Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1867-10-19

AZ edCu duFdlCe VI beu' Lee army
across the Potomac, the post Of honor
"advance guard''-was awarded This body
of cavalry, and on his return, the srli
more dangerous and responsible one of
"rear."
Al Manassas and Fredericksburg they
were conspicuous for gallantry and brave
~, and there is scarcely foot of ground
in Virginia ever ,rodden by the foe, which
hes no, at some time been contested by
ihem. But does not the fact of the lasl
cavalry charge in the army of Northern
Virginia having been made a, Appomal-
tox c. H., by the First Maryland Csval-
ry led by Col. Dorsey, jus. elected to Of
fee. add a flower that completes the
chsple, of its glory! When a, the close
of hostli.es in Virginia, one Of our mos.
distinguished Generals called upon the
troops TO rally TO his standard and follow
him TO the far South, in the hope Of re-
trieving our fallen fortunes, it was not the
soldiers of his own command, or those Of
any other, who were first 10 respond 10
to the appeal, but the Marylanders in
body /; and not until the last whisperings
of hope had died away, and the proud
banner under which they had fought with
such steadfass faith had been fuyled
forever, did they relinquish the determi-
nation 10 share its destiny, even though
it might next wave on the banks Of the
Rio Grande. Shall such renown remain
in oblivion
The courageous, conscientious, high
toned gentleman makes the good soldier,
and the Maryland cavalry was composed
of the choicest sons of our sister State,
and with abilities Of an officer and the
characteristics OF Christian gentleman,
such as Colonel Ridgley Brown possess
ed, it is not strange that under his com
mand there should have been exhibited
such combination Of the highest qualIfi
cations soldiers possess. The ulilme!y
fall of this much loved leader at Ashland,
in June 1864, not only cast gloom over
every heart in his own immediate COM
nand, but was deeply felt by tie South
ern cause. Just on the eve OF well de-
served promo,ion-jusI when the service
he always rendered was the most needed
Just when his little charge most requir
ed his counsel. his aid, his support and
example, he was lost. Alas "the path
Of glory leads but 10 the grave"
The widowed hearts, the desoaie
hearthstones and "vscant chairs" the
sundeIed Ties of friendship, the frequent
graves marked by kind hands, and the
thnned ranks, which st the close of the
war marked in our midst, are ell molan-
cholv testimonials Of The fact that many
of Marylsnd's noblesl sons arc sleeping
( their last sleep on our soil. Many a
brave heart which al lis entrance aG,ong
US bounded wiz JgigbI hopes and de-
lighuul probabilities has been sIiIled,
many ambitious longings have been hush
ed, many, a youthful champion, while
lsnguishing on the battlefield or bed Of
sickness, enduring tine scorching rays OF
the summers sun, or the chilling blasts Of
winter, has been cheered by dresmings
he was never 10 IeslIze-dreamings Of the
distant home beyond the blue Potomac,
with lis thousands eCdearmcnts and al
fractions, awaiting 10 welcome the care
worn exile-dreaming Of the fond father
and mother, whose prayers had followed
him in all his wanderings, and OF the sis
ter or loved one al whose feet he would
return and lay down his proud laurels.
Among the fallen heroes, there are
none more conspicuous than Lient. Hen
ry c. Blackstone, OF company Is. pu-
ring an engagement near Bunker Hill, in
which but portion of the regiment main.
tanned itself successfully for some hours,
without being reinforced, against brigade
OF the enemy. that gallant young officer
fell. Few officers have ever commanded
with more ability and Judgment, or so
entirely won the esteem Of the subordi-
mates {; and few soldiers who ever fought
upon Virginia's soil found warmer place
in the hearts OF her sons and daughters,
than did Lieut. Blackstone. The kind
and efficient officer, the courteous and
agreeable gentleman, tie courageous and
conscientious soldier, he endeared him
self TO the hearts of all whom he was as
socialed and we mingle our tears Of re-
eret with those Of the distant ones who
! loved him most.
"For thy green Valley, o Virginia, he died I;
| We will forget our sorrow-in our price"
II would occupy more space than we
are afraid generous public would be
willing to award Us, were We to attempt
to do justice to the individual merits OF the
officers and men OF the lst Maryland
Cavalry. 1t is difficult task 10 pay a
fitting tribute 10 the memory OF the Dead
or discriminate in the awarding Of praise
10 the living, where all so justly deserve
il. The history of the war does not fur
nish parallel in which body of SOL
diers fought under so many disadvantages
with such endurance, perseverance and
courage. Cut off effectually from every
resource, as well as from the aid and
sympathy OF friends, with no friendly
"superior" from their own State 10 econ
omize their lives or interest, they sieered
amidst the breakers of our little Confeder-
I. rtIl n