The Cavalry at Gettysburg by Edward G. Longacre

Upon the formalization of the cavalry corps in early 1863, he ultimately earned command of a division. Due to casualties at Fredericksburg, he “inherited” a brigade of “five of the best-appointed regiments of horse in the entire army,” leading to what Longacre deems a “richly merited” promotion to brigadier general. Cavalry, then as colonel of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. As a leader, Gregg savored opportunities when “raw material at his disposal was in need of instruction,” and “gloried in his regiment's revitalization,” initially as a captain in the Sixth U.S. When Gregg was finally able to wed his bride in late 1862, he was able to embark “on a journey of love and happiness in the midst of a land away in conflict and suffering,” Longacre elaborates in one moving passage. War Department for a leave of absence, which plagued his mental state in camp and in the field. Their relationship serves as a valuable subplot set against the backdrop of Gregg's military service, complete with a wedding delayed by Gregg’s inability to successfully petition the U.S. In what is almost exclusively a traditional military biography, taking on the style of an operational campaign history told through the eyes of Gregg as its primary subject (some might say to the detriment of a more detailed treatment of his political, moral, and social beliefs), Longacre’s retelling nevertheless excels when it elaborates on Gregg’s personal life, especially his courtship and eventual marriage to Ellen Sheaff. Many of Gregg’s contemporaries “were not reluctant to celebrate his contributions to victory,” writes Longacre, but Gregg’s own inclination to exude “modesty and disdain for self-promotion” hindered his prominence in collective historical memory.

Longacre has titled his 2021 volume about that underrecognized figure Unsung Hero of Gettysburg: The Story of Union General David McMurtrie Gregg. Department of Defense historian) Edward G.

Hence, well-known Civil War biographer (and retired U.S.

Despite an admirable record, one federal divisional chief has received relatively little acclaim. When it comes to cavalry commanders at the Battle of Gettysburg, several figures-Stuart, Custer, and Buford, to name a few-instantly come to mind. Unsung Hero of Gettysburg: The Story of Union General David McMurtrie Greggby Edward G.

The Cavalry at Gettysburg by Edward G. Longacre