 Complete the following phrase:  On July 23, 1861, Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston appointed Ashby lieutet colonel of the 7th Virginia Cavalry. Due to the illness of the regimental commander, Col. Angus McDonald, Ashby had effective control of half of the regiment, which he operated separately. When the commander retired in February 1862, Ashby assumed command of the entire regiment on March 12. Ashby organized the first Confederate horse artillery, named Chews Battery, as part of this regiment. The 7th did not participate directly in the 