HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
September 15, 1863--11.30 p.m.
Dispatch of 10 p.m. received. I believe the enemy want Cedar Mountain, now in my possession. It will give them great advantage in overlooking our movements, and can be obtained by the enemy easily, unless I am supported in the morning. General Gregg has just reported that the enemy's infantry pushed his left very hard late this evening Your second dispatch received. Shall do my best as long as possible, but again advise that Warren's corps be sent by daylight to secure, this position. The enemy will try to gain by quickness of movement what he lacks in numbers. There is more energy in their movements than under Lee. Longstreet is probably directing affairs.
A. PLEASONTON,
Major-General, Commanding.
Source: Official Records
Commentary
While the following note from Pleasanton, commander of Union cavalry, is incorrect, it does give us some indication as the feelings of the Federal high command of James Longstreet. Often those who would criticize Longstreet claim that he was not respected either in the Confederate or Union armies, a notion with absolutely no basis in reality. This note is included here for that reason alone and not as a criticism of Lee.