Sept. 13, 1862, 11 a.m., Dispatch: Gen. Alfred Pleasonton to Gen. George B. McClellan

DISPATCH TO GEN. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN

Gen. Alfred Pleasonton to Gen. George B. McClellan

Sept. 13, 1862, 11 a.m.

Alfred Pleasonton's dispatch above was copied from Library of Congress microfilm, Box A79, Reel 31

Alfred Pleasonton's dispatch above was copied directly from Library of Congress microfilm

Transcription:

4 miles from Frederick

Sept. 13, 11 a.m.

To Gen. R.B. Marcy—

Chief of Staff—

Have met the rear guard at this point. They did have [rifled] guns and some 1500 cavalry in a commanding position. They are now [commanding the] road [with] two, but until I can flank them they [cannot be dislodged] — I have sent for some infantry- when it comes up I [shall] try and bag the party.

Just heard from Jefferson. Hear a force there of cavalry with artillery - my people have no artillery there. I hear heavy firing above Harper's Ferry. Heard [forces there] this morning [all] [was] [right] __  ____ from Green Castle Penn. near Franklin railroad Jackson want to cut off the Central railroad through' Pennsylvania

The rebels are very much alarmed and say they are [living ocu??????d]

[Lee] Cavalry tried to cross at Point of Rocks last night and [my people stopped] them.

Very respectfully,

A. Pleastonton.

B.G.C.

Infantry is up and is [going round to [right] my cavalry skirmishing dismounted and working well round on the right and left of the ridge on which the enemy have planted themselves.

A.P.

Notes:

Gen. Alfred Pleasonton's Union cavalry had been trying to break the lines of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart on Catoctin Mountain, Maryland where the National Pike crosses it since about 6 a.m., Sept. 13, 1862. The images above were copied directly from Library of Congress microfilm in the Manuscript Reading Room LM 101

Source: 

Library of Congress
Manuscript Division
George Brinton McClellan Papers
Correspondence I, 1783-1888
Sept. 11–15 [1862]
Box: A79, Reel: 31