Stuart vs. Custer and Gregg - The Clash at East Cavalry Field: Gettysburg 158 Live!

[@BellesDreams]

Michigan Wolverine here!! Thank you for the lively portrayal of Custer’s maneuvers!! WOW!!

[@dalejones3361]

“Come on you wolverines!!” Thank you Jim Hessler for such an enthusiastic presentation. Custer was really into the joy of battle and you captured some of that.

[@mvfc7637]

Have been a “war nerd” since my early teens, no one has gone into as much detail as your team has to explain the significance and the events regarding the cavalry action on July 3, love your passion guys, keep up the good work!

[@johnstrong283]

My wife and I and our honeymoon in 1995 were invited into the rummel Barn by Mr Hoffman who was living there at the time. He also invited us into the house and showed us some artifacts from the battlefield.

[@bradleycred99]

Wow! Y’all are killin’ it today. I’m thrilled you are covering this part of the Gettysburg Campaign. Well done! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Again, thank you so much. Been a fun day, 3 days of following all of you. Great artifacts that Spencer was great and then…… a sword from the battle! So so cool!!!!

[@heynowls3058]

Nice. Having Jim is great. Big fan of Jim’s and Eric’s podcast. Thanks to all you guys, and your enthusiasm.

[@MrBobbybrus]

My great great grandfather, Nelson S. Bartholomew was in the Michigan 5th Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Co. G. . I am so proud of his service, and I am happy that you have highlighted the actions at the East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg. It has been noted that this action represented the greatest cavalry demonstration that had ever been witnessed on the continent up to that time. The courage represented at Gettysburg on both sides of the conflict on all three days of the battle is a benchmark of American nobility. The forces that clashed on the East Cavalry Field that July 3rd augmented that legacy with actions equal to or surpassing the deeds that we appreciate about the struggle that happened at Gettysburg. The last full measure.

[@mattpiepenburg8769]

Fantastic summary and much appreciated! Can’t underscore enough how nice it is to cover this often ignored aspect of the Gettysburg campaign.

[@tomdynia9951]

This has been a great series of videos! Great that you got out to East Cavalry Field, been waiting for this.

[@sethmaxfield6658]

Love the shout-out for Eric & Jim, the Podcast is fantastic! Thanks for all the coverage these last few days, those of us who aren't within reasonable travel distance greatly appreciate it

[@michaeldouglas1243]

I agree the by far most overlooked and ignored part of tje great campaign. I learned an absolute lot more from this episode. Thank you gentlemen. Excellent production

[@greyangelpilot]

How no drama for film or television has never been made about this legendary Cavalry engagement/battle surprises me. Two of the most charismatic cavalry generals facing off at the high water mark! What could be more compelling?! Nice job building the days drama!

[@Lansing2784]

Here's to a Great Gettysburg 158th that all of you @ American Battlefield Trust & guest put on the last 3 days in July 2021!

[@lastritt]

Thank you for adding this portion of the Battle of Gettysburg. I was in Gettysburg at the same time this was being filmed but was unaware of the location of this final battle. I will be sure to pay a visit the next time I'm there.

[@roberttrease8408]

You hear a lot about the 3 day battle, thank you for covering the East Cav battle.

[@franciscosantiagomarquezli9964]

Hola muchas felicidades 158 aniversario de la batalla de Gettysburg ! saludos desde Puerto Peñasco Sonora México siguiendo sus programas.

[@whildenm]

Is this a dream? Thank you for these videos

[@lizlittle1641]

I'm glad you shared this battle. We always hear about the infantry and the artillery but never the cavalry. I've always wondered what the cavalry was doing. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@joannecarolyn5018]

Hello from Singapore 😊🇸🇬 Absolutely amazing account of the events, and magnificent artifacts! 🤩🥰🥰🥰

[@ColbyHiggs]

Great stuff!!!

[@andrewhoward9870]

Thank you very much. Insightful!

