The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-08-13
"RECOLLECTIONs"
OF THE
M OK SSICK RANGERS.
BY 4 MEN BER.

MckIsSICK RASGBRs y met to take the line of
march for the camp of instruction The humble
wardrobe Of the soldier is strapped to his
saddle; his gun swings to his side; his blanket,
with the initials of his name ingepiously
wrought with needles and thread, bears the
impress Of loving hands Thus equipped, they
fall into line and answer to roll call.
Friends gather around to bid them good.
bye and grasp, perhaps for the last time on
earth, the hands that were to strike for cause
they thought was just. The venerable Col.
James Jeffcries, that lifelong friend Of our
noble Captain, was present. They grasp hand,
and each reads in the other eye the soemnity
OF the occasion. Not word was spoken. Soon
the column moves off amid shouts and the way-
ing Of hats and handkerchiefs. It moves to-
ward Goshen Hill where the good people turn
out and give them q fine dinner Thus re-
freshed, they bid adicu to kind friends, and the
line OF march is resumed. Reaching camp
Hampton on the 18th of December, 1861, army
equipments, tents, cooking vessels, &C., are
furnished by the Quartermasters department,
and the Company 60 into camp on the side of the
s. c. II. II. a little after dark, the delegation
Of six men from York joined them. AS soon as
they were introduced by Captain McKissck, as
"the brave boys from York who have cast their
lot with Us" huzza after huzza rent the air only
to be taken up throughout the long line Of in
fantry until it seemed that ten thousand voices
were joined in the grand anthem.
Our memoirs would be incomplete did VIC fail
to mention the interest taken by the people 10
sec that every man was properly mounted and
equipped. When it was understood that Capt
Mckissick was to command the company, horses
and outfits were contributed by those who had
no riders to contribute. Fashionable ladies'
willingly and patriotically gave their pleasure
horses. Guns, saddles, clothing and blankets
were contributed in the same manner and spirit
Thus equipped, each soldier felt that his
country expected him to give n good account of
his stewardship. 1t would be q great pleasure
in this connection to give list Of the names
with their contributions. We hope yet to be
able to do so. The descendants of such pare Mt
age have something to be proud of.
The morning of the 18th Of December, 1861,
found the Mckissick Rangers (Co. D., IIocombe
Legion Cavalry in camp Of instruction, at camp
Hampton, - lev "I.~ ---~'.---'''
tho South Carolina r. Il. The company was
compos,I of men from Union, York, Spartan
burc and Ncwberry (Di.tricts.) Here they
maj for the first time and formed an acQuaint-
,rco that ri,-ncd into brotherhood. AS the
roors ro,, and scenes that followed their first
,,oot;r, nre remembered, the clock Of time turns
b,c, and brings us into the vigor Of youth and
rAnhood.
A. .-:t T..
ern history had been innuguratcd. The roar Of
an enemy's cannon had been heard from the
Potomac to the great Rio Grandc. Our ports
had been blockadcd. The call for troops to
rcpcl an invading foe had been heard. War
was no longer phantom, but q reality. South
ern chvalry must be vindcated. The sons of
South Carolina could lie dormant no longer, but
Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, homes and
firesides must be defended.
These were the circumstances under which
this little band Of cavaliers were called to-
gethcr. The farmer quit his plow, the mechanic
his workshop, the lawyer his Office, the merchant
hi, counting-room, the physician his practice
the minister his sacred desk, the student bids
take part in the great drama now to he enacted
On the 1th Of December, 1861, the company
was formally mustered into the service of the
Confederate States for one year, by Col John
:. Preston. Horses were appraised, arms and
equipments furnished anl everything put in
order for active service. BY una nimous consent
Of officers and men the company was attached
10 fha mhn a..
coast. e. Iolcombc Legion was so named in
honor Of Mrs. Gov. Pickcns, who aftcrwarl,
presented the command with beautiful flag.
Nothing but the regular routine Of camp life
occurred until the 10th of December, 1861. By
daylight that morning the company was form ed
and marched to Columbia to board the train
with the horses, for Charleston, S. &. A detail
of men, with the cooks, were left to attend tc
the baggage and get it ready for shipping.
Shortly after sunrise the train bearing il.
equine freight dashed up anil stopped Our
tents and baggage was soon put aboard and al
was ready. Soon the iron horse announced his
readiness to 60, and amid the waving Of hat.
and huzzas for jeff Davis and tho Southern
Confcdcracy, the train moved off, With giant
IL HFiauS uHu lelt CuHlp llhmp
ton and the many pleasant acqu,intanccs We
had formed in the hazy distance. AS it thmn
dered over trestcs and embank kments
through cuts aud around curves, our mil,ar,
family began to feel that the opening charte,
Of its history was being written out. As W,
looked out upon the broad fields Of cotton anc
saw the hands gathering the heecy staple. on
hearts went back to the scenes Of childhood
with yearning that human nature could NJ
longer resist. Scenes familiar recall the JOY
at home as we gee little boys and girls standing