Stuart, Jeb (1833-1864), was a Confederate cavalry general. He distinguished himself in the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas). He served with Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville and commanded Jackson’s corps after Jackson was wounded. In command of all General Robert E. Lee’s cavalry, Stuart fought successful actions in the Wilderness Campaign in 1864. But he had gained his widest fame for his two daring rides “around McClellan.” In these rides, Stuart took his cavalry all the way around the Union Army.
Stuart became the center of a controversy following the Battle of Gettysburg. He had taken his command off on an independent operation while Lee invaded the North, and Stuart’s absence deprived Lee of the “eyes” of his army. Stuart was fatally wounded at Yellow Tavern, Virginia, in the battle for Richmond.
Stuart was born on Feb. 6, 1833, in Patrick County, Virginia, and graduated from the United States Military Academy. His full name was James Ewell Brown Stuart. Stuart served in Kansas and on the frontier from 1855 to 1861. He resigned from the U.S. Army in 1861 and joined the Confederacy. On May 11, 1864, Stuart was wounded at Yellow Tavern, Virginia, in the battle for Richmond. He died the following day.
