James Ewell Brown Stuart, known to his friends by his initials, J.E.B., graduated 13th of 46 from West Point in 1854. While in service to the U.S. Army, Stuart was sent by Robert E. Lee to crush John Brown’s raid at Harpers Ferry. In 1861 Stuart followed Virginia’s secession and joined the Confederacy. Stuart was a master of reconnaissance, was promoted rapidly, and was a favorite of General Lee. His brilliant reputation was sullied by missteps at Brandy Station and most notably Gettysburg where he lost touch with Lee for a crucial two days. On 11 May 1864, while defending the Confederate capital, the cavalry commander was shot at close range by a dismounted Union trooper and died one day later.