June 1863. The Gettysburg Campaign is in its opening hours. Harness jingles and hoofs pound as Confederate cavalryman James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart leads his three brigades of veteran troopers on a ride that triggers one of the Civil War's most bitter and enduring controversies. Instead of finding glory and victory-two objectives with which he was intimately familiar-Stuart reaped stinging criticism and substantial blame for one of the Confederacy's most stunning and unexpected battlefield defeats. In Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg, Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi objectively investigate the role Stuart's horsemen played in the disastrous campaign. It is the first book ever written on this important and endlessly fascinating subject.Stuart left Virginia under acting on General Robert E. Lee's discretionary orders to advance into Maryland and Pennsylvania, where he was to screen Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell's marching infantry corps and report on enemy activity. The mission jumped off its tracks from virtually the moment it began when one unexpected event after another unfolded across Stuart's path. For days, neither Lee nor Stuart had any idea where the other was, and the enemy blocked the horseman's direct route back to the Confederate army, which was advancing nearly blind north into Pennsylvania. By the time Stuart reached Lee on the afternoon of July 2, the armies had unexpectedly collided at Gettysburg, the second day's fighting was underway, and one of the campaign's greatest controversies was born.Did the plumed cavalier disobey Lee's orders by stripping the army of its "eyes and ears?" Was Stuart to blame for the unexpected combat the broke out at Gettysburg on July 1? Authors Wittenberg and Petruzzi, widely recognized for their study and expertise of Civil War cavalry operations, have drawn upon a massive array of primary sources, many heretofore untapped, to fully explore Stuart's ride, its consequences, and the intense debate among participants shortly after the battle, through early post-war commentators, and among modern scholars.The result is a richly detailed study jammed with incisive tactical commentary, new perspectives on the strategic role of the Southern cavalry, and fresh insights on every horse engagement, large and small, fought during the campaign. About the authors: Eric J. Wittenberg has written widely on Civil War cavalry operations. His books include Glory Enough for All (2002), The Union Cavalry Comes of Age (2003), and The Battle of Monroe's Crossroads and the Civil War's Final Campaign (2005). He lives in Columbus, Ohio.J. David Petruzzi is the author of several magazine articles on Eastern Theater cavalry operations, conducts tours of cavalry sites of the Gettysburg Campaign, and is the author of the popular "Buford's Boys" website at www.bufordsboys.com. Petruzzi lives in Brockway, Pennsylvania. REVIEWS From Civil War Times Illustrated"A fast paced, well told yarn... exhaustively researched... the definitive analysis.""..a well detailed history, that no matter what side one might view the ride, it would be a fair objective account...well-researched book on all points clearly and cleverly argued."Midwest Book Review, March 2008"...the best study of what J.E.B. Stuart did during this campaign and his reasons for doing so. Fair and balanced, it is a necessary read..."Civil War Courier, 02/2009
Plenty of Blame to Go Around
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Eric J. Wittenberg is an accomplished American Civil War cavalry historian and author. An attorney in Ohio, Wittenberg has authored over a dozen books on Civil War cavalry subjects, as well as two dozen articles in popular magazines such as North & South, Blue & Gray, America's Civil War, and Gettysburg Magazine. His first book, Gettysburg's Forgotten Cavalry Actions (Thomas Publications, 1998) won the prestigious 1998 Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award. His most recent books are One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863, with co-authors J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent (Savas Beatie, 2008) and The Battle of Brandy Station (The History Press, 2010). Wittenberg is a favored speaker at Civil War Roundtables, and conducts tours of cavalry battlefields and related sites. He was instrumental in saving important battlefield land at Trevilian Station, Virginia, and wrote the text for the historical waysides located there. He lives in Columbus with his wife Susan and their beloved dogs. Wittenberg is the CEO of Ironclad Publishing Inc. Visit Eric J. Wittenberg's website: www.ericwittenberg.com. J. David Petruzzi is a noted Civil War cavalry historian and the author of many articles for a wide variety of historical publications, including Gettysburg Magazine, America's Civil War, Blue & Gray, and Civil War Times Illustrated. An insurance broker in Pennsylvania, he co-wrote (with Eric Wittenberg) Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg (Savas Beatie, 2006); (with Wittenberg and Michael F. Nugent) One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863 (Savas Beatie, 2008); and (with Steven Stanley) The Complete Gettysburg Guide: Walking and Driving Tours of the Battlefield, Town, Cemeteries, Field Hospital Sites, and other Topics of Historical Interest (Savas Beatie, 2009), which won the U.S. Army Historical Foundation's 2009 Distinguished Writing Award, Reference Category. With Stanley, he also produced The Complete Gettysburg Guide: Audio Driving and Walking Tour, Volume One: The Battlefield (Savas Beatie, 2010).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I do not like to use "definitive", "settles the question" or "finial word" when reviewing books. Some questions will never be settled, someone will always have another thing to say and in time, even Coddington's book on Gettysburg could become second best. While I firmly believe the above to be true, I do not think that this book will see a superior treatment of this question for a very very long time.
