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Year of Glory: The Life and Battles of Jeb Stuart and His Cavalry, June 1862-June 1863
No commander during the Civil War is more closely identified with the “cavalier mystique” as Major General J.E.B. (Jeb) Stuart. And none played a more prominent role during the brief period when the hopes of the nascent Confederacy were at their apex, when it appeared as though the Army of Northern Virginia could not be restrained from establishing Southern nationhood.
Jeb Stuart was not only successful in leading Robert E. Lee’s cavalry in dozens of campaigns and raids, but for riding magnificent horses, dressing outlandishly, and participating in balls and parties that epitomized the “moonlight and magnolia” image of the Old South. Longstreet reported that at the height of the Battle of Second Manasses, Stuart rode off singing, “If you want to have good time, jine the cavalry . . .” Porter Alexander remembered him singing, in the midst of the miraculous victory at Chancellorsville, “Old Joe Hooker, won’t you come out of the Wilderness?”
Stuart was blessed with an unusually positive personality—always upbeat, charming, boisterous, and humorous, remembered as the only man who could make Stonewall Jackson laugh, reciting poetry when not engaged in battle, and yet never using alcohol or other stimulants. Year of Glory focuses on the twelve months in which Stuart’s reputation was made, following his career on an almost day-to-day basis from June 1862, when Lee took command of the army, to June 1863, when Stuart turned north to regain a glory slightly tarnished at Brandy Station, but found Gettysburg instead.
It is told through the eyes of the men who rode with him, as well as Jeb’s letters, reports, and anecdotes handed down over 150 years. It was a year like no other, filled with exhilaration at the imminent creation of a new country. This was a period when it could hardly be imagined that the cause, and Stuart himself, could dissolve into grief, Jeb ultimately separated from the people he cherished most.
Jeb Stuart was not only successful in leading Robert E. Lee’s cavalry in dozens of campaigns and raids, but for riding magnificent horses, dressing outlandishly, and participating in balls and parties that epitomized the “moonlight and magnolia” image of the Old South. Longstreet reported that at the height of the Battle of Second Manasses, Stuart rode off singing, “If you want to have good time, jine the cavalry . . .” Porter Alexander remembered him singing, in the midst of the miraculous victory at Chancellorsville, “Old Joe Hooker, won’t you come out of the Wilderness?”
Stuart was blessed with an unusually positive personality—always upbeat, charming, boisterous, and humorous, remembered as the only man who could make Stonewall Jackson laugh, reciting poetry when not engaged in battle, and yet never using alcohol or other stimulants. Year of Glory focuses on the twelve months in which Stuart’s reputation was made, following his career on an almost day-to-day basis from June 1862, when Lee took command of the army, to June 1863, when Stuart turned north to regain a glory slightly tarnished at Brandy Station, but found Gettysburg instead.
It is told through the eyes of the men who rode with him, as well as Jeb’s letters, reports, and anecdotes handed down over 150 years. It was a year like no other, filled with exhilaration at the imminent creation of a new country. This was a period when it could hardly be imagined that the cause, and Stuart himself, could dissolve into grief, Jeb ultimately separated from the people he cherished most.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2012
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About the author
Monte Akers
11 books18 followersMonte Akers is the previous author of several books, including The Accidental Historian: Tales of Trash and Treasure (2010); Flames After Midnight: Murder, Vengeance and the Desolation of a Texas Community (1999); and Tales for the Tellings: Six Short Stories of the American Civil War. An attorney as well as historian, a collector of Civil War artifacts, song lyricist (since age nine), and an admirer of Jeb Stuart, he currently lives near Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 16, 2021
This fresh look at J.E.B. Stuart's greatest year lives up to the hype. The author chronicles the most glorious year in Stuart's too short career with the Army of Northern Virginia. Along the way we meet some of the flamboyant personalities that made up Stuart's staff,as well as a decent overview of military events during the 1862-1863 military campaign season. Bottom line, if you want a detail oriented study of the cavalry, reach for this volume.
