Alfred Pleasonton to Seth Williams, June 18, 1863
Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General :
GENERAL: I have sent out two reconnaissances, onetoward Ashby’s Gap, by way of Middleburg, and one toward Snicker’s Gip, by way of Philomont. Each of these is sufficiently strong to take « ‘re of itself. A report has reached me that Colonel Duffié, whe was sent on a reconnaissance through Thoroughfare Gap with the First Rhode Island Cavalry, permitted himself to be surrounded near Middleburg, and has met heavy loss—not more than 100 men escaping ; this is report. I have not heard directly from Duffié, and shall await more definite information.
I have a brigade of cavalry picketing Thoroughfare Gap. My reconuaissance to Middleburg will find out all about Duffie.
All is quiet in that direction.
Very respectfully,
Brigadier-General.
MovutH oF THE Monocacy,
June 18, 1863—2.45 p. m.
I will move a force toward the fords named at once. Nothing has
nee seen or heard of the enemy here to-day. I now hold Hauling
ord.