Hd. Ar. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville Oct 31. 2. P.M.
To General Bayard
     Commanding Cavalry
General
              A dispatch from Gen-
McClellan dated 10.30 this morning
says “the General would like to
have a cavalry reconnaissance
in force with your command
& mine united, for the purpose
of ascertaining where the enemy
is in force and which direc=
tion he is moving, but he did
not desire to have a battle
brought on–Should you however
find a force of the enemy’s
cavalry in such position that
you can attack to advantage
of course you are authorized
to do so-without running any
great risk to your own com=
mand–General Bayard
should wait in the vicinity
further orders before going back
towards Washington-“
                                    (over)

[page 2]
Shall we make an attempt
at Snickersvlle or do you think
we would do better by going
towards Ashby’s Gap?
    My aid will Tell you my
strength from which you can
judge with yours what we can
do-
       I am, General, very respectfully
                    A. Pleasonton
                        Brig. General
                             Comdg. Cav. Brigade

MSS 495