Articles

Magazine Articles
by

J. David Petruzzi

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Magazine

"An Almost Suicidal Bravery"
Corbit's Charge: Jeb Stuart Clashes with the 1st Delaware Cavalry at
Westminster, Maryland, June 29, 1863

(co-authored with Eric J. Wittenberg)
Adapted from their book, Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg, the article details the clash between Stuart's troopers and upstarts of the green 1st Delaware Cavalry in the streets of Westminster during Stuart's ride north. Barely 100 Delaware troopers charged into Stuart's column of thousands and slowed down the southern commander for half a day.
January 2007 issue

The Battle of Funkstown

(co-authored with Eric J. Wittenberg and Michael F. Nugent)
Adapted from their book, One Continuous Fight: The Retreat From Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863, this article is the first detailed narrative of the fight at Funkstown, Maryland on July 10, 1863, during Lee's retreat from Gettysburg. Jeb Stuart's cavalry, along with infantry, clashed with John Buford's and Judson Kilpatrick's cavalry divisions and Federal infantry.
July 2008 issue

"The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton"

A summary of the Federal cavalry commander's life and career. Pleasonton commanded the northern mounted arm during the Gettysburg Campaign but was sent to a western backwater when General Grant picked Phil Sheridan to lead his cavalry. Contains much never-before-published biographical information.
March 2005 issue

"John Buford: By the Book"

The most detailed historical narrative of Federal cavalry Brig. Gen. John Buford's actions to open the battle of Gettysburg on the morning of July 1, 1863 to ever appear in print. Article details the "covering force action" employed by Buford's cavalry brigades to slow down the Confederate infantry advance upon the town, buying sufficient time for Federal infantry to arrive on the field.
July 2005 issue

"He Rides Over Everything In Sight"

Elijah White's 35th Battalion Virginia Cavalry is one of the least known southern units, but before John Mosby rose to prominence White's Battalion was one of the sharpest thorns in the Federals' side. Details the Civil War service of the Battalion, as well as much never-before-published biographical information about White.
March 2006 issue

"Opening the Ball at Gettysburg: The Shot That Rang for 50 Years"

Detailed presentation of all claimants to the "first shot" fired on the Federal side to open the battle of Gettysburg. Credit is given to Lt. Marcellus Jones of the 8th Illinois Cavalry of Buford's division for firing the opening shot at massed Confederate infantry early on the morning of July 1, 1863.
July 2006 issue

"Annihilation of a Regiment"

At a little-known cavalry fight just a few miles from the Gettysburg Battlefield on the afternoon of July 3, 1863, the 6th United States Cavalry was decimated by the Laurel Brigade under Confederate commander Brig. Gen. William "Grumble" Jones. The most modern interpretation of the fight based on previously untapped primary sources.
July 2007 issue

"Six Weeks in the Saddle"

A concise accounting of Federal Brig. Gen. John Buford's 1st Cavalry Division in the six weeks of the Gettysburg Campaign, beginning with the large cavalry battle at Brandy Station VA on June 9, and ending with the crossing of Robert E. Lee's Confederate army over the Potomac River following Gettysburg on July 14. Also included is a special bonus four-map study of two of Buford's brigades at the battle of Gettysburg on July 1 and 2.
July 2008 issue

"Why Jeb Stuart Was Too Late"

(co-authored with Eric J. Wittenberg)
Adapted from their book, Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg, the article details the little-known fighting at Fairfax Court House, Virginia, between Stuart's troopers and the 11th New York Cavalry (known at Scott's 900). Stuart was delayed for half a day on June 27, 1863, by the few dozen New Yorkers who audaciously charged his column during Stuart's advance north.
February 2007 issue