Hd. Qrs. Cav. Brigade
Purcellville, Oct 31, 5. P.M.
To General R.B. Marcy
     Chief of Staff—
My aid-de-camp, that was
sent to Gen. Bayard has
just reported he came upon
Stuarts cavalry, some two
thousand between Philomont
& Aldie. They fired on him
& compelled him to return to
Philomont–they came in
from Union–Did not see
any guns–It is said
Stuarts designs going to
Middleburg by the way of
Aldie–My Aid reports
considerable picket firing
about Aldie on the pike–
This is Bayards force–
they have met–I shall
not probably be able to
communicate with Bayard

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but will use every exertion
to push after Stuart if I
find out his direction in time–
    Some infantry ought
to move up & occupy this
place in case I leave–
Another Horse Battery would
be of service out there also
    This is I suspect a
move on the part of Stuart
to divert attention from
the movement of their
army which I think
is [?]
            Very respectfully
              A. Pleasonton-
               Brig. Genl

MSS 495