[@rsornbe]

Thank you!!! Charismatic and informative as always!

[@rsornbe]

And how are there 8 downvotes? Who the F????

[@keithwoznek3429]

Finally, East Cav after all the years!

[@fastsetinthewest]

AMEN!

[@historyandhorseplaying7374]

My ancestor fought there!

[@jumpmaster82nd.]

Many of my people rode with the 14th VA Cav, Jenkins Brigade. "Protecting the Flanks " by Eric Whittenberg IS the one to read for this action! Love all Jim's books (and podcast) also! Hoping to meet and chat with them and many more next month at the Savas Beatie meet up! Thanks all!

[@WendyDaCanuck]

The cavalry charge is the second best part of the whole battle! The best part being the text book delaying action conducted by the cavalry on the first day obviously.

[@ronniedurie7752]

Thanks so much all of you for taking me through the battle and I appreciate the enthusiasm of the excitement of the story of history of it all. On my Mothers side of the family My Gr-Gr-Grandpa was with the 2nd VA Appomattox Raiders Calvary Gen. Fitzhugh Lee fighting Gen. Custer!!!. While on my Daddy's side of the family was my Gr-Gr-Grandpa in the 7th New Jersey Infantry fighting in the Peach Orchard!!! Both was able to survive both battles and finish out their term and go back home. Thanks so very much for all you'll do to keep this all alive!!! Love it!!!

[@johnportanova2583]

Thanks thanks so proud to be a member of AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD TRUST

[@briankesterson4365]

Garry & Gang - My relative John Goodson Matheny of Company F,17th Virginia Cavalry was there along with a smattering of other cavalrymen from Companies C, F & G, led by Maj. Frederick F. Smith. Though only about 30 to 40 cavalrymen from the 17th Va. were on East Cavalry Field, the regiment was represented in the fight on the field. See the book, "Campaigning with the 17th Virginia Cavalry, Night Hawks at Monocacy". These 158th videos have been great! Thank you all for what you are doing to preserve history & informing the current generation as well as future generations! Any chance of doing a future video on the wounding of General Albert G. Jenkins and his removal to the John Major's home? Thanks again for what you do!

[@bigjimslade6250]

Amen. Ancestors in 34th VA. Would love to see something on Grumble Jones and V. Witcher as well. As I recall Witcher assumed command over a portion of Jones troops

[@Sheilamarie2]

I'm a huge Custer fan! Thank you for this, you do a terrific job!

[@terryeustice5399]

Loved this documentary on this battle. Your so right about this site. I was there and not even aware of this site. The artifacts were awesome. Especially the rifle and sword. Thank you for sharing this!

[@kirkdeluca3600]

Thankyou just found this episode by chance. Been reading “Custer at Gettysburg” by Tucker. Definitely a bucket list for me.

[@y00h0011]

What an excellent program.

[@marklisbon159]

Wow fantastic presentation. I read a few articles years ago in several military history magazines but your presentation finally gave me the proper understanding of what happened here. And contrary to popular contemporary characterization of Custer, your presentation truly captures who he was and why he was great! And that cavalry sword artifact from this engagement was mind blowing!

[@fastsetinthewest]

I was raised in Michigan and live in Texas. My relative was with Custer. In the summer of 2020, there was a petition pushing to remove the statue of General George Armstrong Custer that stands in downtown Monroe, Michigan. GETTYSBURG: Riding at the head of the 7th Michigan, Custer shouted “Come On You Wolverines” and led them in the assault. Taken from Frohne's Historic Military: "In 1879, a statue of Custer was unveiled at West Point. Five years later, because of Libbie’s (Custer's wife) disapproval, it was removed and has since disappeared." From a drafted disabled Republic of Vietnam combat Vietnam '68...

[@marksauck8481]

I love movies and wish they'd make more depicting these battles.

[@seeking70]

Great review. Happy Independence Day!

[@christpherwalter9051]

Great Presentation!!

