Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg-The Battles for Brinkerhoffs Ridge and East Cavalry Field, July 2-3, 1863 by noted Civil War author and historian Eric J. Wittenberg describes the intense, large scale cavalry clashes between Union Brigadier General David M. Greggs regiments and Confederate Major General JEB Stuarts regiments on July 2 and 3, 1863. Before reading this outstanding account of the cavalry battles at Gettysburg, I had avoided the history of the Gettysburg cavalry clashes because I believed it was too confusing to understand the movements and encounters between the regiments and I was mistaken when I thought it wasnt nearly as important as the infantry fighting that took place during those three days of fighting. I was wrong in believing this. Eric Wittenbergs outstanding history and read of the cavalry regiments at Gettysburg truly shows how important the cavlary battles were in providing the Union victory at Gettysburg. Mr. Wittenberg brings the reader right into the heart of the battles and I found myself reading this into the early hours of the morning. The personal accounts from both Union and Confederate cavalrymen, the maps provided, and the excellent end notes and authors notes make this an intense and easy to understand history that leaves you wanting to read more about the clashes between the cavalry regiments between the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac. The book refutes previously held beliefs that General Stuart was in coordination with General Robert E. Lee to attack the Union rear during Picketts Charge on July 3, 1863. Mr. Wittenberg accurately provides the resources and documentation that General Stuarts support of the third day was not to support Picketts Infantry charge but to be at the right place at the right time to attack the rear of the Army of the Potomac and break up the Union Army at their most vulnerable positions. Also, Mr. Wittenberg shows that the widely held belief that the cannon firing in the afternoon of July 3rd from one of General Stuarts artillery battery was not a signal to General Lee that Stuart was ready to commence action, because as Mr. Wittenberg summarizes that General Lee was probably too far away to actively hear the signal, and that the cannon firing most likely was to draw out Federal Regiments from their positions so General Stuart could effectively attack their defenses. The fighting at Brinkerhoffs Ridge was intense, and bravely fought by both sides. The outstanding leadership by General Gregg and General Custer inspired the men to charge into the intense action when there regiments were mostly outnumbered. The brave actions and leadership of the cavalry regimental commanders such as Major Myron Beaumont, Major Noah H. Ferry (who was killed leading a charge), and Colonel Russell A. Alger also made the difference in holding the fields and ridges that the Union vigorously held. The cavalrymen from the privates to the senior sergeants are also noted for their valor and tenacity. The Army of Northern Virginia noted Cavalry Major General JEB Stuart and his regiments are to be commended as well for fighting after intense cavalry marches and raids, and getting very little sleep. They rode into battle on July 2 and 3 exhausted but with intensity and focus that they were noted for. As well as the brave commanders General Fitzhugh Lee (nephew of General R. E. Lee), Wade Hampton (who very nearly got killed and/or captured), and other brave soldiers and officers of the Army of Northern Virginia. If General Stuart could have defeated General Greggs regiments he could of sent thousands of his own soldiers behind the Union lines and provided havoc and probable destruction upon the Army of the Potomac. The climax of the battle was at the East Cavalry Field where the sabers gleamed in the sun, pistols were unleashed, and the artillery duels between the Union and Confederate batteries opened up gaps in the regiments, and provided needed support for the soldiers trying to take the ground. There is so much to this outstanding book that it would take pages to provide the history that Mr. Wittenberg has in this great read. The photos of the commanders and soldiers enhance this book, the order of battle is provided, an excellent bibliography, documentation, and even a driving tour for those who want to go over the fields where the battle took place, also the monuments to the regiments that fought are provided. I agree with noted Civil War author J. David Petruzzi who wrote Wittenbergs study makes the case that Union cavalry had a tremendous effect on the course of the titanic battle, and should be required reading for anyone with an interest in Gettysburg. This is a true statement. For those who want to know the complete history of the battle and the importance of the Union cavalry stand on the third day and how it protected the Army of the Potomacs rear flanks, this is a required and fascinating read! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 13:27:59 +0000
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