What later tributes has she given to her hero and defender? The Federal and Confederate armies in the War of Secession were organized in practically the same way. There were a few points of difference, and in active service the numbers and arrangement of military forces varied and were changed....
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ARTILLERY
ARTILLERY
When infantry regiments are combined into brigades, brigades into divisions, and divisions into army corps,—cavalry, artillery, and certain other auxiliary troops, such as engineers, signal corps, etc., are joined with them in such proportions as are necessary. Every unit, from the company up, has its own supply and ammunition wagons, field hospitals, etc....
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WORD LIST
WORD LIST
Ab o li′tion party : a political party, founded by Garrison about 1833, the object of which was to free all slaves in the United States. ad vănçe′ : forward movement of a military force. advance guard : troops which march in front, in order to secure a military force against surprise. āid′-dē-cămp : an officer who assists a general by sending orders, collecting information, etc. āide : a military or naval officer who assists a superior officer. A pä′ch e : a warlike Indian tribe originally locat
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