Confederate cavalry commander (1828-1862) who achieved prominence as Stonewall Jackson's cavalry commander in the Shenandoah Valley before being killed in the Battle of Good's Farm. Civil War–dated ALS signed “Turner Ashby, Lt. Col. Comg.,” one page, 5.75 x 7.25, September 24, 1861. Handwritten letter to Col. Riley, sent from Camp Jefferson, requesting the destruction of a dam on the Potomac River. In full: "I shall need your cooperation in a few days to destroy the Dam No. 4—by throwing such force as you can safely send out from Martinsburg towards the Dam to be between that point and the crossing opposite Williamsport, but near enough to be supported by the whole body with me if you should be threatened. When I am prepared for the work I will inform you—Do not let this be known as secrecy is important." In fine condition.
Early in the war, Ashby and the 7th Virginia Cavalry functioned primarily on scout and outpost duty along the Potomac. In the spring of 1862, he served with distinction in the Shenandoah Valley campaign as head of Stonewall Jackson's cavalry. Only two weeks after his promotion to brigadier general, Ashby was killed in action near Harrisonburg, Virginia.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$25.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
