George Custer and Buford’s Knoll at Brandy Station

Buford’s Knoll at Brandy Station.

While preparing for my next work in the Emerging Civil War Series, The Most Desperate Acts of Gallantry: George A. Custer in the Civil War, I came across the photo at right that will appear in the book from the Brandy Station battlefield. This high ground on the farm of Richard Cunningham served as wing commander Brig. Gen. John Buford’s command post for much of the battle. Cavalry corps commander Alfred Pleasonton also observed the fighting from this area. Custer, an aide to Pleasonton was spotted here during the afternoon phase of the engagement.

Daniel Oakey was an officer in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, which made up Brig. Gen. Adelbert Ames’ demi-brigade that supported Pleasonton’s horse soldiers. “Having nothing to do as yet but smoke our pipes, we lolled on the grass and studied our cavalry friends”, Oakey recalled. “Custer was the most striking of the group with…his long hair, and spirited manner. He seemed to enjoy the shelling, and appeared to beam all over, almost dancing with excitement.”

When Buford called on the Bay Staters to dislodge elements of Brig. Gen. W.H.F. “Rooney” Lee’s brigade at a stonewall at the knoll’s western base, Oakey wrote that “Custer showed much interest” in accompanying them and “evidently would have enjoyed going with us.” The young officer, however, remained behind with Pleasonton.

Although I’ve used the photo on the blog in the past, I wanted to highlight it here since it will be converted to black and white for the publication.



10 Responses to George Custer and Buford’s Knoll at Brandy Station

    1. Thanks, Linda. It should be out later this spring. I’m sure there will be more updates on the site as the release date gets closer.

  1. I have so much respect and admiration for Buford, what a shame you had to die early in the war. That is a beautiful picture you captured Daniel, it shows beautifully the vantage point Custer, Buford, in Pleasanton had in this historic battle. I’ve heard from several Little Birds that this is an absolutely excellent book, I can’t wait to read it Mr. Davis. God bless and here’s knowing what a huge success this amazing book is going to be!!! Anyone interested and Custer, Buford, Alfred Pleasanton, and the crate battle that ensued and put the Union Cavalry on the map more so even is going to love this book congratulations again mr. Davis, especially with all the maps to follow the action it’s just one long Thrill Ride.

  2. I’m back 2 using talk to text because of my recent health issue, so please forgive me for all the errors, misspelled words, and grammar errors. It’s embarrassing to have your writing look like a third grader wrote it but it is what it is and it’s what I have to use right now. But as you are all highly respected authors, editor’s, and even publishers again please forgive me, this talk-to-text is a joke and makes me feel like an idiot I do apologize to everyone.

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