Delaware State journal and statesman., 1869-06-22
Desperate Defence of a Missouri Bush
whacker.

The World has an account from ST. Louis
of desperate attempt to arrest the notorious
buchwhackcr, Sam Hlldebrand, whose
crimes during the war made him an object
of general hatred and fear 1t appears thal
James Mclean, Of Washington county, |
(who was one of Hlldebrand's vielims) saw
him standing in his own dooryaTd, near Big |
River Mills, on the 4th instant, and fired a
revolver, wounding him seriously in the
thigh. Being alone, Mclean returned to
town for reinforcements, during which time
Hildebrand made his escape, and was lost
sight OF until Thursday last, when MIR.
RTeckinridge, the Sheriff OF Washington
county, received information that he was at
his uncle's house, about twelve miles south
of Irondale in ST. Francis county.
On Friday, with force oil sixteen oiheeIs'
the Sheriff surrounded the house and de
mandel surrender Hlldebrand gave no
reply. but reached his arm out of the win
dow. took deliberate aim and shot Mr;
Breckenridge seriously IN the groin and
slightly wounded another OF the party.
Word was sent TO Irondale, Poosi, and De-
soto for reinforcements, and, in obedience to
the telegram, Chiei OF Police Lee detailed
Sergeant Bowen, and Officers Vooris and
Macaueen to assist in the capture. 1hey
left on the p. NJ. train OF Friday. In the
meantime, nearly two score ol duiuues
went to Breckinrldge's assistance, and,
taking refuge in the woods and adjacent
houses. kept up continual fire on the log
cahin in which Hildebrand and sought re-
fuge and 10 which a return fire was given
with little damage on either side. About siS
o'clock In the evening, Mclean, in the
midst of hot fire, climbed up to the ROOF
Hildebrands house and succeeded in settlnl
fire to the roof by means OF cotton ana tuf'
pentine balls. He then descended from TN
roof, and entering the house, commence'
firing at Hildebrand through the chinks, bn
was soon struck in the breast and Instant
$ killed by a bullet from HIldebrand's revol
l., yer. From this time up to eight O'Clock,
:, period of two hours, nothing was done, e2
4 4 cept 10 keep close watch ON the premlse'
At eight O'Clock, Hildebrand craw!ed out
the back door and escaped TO the WOODS, III
y seen by the sixteen men who snrrrounue
n the house. During the cross-hring ma
= brand was wounded several times, but 1t
y, supposed not very seriously. The ST. Lou
is police force did not reach the scene OF acllC
rs until Saturday morning, and are, therefor
" not responsible for the escape OF Elildebran
The country officers believe that HildeDral
.. had on bullet-proof vest, but 1t is mo
probable that the shots fired at him wei
wild and unsteady.
8. But little is known of Hildebrnnd's hlsto
until the breaking out of the war in lSt
nd when he became associated with Quanll
all in the guerilla service, and during the pl
9ty gress OF the war in Southwest Missouri,
n, is asserted 10 have been guilty OF repeal
fse acts of cruelty. 1t is rumored that he robn
- Mclean of considerable sum of mont
and then ravished his sister. In 1868 he
r.. in command OF small cavalry force
Richwoods, and not long thereafter alb
lutely quartered an old man, and compel
rs, his aged wife to witness the butchery.
the following day, one of his associates
captured near St. Aubert, and, after drl
= head court-martial of fifteen minutes du
ON tiop he was Condemned 10 death. and
a-A sl - si. = ~ me, 4,
OOO, plerceu WIN elght mimic palls. parry :, =
8 il st. Louis will start in immediate pursuit
Hilldebrand, and it is believed he will
captured.