General Custer and Major General Pleasanton photographed by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, 1863, in Warrenton, Virginia. Alfred Pleasonton (July 7, 1824 - February 17, 1897) was a United States Army officer and General of Union cavalry during the American Civil War. He commanded the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac during the Gettysburg Campaign, including the largest predominantly cavalry battle of the war, Brandy Station. In 1862 First Lieutenant George A. Custer fell into the orbit of Pleasonton, who was commanding a cavalry division. The general was Custer's introduction to the world of extravagant uniforms and political maneuvering, and the young lieutenant became his prot矇g矇, serving on Pleasonton's staff while continuing his assignment with his regiment. On June 28, 1863, three days prior to the Battle of Gettysburg, General Pleasonton promoted Custer from captain to brigadier general of volunteers. Despite having no direct command experience, he became one of the youngest generals in the Union Army at age 23. In 1864, Pleasonton was transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Theater, where he defeated Confederate General Sterling Price in two key battles, effectively ending the war in Missouri. He died in his sleep in 1897 at the age of 72. Before his death, Pleasonton requested that his funeral be devoid of all military honors and even refused to be buried in his old uniform because he felt the Army passed him over after the Civil War.