Benjamin F. Butler to Alfred Pleasonton, November 23, 1863

November 23, 1863. Respectfully returned.

There are very few if any men belonging to General Custer’s briade in the Dismounted Camp. General Kilpatrick assured me the other day that his division, to which Custer’s brigade belongs, was Sort eae mounted; if it is not, horses are on hand to mount it.

All requisitions from the Army of the Potomac up to date have been filled with the best the Government has on hand. I have understood that Custer’s brigade are great horse-killers, and it is very likely that the 17 horses were used up as stated, though they were considered serviceable when they left the depot. Inclosed please find copy of indorsement upon a previous communication which was referred to this bureau for a report.* GEORGE STONEMAN, Major-General, Chief of Cavalry.

GENERAL ORDERS, t Hpgrs. Dept. oF Va. AND N. C., No. 31 Fort Monroe, Va., November 12, 1863.

Representations having been made to the commanding general that certain disloyally disposed persons within this department do occasionally by force interfere with, and by opprobrious and threatening language insult and annoy, loyal persons employed in the quiet discharge of their lawful occupations, it is Hereby announced that all such conduct and language is hereafter strictly forbidden, and will be punished with military severity.

All officers in this department are directed to order the arrest of, and to bring such pons as are found offending against this order, before the tribunal established for the purpose of punishing offenses within this department.

By command of Major-General Butler: