Alfred Pleasonton to Brigadier-General WILLIAMs, June 24, 1863

June 24, 1863—6.30 p. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMs, Assistant Adjutant-General: Sir: Your dispatch of this date received. A regiment has been detailed for General Slocum, and must be with him by this time. I have sent a reconnaissance to examine the country in the vicinity of Hamilton, I have also scouts out, trying to get into the Shenan- doah Valley. My pickets extend to Philomont, and to-day I had a squadron at Union. A regiment of rebel cavalry was near that place, and the people said they were taking all the bacon they could find out of the country. No signs of the enemy or camps can be seen in this Valley. I shall report to the general as soon as my scouts return from the Shenandoah Valley.

Infantry can cross the Blue Ridge almost anywhere between Ashby’s Gap and Snicker’s Gap, as well as above the latter.

Stuart’s cavalry is so situated, and the country is so open, that their retreat cannot be cut off by either infantry or cavalry. We were as near doing it on Sunday last as it can be done.

Hampton’s brigade is here. Two of his regiments are on the Rappahannock, one on this side, and the other at Fredericksburg.

The signal officers you spoke of have not yet reported.

I shall try Mosby to-morrow. My command is ready to move at a moment’s notice. The amounts of forage and subsistence required by existing orders cannot be kept on hand at this distance from the depot.

Please urge the remounting of my men in Alexandria, as I hear the rebels have 2,000 new horses from Pennsylvania and Maryland.

very respectfully,