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

by Mark Nesbitt

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811731022
• ISBN13: 9780811731027
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Stackpole Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Very Good Arguement for Stuart!

I enjoyed the book and I think Nesbitt makes a great arguement for Stuart. I have met Mark Nesbitt and I think he is a fine historian. I did not give the book 5 stars for a couple of reasons. I thought some of the information became redundant he seemed to repeat himself to a certain degree. Also I wish Nesbitt had provided more detailed maps and more maps in general! Modern day photos of the battle areas being discussed would have been a nice bonus! Overall a great book!

An excellent study

This book takes one of the most controversial actions in the greatest campaign of the Civil War and re-examines the original documents related to the controversy, at least insofar as they can be found. The thoughtful, reasoned analysis of Stuart's actions, his basis for them, and their ultimate effects on the outcome of the campaign, combine to produce a fresh book on the Gettysburg campaign. Certainly it will not settle the controversy fully, but it is a welcome addition to the canon of literature on Gettysburg.

Who's to blame? Not Stuart

It's about time someone has taken the initiative to defend Stuart's rightful actions during the Gettysburg Campaign. Nesbitt's book explains fully what I have known all along. Lee had cavalry with him and failed to use them. That is Lee's fault. End of story. These people that feel the need to keep the blame from Lee and continually find "scapegoats" need to get over it. This was an excellent book that I will recommend to anyone who wants the real truth of the battle of Gettysburg.

Excellent - Nesbitt did his homework !

The facts are there - most only care to repeat what was said of Stuart. Why would such an exemplary soldier screw up suddenly ? He didn't screw up but followed orders. The facts are there if anyone wants to check them LIKE NESBITT DID !