1862 October 29 Purcellville 2.15 P.M.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd Qrs,  Cav. Brigade
Purcellville Oct 29, 2. P.M.

To General R. B. Marcy
     Chief of Staff
My pickets on the Catochin Moun
tain, saw the rebel camp fires
at Middleburg last night--they
were about a mile long--a
Quaker (Union) told them this morning
there was abbout[sic] 1200 infantry
& cavalry at Middleburg--The
fires were put out in a short time.
      A negro who came thro'
Snickersville gap on Monday when
my advance was driven back says
it was well we did not try to go
on-as they had cannon all the
way up the Gap & were bringing
more under the impression
our Army intended to cross at
that point--The force there,
he says was infantry-
      It looks as if the force
at Middleburg was making its way
to Aldie to go to Manassas--
   I shall send in that
Quarter tomorrow & will find out
my force today is too [occupied?] to
[?]  it--very respectfully
               A. Pleasonton
                       Brig. General

MSS 495