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James Ewell Brown (“Jeb”) Stuart (1833–1864)
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When this image was taken in 1863, James E. B. Stuart
was in command of the cavalry in Lee’s Army of Northern
Virginia. Lee relied heavily on Stuart’s ability
to gather intelligence about the enemy’s strengths
and whereabouts and to screen his own army’s movements.
Stuart’s ride around McClellan’s army during the
Peninsular Campaign in June 1862 became legendary
in its day. Stuart personally relished the attention
and laurels his cavalry garnered, and success became
one of the spurs that drove him to new and daring
feats. An ambitious reconnaissance he made during
the Gettysburg campaign put him out of communication
with the main army at what proved to be a critical
moment. His failure to keep Lee informed and his
tardy arrival upon the battlefield have been disputed
by Lee’s lieutenants and military historians alike.
Stuart never let down his vigilance thereafter or
gave his chief anxious moments of silence about
the enemy again. In May 1864, Stuart died from wounds
suffered in a clash with Sheridan’s cavalry at Yellow
Tavern near Richmond. |
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George S. Cook (1819–1902)
Salt print, 1863
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
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