[@richforrest6983]

Good video love the action and real information

[@ES-lh1tj]

I remember what my grade school history teacher said about Stuart at Gettysburg, "Stuart was a dashing lady's man and at Gettysburg he was just roaming around and doing just that, being dashing. He had no idea what Lee was doing and it pissed Lee off. Stuart had no plan. His ego was inflamed and it took hold of him ... the thought of galloping around the north at will excited him. But Custer and Gregg surprised him and kicked his butt."

[@Knards]

Good to hear about the Michigan Calvary's efforts

[@johnstrong283]

East Calvary battlefield is always amazing.

[@evanmyers100]

Never been to this. Thanks again my your coverage.

[@lookonthebrightsideoflife5200]

Such a cool place! I'm so glad I visited when I went to Gettysburg last year!

[@johngetz8585]

She has to learn the word CAValry, and totally drop the word Calvary, unless she's referring to Jesus! The guys all got it right! Hallelujah!

[@johnresto1603]

Good to see Dan on a video. I did the tour lead by him on the slaughter farm

[@michaelfleming4015]

Very exciting presentation. Several times you mentioned that Custer and First Michigan are backed up by other Union units, but did not mention them specifically. When reading the history of the First Maine Cav. it is clear that they responded to Custer’s command to charge and provided the force of numbers that lead to the success of Custer’s audacity. Remember the First Maine.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

I'd like to thank all the folks who made these videos this year. Your efforts are appreciated. It's just a shame you had such poor audio equipment, the wind was really interfering with the watchability of this one. I tried the close-captions but it was just jibberish. Thanx anyway.

[@michaelfleming4015]

I have my Great Grandfather’s saber and his GAR sword. He was Augustus W. Ingersoll of Company K of the First Maine.

[@brettbw1]

Awesome ! Wondering if it was horsemen riding past and slashing with swords or firing rifles mounted or dismounted or everything you can image? Thanks

[@JO-kp6lk]

Hell, they all like to argue but this is good info. I appreciate your enthusiasm !

[@bigjimslade6250]

Ancestors in the 34th VA. Glad to learn about their relation to the overall Battle of Gettysburg. Issued 10 rounds of ammunition to take on the Union troops & their repeating rifles.

[@cindymckimm5681]

Wow - this was so informative. Fantastic job everyone! Thank you from another Custer and civil war nut

[@HighVelocityRips]

This guy is the best!! Go Jim go!!

[@curtismes]

can I make a suggestion?...use aerial maps and animation for detailing units...its tough to picture it all on the ground...drone footage of the actual paths of charges and attacks would really make this incredible information come alive...

[@JamesBray-qm8gr-q3w]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING presentation !!!! WOW, if they had Spencer Rifles rather than Spencer Carbines, that made them very deadly from greater distance. I never knew they had Spencer Rifles with the Union Cavalry. And my God if that sword could talk about what it saw !!

[@your_royal_highness]

I was there once. All of these battle sites are pretty overwhelming and all i recall was the mostly wide open space

[@wendeln92]

Visited this part of the battlefield when last at Gettysburg. I really wish I had brought a decent map because this battlefield is very rural. At one point after what seemed to be driving around the perimeter of the battlefield - I found myself driving down a road and had no idea where I was - stopped and asked a local if I was headed toward Hanover St. Luckily I was and discovered I wasn't as lost as I thought. Next visit need to bring a map of the roads and action and prepare some quotes and photos like I did for the main battlefield.

[@christineschultz2872]

3x Great Grandfather William H. Kershner was in the 7th Michigan Calvary at Gettysburg.

[@jameswasilchen7903]

Did you guys bring an outhouse with you? A smart idea.

[@thomaschew2191]

I visit Gettysburg often; I try to hit it once a year and do my best to at least drive thru the East Cavalry Battlefield.

