Alfred Pleasonton to Daniel Butterfield, June 19, 1863
June 19, 1863—3.15 p. m. (Received 6.30 p. m.) Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: Your dispatch of 10 a. m. received. I heard from an orderly, who escaped, of the capture of Major Sterling, and judged he had. something important, so I have acted carefully.
I send an important dispatch with this to General Williams. The pass taken from Longstreet’s infantry soldier is important, and, from the caution they are using to cover Upperville, I think they may attempt to mass their force there, and throw it through Thoroughfare Gap by night. Thoroughfare Gap and Leesburg are the two points it is necessary to make strong in connection with this at Aldie; then the mountain range will do the rest. My troops have fought beautifully to-day.
Very respectfully,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac;
y June 19, 1863—4.15 p. m.
Colonel Duffié is here, with 28 men and 4 officers; 32, all told.
Your dispatch of 10.20 a. m. is received. Orders have been given
Colonel Duffié to take his regiment to Alexandria, procure horses,