The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-08-13
"RRc0LLKoTIoMs"
'-. or THE
M MCKISSICK RANGERS.
BY A MENBEH.

town from all points Of the compass The
MSKissIck RAxoAas" met to take the line Of
march for the camp Of instruction. Tho humble
wardrobe OF the soldier is strapped to his
ssddle; 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 10 roll calf. q = :.
Friends gather around to bid them g good.
hye.Hand grasp, perhaps for the last time on
earth, Tho hands that were to strike for cause
they thought was just. The venerable Col.
James Jeferiss, that life-long friend Of our
nooie captain, was present. They grasp hands
and each reads In the other eye tho solsmnity
OF the occasion. Not word was spoken. Soon
the column moves of amid shouts and the vsy
Ing OF hats and handkerchiefs. Il moves TO-
ward Goshen Hill, where the good people turn
out and give them . fine dinner. Thus re-
ffsshed, they bid adieu to kind friends, and tho
line OF march is resumed. Reaching camp
Hampton on the 18th Of Dscembsr, 1851, stmy
equipments, tents, cooking vessels, &c., are
furnished by the Quartermsstsr's department,
and the Company 60 into camp on tho side Of the
.. q. Il. II. little after dark, the delegation
OF six men from York Joined them. Az soon ss
they were introduced by Captain MeKissick, a.
the brave boys from York who have cast their
lot with u.s." huzza after huzza rent the air only
to be taken UP throughout the long line Of in.
fantry until It seemed that ten thousand yeio.s
were Joined in the grand anthem.
Our memoirs would be incomplete did we fail
to mention the interest taken by the people 10
see that evcry man was properly mounted and
equipped. When Il was understood that Capt.
McKissick was to command the company, horses
and outfits were contributed by those who had
no riders to contribute. Rashipnable ladies
willingly and patrioticslly gave their pleasure
horses. Guns, saddles, clothing aud blankets
were contributed in the Same manner and spirit.
Thus equipped, each soldier felt that his
country expected him to give good account Of
his stewardship. II would be great pleasure
In this connection to give list Of the names
with their eoptributions. We hope yet to bs
able to do SO. The descendants Of such parent
ago have something to Be proud of. IL
3 The morning OF the 18th Of Deesr,bsr, 1851.
found the McKissick Rangers &C., D., Holcombs
legion Cavalry, J In camp Of Instruction, at camp
the South Carolina r. r. The company was
composed Of men from Union, York, Spartan
burg and Newbsrs (Di.tricts.) Here they
met for the hrst, dime and formed An acquaint-
.nos that rip<ned into a brotherhood. As the
wears rolJ On and scenes that followed their first
meetius are remembered, the clock Of time turns
bacpand brings US into the visor Of youth and
xLhhood.
I One Of the greatest civil wars known to mod
srn history had beeu inaugursted. Tho roar Of
an enemy's cannon had been heard from the
Potomac to the great Rio Grande. Our ports
had been blockaded. The call for troops to
rspel an invading foe had been heard. War
was NO longer q phantom. but reality. South.
ern chivalry must be vindicated. The sons Of
South Carolina could lie dormant no longer, but
must stand shoulder to shoulder in the contest.
Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, homes aud
fresides must be defended.
These were tho circumstances under which
this little band of cavaliers were called to-
gether. The farmer quit his piow, the mechanic
his workshop, tho lawyer his Office, the merchant
his oouuting-room, the physician his practice,
the minister his sacred desk, the student bids
his teacher and classmates /" good-by aud all
take part in tho great drama now to be enacted.
On the 18th Of December, 1861, the company
Confederate state, sor an. v.., =. ~, ,.ns
8. Preston. Horses were appraised, arms and
equipments furnished, aud everything put in
order for tiveservice. By una nimous consent
Of officers and men the oomn,nv wa. o,,.oh.a
"a ths Ho,oombs Iao;on ,h.n rru;,. ~ y, !.
e.ast. 4. Holoombe Ia.;on y ~. ~ nsm.a g.
honor Of Mrs. Go, p;ek.ns vho sn.rv.-,.
presented tho command with n b..n,in,, a.,
Nothing but tho regular roo,in. os cam, We.