[@chrismoerlein]

There was a cartridge box for the Spencer that was invented by a cavalryman named Erastus Blakeslee that was used later in the war.The cartridges were held in metal tubes. To reload the rifle the spring loaded plunger was first removed from the buttstock. Next a tube containing seven cartridges was withdrawn from the cartridge box. The cartridges would drop into the magazine tube contained in the buttstock by gravity and the now empty tube would be put back into the box. Then the spring loaded plunger would be reinserted into the buttstock completing the process. This could be accomplished rapidly and a high rate of fire could be achieved with this rifle.

[@mfs2778]

ThanK you :: 2023

[@DreamCather147]

My great grandfather was under Wade Hamilton. He lived until 1901.

[@johnniebgoode]

Who are these horsemen riding circles around us and competing with us.....again, very well done.

[@jorgemartinpaez4376]

gracias por todo, THE 158 WAS A GREAT virtual adventure!! such amazing history! not boring!!!! Battlefield trust thank you, gary chris, Carol, Gettysburg Association these dead shall not have died in vain,That this nation will have a new birth of freedom, and this government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth........

[@PUPPYBONZ]

I had a Spencer that was found in the Mojave desert.

[@pinesparrow]

I'm here because I just finished John S. Mosby's memoirs.

[@fernandobastidas1983]

It´s a great video. It will help me for a meeting for Spanish speaking people next Sunday. Could you fix the CC? because it was originally uploaded in vietnamese, which are impossible to translate into another foreign language. Thank you

[@TermiteUSA]

I always wondered where would you do some archeology that would answer some good questions. ( And if anyone thinks of s metal detector you get the lash!) I know at Waterloo they've had some great results from digs but there isn't the same amount of documentation there from nearly 50 years earlier.

[@sandibaker7385]

Where was Buford during all this?

[@jonny-b4954]

Makes me want to go do an in depth tour of the field. Do they have tours like this, where they bring you to a spot and an expert talks in super detail like this instead of the bland history book overview? I'll be out that way for my Penn. theme park trip so wanted to spend a day at Gettysburg.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Just ask the Gettysburg foundation in advance which licensed guides are expert in your desired subject and they will try to pair you for what you want.

[@jonny-b4954]

@@AmericanBattlefieldTrust I will certainly do that. Thanks for tip. Always been a bucket list thing of mine.

[@cfraz47]

What caliber is a Spencer repeating rifle? What is the effective range?

[@2pugman]

Was the 1st N. J. Cavalry at that battle ?

[@garoldjohnson361]

My Great Great Grandfather was with the second North Carolina cavalry

[@Gitarzan66]

No shame Jim. I still have my ties from the 80's too lol.

[@elizabethhurtado2829]

👍

[@michaelsullivan2554]

Custer had no idea he'd be wearing an Arrow shirt at Little Big Horn.

[@badguy5554]

I also agree with Jim. I CAN'T imagine, if Stuart had been ordered by Lee to attack the rear of the Union line on Cemetary Ridge, in coordination with Pickett's charge, he would have let a small unit of Custer's cavalry deter him from punching through that force and carrying out that mission. It's also my understanding his REAL orders where to stay on the flank of, what Lee HOPED, would be a retreating Union army, put into a state of confusion by Pickett's charge, and allow them to filter back in the direction of Washington D.C. where they could subsequenly be defeated and Washington D.C. captured by the Confederate forces.

[@marksauck8481]

One thing while visiting these battlefields is we should try to imagine the odors and horrible smell of all the dead and dying all over these fields. I lived on a farm and know what a dead and bloated steer smells like. Just one can boll you over. I can't imagine living in the town of Gettysburg and the stink of rotting animals and humans lasting weeks after the battle. What a nightmare it must have been and the excessive heat only made it all worse.

[@emintey]

It's still a matter of some controversy as to what Stuart's actual mission was that day, whether it was just to inhibit a presumed Union retreat after Picket's charge or if he was meant to aid in a breakthrough within the "fishhook". We may never know.

[@hiramnoone]

Buford's cavalry had Burnside carbines, not Spencers.

