Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-11-20
srAUNToN VA, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 90 1866

| Cavalry, ldlllItS UStCk Ill SOOu OlOCI UClOlC Uu
Federal advance. The rear guard, under tn
personal command of Ashby, who was mounted
on snow-white horse, was disputing obstinate
ly every foot of ground; the main column
| meanwhile defling through the streets to form
in line south of the town. aiy4
had just reached this point when sudder
rush of the Federal cavalry broke through the
rear guard, and before [ knew it almost, / was
by Ashby's side, in the midst of squadron o.
blue coats, banging away with their pistols, and
slashing with sabres. The sweep of Ashby's
weapon was magnificent, and he seemed to
launch himself from the saddle at every blow.
is impossible to describe his face. It was on
fre-the eyes blazed-he looked happy.
[ had no time to bestow upon him more than
glance, however. A sabre cut nearly unseat-
ed me- and the blue Gordon was all around us,
when determined charge from one of Ashby 6
suuadrons drove back the enemy, and he chased
them two hundred yards north of the place.
II don't like to be crowded"
And placing himself at the head of his men
he waved his sword, and cried in a clear calm
voice strikingly in contrast with his irate ap-
pearance:
Follow me-"
Those clear accents seemed to thrill the men.
They responded with wild cheer, and driving
his white horse to furious speed, Ashby burst
the Federal line like tornado.
Before the furious onslaught, so sudden and
desperate the enemy s cavalry gave way. Ash
by was in front of his line, cutting right and
left with the sabre; and when, few minutes
afterward, he came back, his white horse dan
cling on all four feet, as the nervous hand reined
him in amid a shower of balls, his face was
calmer-for the moment he seemed satisfied.
He continued to retire slowly, and reached
the suburbs of the town. The enemy did not
at once move forward The Confederate cav
reached the Southern suburbs that missed
Ashby.
Turning, saw him seated on his white horse
in the middle of Loudoun street, looking quiet
" at the Federal cavalry and infantry pouring
into the place. 1t is impossible to conceive
anything more calmly Indifferent than his atti-
tude. He seemed to have taken his place there
to witness some peaceful pageant and to regard
the advance of the Federal masses, now nearly
in contact with him, with languid curiosity.
All at once some shots were fired at him, but
he took no notice Of them. This seemed to en-.
rage the enemy, and detachment charged him
atafull gallop. firing as they came
Ashby waved his hat around his head, ut
tered a cheer, and then, drawing his revolver,
galloping off, firing as he went.
He had nearly reached the suburbs, when
suddenly saw two Federal cavalrymen issue
from side street, and post themselves in the
middle of the street to intercept him. l rode
rapidly forward to warn him Of his danger; but
it was not necessary. He turned, saw them,
and charged the two men, with a glow Of un-
mistakable pleasure upon his features. One
fell, shot through the heart; then his barrels
being all emptied, he seized the second by the
throat
I then witnessed one of those spectacles which
are supposed to be confined to romance. Borne
on at furious speed upon his powerful white
horse, Ashby dragged his adversary clear out
of his saddle, never relaxing his clutch, and in
moment was beyond pursuit, still dragging.
his prisoner by the side Of his horse.
A cheer rose from his men as Ashby released
the prisoner, and cooly looked to the disposi-
ton of his command. His face was again calm
the sad expression had come back, and when he
said s'Well Major theysare laughing at us
yonder, suppose by this time, his voice was
as sweet and gentle as when speaking of his
dead brother. ~ -3