Question of the Week: 3/25-3/31/24
It’s been a while since we’ve had this question…
Who’s your favorite cavalry commander from the American Civil War?
It’s been a while since we’ve had this question…
Who’s your favorite cavalry commander from the American Civil War?
John Buford, for his insight , decision making and leadership at Gettysburg.
Hugh Judson Kilpatrick. “Lil-Cavalry is such an interesting character and he fought in both the Eastern and Western theaters.
David McMurtrie Gregg, simply because he is underrated!
John Buford for his actions at Gettysburg.
Benjamin Grierson, probably the best Union cavalry commander in the Western Theater. His successful, 800 mile raid through Mississippi contributed greatly to Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign.
He was not a West Point trained cavalry dragoon officer unlike many of the more famous officers in both armies; Buford, Custer, Kilpatrick, Merritt, Stuart, and Fitzhugh Lee. In fact, before the war he was a music teacher.
His post-war career included commanding the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th US Cavalry.
Turner Ashby and John S, Mosby
John H. Calef, Battery A, 2nd US. I know – Horse Artillery. But his outfit had to keep up with the cavalry and his guns were important in Buford’s holding action on July 1.
For the Union, George Custer, for his tactical adaptability and ability to apply force at the right point. His closest Confederate counterpart was “Jo” Shelby in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. For overall abilities at deep, or close, recon, no one was better than Stuart, for all his missteps.
Not mentioned by anyone yet, but the one who stands head and shoulders above all the rest is Jeb Stuart. The man who symbolized what a cavalry officer and commander was tasked to do and for the most part fulfilled his mission. Per R E Lee, no better authority than that.
I agree with the Grierson vote. Close second is John Wilder and his Lightning Brigade (yes, mounted infantry, but close enough).
I would add Nathan Bedford Forrest, at least objectively, if not in character. At least twice he not only beat, but destroyed forces larger than his own, at Bryce’s Crossroad and at Johnsonville TN—commandeering, in the latter, his own navy from captured gunboats and destroying the main US supply base for the TN / GA region in Nov. 64. He also showed ability with combined arms: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and even naval! It helps to remember that Union cavalry leaders could usually count on superior numbers, weapons, and resources.
And, for endorsement: Robert E. Lee, when asked after the war who he thought was the best general on either side, said, “A man you’ve never heard of. His name is Forrest.”
Wade Hampton proved to be an able leader, and a worth successor to Jeb Stuart following Stuart’s death.
For Cavalry fans — I just discovered yesterday there are several Civil War Cavalry themed movies to stream on Amazon Prime. Kill Cavalry, Hampton’s Legion, Band of Rebels, The Confederate, Burning of Atlanta. I haven’t watched any of these yet for a review.
James Ewell Brown Stuart for never giving Lee any false information concerning intelligence concerning his gathering on the Union army.
I would select Cavalry leader John Buford for his heroics At Gettysburg, the most important battle in the war!