Roy

Yes, as things turned out Stuart did arrive too late to be much of a factor. What I was saying was prompted by your remark about Picketts Charge almost being stopped.

Stuart's appearence in the Union rear at Hanover did cause some concern with the Union High Command. The engagement with the Union Cavalry there happened about the time of Pickets Charge and once Pickett's Charge happened the battle was basically over.

What I am wondering if Picketts Charge had not happened on the 3rd, and Stuart had been given 24 hour to operate against the Union supply routes, would the Union cavalry have been able to contain Stuart? Would he have been able to cause enough concern to cause Meade to adjust his reserves to counter Stuart? Physicological Warfare.

I agree with Stephen that in most cases Cavalry is not a match for Infantry. Although Buford did a pretty good job on the 1st day. And yes Meade was in a strong position on the High Ground. But on the other hand 8,000 troopers of Stuart's Command had to play upon the minds of the average union soldier had he known that Stuart was playing around their flanks and behind fortified lines.

There are several other factors in play here also. For one the fatigue of Stuart's command at the time.