1862 October 30 Purcellville 4.30 P.M.

[from the dispatch book of General Alfred Pleasonton]

Hd Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct. 30, 4.30 P.M.
To General Bayard
    Comdg Cav. at Middleburg--
General
             Major General McClellan
desires me to communicate with
you to day to "[consert a plan of
operations for our two commands
united to make a reconnais
sance through Ashby's or
Snickers Gap, or if the results
of today's operations shew that
the reconnaissance can with
safety be made through Man=
nassas Gap this would be the
most desirable."
              The General further
desires us to have an interview today
to decide where the reconnaissance
should be made so as to secure
the most important results--
             As I do not know where
I could met you at this time
I send my Aid-de-camp

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Lieut Ward, to find out at which
place it will be agreeable to you
to meet me--
          My impressions at this time
are, that as long as the enemy
occupy Snickers Gap, that would
be the first place to command
our attention--& should this meet
your views--I shall hold my
command in readiness for any
service you may propose for it--
          Jackson & Longstreet were
between Charlestown & Berryville
yesterday & it was said they were
going in the direction of Mill-
wood--
           Please inform me, General
by Lieut. Ward, what you may
decide upon in reference to my
command--
           I am very respectfully
                Your obt Servt=
                    A.. Pleasonton
                        Brig: General
                          Comdg Brigade

MSS 495