Author Archives: Daniel Davis

J.E.B. Stuart and the Question of Corps Command

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Daniel Davis

In the days after his victory in the Chancellorsville Campaign, Gen. Robert E. Lee faced a number of critical decisions, among them the reorganization of his Army of Northern Virginia. The death of Lt. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson on … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Civil War Events, Leadership--Confederate, Memory, Personalities | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

“The Finest Cavalry Display Ever Witnessed”: Lincoln Reviews the Mounted Arm

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Daniel Davis

The spring of 1863 brought about a season of change in the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac. On St. Patrick’s Day, Brig. Gen. William W. Averell’s division clashed with Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee’s brigade on the south … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Cavalry, Common Soldier, Leadership--Federal, Lincoln, Memory | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A View of Kelly’s Ford

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Daniel Davis

155 years ago today, Brig. Gen. William Woods Averell’s Union cavalry division clashed with Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee’s Confederate cavalry brigade east of Culpeper Court House. The day long struggle derived its name from a nearby crossing on the Rappahannock … Continue reading →

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George Custer and Buford’s Knoll at Brandy Station

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Daniel Davis

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Emerging Civil War Series, Leadership--Federal | Tagged , | 10 Comments

“Here They Come Boys”: George A. Custer at the Battle of Upperville

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Daniel Davis

Recently, while reviewing the National Tribune, I came across an article written by a member of the 6th Ohio Cavalry. The individual shares his experiences about the fighting in Virginia’s Loudoun Valley during the Gettysburg Campaign. Of particular interest was his narrative … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Civil War Events, Leadership--Federal, Memory, Personalities, Primary Sources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

It’s Warm: The 6th New York Cavalry in their Winter Encampment 155 Years Later

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Daniel Davis

It’s February in Virginia. This morning I put on shorts after a pot of coffee and a shower. Not just to wear indoors but outside as well! Just a month ago, the nighttime temperatures hovered around zero and it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Cavalry, Memory | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

General Orders Number 6: The Creation of the Army of the Potomac’s Cavalry Corps

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Daniel Davis

The opening months of 1863 marked the beginning of a season of change for the Army of the Potomac. Major General Ambrose Burnside, who had directed the disastrous Fredericksburg Campaign and subsequent “Mud March”, had been replaced by Maj. Gen. … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Cavalry, Civil War Events, Common Soldier, Leadership--Federal | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Wilmer McLean’s House at Appomattox

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Daniel Davis

A modern image of Wilmer McLean’s residence at Appomattox Court House

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Expeditions Bold And Admirable: Conclusion

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Daniel Davis

Conclusion of a series. You may read the Introduction, The First Battle of Hartwood Church, The Dumfries Raid and Raid on the Occoquon here. The months of November and December, 1862 marked a transition in the career of Wade Hampton. … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Civil War Events, Leadership--Confederate, Memory | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Preservation News: June 1, 1864 at Cold Harbor

Posted on December 23, 2017 by Daniel Davis

Recently the Civil War Trust announced an effort to preserve land related to the June 1, 1864 fighting at Cold Harbor. This combat has often been overshadowed by the Union assault which took place there on June 3. Cold Harbor … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Common Soldier, Leadership--Federal, Memory, Personalities, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment