The Myth of the Black Horse Cavalry--Pt. 5

To end this little set of blogs about the Black Horse Cavalry, I thought about trying to be positive about the whole thing. In truth, I probably would not have liked these fellows much. They were avowed white supremacists, fighting to uphold a way of life I think I would have despised.

That being said, the Black Horse Cavalry believed in what they fought for, and were there from First Bull Run to Appomattox. The above painting/print is by noted Civil War artist Mort Kunstler, and is called "Bravest of the Brave." It was presented to the public in 1999. It shows the BHC at Warrentown, VA on February 22, 1863.

They are escorting General Lee past the lovely Warrentown Courthouse, which has been replaced several times since 1863, but always from the original plans. It looks today much as it did back then. Sergeant Robert Edward Martin, the second rider from the right, is silhouetted against the light in the window of the courthouse.

Robert Martin was one of three Martin brothers serving in the BHC, and the two Martin sisters married BHC members. Robert was presented with a fine rifle, a gift of an admiring Englishman, as being the bravest man in Lee's Army. He thus became the "Bravest of the Brave."

Based on the knowledge that the BHC was in Warrentown during the winter of 1862-62 and constantly on patrol, Kunstler checked with James Robertson, Jr., distinguished alumni Professor at Virginia Tech for a suitable date. Robertson confirmed that there was a snowfall on February 22, 1863. The snow provides the lovely moonlight reflections that make this such a stunning piece of work.