JEB Stuart's Ride Around Mcclellan

[Jim Klag]

New to command but ever audacious, Lee planned to defend Richmond with an all-out counterattack. First, however, he had to determine exactly where the Union army’s right flank ended. Lee thereupon ordered his young cavalry chief, General “Jeb” Stuart, to make a reconnaissance in force.

Before dawn on Thursday, June 12, 1862, Stuart and some 1,200 horsemen quietly rode northward from Richmond. Southern cavalry quickly discovered what Lee wanted to know. Yet instead of returning promptly with the information, Stuart decided to pinpoint the Union army’s other flank. This, of course, necessitated riding completely around McClellan’s vast Army of the Potomac.

Stuart's Ride Around McClellan

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[diane]

Very concise article! Jeb Stuart was what Lee wanted all his officers to be - follow my orders and think for yourself as well! Stuart was usually right and always brought Lee more than he expected. Spoiled his boss!

Can never resist the ditty Stuart wrote, either!