The Black Knight
Lt. Colonel Turner Ashby
Western Virginia, January 1862 |
|
 |
|
|
Of the many charismatic and colorful leaders produced by the War
Between the States, none shine brighter than Turner Ashby. Raised
in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, an area noted for its superb
horses and accomplished riders, he became at an early age an expert
rider and trainer of horses. Ashby was well known for winning many
riding tournaments in Virginia. In these contests he often used
the title, Knight of the Black Prince. It was said that during the
war he rode the two best horses of the army, one was white and the
other black. The Black Knight of the Confederacy led his dashing
command through the mountains and valleys of Virginia spreading
havoc among the invading Union forces.
In January 1862, General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson implemented
his plan to launch an attach and capture the Federal garrison,
strategically located in the town of Romney. The 7th Virginia
Cavalry, consisting of nearly 500 horsemen led by Lt. Colonel
Ashby would be the eyes and ears of Jackson's army.
As Jackson's troop began their march in January 1, the pleasant
weather suddenly turned cold as a norther blew in. Temperatures
dropped and snow began to fall. Ashby and his cavalry led the
way through the snow-covered mountains and valleys of northwest
Virginia to Jackson's objectives.
Jackson's troops drove the Federals out of Bath and took the
B&O Stations at Alpine, Sir John's Run, and burned the bridge
at Great Capacon. As the main body of Jackson's army approached
the occupied city of Hancock, Maryland, Jackson sent Lt. Col.
Ashby and his men with a flag of truce to demand the town's surrender.
General Lander had earlier rushed Federal troops to reinforce
the garrison, and refused the demand. Jackson's men shelled the
town and marched to Romney. Romney fell without resistance and
Jackson now had control of the area. General Jackson had achieved
his objective with the able assistance of his Black Knight.
Artist Comments
I have always been a great fan of Turner Ashby because of his
skill and abilities as a horseman. It must have been quite a sight
to have watched Col. Ashby attacking the enemy, riding one of
his powerful horses, sword in hand and at a full gallop. Col.
Ashby led his men by example, and seemed always to be at the head
of the attack. Stonewall Jackson observed his recklessness many
times, and was concerned for the safety of his cavalry commander.
Lithographic
Prints
800 S/N Limited Edition Lithographic
Prints
80 Artist's Proofs
Image Size 19
1/2" x 29 1/4"
Giclées
20
Archival Paper Giclées
Image Size: 38" x 25"
This print may still be available on
the secondary market. Please call 817-560-2143 or
contact us through our website for
more information.
|
