GDG- Stuart and the historians

[John Baniszewski]

  From the way Lee phrased his orders to Stuart, I think Lee should be held responsible for authorizing Stuart's raid.  He did not say "I approve", but he sure did not say "I disapprove" -   

Lee to Stuart, June 23 – “If General Hooker's army remains inactive, you can leave
 should he not appear to be moving northward, I think you had better withdraw this side of the mountain
 cross (the Potomac) and move over to Frederick
You (should) judge whether you can pass around their army without hindrance and cross the river east of the mountains.  In either case, after crossing the river, you must move on and feel (for) the right of (our) troops, collecting information, & provisions
I think the sooner you cross into Maryland, the better”.
But once Stuart found his intended north-bound road blocked by Union infantry and he made his decision to continue with his plan, resulting in his riding south while Lee advanced north, I believe that Stuart should be held responsible for making a poor decision.  In making plans, one has to make certain assumptions.  Stuart's assumption was the the AOP would not be an obstacle.  Once he got to the crossroad filled with Hancock's men, it was clear his assumptions were wrong.  When the key assumption of a plan proves to be incorrect, the plan should be re-examined, and cancellation of the plan should be one of the alternatives considered.  Stuart should have abandoned his plan then and there.  He should be held accountable for what occurred from that point onward.

John Baniszewski




  
 		
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