Cavalryman of the Lost Cause

June 23, 2008
Wert (The Sword of Lincoln
) adds to his status as a top-ranking Civil War scholar in this excellent biography of the Confederacy’s best-known cavalry general. Jeb Stuart’s reputation has faded somewhat in recent years, particularly for his alleged failures during the Gettysburg campaign. Wert integrates comprehensive archival and printed sources to describe a man shaped by a zest for life, religious faith and devotion to duty, who from his youth sought achievement and recognition. Soldiering promised both. The initial dominance of Confederate cavalry in the east during the Civil War was a product of Stuart’s skills as leader and organizer, trainer and tactician. Above all he was a master at reconnaissance and screening. His decision at Gettysburg to ride around the Union army instead of rejoining Robert E. Lee was a mistake. But its serious consequences were in good part due to Lee’s dependence on his now-absent source of reconnaissance, and the Union cavalry’s ability to learn from repeated defeat at Stuart’s hands. Wert’s biography goes far in restoring Stuart’s claim to be “the greatest cavalry officer ever foaled in America.” 8 pages of b&w photos; maps.

The cavalry formed the eyes and ears of General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Mounted soldiers, led by General "Jeb" Stuart, searched for the enemy, manned the artillery, and fought in battles never again rivaled in casualties and death. Although centered on Stuart, the story is seasoned with smaller biographies. Narrator Michael Prichard applies his art at transforming endless facts of troop movements and battlefield geography into an educational experience. Prichard does no theatrics with voices or accents but makes it clear when someone other than the author writes or speaks. He modulates his emphasis, tone, and rhythm to sound conversational and relaxed. The Civil War historical experience can be a challenge to understand, but Prichard makes it easy to stay focused and absorb the big picture. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine