Riding With Stuart

Robert J. Trout has edited a recently discovered account of Jeb Stuart's activities during the last year of his life.

As Trout describes this history, "The time covered by the memoir extends from October 1863 to June 1864, a period which includes the winter encampment at Orange Courthouse (very little has been written of this time of Stuart's career), the opening of Grant's offensive in May 1864, Stuart's death at Yellow Tavern and Garnett's subsequent assignment as aide-de-camp to Brigadier General William Henry Fitzhugh "Rooney" Lee. The memoir contains the most detailed account of one of Stuart's encampments I have ever read (down to the sawdust walkways between the tents).

Garnett's writing style is very readable and most entertaining." This is a significant addition not only to the literature on Jeb Stuart, but also to our understanding of the last years of the Civil War in the Richmond area. The author has also provided a biography of Garnett and an introduction to Garnett's insightful speech given at the unveiling of Stuart's statue in Richmond. Trout has also included the speech with this memoir.