View single post by Mark
 Posted: Mon May 7th, 2012 08:51 pm
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Mark
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Mana: 
 Old Blu, I would argue that even with Stuart's discretionary orders, Lee always assumed that one of Stuart's implied tasks would be to report on the movements of the Army of the Potomac. That is simply what cavalry is always supposed to do. Once he lost contact with the ANV, Stuart failed in the primary task of a cavalryman.

On Imboden, I agree with you that he was doing what Lee asked him to do, but Lee had him out on the Western flank of the army because his outfit had a reputation for partisan raiding rather than traditional cavalry work. This arrangement left Jenkins brigade screening the army and no one feeling out ahead of the army because Stuart was out of contact.

Sources:
Stephen Sears, "Gettysburg" p. 57, 118-119.
Noah Trudeau, "Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage" p. 530

Hope that clarifies things.

Mark