April 24, 2013
If you are a collector or a fan of Civil War history, you will undoubtedly be just as thrilled with this book as I have been. Monte Akers has done an astounding job researching the material for this book and compiled a literary history of the most important year of Jeb Stuart's career. This book was not a simple, boring tour of history as many others have been. The way the author chose to write this gave me a real sense of who this man, and the others that surrounded him at the time, really were.
His passages are so raw and uncut that you can almost smell the gunpowder as you read. One of the things that makes this book special, in my opinion, is that the author included some passages from civil war diaries that the men who lived the experiences wrote. Reading the innermost thoughts of these men so many years later makes on stop and think about military, war and how little things have actually changed when the big picture is considered.
One of my favourite portions of this book was when the author gave his description of Johann August Heinrich Heros Von Borcke. His use of vibrant language to describe the infamous aristocrat was priceless and I suspect would have been right on target in the way of historical accuracy.
I also enjoyed that the author chose not to focus on the ENTIRE life of Jeb, as many others have done in biographies. Instead, he centered this book on the most interesting period of his career, offer the reader a step-by-step journey, progressively into the mind and experiences of the man, detailing each event.
I learned a lot of things that I wasn't previously aware of before reading Monte Akers' book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher.
His passages are so raw and uncut that you can almost smell the gunpowder as you read. One of the things that makes this book special, in my opinion, is that the author included some passages from civil war diaries that the men who lived the experiences wrote. Reading the innermost thoughts of these men so many years later makes on stop and think about military, war and how little things have actually changed when the big picture is considered.
One of my favourite portions of this book was when the author gave his description of Johann August Heinrich Heros Von Borcke. His use of vibrant language to describe the infamous aristocrat was priceless and I suspect would have been right on target in the way of historical accuracy.
I also enjoyed that the author chose not to focus on the ENTIRE life of Jeb, as many others have done in biographies. Instead, he centered this book on the most interesting period of his career, offer the reader a step-by-step journey, progressively into the mind and experiences of the man, detailing each event.
I learned a lot of things that I wasn't previously aware of before reading Monte Akers' book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher.
February 4, 2017
I love those surprises when you begin reading a book and realize that you have found a five-star gem. And truth be told, “Year of Glory” might even be a five-and-a-half.
Normally a book this size will cover the entire life of a person, not a single year. The author has performed admirably, detailing the daily events and injecting interesting anecdotes not often included in other biographical offerings. One such story spoke of Stuart during a truce between battles (to enable Federal troops to bury their dead). During this time, Stuart lunched with Federal officers, comrades from West Point, spending an afternoon talking and swapping stories…hardly the picture most other books offer when providing insight to life between battles.
What I enjoyed most was learning about Stuart and the men who rode with him, chronicled by the same soldiers who were part of what the author called Stuart’s military family. Readers learn the likes and dislikes, the strengths and foibles, the ins and outs of the characters of these men fighting for a cause they believed in. We are able to share the intimate moments of Stuart because of the memoirs of officers such as Heros Von Borcke, W.W. Blackford, and Justus Scheibert. Mr. Akers has done his homework, and his well-researched book also includes diaries and books written by others living during the war, correspondence, and the published works of historians. Mr. Akers puts this all together and paints an incredible picture, giving readers a chance to see exactly what happened to Stuart and his men every day, and sometimes every hour or even minute of particular days.
The author fleshes the book with many personal stories, which serve to tell us much about Stuart and his officers. These were men who had grown together, friends who enjoyed each other’s company and who trusted each other when it came time to fight the enemy. The battle scenes become much more personal, and Akers’ descriptions allow readers to almost smell the gunpowder and hear the minie balls whistling close by. Even more interesting is how these soldiers amused themselves between battles, and the rock star adulation given to the well-known officers.
Even though we all basically know how the story ends, this is a fantastic book. It is a history of the best war year of Stuart’s career, and I recommend this to anyone with even a slight inclination to learn more about this tumultuous time in America’s history. Five stars.
