Face Off Stuart, Forrest, & Sheridan who?

[ole]

That'll do.

ole

[JohnW in E.TN]

Originally Posted by milhistbuff1

Frankly, The Russian Cossack cavalry were the best.

You'd have to go back to the 13th century to find the TRUE best: The Mongols. They were the greatest light cavalry the world has ever known, and controlled the largest land empire in human history. Unfortunately, here in the West they hardly get a mention these days.


Regards,

John W.

[3rd_PA_Artillery]

I must say other. John Buford, USA was the finest cavalryman of the war. He realized that mounted cavalry was useless for fighting. He used his men efficiently for scouting, screening, etc., and used them safely in battle by having them dismount instead of pompously charge the enemy in a gallant however futile equestrian charge.

[cw1865]

Where's Forrest? First question any Union general in the West would want to know the answer to.

[OldGreyWolf]

Any serious search for the best Cavalry Commander of the American Civil War would have to consider Joe Wheeler, J. O. Shelby and John Hunt Morgan.

N.B. Forrest at Brice's Crossroads is perfection.

[samgrant]

Originally Posted by 3rd_PA_Artillery

I must say other. John Buford, USA was the finest cavalryman of the war. He realized that mounted cavalry was useless for fighting. He used his men efficiently for scouting, screening, etc., and used them safely in battle by having them dismount instead of pompously charge the enemy in a gallant however futile equestrian charge.

Good post, Buford is probably one of the best, but least appreciated, cavalry commanders of the war.

--

[larry_cockerham]

N.B. Forrest saved the life of one of my wounded great-great grandfathers while protecting him during the retreat from Tennessee in December 1864 and managed to refrain from killing another great-great grandfather who was following this same series of battles and ambushes. I guess that makes me biased. I don't regret it.

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members;

I have to agree with the previous posted comments about Brigadier General John Buford. He had his cavalry pitch the lances, the sabers in a way and use that long gun and tactics that saved the Infantry's hide more than once. His heavy hitters, as reputations was--was General Merritt (who took over Buford's slot when he died), General Devin and General Gamble.

Further, what causes me to be a Buford fan; was his use of vedettes and pickets; and a relay system to which qued him in on movements; such as at Brandy Station, Second Bull Run, Thoroughfare Gap-holding 6 hrs. without relief/support or troops to seize the advantage; Gettysburg, etc.; and just fantastic instincts.

Actor Sam Elliott, playing Buford in Gettysburg; who is effecient and researches extensively, his character; himself -- said Buford was the most under appreciated Cavalry General; having gotten little credit concering his actions that allowed good ground to his side.

As to give attention to the Confederate side; I think Col. John Singleton Mosby was the better Cavalry commander but; he was not a General. Stuart bragged about Mosby an awful lot to Lee. Mosby was self taught; wasn't a military man in the beginning. However, actions around Washington, never allowed the Federal City to really 'rest' in peace and security.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[5fish]

I support John Buford as being the most underrated cavalry man in the union army and in the war...

Why is there no love for old J.E.B. Stuart? I weep for the Virginian Cavalier....

[ole]

No doubt Stuart was, at least, good enough to be Lee's favorite. I get the feeling that there were no others -- and that there was no particular move to develop equivalents. Hence, when Stuart was out of touch, Lee was blind. Good grief! He had brigades and divisions of cavalry at his command and everyone of them was useless?

Buford, Gamble, Merrit, Farnsworth, Fitzpatrick, Custer and a number of others held up their end of that fracas, and Lee is helpless without Stuart. That does not compute.

ole