James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart (February 6, 1833May 12, 1864) was a
United States Army officer from the
U.S. state of
Virginia who later became a
Confederate States Army general during the
American Civil War. He was known to his friends as "Jeb", from the initials of his given names. Stuart was a
cavalry commander known for his mastery of reconnaissance and the use of cavalry in support of offensive operations. While he cultivated a cavalier image (red-lined gray cape, yellow sash, hat cocked to the side with an ostrich plume, red flower in his lapel, often sporting cologne), his serious work made him the trusted eyes and ears of
Robert E. Lee's army and inspired Southern morale.