Normally a book this size will cover the entire life of a person, not a single year. The author has performed admirably, detailing the daily events and injecting interesting anecdotes not often included in other biographical offerings. One such story spoke of Stuart during a truce between battles (to enable Federal troops to bury their dead). During this time, Stuart lunched with Federal officers, comrades from West Point, spending an afternoon talking and swapping stories…hardly the picture most other books offer when providing insight to life between battles.
What I enjoyed most was learning about Stuart and the men who rode with him, chronicled by the same soldiers who were part of what the author called Stuart’s military family. Readers learn the likes and dislikes, the strengths and foibles, the ins and outs of the characters of these men fighting for a cause they believed in. We are able to share the intimate moments of Stuart because of the memoirs of officers such as Heros Von Borcke, W.W. Blackford, and Justus Scheibert. Mr. Akers has done his homework, and his well-researched book also includes diaries and books written by others living during the war, correspondence, and the published works of historians. Mr. Akers puts this all together and paints an incredible picture, giving readers a chance to see exactly what happened to Stuart and his men every day, and sometimes every hour or even minute of particular days.
The author fleshes the book with many personal stories, which serve to tell us much about Stuart and his officers. These were men who had grown together, friends who enjoyed each other’s company and who trusted each other when it came time to fight the enemy. The battle scenes become much more personal, and Akers’ descriptions allow readers to almost smell the gunpowder and hear the minie balls whistling close by. Even more interesting is how these soldiers amused themselves between battles, and the rock star adulation given to the well-known officers.
Even though we all basically know how the story ends, this is a fantastic book. It is a history of the best war year of Stuart’s career, and I recommend this to anyone with even a slight inclination to learn more about this tumultuous time in America’s history. Five stars.
January 6, 2019
Transports the reader back to the Civil War. JEB Stuart is the cavalry, brave, dashing, a natural leader of men.
May 9, 2013
Jeb Stuart is one of the long, lost legends of American folk history. A Cavalry General for the Confederacy during the Civil War, Stuart lived larger than life. With his plumed hat and sabre, he galloped into history with his daring rides and dangerous raids. Akers chronicles his greatest year in this book, from June 1862-June 1863.
Before we delve into the tales and adventures of the debonir Cavalier, we meet the cast of colorful characters surrounding Stuart. We meet Heros Von Boerck - a former Prussian soldier - who seems to add life and humor with his numerous gaffs and his partial mastery of the English language. There is the legendary John Mosby, the Grey Ghost, who earns fame in his own right as a Confederate raider. Young John Pelham - Gallant Pelham - a 24 year old artillery officer who amazes the South with his daring and skills, Sam Sweeny, lead banjo player and songster. Having Sam along for the ride is like "having Bruce Springsteen at your tailgate party." And many more lively and boisterous young men with remarkable character and skills are drawn to the command of Jeb Stuart. Together, they take the Union by storm.
The Year of Glory begins in June of 1862, just before the Battles of the Seven Days, Jeb and his crew penetrate the Union lines - riding all the way to McClellan's camp. They scout out the position, take some prisoners, acquires some horse, burn supplies and some how make it back around to Lee with adequate intelligence of what is going on behind enemy lines. This is only the beginning.
Over the course of the next year, Stuart and company will seemingly defy the odds, as they make remarkable and daring raids, lead amazing charges in battles and make ruthless moves that astound the Union and provide confidence for the underdog Confederacy. We learn about the camp life of these soldier - how they are never idle, even when they are not on official business, they are charming the local southern bells and making friends with families, and from time to time getting into a little mischief. It's a different view of what one might picture as being the life of a soldier in the Civil War.
Akers uses a unique style of writing. While he quotes and references many first hand sources of events - tracking our debonair hero through the remarkable timeline of glory - he also interjects antidotes of Stuart and the Military Family, often pointing out ironies of things yet to come. This helps to keep the story fresh and entertaining. The sources (memoirs, letters and reports) help us to see the real Stuart from the inside out. We see he has the capacity to laugh and joke, yet sorrows for the losses that come in life. Akers does not try to define Jeb for us. He lets us peek in on his most intimate thoughts along with stories told by his comrades to draw us to his conclusion - Jeb Stuart was a remarkable man at a most delicate time in history.
