James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.) Stuart, Lee's cavalry commander, served as the trusted eyes and ears of the Confederate Army, but after being absent during most of the march north and not rejoining the army until July 2, he had left Lee without vital intelligence gathering. On July 3, Stuart's cavalry moved to the Confederate left flank to explore a route into the Union rear, where it encountered Union General David M. Gregg's horsemen along the Hanover Road. The forces collided in one of the most explosive cavalry fights of the war as several thousand men fought a hand-to-hand duel across these fields. Dismounted skirmishers from both sides, supported by horse artillery, exchanged brisk fire, and mounted attacks followed.

Photo: Karl Stelly

Photo: Karl Stelly

Photo: Karl Stelly

Photo: Karl Stelly

Photo: Karl Stelly

Photo: Karl Stelly

Bonneauville, Pennsylvania · USA