Description:

ALFRED PLEASONTON
(1824-1897) Union major general who commanded the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac during the Gettysburg Campaign, defeated J. E. B. Stuart in the largest cavalry battle of the war at Brandy Station, and defeated Sterling Price at Mine Creek, effectively ending the war in Missouri. Fine association and content, war-date A.L.S. ‘A. Pleasonton', 2pp. 8vo. ‘Headquarters, Cav. Corps, Army of the Potomac', ‘7.10 P.M.', Nov. 7, 1863, during the Second Battle of Rappahannock Station, to an unnamed colonel. In full: ‘Gen. [John] Sedgwick reports that Gen. [John] Buford has not communicated with him – He was directed to communicate - & cooperate – with Gen. Sedgwick who is near Rappahannock Station – Send an aid [sic], with a proper escort, to Buford & give him written instructions, to communicate – with Gen. Sedgwick as soon as possible – At the same time he will carry out his other instructions. Buford tonight must be up the river near Freemans or Sulphur Springs ford.' Pleasonton signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank ‘Maj Genl Com'g'. The letters shows original mailing folds, with bluish stains overall, possibly ink leaching from another document, still in very good, easily legible condition overall. Sold with a period frontispiece engraving of Pleasonton, with his facsimile signature beneath the portrait. At the moment Pleasonton was writing, in the evening on November 7, Sedgwick's forces, including the 6th Maine and 5th Wisconsin Infantry Regiments, were in the process of storming the works guarding the Rappahannock Station bridgehead, overwhelming the Confederate defenses under Brig. Gen Harry T. Hays in fierce hand-to-hand combat.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000