| General Alfred Pleasanton |
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later he became a Brigadier General in the Volunteer Service . Pleasanton proved himself worthy and Ingenious as a Cavalry Commander . During the American Civil War he performed admirably at Antietam and fought gallantly against Confederate States Of America General Sterling Price during the Missouri Campaign . His service was most worthy to the US Army at Chancellorsville . When the troops directed by Brigadier General Oliver O. Howard were routed, Pleasanton made a daring charge into the woods. He delayed the advance of General Stonewall Jackson's columns long enough for Artillery to be amassed in full and brought into place. With these Guns operational Pleasanton confronted Stonewall Jackson and his army as they showed themselves emerging from the woods. The massive ''storm of grape and canister'' proved too much for any Troops to Penetrate . General Pleasanton also accredited himself nicely at the Battle Of Gettysburg while serving with General George Meade . He headed the cavalry there and was often touted as a candidate for commander of the Army Of The Potomac . For some reason he was passed over for this prestigious position by President Lincoln . Following the war Pleasanton resigned from service. He was plagued by Injuries he had sustained as a cavalry leader and was not well off financially. With the insistence of his friends Alfred was made a major in the regular army through a special act of the US Congress in 1883 . He then retired quickly with compensation in line with this Rank . Pleasanton felt cheated, believing he was entitled to a higher rank on the retired list, and entitled to more Salary . Prior to his death General Pleasanton did not leave his home, the Greason house in Washington, DC, for the previous seven years. The first Physician to treat him was summoned just three weeks ago. Pleasanton was suffering from the Flu which was exacerbated by Dropsy . Dr. Lincoln was called and attended the General until he died. His relatives in the nation's capitol included Mrs. Commodore Getz. His nephew was in Philadelphia . Both were notified of his passing. General Pleasanton's army collegues wanted him to buried with appropriate military honors at Arlington . However he requested to be buried along with other members of his Family in a plot owned by him in the Congressional Cemetery . Reference ''General Pleasanton Dead'', Brooklyn Eagle , February 17 , 1897 , Page 4 . |
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