"Has anyone seen JEB Stuart?" "Where is my cavalry?" were questions that Robert E. Lee often asks in the days preceding the Battle of Gettysburg. Stuart, commander of his cavalry, was missing separated from Lee by a Union army. Arriving at Gettysburg, his command exhausted by a grueling ride around the Union Army, complete with battles and numerous skirmishes. Stuart is greeted with an icy reception from Lee. The next day, on the East cavalry Field, his command is defeated and the Union right holds. Lee chose to ignore this and other actions by his subordinates during the battle, assuming full responsibility for Gettysburg.
In time, Gettysburg looms larger and larger in Civil War lore. One battle becomes the reason for the Confederacy's defeat. Right or wrong, this idea becomes the foundation of the story of the South's defeat. The story is accepted and endlessly repeated until it becomes an American tragedy. Years later, after Lee's death, questions raised in 1863 became accusations as the finger pointing begins. General Lee cannot be wrong at the most important battle of the war. The rank and file cannot be less than heroic. Somewhere, somehow a failure or a series of failures have to occur that undermine General Lee's perfect plan and cause the battle to be lost.
The authors first present a straightforward campaign history of Stuart's orders, decisions and the resulting actions. This history builds the foundation for the history of the controversy that is the second half of the book. Both sections are detailed, well written, intelligent and very readable. Systematically, the reader sees how Stuart's orders caused him to embark on what was potentially a risky idea. Movement of the Union army blocks expect routes, causing detours and delays leading to a series of battles. Wittenberg and Petruzzi can write about cavalry operations with authority and full knowledge. They impart a confidence in their work that comes with knowing the background and the ability to communicate the right level of detail. Again, Savas Beattie has taken the time and spent the money to give us the maps and illustrations needed to make this an enjoyable learning experience. The reader is able to follow the cavalry battles because of excellent well-placed maps coupled with very good writing.
The second part of the book is a history of how "Stuart lost the Battle of Gettysburg". I find the history of the history of the Civil War almost as much fun as the history of the war. This book combines both into one very readable volume, giving me two books for the price of one. The indictment and defense of JEB Stuart runs from the late 1870s on. Presenting both sides, for the most part in their own words, giving the reader a good perspective of what is happening. The 30-page conclusion is balanced, detailed and comprehensive. This book changed my thinking on the subject to "Plenty of Blame to Go Around".
To complete things, we have a driving tour. Civil War books do not get better than this!
"Has anyone seen JEB Stuart?" "Where is my cavalry?" were questions that Robert E. Lee often asks in the days preceding the Battle of Gettysburg. Stuart, commander of his cavalry, was missing separated from Lee by a Union army. Arriving at Gettysburg, his command exhausted by a grueling ride around the Union Army, complete with battles and numerous skirmishes. Stuart is greeted with an icy reception from Lee. The next day, on the East cavalry Field, his command is defeated and the Union right holds. Lee chose to ignore this and other actions by his subordinates during the battle, assuming full responsibility for Gettysburg.
In time, Gettysburg looms larger and larger in Civil War lore. One battle becomes the reason for the Confederacy's defeat. Right or wrong, this idea becomes the foundation of the story of the South's defeat. The story is accepted and endlessly repeated until it becomes an American tragedy. Years later, after Lee's death, questions raised in 1863 became accusations as the finger pointing begins. General Lee cannot be wrong at the most important battle of the war. The rank and file cannot be less than heroic. Somewhere, somehow a failure or a series of failures have to occur that undermine General Lee's perfect plan and cause the battle to be lost.
The authors first present a straightforward campaign history of Stuart's orders, decisions and the resulting actions. This history builds the foundation for the history of the controversy that is the second half of the book. Both sections are detailed, well written, intelligent and very readable. Systematically, the reader sees how Stuart's orders caused him to embark on what was potentially a risky idea. Movement of the Union army blocks expect routes, causing detours and delays leading to a series of battles. Wittenberg and Petruzzi can write about cavalry operations with authority and full knowledge. They impart a confidence in their work that comes with knowing the background and the ability to communicate the right level of detail. Again, Savas Beattie has taken the time and spent the money to give us the maps and illustrations needed to make this an enjoyable learning experience. The reader is able to follow the cavalry battles because of excellent well-placed maps coupled with very good writing.
