"This tactical study of fighting in June of 1863 is placed within the strategic context of a campaign-the result of thirty years of research at repositories across the country and research in unpublished records at the National Archives"-- "June 1863. The American Civil War was two years old, and the U.S. Army in Virginia was in chaos. Reeling after the recent defeat at Chancellorsville, the Federals, especially the Cavalry Corps, scrambled to regroup. Confederate general Robert E. Lee seized the moment to launch a second invasion of the North. As Lee slipped away, frantic Federal leaders asked, "Where are the Rebels?" At this critical moment, the much-maligned Federal cavalry stepped to center stage. Small but Important Riots is a tactical study of fighting from June 17 to 22, 1863, at Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville, placed within the strategic context of the Gettysburg campaign. It is based on Robert O'Neill's thirty years of research and access to previously unpublished documents, which reveal startling new information. Since the fighting in Loudoun Valley of Virginia ended in June 1863, one perspective has prevailed-that Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton, who commanded the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, disobeyed orders. According to published records, Pleasonton's superiors, including President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, and army commander Joseph Hooker, ordered Pleasonton to search for General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia during a critical stage of the Gettysburg campaign, and Pleasonton had ignored their orders. Recently discovered documents-discussed in this book-prove otherwise. "-- Provided by publisher. Provided by publisher.

"A small, neat, dapper, dashing little fellow" -- Rebuilding the Cavalry Corps, May 20-June 9 -- Re-organization, June 10-11 -- Jeb Stuart -- Conflict and controversy, June 10-15 -- An Army on the move, June 13-16 -- Stuart moves into the Loudoun Valley, June 16-17 -- Hooker's ruse, June 16-17 -- Hard work lay ahead, June 17 -- The Aldie Haystack Charge, June 17 -- The fiery ordeal, June 17 -- Men of Maine, June 17 -- Cut all to pieces, June 17-18 -- I have never seen as many Yankees killed -- He goes where he pleases, June 17 -- Find out where the enemy is, June 18 -- The engagement was renewed with spirit, June 19 -- Enthusiastic anticipation of an exciting time, June 20 -- Small but important riots, June 21 -- The hottest fighting I ever did, June 21 -- In no previous collision have they manifested such implacable hate, June 21 -- A horrid looking sight, June 21 -- We were after them, June 22 -- Continuing controversy -- Continuing success -- Appendix A -- Order of Battle -- Appendix B -- Casualties -- Appendix C -- Horses, ordnance, and regimental strength.