Stuart is probably most remembered for his failure at Gettysburg, but there is so much more to the man than that. Civil War readers will enjoy this story of the glory that was Jeb Stuart.
One of the interesting things that caught my attention in this book, was the folk songs and poetry of the Civil War. Jeb Stuart loved to sing and the author mentions "Jine the Cavalry" as one of his favorite songs. He also quotes other Civil War tunes and poetry, reminding us that entertainment in the 1860s was not a tv, movie, ipod or even a radio. The lively sing and dance alongs by the campfire were popular entertainment.
Recommend for lovers of historical bios and Civil War Buffs.
Note: I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Before we delve into the tales and adventures of the debonir Cavalier, we meet the cast of colorful characters surrounding Stuart. We meet Heros Von Boerck - a former Prussian soldier - who seems to add life and humor with his numerous gaffs and his partial mastery of the English language. There is the legendary John Mosby, the Grey Ghost, who earns fame in his own right as a Confederate raider. Young John Pelham - Gallant Pelham - a 24 year old artillery officer who amazes the South with his daring and skills, Sam Sweeny, lead banjo player and songster. Having Sam along for the ride is like "having Bruce Springsteen at your tailgate party." And many more lively and boisterous young men with remarkable character and skills are drawn to the command of Jeb Stuart. Together, they take the Union by storm.
The Year of Glory begins in June of 1862, just before the Battles of the Seven Days, Jeb and his crew penetrate the Union lines - riding all the way to McClellan's camp. They scout out the position, take some prisoners, acquires some horse, burn supplies and some how make it back around to Lee with adequate intelligence of what is going on behind enemy lines. This is only the beginning.
Over the course of the next year, Stuart and company will seemingly defy the odds, as they make remarkable and daring raids, lead amazing charges in battles and make ruthless moves that astound the Union and provide confidence for the underdog Confederacy. We learn about the camp life of these soldier - how they are never idle, even when they are not on official business, they are charming the local southern bells and making friends with families, and from time to time getting into a little mischief. It's a different view of what one might picture as being the life of a soldier in the Civil War.
Akers uses a unique style of writing. While he quotes and references many first hand sources of events - tracking our debonair hero through the remarkable timeline of glory - he also interjects antidotes of Stuart and the Military Family, often pointing out ironies of things yet to come. This helps to keep the story fresh and entertaining. The sources (memoirs, letters and reports) help us to see the real Stuart from the inside out. We see he has the capacity to laugh and joke, yet sorrows for the losses that come in life. Akers does not try to define Jeb for us. He lets us peek in on his most intimate thoughts along with stories told by his comrades to draw us to his conclusion - Jeb Stuart was a remarkable man at a most delicate time in history.
Stuart is probably most remembered for his failure at Gettysburg, but there is so much more to the man than that. Civil War readers will enjoy this story of the glory that was Jeb Stuart.
One of the interesting things that caught my attention in this book, was the folk songs and poetry of the Civil War. Jeb Stuart loved to sing and the author mentions "Jine the Cavalry" as one of his favorite songs. He also quotes other Civil War tunes and poetry, reminding us that entertainment in the 1860s was not a tv, movie, ipod or even a radio. The lively sing and dance alongs by the campfire were popular entertainment.
Recommend for lovers of historical bios and Civil War Buffs.
Note: I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 11, 2023
This is basically an excellent retelling of John Esten Cooke's, Blackford's and von Borcke's memoirs, updated and fact checked with modern research. At its best when describing combat and delineating the personalities of Stuart and his staff. Drags a bit at times such as the summary of seemingly each letter Stuart sent or received. This is no hagiography, Akers is properly critical of Stuart's vainglory but also appreciative of his excellence as a cavalry leader and in providing intelligence for Lee.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews