George Stoneman to Rufus Ingalls, October 29, 1863

Brig. Gen. R. INGALLS, Chief Q. M., Army of the Potomac, Cavalry Bureau:

GENERAL : I have tried sending out horses in charge of such disposable men as I had in depot, and the plan of sending men back rom the Army of the Potomac after the horses has been tried, and there have been found objections to both methods. Cannot the horses be forwarded by rail? If this is not expedient, how will the plan work of organizing a party of experienced men under a competent officer, to lead the horses out, and an escort be either sent from here, if the men be on hand for that purpose, or sent from the Army of the Potomac, to meet the horses on the road and guard them to the at the party to return by rail, bringing back broken-down orses.

To take out 500 horses will require a party of horse-leaders of 150 men of experience and energy. The strength of the escort must, of course, depend upon circumstances. The horses should not be sent in droves or squads of more than 500.

There are now in charge of General Rucker and myself upward of 16,000 unserviceable cavalry horses, and it is hoped that the requirements of the Army of the Botoree can be supplied during the remainder of this year from those now on hand. acs

There are now in depot seven new regiments of cavalry, awaiting arms, accouterments, and equipments. We have had At greatest difficulty in procuring laborers, and have sent all over the country for them.

As soon, however, as the depot is completed we shall have plenty, and the party spoken of above can be organized out of them, or

ou can organize it yourself and keep it under your own control. f the horses are sent by rail, we can aeligee them at Alexandria.

Please let me know your views and wishes upon this subject as ae as may be, and also those of General Meade and General Pleasonton.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,