The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-11-11
The Murder Of Major Wilson.
SUMMARY RETALIATION.
The Shooting Of Six Rebels at
st. Louis.
One More to be Executed.


In accordance with the orders-issued
in pursuance of testimony published else
where, in this paper-six Confederate
prisoners of war were Saturday executed,
by shooting, in retaliation for the murder
of Major James Wilson and his six COM
rades, evidence of their summary execu-
ton having come to the knowledge of the
Provost Marshal General, in such shape as
to leave no doubt of the fact of their hav-
ing been shot by the rebels and left in the
woods.
The names of the men so led to execu-
ton, were James W. Gates, Sd Missouri
cavalry, G. s. A.; Harvey II. Blackburn,
Go. A, Coleman's regiment, Arkansas
cavalry, G. S. A.; John Nichols, Go. G.,
I'd Missouri cavalry, @. S. A.; Charles W.
Minniken, Go. A, Crabtrees Arkansas
cavalry, @. 8. A.; Asa V. Ladd, Co. A,
Burbridge's Missouri regiment of cavalry,
G. S. A., and George T. Bunch, Co. B,
Sd Missouri cavalry.
About half past one o'clock the process
sion started from Gratiot street prison,
and, under escort of detachment of the
10th Kansas, arrived on the ground of ex-
ecution about half-past two. There were,
including soldiers and citizens (the former
largely preponderating) about 5000 per-
sons OH the ground, with the guards and
escort. The firing party consisted of fifty
four men-forty-four OF the 10th Kansas.
and ten Of the 41st -thirty-six
being detailed to fire, eighteen being in
reserve. When the prisoners arrived on
the ground they were marched promptly
to the places fixed tor the execution, these
being six upright pine posts set in the
ground with square board seats attached
for each man to sit upon. They took
their places upon their seats, each, with
comparative calmness, and nearly all with
appearances of resignation to the dreadful
fate that stared at them so Immediately.
But little emotion was displayed by any of
the six, except Nichols and Minniken-
the latter commenced prayerful ejacula-
tons in a subdued tone of voice, soon af-
ter being seated, which he kept up until
the bandage was tied over his eyes after
that his only remark was, "Boys, when
you shoot me. kill me dead" Nichols
made no remarks, but kept weeping, from
the time of taking his seat until the band
age was placed over his eyes. Ladd and
Bunch exhibited some slight evidences of
detection but not a word escaped them
during the whole scene. Blackburn sat
still and stolid upon his seat, and through
out was as imperturbed as a statue. No
muscle of his face quivered-there was
no wildness in his eye-not a movement
that denoted the slightest uneasiness in
his manner
Gates, who was only twenty.one years
of age, and perfectly beardless, at first
manifested a most singular indifference.
He had the manner of young man just
the least embarrassed upon the introduce
ton to company OF strangers. Yet,
withal, there was no fear in the expression
of bis features, but rather q manifestation
OF self. confidence, as of one who bad a
great and dangerous duty to perform, but
who felt himself equal to it. Towards the
end, however, he began to manifest emo-
ton, and, speaking to one of the attend
ing physicians, who was standing near by,
asked, "DOn't you think there is any hope
that it will be postponed?" and on being
answered in the negative, he moaned occa-
.'ionally, and at intervals made use of the
following expressions: "Oh, Lord, have
mercy upon me-" ooh, to think of the
news that is to go to father and mother. ="
swell, Iaint the first, and l don't reckon
I'll be the last" "Lord have mercy up
on me-" "To be tied TO stake and shot;
tell you it's awful"
After he had been tied to the stake, and
Chaplain McKim had prayed with him, he
said (to the guarD, "Boys, l hope if any
of you are ever shot, you won't be shot as
innocent as l am"
Chaplain McKim having said prayers
with each prisoner, and bid them good
bye, Colonel Heinrichs read the order of
execution, after which he informed the
prisoners that if they desired to say any
thing they could have an opportunity.
There was no response except from Min
niken, who said: 81 would like to say a
few words" He then, with firm and
distinct voice and rapid utterance, said !:
"Soldiers, and all who hear me, take
warning! have been q Confederate SOL
der for four years, and as such have
served my country faithfully. And | am
taken out now and shot for what men have
done that know nothing about, and for
what had nothing to do With, / never
was a guerilla, and am very sorry that
have to be shot for acts of men that I
never had anything to DO with, and for
what l am not guilty Of If l had taken
any of you soldiers prisoners, would have
treated you as such; l never would have
had you shot. l never would hurt any,
body. I hope God may take me to his
bosom after l am dead. O, Lord, be
with me-"
Each prisoners eyes were then ban
daged. When the sergeant approached
Mlnnikin to put the bandage on his eyes,
the prisoner said: "Sergeant, / don't
blame you; hope I'll meet you in anoth-
er world; hope I'll meet you all in Hea-
ven. o Lord, have mercy on my poor
soul!" Bunch and Blackburn still re-
NAMED silent and almost motionless. Min
niken said: lord have mercy on my
poor, sinful SOUL" Gates said: "John
Nichols, we are going to die. Farewell. "
Minniken replied: /" Farewell; we will
meet in better world" Gates responded:
Farewell to all the boys"
Nothing further was said, and the COM
1 49, 10