The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-01-01
How Ashbey's Gap Obtained its
Name.
By ANON,

In previous paper entitled Ashbeys
Horsemansbip, the remarkable ride /, f John
Ashby's (the Generals grandfather), while
bearing Washington's dispatches between
Fort Louden aud Williamsburg. was re-
counted. John Ashby's seems to have
been o humorist and given to practical
jokes. In the progress Of that memorable
ride he was passing store in Caroline
county, where numerous horses stood at a
rack, in full view Of the store porch, on
which their owners were sitting. Now
among those old Virginia nags there was
one whose fine points ut once attracted
our courier's observatiot-the very animal
to take the place Of his own, already faded
by long travel. So John Ashby dismoun-
ted, exchanged horses without a word, and
to the no small surprise of the spectators,
| as We may we'll suppose. The indignant
owner forthwith pursued and oyerllauled
the bold rider, who, by the explanations he
gave Of his proceedings, SO effectunlly made
his peace. that he was permitted to 90 for
ward with the impressed horse, to be ex-
changed for his own upon the return. SO
runneM our tradition.
| He resided on the eastern slope of the
Blue Ridge, in Fauquier county, und, with
some Of his neighbors, was engaged il,
growing tobacco, which they hauled across
the mountains to the Shanendoah river, for
embarkation to Alexandria. The road
over the mountain, through what is now
and will always belknown as Ashby's Gap,
was rough and exceedingly steep on the
western slope, and the men were used to
cut trees and attach them to their wains,
in order to impede too PERCEPTIONS des-
cent. But on certain occasion John
Ashby dr. wing pair of spirited and fine
horses and hauling hogshead Of tobacco.
against the dictates of prudence and the ad-
vice Of his companiops-it has been init
mated that the good man had been stalking
something 10 takew -undertoo to descend
the steep mountain without the isu-
al lockage; rash adventure, costing the
life Of q fine horse; the eminent peril Of his
own, the bursting Of the hogshead and scat
tering the tobacco far and near; it is said
to have formed garlands profuse for trees
and brushwood far adown the mountain
side! but giving the plucky cavaliers name
to "Ashbey's Gap" as reminder Of that
days fast tlriping!
Tie beautiful milk-white horse Saltrin,
ridden by General Turner Ashby, and at
last MORALLY wounded in the bridge below
New Market, Shenandoah county, was the
valued gift of the Generals friend aud
nei.hbor, Mr.. H-,When Ashhy return.
I'd FROM Richmond to his home in Fauqui.
er county, in order to lead his volunteer
company Of cavalry to Harper's Ferry to
that Company. Clay, the son Of Mr.. IL.
belonged-he received special invitation
| from the latter gentleman, aud went to see
hin. "Tnrner," said he 81 wish yon to nc
cept my beautiful white Saltrim, and ride
| him as Your battle.horse. You are des-
tined to perform great services and to win
the highest distinction and admiration OF
your country, and wish you to accept this
token of my confidence and esteem!'
That striking prediction-how soon, how
wonderfully fulfilled! For since the days
Of the Chevaier Bayard, the good knight
"sans peur sans tdche," or of Sir Philip
Sidney; "Me pinkiof CAiOalry, The pink Of
Courtesy" there has not lived one who more
engagingly filled the place Of courty
knight and Christian soldier, than the ear
fallen, much lamented, but, in death, i'm
mortal General Turner Ashby!
| One who no more than mortal brave,
Fought for the land his soul adored,
For Happier homes and alters free;-
His only talisman the sword,
His only spell-wod -Liberty