[@storyoc]

yes i had read where 200 union infantry behind the union cav had spencers but this was the first time i have heard mentioned that the union cav had them-i also read custers horse spooked and went crazy runnin thru the confederate ranks but they couldnt shoot as he was amonst them and would of hit other rebs-the indians didnt care as much

[@s.g.snyder6194]

Need a wind screen.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

That's the wind with a wind screen. Imagine without.

[@s.g.snyder6194]

@@AmericanBattlefieldTrust Holy cow! Combines, traffic, gale-force winds. Good job persevering through it all!

[@keithkuhn6404]

It has been my impression that Grgg just set back and let Custer go in.

[@tree7249]

No matter how hard people try it's impossible to get a clear picture. Someone should do a movie or documentary that films from above so we can see all the divisions and such and they're movments and actions at the same time. Imagine a full scene looking down where one can follow all the movements and retreats as they accuse. It could be done in animation. I appreciate your explanations but I don't think I'm the only one who can't put the picture together it just to much info. It would be the best thing on the war ever. You could narrate it and tell us who's who as it goes.

[@patrickmccrary6233]

Check out the animated battlefield maps on the American Battlefield Trust website. Invaluable.

[@ADogNamedMilo]

Hi Tree. Fully agree! A birds view animation done with modern technology but using original footage and maps would be the best thing ever for visualizing and understanding not only this, but the most other battles of the Civil War. Boy, I wish I could do it. Maybe I will even try it some day. There are many obstacles beside my lack of knowledge about the available tools themselves. Copyright and other legal stuff and the fact that I'm situated in Switzerland don't help either. Imagine an animated 3D virtual an augmented reality version of this. Would be a blast.

[@blablablaimadirtytramp]

I am a direct descendent of John McIntosh. His brother died at the battle of Pea Ridge.

[@majiclamp4857]

Repeating rifles definitely is a force multiplier, so advantage union cavalry.

[@SigmaNuHE481]

Is that how the University of Michigan Wolverines got their name?

[@bobgall6764]

No. I believe they got their nickname from a much earlier Eastern newspaper article that referred to the early Michigan inhabitants as "tough as Wolverines". Thus, ALL people from Michigan are "Wolverines" and it is known as the Wolverine State....sorry sparty

[@realboss604]

ya guys need a wind break on that mic!!

[@davelewis9795]

Too bad Forrest wasn't in Gettysburg.

[@jefffetzer8201]

I think Stuart was supposed to attack in coordination with Pickett but ran into the Spencers Didnt Stuart have the numbers advantage ? I get the impression neither Stuart or Longstreet wanted to follow Lees orders at Gettysburg

[@michaeloconnell8779]

Great book "They met at Gettysburg" by General Edward J. Stackpole worth a read. If the stories are true that Lee reprimanded Jeb Stuart on the evening of July 2nd it would be appear that Lee deliberately massed his cavalry to attack the Union canon positions to help him win the 3rd days fight. Jeb Stuart 100 percent had an important mission on July 3rd. Remember Lee wanted to defeat and destroy the Army of the Potomac and force immediate peace talks with Washington. Vicksburg was close to falling to the Union. Jefferson Davis and lee were swinging for the fences in the Harrisonburg, Penn campaign that is now know as the Gettysburg Campaign. The Union Cavalry had a great strategic victory vs. tired Jeb Stuart and massed 6,000 CS Cavalry on July 3rd. The Union Cavalry generals are the among the Great Hero's of Gettysburg victory on July 3rd. of course, US Grant wins Vicksburg Campaign on July 4th, 1863. A major blow to Mississippi native Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The whole 1863 Pennsylvania Campaign was about what was happening at Vicksburg, Mississippi. That's why General Lee was so reckless on July 2nd and July 3rd. Lee and Davis could not stop the fall of Vicksburg. Conquering Washington DC did not happen. Peace talks with US or defeating Lincoln's 1864 Election chances did not happen. Major victories in 1863 or 1864 may have defeated Lincoln's election chances and gave Presidential Candidate Democrat General George MacClellan's 1864 victory and potential peace talks for CS nation. None of this occurred. Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Lincoln then launched their coordinated efforts to end the war by 1865.

