GDG- Stuart and the historians II

[Tom Ryan]

<<In examining the causes of the relatively poor showing of Confederate
forces at Brandy Station, how much do y'all rank the aftermath of three
grand reviews in comparison to the fumbling of Beverly Robertson and his
command?>>

Stuart was caught off guard because of the effects of the grand review on
June 8 and the partying that night plus the fact that he had a low opinion
of the Union cavalry and their level of aggressiveness.  That is what got
him into trouble initially due to the surprise attack.  But the Confederate
cavalry rallied and held their ground.

Robertson allowed Gregg's cavalry to get past him undetected which led to
Stuart's second surprise of the day in which he almost lost control of
Fleetwood Hill.  But again, with the help of Hampton, he retained control of
the high ground.

Robertson was a liability in almost every conflict he was engaged.  Lee had
gotten rid of him once by sending him to North Carolina in 1862.  But, when
Lee needed more cavalry for the upcoming campaign, Robertson came back with
two NC regiments.  Lee would again unceremoniously send Robertson on his way
after the Gettysburg Campaign was over.

Tom Ryan