Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1879-06-26

QceC9 Shtu iuSJle Oh us CAUSE auu al nn'i III ''
recent grand, though i'll iated contest, in valor
and patriotism that brilliant cavalier. General
| Turner W. Ashby, was among the first. Uol-
versally beloved in the section that was tho
scene Of his exploits, no less for Liz qualities as
a soldier than for his private virtues and genial
| presence, ard such was bis vigilance and saga
city us subordinate of the renowned StOneWall
jackson, that in the famous Valley campaigns
of the latter Ashby was wont to bo termed the
"ydettc" and tho 'eye" IF his iron hearted
leader recogci;ion which, from the following
tribute, was shared by Jackson himself, who,
10 au official report succeeding the death OF
Asbby, pronounced the following eulogy:
"as partisan officer pever knew bis sur
perior. His powers Of endurance were almost
supcrhumap, bis tone Of character heroic. and
his ssga9ly in di7nng tho motives and pur.
poses of the foo intultvc.
Ashby sealed his devotion as patriot with
his life. He was killed in an engagement near
arris,nburg, Va. June G, 1862. He had early
10 the morning of that day, as rear guard Of
Jaokson's army, met aud dispersed body Of fed
eral cavalry estimated to have numbered about
00O capturing 90 prisoners, including the colo
nel Commanding and acting brigadier gen.
cra!, Sir Percy Wyndham, an English advsn
turer, claiming the rank Of baron, and boastiDg
considerable wsrlIke experience on the Cos
,inen.. He had sailed forth 10 tho easy as;ur'
ance that be would bag bshby" with but the
attempt Surviving the var, Wyndham died
recently 10 Iudi General Ashby desiring to
follow up his success, obtained 10 the afternoon
two regiments OF infantry from Ewell's Divis'
ion, Of which he insisted upon takiog the COM
mand in persou, lGadi1S them, though earnest.
ly urged not to SO expose himself by General
E9cll. Having to pass through dense body
of woods TO reach his desired position, hc came
suddenly upon force ct Federal infantry mum.
herinp about . 900 men. which had been sent
out to check an anticipated advance of the
Confederate cavalry. Il sharp engagement Of
small arms at one, cusued, during which Gen.
Ashby, who had dismguotcd aud with chival.
rc impetuosiry plsc,d himself 10 the advance
of tho Infantry. urging them forward, fell
pierced by Minnie ball, which entered from
behind, aud was apparently from his Own men
he having been PLACED by the quick evolu.
lions Of the opposing ijrcts directly between
the fires
The fatal ball passed ooupl steIy through his
left sid., near the region OF bis beart, and al5o
through his upl!fted arm. Lie fell without
groau CT struggle. The enemy soon gave way,
falling back 10 disorder; but it being ap~
uar. ut that our fGrce was too small, large
body cf tho enemy being ID reserve b.
yond, it was deemed advisable to fall back.
A mouruiul cortcga it was, for the fallen hero
sadly borne YES beloved by tho entire command
IF ,hs Aruy Of the Valley. The remains. cs
cor,ed By detachment Of cavalry trom Gen.
Ashby's cid c.mpany. tho famous Black Horse
Cayalty Of early Romuey engagement memory
| (where FIJI Richard Asbby, the brother of the
general,) passed throush Waynesboro tho fol-
loving mor5iug ou its way to Charlottesville for
intermeut.* The body was borno unoofined
10 au ambulance. Ashby's fsvorite charger, q
handsome and powerful black stallion. was led
| in the rear of the bier, almost appearing by bis
subdued dcmeanor and measured tread to rea-
| liz, the mourDful import Ct tho occasion. 1t
| was cur sad privilege en- passaOt 70 gaz, tor
| few moments upon the features OF tho dead
| hero, and we DO not reoollcos to bavs ever seen
| 10 tho dead more placid or natural couute-
marco. l. wore the c1mpoaure OF peac,tui
sIumber, not an augushlng line marrlng Its
serenity.
The body vas cohcd in the gray uniform of
field officer in which he had ta!leD. lt bore
still tho cory marks Of the fatal wound. but the
loving and reverential hands Of some fair daugh.
ter of the Valley had strlvtn With fornl tribute,
| woven into large and boautllu! wreath, TO
| shiold from observation the mournial rev
elatiou. r..
nine or ten inches in height, aud OF loose but
athletic frame. Though thtr, was 10 tho Con
federatc army DO more graceful horstmau than
he, yet Oh loot his carriage Tss awkward, roll
ing and swin2iog 10 gait. His features wtr:
/ l,,k nd isH
dcep scar extending trsrs7erse!y across the
nose. His countenaIce Usually wore serious
almost sad expression. His complexion va
olive, eyes black and brilliant, hair and bearc
| of ietty blackness TIE latter wcrn orientalIy
long, was very fall, sott AID silky. 1t addec
much 10 his appearance. He wore usually TIT
Confederate gray uniform Of field officer
sometimes with tho regulation cap, tut otteues
| a black felt hat looped at the side.
General Ashby was very loose dsclDllnarIan
punishment being quite unknown 10 bis com
msnd, He was so lDdulgent to bis men tha
his brigade was frequently depleted ouc-half b.
j For several weeks after the battle 0
Kerrstowp. which occurred March %. 1862
General jackson, by making feiDts Of ad
vapcirg upon the enemy, caused them
remain 10 the Valley snd prevented ther
! from being SEPT TO rsinfore Mcclellan o
the PstiosuIs: Geocral Ashby. with sma
body of cavalry aud Chew's Battery OF t D
| lipht steel pieces ofFeliag them fight daily, bu
> w.r, as often pressed back BY overWhelmiu
rumbars. Ashby DuInt the bridges in his rea
as be WAS forced 10 give away.
Al Mount Jackson ne was pressed 30 closel
BY the enemy that in attempting to fire th
br d,e scross the Shenandoah at that point b
4 remained 10 the rear 10 se& that it was effec
/. uaIiy done. TIE foe appearing suddenly upo
9 The brow of the hill overlooking the bridge
thew swooped upon it in charge before it ha
been materially Injured. So unexpected vi
= the NOV. m?nt, and so close upen Ashby wei
d they. that shot from them disabled bis hors
It iIbs famous white, 50 often mentioned by al
y naliss Of the pc,iod), and but for his.pbysls,'