Buford A Name To Be Reckoned With.

[War Horse]

We have all heard of John Buford and his famous stance at Gettysburg. What I find fascinating is not only his tragic story but that of his entire family. The Buford's were everywhere from the revolutionary war on. There was Simeon, Napoleon, John and Abraham. Three out of the four were Cavalry, Simeon Served under Henry "Lighthorse Lee". Yes, Robert E. Lee's father. Napoleon was a Brigade commander under Charles Hamilton and then there is Abraham. I find Abraham to be a very interesting character. He served under Nathan Bedford Forrest and played a major role in the Confederate victory at Brice's Crossroads. The Buford's are a very interesting bunch to say the least.

http://www.nps.gov/shil/upload/The-Buford-Boys.pdf

 

[PeterT]

Great story! Thanks for sharing that.

 

[War Horse]

Great story! Thanks for sharing that.

I haven't read much about Abraham yet but from what I have read he was one of Forrest's go to guys.

 

[PeterT]

Just had a quick look on Wiki. Was interested to see his horse stud is very famous although known by another name these days. This is another hobby of mine.

 

[War Horse]

Just had a quick look on Wiki. Was interested to see his horse stud is very famous although known by another name these days. This is another hobby of mine.

What name is he known by now?

 

[pamc153PA]

There is at least one member here who would agree with you, our @Eric Wittenberg.

 

[1SGDan]

Buford's fight at Gettysburg is one of the most important delaying actions ever fought by US forces.

 

[War Horse]

Buford's fight at Gettysburg is one of the most important delaying actions ever fought by US forces.

Yes it was. Had John have not seen the importance to hold that ground the fight might very well have gone the other way. Dismounting his cavalry and taking on Heath's men refusing to relinquish the high ground is in my mind somewhat under appreciated. It seems only true CW buffs understand the role he played in the battle.

 

[1SGDan]

Yes it was. Had John have not seen the importance to hold that ground the fight might very well have gone the other way. Dismounting his cavalry and taking on Heath's men refusing to relinquish the high ground is in my mind somewhat under appreciated. It seems only true CW buffs understand the role he played in the battle.

I think the average history buff lacks the experience or know how to understand all aspects of military operations. The big picture results are what matter most.

 

[CW3O]

I think the average history buff lacks the experience or know how to understand all aspects of military operations. The big picture results are what matter most.

Delaying actions tend be smaller unit functions and often get lost in the bigger picture of the battle they become part of. Delaying actions, to those less familiar with military operations can often appear to be unsuccessful as the units that accomplish them most often end their efforts in retreat from their ground. The only other delaying actions of note that come to my mind are some by U.S. Army units during the Battle of the Bulge.

 

[1SGDan]

Delaying actions tend be smaller unit functions and often get lost in the bigger picture of the battle they become part of. Delaying actions, to those less familiar with military operations can often appear to be unsuccessful as the units that accomplish them most often end their efforts in retreat from their ground. The only other delaying actions of note that come to my mind are some by U.S. Army units during the Battle of the Bulge.

Another misconception harbored by the uninitiated. Retreat is often associated with failure when it can often be the result of a highly successful military operation.

 

[War Horse]

Another misconception harbored by the uninitiated. Retreat is often associated with failure when it can often be the result of a highly successful military operation.

Sounds like the entire overland campaign.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

We have all heard of John Buford and his famous stance at Gettysburg. What I find fascinating is not only his tragic story but that of his entire family. The Buford's were everywhere from the revolutionary war on. There was Simeon, Napoleon, John and Abraham. Three out of the four were Cavalry, Simeon Served under Henry "Lighthorse Lee". Yes, Robert E. Lee's father. Napoleon was a Brigade commander under Charles Hamilton and then there is Abraham. I find Abraham to be a very interesting character. He served under Nathan Bedford Forrest and played a major role in the Confederate victory at Brice's Crossroads. The Buford's are a very interesting bunch to say the least.

http://www.nps.gov/shil/upload/The-Buford-Boys.pdf

All of this is covered in detail in my book The Devil's to Pay. I am slowly gathering material to do a biography of Abe Buford, who, as you say, was a very interesting fellow. According to Dick Ewell, Abe Buford was THE most talented and prolific curser in the pre-Civil War Regular Army.

 

[Carronade]

Another misconception harbored by the uninitiated. Retreat is often associated with failure when it can often be the result of a highly successful military operation.

Indeed, a successful retreat is one of the most challenging of military operations.

The famous German Field Marshal von Moltke (the elder) once replied to an admirer's praise by saying "No, I am not so great, for I have never conducted a retreat."

 

[FarawayFriend]

Great thread! You learn something new here every day. And one of my favourite scenes is when Buford desperately awaits the arrival of reinforcements. When his aide says "General, it's General Reynolds!" the audience is at least as relieved as Buford! Supreme acting! Here it comes for your enjoyment:

 

[diane]

What name is he known by now?

Are you guys talking about his horse ranch? It was in Woodford county Kentucky, prime blue-grass country and close to a darn good place to raise fine horses! Lexington didn't come from his place - Bosque Bonita - but sired some fine racers there. One of the sad tragedies of a war with many was the loss of great Southern blood lines. Abe, after the war, was like many another Confederate veteran, just one misery after another and seldom long on his feet. I don't believe the family was ever as close again after the war as it had been before, having split up over sides. He didn't get over losing his beloved horse ranch.

 

[diane]

Another misconception harbored by the uninitiated. Retreat is often associated with failure when it can often be the result of a highly successful military operation.

That's why I often stick up for Ol' Joe! Think his use of the retreat is misunderstood more often than not.

 

[tdftdf]

Delaying actions tend be smaller unit functions and often get lost in the bigger picture of the battle they become part of. Delaying actions, to those less familiar with military operations can often appear to be unsuccessful as the units that accomplish them most often end their efforts in retreat from their ground. The only other delaying actions of note that come to my mind are some by U.S. Army units during the Battle of the Bulge.

Iwould also offer up the hastily put together troops that fought against Early's troops, at the Battle of Monocacy (July 1864). though greatly outnumbered, their delay of the Confedreates into the DC area allowed reinforcements to arrive to defend the capital.

 

[tdftdf]

We have all heard of John Buford and his famous stance at Gettysburg. What I find fascinating is not only his tragic story but that of his entire family. The Buford's were everywhere from the revolutionary war on. There was Simeon, Napoleon, John and Abraham. Three out of the four were Cavalry, Simeon Served under Henry "Lighthorse Lee". Yes, Robert E. Lee's father. Napoleon was a Brigade commander under Charles Hamilton and then there is Abraham. I find Abraham to be a very interesting character. He served under Nathan Bedford Forrest and played a major role in the Confederate victory at Brice's Crossroads. The Buford's are a very interesting bunch to say the least.

http://www.nps.gov/shil/upload/The-Buford-Boys.pdf

appreciate the link - John Buford is one of my heroes. I had always heard that he died of exhaustion in Dec 1863. this article says he died from Yellow Fever.

 

[Aussie Billy Sherman]

I wonder what would've happened had he lived. Probably would've got a shot at cavalry command somewhere or division commander under Sheridan