The second part of the book is a history of how "Stuart lost the Battle of Gettysburg". I find the history of the history of the Civil War almost as much fun as the history of the war. This book combines both into one very readable volume, giving me two books for the price of one. The indictment and defense of JEB Stuart runs from the late 1870s on. Presenting both sides, for the most part in their own words, giving the reader a good perspective of what is happening. The 30-page conclusion is balanced, detailed and comprehensive. This book changed my thinking on the subject to "Plenty of Blame to Go Around".
To complete things, we have a driving tour. Civil War books do not get better than this!
38 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Very early, not long after midnight in fact, on June 25, 1863, J.E.B. Stuart and his staff mounted up and began the most controversial ride any cavalrymen would make during the Civil War. The trip would take them within six miles of Georgetown, just outside of Washington. They would pass on, capture a significant Union supply train, cross the Potomac, tear up the C & O Canal, canter across Maryland, and enter Pennsylvania, where they would fight a couple of engagements and go so far north as Carlisle, outside Harrisburg, the state capital. There, on the evening of July 1, Stuart would get the order to rejoin the Confederate army at Gettysburg. When he finally faced his commander, Stuart heard these words: "General Stuart, where have you been?" After giving a response, Lee's disappointment was manifest. "I have not heard a word from you for days, and you the eyes and ears of my army."
All histories of the Gettysburg Campaign deal with Lee's question, where was Stuart? His attempt to again ride around the Union Army, as he had been able to do with relative impunity in 1862, is well known. The difficulties he created for Lee, who entered unfamiliar ground once he crossed the Potomac, have been widely discussed. But Stuart's ride has never received the full, detailed study it deserves until this book's recent release.
Both of the author's are well-respected authorities on Civil War cavalry, and as the title of the work implies, they conclude that Stuart was hardly alone in carrying the blame for his absence from Lee's army at such a crucial time. The book contains a thorough and well-written description of just where Stuart was, and of the orders and correspondence that were part of the decision-making process. All of the actions and engagements that Stuart's troopers participated in are well described, even the least known, such as the Battle of Hunterstown on July 2. (Since the subject is Stuart's ride to Gettysburg, the cavalry engagement on July 3 is not discussed.)
Nearly half of the book is devoted to "the controversy," to the debate that started shortly after Gettysburg was fought about how costly Stuart's absence was to the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee being the infallible figure he was to many in the South, Stuart was a logical and available scapegoat on which to hang blame for the lost battle, and later for the lost war. The authors fully set out their own conclusions, but give their readers plenty of facts so that you can reach your own about how much blame Stuart should have shouldered. They also provide plenty of great maps and pictures, as well as a terrific description of a driving tour you can take the next time you are near Gettysburg. Get the book. It's good.
All histories of the Gettysburg Campaign deal with Lee's question, where was Stuart? His attempt to again ride around the Union Army, as he had been able to do with relative impunity in 1862, is well known. The difficulties he created for Lee, who entered unfamiliar ground once he crossed the Potomac, have been widely discussed. But Stuart's ride has never received the full, detailed study it deserves until this book's recent release.
Both of the author's are well-respected authorities on Civil War cavalry, and as the title of the work implies, they conclude that Stuart was hardly alone in carrying the blame for his absence from Lee's army at such a crucial time. The book contains a thorough and well-written description of just where Stuart was, and of the orders and correspondence that were part of the decision-making process. All of the actions and engagements that Stuart's troopers participated in are well described, even the least known, such as the Battle of Hunterstown on July 2. (Since the subject is Stuart's ride to Gettysburg, the cavalry engagement on July 3 is not discussed.)
Nearly half of the book is devoted to "the controversy," to the debate that started shortly after Gettysburg was fought about how costly Stuart's absence was to the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee being the infallible figure he was to many in the South, Stuart was a logical and available scapegoat on which to hang blame for the lost battle, and later for the lost war. The authors fully set out their own conclusions, but give their readers plenty of facts so that you can reach your own about how much blame Stuart should have shouldered. They also provide plenty of great maps and pictures, as well as a terrific description of a driving tour you can take the next time you are near Gettysburg. Get the book. It's good.
30 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Steve Basic
Format:Hardcover
Authors Wittenberg and Petruzzi have written a fine study on the exploits of J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry, and their long road to the battlefield at Gettysburg.
It is a spellbinding account of what they went through from the crossing of the Potomac River, and then through the trials and tribulations and hardships they all encountered during those days of late June and early July, 1863.
As the title suggests, the book offers a full interpretation of those who were involved in the events of this part of the campaign, and the authors account is a fair and balanced look at the mistakes made, what was done right, and just how the word luck becomes a part of such a movement that took place over those days in early summer, 1863.
