Stuart's Ride

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STUART'S RIDE

STUART'S RIDE. As General Robert E. Lee prepared to resist Union general George B. McClellan's march on Richmond in 1862, Confederate general J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry staged a daring reconnaissance mission. On 14 June Stuart rode behind McClellan, surprising him completely; on 15 June the cavalry rode into Richmond with 165 prisoners, having traveled more than one hundred miles and having lost only one man. Stuart's ride demonstrated McClellan's vulnerability and forced him to switch his supply base to the James River; Lee obtained with the information he required. Although of questionable military value, the ride girded Confederate morale.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sears, Stephen W. To the Gates of Richmond. New York: Ticknor and Fields, 1992.

Thomas, Emory. Bold Dragoon: The Life of J. E. B. Stuart. New York: Harper and Row. 1986.

Thomason, John W. Jeb Stuart. New York: Scribner, 1958.

Thomas Robson Hay / a. r.

See also Cavalry, Horse ; Richmond Campaigns .