Saber & Scapegoat: J.E.B. Stuart and the Gettysburg Controversey

by Mark Nesbitt

The major facts of the Gettysburg campaign and battle are well known, but controversies about its outcome abound even today. No issue is more contested than that of the whereabouts of the dashing cavalryman, Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart. Author Mark Nesbitt gives a detailed reconstruction of Stuart's actions during the campaign and presents the case that Stuart was not at fault for the loss: He was following orders to the best of his ability. The blame surrounding Stuart only surfaced after the war when, in an attempt to exonerate Lee, some veterans vilified Stuart unfairly. Unfortunately for the great cavalryman, that culpability has stuck. Nesbitt's findings challenge generations of Gettysburg historiography and are certain to fuel the controversy for years to come.
Mark Nesbitt, former park ranger and historian at Gettysburg National Military Park, is a recognized authority on the Gettysburg campaign. He has written tour pamphlets, screenplays, and audio scripts for the National Park Service and private enterprises in Gettysburg. He has written numerous books, including 35 Days to Gettysburg: The Campaign Diaries of Two American Enemies (0-8117-2578-2).

Genres: Civil War

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Mark Nesbitt was a National Park Service Ranger/Historian for five years at Gettysburg before starting his own research and writing company. Since then he has published fourteen books including the national award-winning Ghosts of Gettysburg series. His stories have been seen on The History Channel, A&E, The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, Unsolved Mysteries, and numerous regional television shows and heard on Coast to Coast AM, and regional radio. In 1994, he created the commercially successful Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wrote my senior thesis on this very topic in 1994. Obviously, the author is a much more accomplished historian than I am, and he presents a fascinating, well-articulated argument.

The do-no-wrong sentiments of many Robert E. Lee supporters will be strongly challenged. Although Stuart was unafraid to take risks and a great, he was first and foremost a loyal and responsible subordinate.

Had Stuart lived through the war there might have been a very different telling of his contributions.

Longstreet is a hack!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the war Douglas Freeman in an attempt to absolve Lee of any blame for Gettysburg blamed Stuart for the loss. This story was included in almost every book written for years. Mark Nesbitt sets the record straight. Excellent research. J.E.B. Stuart was following orders from Lee and had left plenty of cavalry for the army (that Lee did not use). Love this book!

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective of the Battle of Gettysburg. However, I got annoyed by the authors repetition of facts and evidence. I love how he gives Stuart's perspective, orders, and how he get his terrible reputation after Gettysburg. However, the constant beating of that drum was too much