Alfred Pleasonton to J. H. Taylor, January 12, 1863

January 12, 1863.

COLONEL : I have the honor to report the disposition of the troops composing this command during the operations of the Army of the poles on December 11, 12, 13, and 14, in its attack on Fredericksurg.

On December 11, agreeably to the orders of the major-general commanding the right grand division, this division, consisting of the First Brigade, under Brig. Gen. J. F. Farnsworth; Second Brigade, under Col. D. McM. Gregg, Highth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Pennington’s battery (M), Second U.S. Artillery, were massed in columns of squadrons in rear of the ridge commanding the approaches to the upper bridges. This position was held by the command until the army had recrossed the Rappahannock.

During this time, the Eighth Regiment of New York cavalry, inder Col. B. F. Davis, picketed the river in the vicinity of King George Court-House, as well as the country between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, covering our left flank. The Sixth Regiment of New York Cavalry, under Colonel Devin, picketed the fords above Falmouth and the country in the direction of Hartwood.

On December 12, two squadrons of the Highth Illinois Cavalry, under Major Beveridge, crossed the river and made a reconnaissance above Fredericksburg, and found the enemy’s pickets strongly posted at the bridge over the canal. This command remained in observation at this point until relieved by two squadrons, under Major Clendenin, who continued at this duty until the withdrawal of the army.

The Sixth Regular Cavalry, under Captain Cram, on December 13 was posted above and to the rear of Falmouth, in support of batteries. On the death of General Bayard, from a mortal wound received in the action of the left grand division, Col. D. McM. Gregg, of the Eighth Penusylvania Cavalry, was assigned to the command of Bayard’s divis ion, and Colonel Devin took command of the Second Brigade.

I avail myself of this occasion to commend to the major-general com manding the right grand division the fidelity with which the officers and men of this division discharged the duties required of them on these occasions.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,