Viewing page 14 of 326

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

when about 14 or 15 from Claiborne a circumstance occurred which but illustrates a feeling, not general, but nevertheless altogether to prevalent in the country through which I passed.

Having got his wagon safely across a bridge, the Wagon Master Sargeant 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 door way 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 in opening the same was shot through by each of those persons. One shot taking effect near the right temple coming out the neck, the other through his breast. He died instantly. The ruffians then tore off his watch and one drawing his knife cut off the dead mans ear. They then made their escape. The old man who was a cripple hobbled on his crutches to the nearest house, and informed a young man a returned confederate soldier of what had been done. This young man saddled his mule and soon overtook and informed us of the horrid tragedy. We turned back and scoured the neighborhoods for some hours. It was impossible to find the parties. The old man and boy promised the body a decent burial and we