David Stuart (March 12, 1816 – September 11, 1868) was a politician and lawyer who served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

After serving for a term in the United States House of Representatives from 1853 to 1855, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he practiced law.

On March 11, 1863, Stuart's promotion to brigadier general was rejected by the United States Senate for unknown reasons.

[2] The raising of the two regiments was controversial because of Stuart's bad reputation, and the 55th carried poor quality weapons as a result.

[6] As commander of the 55th, Stuart's ignorance of military affairs became obvious, and he had Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Malmborg conduct all regimental training.

Stuart's brigade of slightly less than 2,000 men consisted of three inexperienced regiments, including the 55th Illinois, and was positioned in an area isolated from the rest of Sherman's division.

[19] Stuart had recovered enough to resume command of his regiment in the Siege of Corinth, and was later transferred to the occupation of Memphis, Tennessee.

From November 12 to December 18 he then commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 2 Division of the District of Memphis in the XIII Corps, which was part of the Army of the Tennessee.

[20] Stuart received an appointment to the rank of brigadier general on November 29, but this could not be finalized because the United States Senate was not in session.

[20] On March 11, Stuart's promotion to brigadier general was rejected by the Senate, and as a result, Sherman removed him from command.

Following a postwar move to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he also practiced law, Stuart returned to Detroit in 1868 and died there on September 11 of that year.