U.S. History: Biographies

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military Further reading

Alfred Pleasonton

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

Alfred Pleasonton 1824–97, Union general in the American Civil War, b. Washington, D.C. He served in the Mexican War and in the Indian wars on the frontier. In the Civil War , he distinguished himself in the Peninsular campaign (1862) and was made brigadier general of volunteers. He fought at Antietam and Fredericksburg, and his stand against Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville averted a total Union defeat. He commanded the Union cavalry at Brandy Station and in the ensuing Gettysburg campaign, as well as later engagements. Transferred to Missouri, Pleasonton defeated Gen. Sterling Price at Westport and Marais des Cygnes (1864), ending the last Confederate threat in the West.

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Pleasonton, Alfred

The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military | 2001 | Copyright

Pleasonton, Alfred 1824–1897Union cavalry officer, born in Washington, D.C. Pleasonton attended West Point and graduated seventh in his class. He saw service in the Mexican War (1846–48) where he won a brevet for gallant and meritorious service. During the Civil War, he fought well, especially at Chancellorsville, but he exaggerated his own accomplishments and infuriated other officers in the calvary. He led a cavalry command at Brandy Station, the largest cavalry action of the war, where his troops nearly surprised and overwhelmed J.E.B. Stuart's command, but were eventually forced to leave the field. After the war he worked for the Internal Revenue Service.

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"Pleasonton, Alfred." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Pleasonton, Alfred." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-PleasontonAlfred.html

"Pleasonton, Alfred." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-PleasontonAlfred.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Pleasonton slow to track Lee's push North; Confederates slip away to... Newspaper article from: The Washington Times (Washington, DC); 7/5/2003
	Thorough account of clash of cavalries.(SATURDAY)(THE CIVIL WAR) Newspaper article from: The Washington Times (Washington, DC); 3/15/2003
	Early death robs general of fame, too.(TRAVEL)(THE CIVIL WAR) Newspaper article from: The Washington Times (Washington, DC); 6/11/2005