GDG- Re: Gettysburg Digest, Vol 27, Issue 10

[Tom Ryan]

Teej,

	Thanks for that.  I think Rosser captured the essence of Stuart very well
in that eulogy.  As I read through the biographies and memoirs it is
sometimes hard to find the real person, since the writings are, for the most
part, by people who had a strong affinity toward Stuart.  But reading
between the lines, a picture does come through of a  dedicated, highly
disciplined individual who would brook no slouchers in his command.
Everyone, that is everyone, had to toe the line.

	At the same time, he appeared to be a joyful character who loved people and
loved having a good time.  I think sometimes observers, writers,
commentators have tended to confuse the two, thinking that Stuart was a
frivolous individual who was more concerned about his public persona than
about getting the job done.  That is far from the truth as far as I can
tell.

	The greatest endorsement to the quality of the man, I believe, is seen in
the fact that the two greatest Confederate commanders, Lee and Jackson,
thought the world of Stuart, and recognized his innate ability to get the
job done.

Regards, Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com
[mailto:gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com]On Behalf Of Teej Smith
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 4:42 PM
To: GDG
Subject: Re: GDG- Re: Gettysburg Digest, Vol 27, Issue 10


Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:



> Esteemed GDG Member Tom Ryan Contributes:

<Snip>

> From what I can tell from the readings, Stuart was close to all of his
> staff whom he hand picked for the most part.  He wanted certain types of
> people around him, and he apparently invested considerable emotional
> capital
> in their well being.  Over the years, many of his staff and aides were
> killed performing hazardous duty -- as was Stuart.  It also appears that
> Stuart was fatalistic, therefore lived his life and performed his duty
> like
> there was no tomorrow.

    Well, he did once write Flora that he wished he could get rid of John
Esten [Cooke] because "he is the greatest bore I ever met, and is
disagreeable to everyone.."  Considering that Esten Cooke was Flora's
cousin, I'm certain that played well at home. :-)

    Tom Rosser once wrote of Stuart, "In this fight at Yellow Tavern our
great cavalry general J.E.B.Stuart was killed, an event too important to be
passed over without a pause for reflection. As the parent of the cavalry of
the Army of Northern Virginia, Stuart's name is inseparably connected with
all its achievements. Stuart was a devout Christian, yet an inordinate
vanity with all its giddiness and frivolity possessed his very soul and
detracted greatly form his otherwise strong character. His supreme desire
was his country's good, and there was never a patriot more devoted to his
country's cause than he. Happy, cheerful, rollicking even to boyishness, he
commanded the respect of his subordinates and enjoyed the confidence and
esteem of his superior officers. Cool, collected and fearless on the
battle-field or on the raid, his decisions were quickly reached and promptly
executed. Untiring in zeal, vigilant and enterprising, he was eminently
fitted to command a corps of cavalry, even the superb corps he did command,
and in such an army. Peace to his ashes! With all his faults we loved him,
and may his glorious achievements in the service of his country live in the
hearts of his countrymen, their descendants, and sympathizers to the end of
time."

    Unfortunately, Rosser was a whole lot less charitable to Stuart in this
address when talking about Gettysburg.

Regards,
Teej


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