When he rejoined the main body, his men were exhausted, his horses broken down, and the battle of Gettysburg was nearly over.

As cavalry are the eyes of an army, it has been said that Stuart's absence prevented Lee from ascertaining the movements and position of Hooker's army.

Stuart has been loudly blamed by the rebel chroniclers for leaving the main body, but this is unjust; Lee not only knew of the movement, but approved it; for he directed Stuart to pass between Hooker and Washington, and move with part of his force to Carlisle and the other part to Gettysburg.

Besides, Stuart left Robertson's and Jones' brigades behind, with orders to follow up the rear of the Union army until it crossed, and then to rejoin the main body.

In the meantime they were to hold the gaps in the Blue Ridge, for fear Hooker might send a force to occupy them.