Turner Ashby, the Black Knight of the Confederacy, born this day, October 23rd 1828 in Fauquier County, VIrginia. The justice of history does not permit his name to be forgotten. “This gallant and brave officer has already won for himself a name that will ever be remembered with grateful pleasure by the people of the [Shenandoah] Valley of Virginia. He has probably done more active and dangerous and valuable service than any other man engaged in the war. From the time the first blow was struck up to this hour he has been one of the most resolute, active, and daring soldiers the Confederacy has had in her service. He has become a perfect terror to the invading foe, and his presence is hailed with joy by those whose homes are threatened by the despoiler. He is modest and unpretending, as he is chivalrous and brave. He sits quietly upon his horse, watching the foe with the eye of an eagle, and is always ready to come down upon him an occasion demands. He has annoyed and harassed the enemy at all points, and is constantly interposing every conceivable barrier to his advance. If there is a soldier in the service who deserves the earliest and highest promotion, that man is Col. Turner Ashby” - The Rockingham Virginia Register, April 1862 Deo Vindice