June 7, 1862 (Saturday): Death of Ashby

General Turner Ashby

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD, Harrisonburg, June 7, 1862-9 p. m. 

(Received June 9, 7.40 a. m.)

The attacks upon the enemy's rear of yesterday precipitated his retreat. Their loss in killed and wounded was very severe, and many of both were left on the field. Their retreat was by an almost impassable road, along which many wagons were left in the woods, and wagon loads of blankets, clothing, and other equipments are piled up in all directions. During the evening many of the rebels were killed by shells from a battery of General Stahel's brigade. General Ashby, who covered the retreat with his whole cavalry force and three regiments of infantry and who exhibited admirable skill and audacity, was among the killed. General Milroy made a reconnaissance to-day about 7 miles on the Fort Republic road, and discovered a portion of the enemy's forces encamped in the timber.


J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 12, Part 1, Page 653.


The previous day, the vanguard of Fremont's force, pursued Jackson southward.  Jackson's rear guard, led by Turner Ashby, engaged Federal cavalry just east of the town and captured Col. Sir Percy Wyndham, the English commander of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry who had earlier boasted that he would "bag Ashby." The 1st Maryland Inf. and 58th Virginia Inf. set an ambush but the Union forces failed to appear on the road, approaching from a concealed position. When Ashby's horse was shot from under him, he rolled off the mount, regained his footing and ordered his men to stop shooting and use the bayonet, shouting, "Charge, men! For God's sake charge!" This was when a bullet pierced Ashby's side and passed through his chest, killing him instantly.  His men cleared the Union force, driving it out of the woods and back to Harrisonburg.  Ashby's body lay in the parlor of the Kemper house in Port Republic, which is now maintained by the Society of Port Republic Preservationists.