[@sgtNUKEtroop]

terrible audio

[@williamsteele1409]

that laid to rest the myth union cavalry were inferior in 61 it has some truth to it but by 63 they were well they had become more efficient and had no qualms about fighting the c s a Calvary

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

Bo Schembechler and Geo. Custer. Two Ohioans trying their best to motivate those people from up north to victory.

[@jamesgordon3390]

I do not agree with the assessment that Stuart was just out there to halt a Union retreat. This engagement makes absolutely no sense under that premise. Lee was schooled in Napoleonic tactics at West Point (as were all their alumni). Napoleon was cutting edge at their time. I believe Lee was using Stuart to attack the Union from behind on cemetery ridge. Gregg (et al.) just happened to intercept them, since Gregg was to guard the right flank of the Union line and Pleasonton the left (near Little Round Top). You must read “Lost Triumph”, by Tom Carhart. He is a West Point graduate and infantry officer in Vietnam. In West Point, one studies battlefield tactics as well as the character and soul of the men who went before them. This is part of their patrimony. (I graduated US Coast Guard Academy, with quite similar philosophies and dedication to our patrimony). West Point has a saying, “The history we teach was made by the men we taught”, this is very important to comprehend the weight of credibility of Tom Carhart’s perspective. He knows Lee’s character well. Lee was attempting to move behind the Union for a surprise in the rear of Union lines, it’s the only thing thst really makes sense of the location of East Cavalry Field, and the timing of the battle. The intersection of time and location strengthens this point profoundly.

[@ae1586]

General Wade Hampton led the charge from the front yelling charge them my brave boys charge them ! He got astride his men and crashed headfirst into the Michigan Cavalry . Soon he was tangling with 3 wolverines at the same time . He split one of their heads clean in two with his solingen steel bladed non conventional long sword . He was wounded himself by a slash to the head before killing the second , then he was shot before severing the arm of the 3rd Michigander and ultimately being led from the field by an escort of his old hamptons legion cavalry mates . Hampton having not been formerly educated in a military school was taught swordsmanship by his father and grandfather (major general Wade Hampton I of revolutionary war fame) he was an excellent horseman and a life long hunter and outdoorsman. He fought like fury and displayed the courage and intelligence to lead men in battle from the front - never asking his men to go somewhere he would not . General Wade Hampton an American Hero , a southern legend , and the truest Son of South Carolina she has ever known . Wounded over 5 times including being shot in the heel at 7 pines and never leaving the saddle . As commander of the entire confederate cavalry after Stuart’s death he won the largest cavalry battle of the war at trevilian station , he would not lose a single battle as commander. Made Famous for his beefsteak raid and his capture of 137 members of the 3rd PA Cav without suffering a single casualty, He would go on to become Governor of South Carolina and senator until shortly before his death . We have schools , bridges and roads named after him in South Carolina - and we aren’t changing them ! If you don’t like it Yankees then don’t move to South Carolina . You also wouldn’t like the 120 foot tall confederate flag being built on the side of I-85 .

[@carlhelms595]

Stuart was incompetent. Cost us any chance we had.

[@markcrampton5549]

Us? How old are you?

[@carlhelms595]

@@markcrampton5549 Is there an age requirement to know your history?

[@markcrampton5549]

@@carlhelms595 You said we like you were there ! That would make you at least 175 ! It's called Sarcasm. Look it up!

[@carlhelms595]

@@markcrampton5549 I prefer to not be trolled but thanks for playing

[@markcrampton5549]

@@carlhelms595What you prefer does not concern me.

[@jorgemartinpaez4376]

36 pa Inf emergency? Wow???

[@apachecatcat3495]

It’s time to retreat from Gettysburg . Go home and BBQ