Cavalry Division – Alfred Pleasonton

Alfred Pleasanton

Alfred Pleasonton Quotes

Last Updated July 16, 2010

With quotations by Pleasonton first followed by others in alphabetical order of the person making the quote

“I have no faith in foreigners saving our government…I conscientiously believe…that in every instance foreigners have ruined our cause.”

Pleasonton, Alfred

In a letter to Rep John Farnsworth of Illinois

From David J. Petruzzi, J.  “The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton.” America’s Civil War March 2005:  pg 22-28

“We have done our work decently, but Pleasonton is…the greatest humbug of the war”

Adams, Charles Francis

Jul 12 1863

Adams writing about the cavalry at Gettysburg

From David J. Petruzzi, J.  “The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton.” America’s Civil War March 2005:  pg 22-28

“I am sure that a good cavalry officer would have whipped Stuart out of his boots; but Pleasonton is not and never will be that.”

An officer

An officer describing Pleasonton at Brandy Station

From Jeffry D. Wert, Cavalryman of the Lost Cause. New York:  Simon and Schuster, 2008. Pg 249

Originally from Stephen Z. Starr, The Union Cavalry in the Civil War. 3 volumes. Baton Rouge:  Louisiana State University Press, 1979-1985

v1 pg 391

“General Stoneman…as gossip ran, did not want Alfred Pleasonton,…Hooker knowing the personal feeling, said “Alf, you stay with me.'”

an Officer in the 17th PA Cavalry May 1863

During the Battle of Chancellorsville, Stoneman kept Pleasanton out of the operation.  Hooker’s response

From David J. Petruzzi, J.  “The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton.” America’s Civil War March 2005:  pg 22-28

“Poor little pusillanimous Pleasonton…he is about as fit for it as any 2nd Lieutenant in the command.”

A cavalry surgeon

Response when Pleasanton assumes command of the Cavalry Corps after Chancellorsville

From David J. Petruzzi, J.  “The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton.” America’s Civil War March 2005:  pg 22-28

“Crook (who Pleasonton was visiting at the time) took the decision in good stride, but Pleasonton was a little chafed, and even intimated that he claimed some right to name the officer and command to be detailed.”

Jacob D. Cox

Cox relating Pleasonton’s unhappiness when told that Scammon’s, not Crook’s brigade would accompany him on the South Mountain recon

From Scott D. Hartwig.  “My God! Be Careful! Morning Battle at Fox’s Gap.  Civil War Regiments:  A Journal of the American Civil War, Vol 5, No 3, Antietam The Maryland Campaign of 1862

Originally from Jacob Cox, Military Reminiscences of the Civil War 2 vols. New York, 1900

“As he lied about the artillery, he did about the cavalry”

James Huntington

Huntington commanded Btry H, 1st OH Artillery commenting on Pleasonton’s claim of placing artillery at the Battle of Chancellorsville at Hazel’s Grove

From David J. Petruzzi, J.  “The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton.” America’s Civil War March 2005:  pg 22-28

“This being under Pleasonton is very demoralizing, though, and we sincerely trust the Government will…promote him to a Maj. General of New York Home Guard, or something in the sinecure way that we may be rid of him”

Walter S. Newhall, Walter S.  May 14 1863

Cpt Newhall of the 3d PA Cavalry in a letter to his father

From David J. Petruzzi, J.  “The Fleeting Fame of Alfred Pleasonton.” America’s Civil War March 2005:  pg 22-28