Viewing page 21 of 191

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

(11)

and my escort. I deem it as peculiarly unfortunate that a sufficient garrison had not earlier been placed at Claiborne.  This is a place of considerable importance.  The boats up and down the river make landings here.  There is stored in its ware-houses large quantities of cotton and Claiborne is the Headquarters of business as well as of ruffianism of that section of the State.
After loading the forage I moved out about 2 miles to a creek and encamped. 
The next day, Sunday, resumed my march and when about 14 or 15 miles from Claiborne a circumstance occurred which but illustrates a feeling, not general, but nevertheless altogether too prevalent in the country through which I passed. Having got his wagons safely across a bridge the wagon-master, Sergeant Richard McKinney 21st Missouri a most faithful and competent soldier, asked a pitcher of water at a house near by. He was sitting in the doorway drinking the water and conversing with the old lady of the house. The wagons had hardly got out of sight when two ruffians rode up to the gate and dismounted. McKinney started for the gate without saying a word and on opening the same was shot through by each of these persons, one shot taking effect near the right temple coming out at the neck, the other trough his breast. He died instantly. The ruffians then tore off his watch and one drawing his knife cut off the dead man's ear. They then made their