The research done is impeccable, and the authors have found nuggets that add to the story, and are for the first time included in this book. The book is filled with photos of those involved, and the maps included helps the student to follow the action as described in the narrative. The footnotes are a must read own their own, and helps to expand the tale of the journey that Stuart and his troopers found themselves in those few days.
The inclusion of Stuart's after battle report on his part in the Gettysburg Campaign adds to the book, and as one reads it, you can tell when he wrote it, he was already fielding questions about his "delay" in reuniting with the main body of Lee's Army.
The addition of a driving tour for those sites mentioned in the narrative completes the book, and is an a fine feature for those who wish to follow the roads Stuart and his men traversed on their way to Gettysburg. The authors include a photo of the Felty Barn, which was a landmark at the Battle of Hunterstown. Unfortunately, the barn was torn down recently, but am glad a photo of the place was taken before its demise.
Highly recommend this book, and know students of the Civil War will not be disappointed in reading this extraordinary story.
It is a spellbinding account of what they went through from the crossing of the Potomac River, and then through the trials and tribulations and hardships they all encountered during those days of late June and early July, 1863.
As the title suggests, the book offers a full interpretation of those who were involved in the events of this part of the campaign, and the authors account is a fair and balanced look at the mistakes made, what was done right, and just how the word luck becomes a part of such a movement that took place over those days in early summer, 1863.
The research done is impeccable, and the authors have found nuggets that add to the story, and are for the first time included in this book. The book is filled with photos of those involved, and the maps included helps the student to follow the action as described in the narrative. The footnotes are a must read own their own, and helps to expand the tale of the journey that Stuart and his troopers found themselves in those few days.
The inclusion of Stuart's after battle report on his part in the Gettysburg Campaign adds to the book, and as one reads it, you can tell when he wrote it, he was already fielding questions about his "delay" in reuniting with the main body of Lee's Army.
The addition of a driving tour for those sites mentioned in the narrative completes the book, and is an a fine feature for those who wish to follow the roads Stuart and his men traversed on their way to Gettysburg. The authors include a photo of the Felty Barn, which was a landmark at the Battle of Hunterstown. Unfortunately, the barn was torn down recently, but am glad a photo of the place was taken before its demise.
Highly recommend this book, and know students of the Civil War will not be disappointed in reading this extraordinary story.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book.
Where was JEB Stuart at Gettysburg? You will learn the story here. Eric Wittenberg a former student of mine, does his research and writes a good historical book.
Published 1 month ago by Douglas B. Schonour
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic work!
This book will be the new standard when it comes to the controversy surrounding Stuart's Ride in the Gettysburg campaign. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Paul P. Marcone
5.0 out of 5 stars
First-Rate Effort - Fills in Important Gaps
This is simply a superb work of Civil War history. The research and writing is first-rate. The authors answer the important question - where was Stuart's cavalry in the days... Read more
Published 14 months ago by James P. Konzak
5.0 out of 5 stars
Common Sense Outlook on a Complex Controversy
The search of the Lost Causers for scapegoats who could be blamed for Lee's defeat at Gettysburg generally focuses on the unholy trinity of Longstreet, Ewell, and J.E.B. Stuart. Read more
Published on January 19, 2009 by CRT
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dry But Informative
Wittenberg and Petruzzi have compiled some great stuff in "Plenty of Blame to Go Around" "Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg". Read more
Published on December 30, 2008 by Only-A-Child
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Accounting of Stuart's Journey to Gettysburg, from 1863 to the...
This book is recommended with respect to two aspects of the Gettysburg Campaign and its historiography. Read more
Published on December 3, 2008 by WAL
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fact from fiction
No matter what you may think you know about Jeb Stuart's ride, you have to read this book. Its that good!!
Published on October 6, 2008 by Daniel M. Mcgrath
5.0 out of 5 stars
Those who failed to win the Ballle and those that Lost it
Lets face it Lee lost the battle of Gettysburg. He admitted it himself, but he did have a co-conspirator. Read more
Published on June 13, 2008 by Robert Edward Dukes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enough Fault For Everyone
As the last of George Pickett's men limped off the battlefield on the evening of July 3rd, 1863 it was clear the Confederate Army, after three days of fighting, had been defeated. Read more
Published on May 2, 2008 by James D. Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitive account of two things -- Stuart's ride and 140 years of...
As a history of Stuart's epic ride, this book has no peer. As even-handed historiography of the critical aftermath, echoing for well over a century, it also has no peer. Read more
Published on March 31, 2008 by Ralph M. Hitchens
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