Letter

A. Pleasonton, December 3, 1862

HEADQUARTERS OAVALRY BRIGADE,

December 3, 1862.

GENERAL: Another detachment of some 15 men have returned from the squadron at Leeds, with Lieutenant Baker in charge. This party was on detached service yesterday when the attack was made. Twentyfive men cai¢ in last night, and, with this party, the number amounts to thinks some of these will yet return.

The attack was made by dismounted cavalry, having some of the citizens of Leeds in their ranks. The men who have returned report seeing 3 dead rebels on the field and 1 badly wounded in a house. The main party hastily returned to the other side of the river.

It is evident the rebels are determined to have that line of smuggling kept up, unless we make it too warm for them. Lieutenant Baker captured yesterday two barrels of rebel whisky, which he brought into the Court-House.

As soon as I can get all the facts in this case I shall report.

Very respectfully,

A. PLEASONTON,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General PARKE, Ohief of Staff.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in N. Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, 1862–63. Summary: Brigadier-General Pleasonton reports on a recent cavalry skirmish near Leeds, noting rebel casualties, the involvement of local citizens, and the capture of contraband whisky to disrupt smuggling.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 21 View original source ↗