June 24^th, 1863.  For the planned invasion of the North, which would culminate at Gettysburg, JEB Stuart had been ordered to take three Brigades and leave two.  The five Brigades among which the choice had to be made by Stuart were Hampton’s, Fitz Lee’s, Rooney Lee’s, “Grumble" Jones' and Beverly Robertson’s.  To watch the mountain passes and to clear the Valley was the type of duty in which “Grumble” Jones was proficient.  He was rated the best outpost officer in the cavalry Division; he had commanded for months in the Shenandoah region. Besides, he was the one officer of distinction, among all of his subordinates, with whom Stuart could not operate on a friendly terms.  Often Stuart had praised Jones.  At least as frequently he had protested against having Jones under him.  Stuart selected Jones and his large Brigade remain to guard the gaps and the Great Valley, along with that of Beverly Robertson's.