Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed

Early in the American Civil War, Ashby’s 7^th Virginia Cavalry functioned primarily on scout and outpost duty along the Potomac.  In the spring of 1862, Colonel Ashby 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.

Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ¾” x 7”, an important, confidential early-war strategic communication, directing the destruction of a dam on the Potomac, between Martinsburg, Virginia and Williamsport, Maryland.

“Camp Jefferson, Sept[ember] 24, [18]61.  Col[onel] Riley.  Dear Sir,  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.  Respectfully, Turner Ashby, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Com[mandin]g.”

Extremely rare, as no other such examples have been offered for sale in the recent past.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few stains, and there are inconsequential pinholes and minor breaks at the intersections of several folds.