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Union general (1824–1897) who commanded the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac during the Gettysburg Campaign, including the largest predominantly cavalry battle of the war, Brandy Station. In 1864 he defeated Confederate General Sterling Price in two key battles, effectively ending the war in Missouri. Civil War-dated ALS signed “A. Pleasonton, Brig. Gen. Comd'g,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, August 13, 1862. Handwritten letter to "General R. B. Marcy, Chief of Staff," in full: "I have just heard that the cavalry which has been serving on Malvern Hill has been changed. The regiment that was there belonged to the Georgia troops & has gone to Hanover Courthouse, most probably with Longstreet as he's a Georgian. The regiment now on the Hill is a Virginia one & it is said not as good as that which has left. This information comes thro' a contraband of Ladd's, & goes to confirm the report that Longstreet has moved away." He adds an interesting postscript, in full: "It is said the rebels have moved a considerable force to Hanover, if this be so, it shows they are uneasy for Jackson's rear from this army. This also comes thro' contraband." In fine condition, with a few small stains, and a repaired tear to the lower right edge of the second page.
During the Civil War, enslaved individuals who escaped to Union lines, often referred to as 'contraband,' became invaluable sources of intelligence. Their firsthand knowledge of Confederate troop movements, fortifications, and supply routes provided the Union Army with critical strategic insights. Many of these individuals had worked on Confederate infrastructure projects or overheard plans, making their information highly accurate and actionable. An extraordinary Civil War letter from a hero of the Union cavalry.
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