General Pleasonton, born in Washington, D. C., June 7th, 1824, was graduated at the United States Military Academy in 1844; served in the Mexican War, and was brevetted first lieutenant for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma; was commissioned first lieutenant in 1849, and captain in 1855; commanded his regiment in its march from Utah to Washington in 1861; was commissioned major of the Second Cavalry in 1862; served through the Virginia Peninsula campaign; became brigadier general of volunteers in July of that year, and commanded the division of cavalry of the Army of the Potomac that followed Lee's invading army into Maryland. He was engaged at Boonesborough, South Mountain, Antietam and the subsequent pursuit; engaged the enemy at Fredericksburg, and staid the further advance of the enemy at Chancellorsville. He received the brevet of lieutenant colonel for Antietam in 1862; was promoted major general of volunteers in June, 1863, participating in the numerous actions that preceded the battle of Gettysburg. In March, 1865, he was made major general, United States Army, for services throughout the Civil War. -Leslie, 1896