June 23, 1863, The New York Herald
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 22, 1863.
Heavy cannonading commenced early yesterday morning in the direction of Aldie, and continued, with intermissions, during the day.
Towards night the sound became more distant and indistinct.
It is known that General Pleasanton attacked the enemy near Aldie, and it is hoped that he has succeeded in routing General Stuart’s command.
It will probably be late before reports are received, as the battle field is twenty-five miles distant, with no telegraphic communication.
The Fight and the Victory.
OFFICIAL DESPATCH OF GENERAL PLEASANTON.
HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY CORPS,
CAMP NEAR UPPERVILLE, June 21 – 5:30 P.M.
Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS: –
GENERAL – I moved with my command this morning to Middleburg, and attacked the cavalry force of the rebels under Stuart, and steadily drove him all day, inflicting heavy loss at every step.
We took two pieces of artillery one being a Blakely gun, together with three caissons, besides blowing one up. We also captured upwards of sixty prisoners, and more are coming in, including a lieutenant colonel , major and five other officers, and a large number of wounded rebels left in the town of Upperville.
They left their dead and wounded upon the field. Of the former I saw upwards of twenty. We also took a large number of carbines, pistols and sabres. In fact, it was a most disastrous day to the rebel cavalry.
Our loss has been very small both in men and horses. I never saw the troops behave better or under more difficult circumstances. Very heavy charges were made, and the sabre was used freely, but always with great advantage to us.
A. PLEASANTON, Brigadier General.
Additional Particulars of the Fight.
WASHINGTON, June 22, 1863.
By arrivals here to-night, it is ascertained that General Pleasanton yesterday morning, in his advance from Middleburg, on the road to Ashby’s Gap, encountered the rebel force a short distance from the former town.
He attacked them with great impetuosity and broke their front. The rebels resisted bravely, contesting the ground foot by foot, until, when near Upperville, they attempted a flank movement on our left, which was promptly met and repulsed by General Gregg’s command.
Our light battery did fearful execution in their ranks, while their artillery, although well served, was comparatively harmless.
General Pleasanton charged upon the enemy in Upperville in three different columns. The advance, under General Kilpatrick dashed into the town, and after a brisk fight drove the rebel cavalry back, when they assumed a new position and made another stand, whence they were again driven and retreated towards Ashby’s Gap.
General Pleasanton, having learned that the gap was protected by a large rebel force of infantry and artillery, contented himself with holding the vantage ground, and cleared the route of the killed and wounded.
The enemy’s force like our own, was composed of cavalry, light artillery and dismounted skirmishers.
Captain Snyder and Lieutenant Wicker, of the Signal corps, were captured last night on South Mountain.