Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876) to Alfred Pleasanton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00614 Author/Creator: Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876) Place Written: Warrenton Junction, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 August 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Custer writes to his commanding officer to report that he has complied with his orders to send 800-1000 men. Notes that this will leave him in command of two batteries of Horse Artillery without support. Explains that he would rather see those two batteries go along than leave his train open to Confederate General John S. Mosby's attack. Written in pencil from the Headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Division.
Warrenton Junction Va.,
Tues Aug 4th 1863.
Maj Gen Pleasonton
I received your instructions in reference to sending 500 men &C and gave the order for the men to be ready to march at 3 A.M. I have just read your second dispatch directing me to send from 800 to 1000 men instead of 500, This order I have also directed to be carried out, I desire to call your attention to the fact that all the men for duty from one of my Brigades are required to [picket/fight] from Ellisford to [illegible] leaving under my [immediate] command the 2nd Brigade, which, owing to the details absent at Washington and Warrenton procuring re[illegible] does not [2] number 900 men for duty, I have ordered the Col Comdg 2nd Brigade to have 800 men ready to move at 3 A.M. this will take about all but command, and I will be left here in command of two batteries of House Artillery with no supports. Mosby with 150 men would capture both of them so far as my protection extends. My tra[in] will also be exposed. I would rather send both batteries along with the [illegible] [text loss] than to have them [be] without protection.
Very respectfully &C
GA Custer
Brig Genl
Comdg,
[docket]
Head Qrs 3rd Cavalry Div
Aug 4. 1863
GA Custer Brig Genl
Comdg
Picket Reports
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