Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1907-04-12
c.n, .onp H.nson McNeil.


mander of the Rangers that bore his
name. was first printed in Valley
paper. 1t was handed us by survivor
of the command and reprinted at his
request.
cat your request, | will give you an
account of the last days of Capt. Me-
Neill. one of the bravest of Southern
leaders. Though many of the happen
ings during the late civil war have al
most been forgotten, still the instance
n. his death remains fresh and vivid as
if it Just occurred yesterday.
1t was lovely morning in the sum-
mer of 1854, and we were living at
Rood's Hill, that contested spot of
both armies in the Valley of Virginia.
The federal army had passed up the
valley few days before and were
camping near Harrisonburg, about p
miles above where we were living. A
long train Of wagons, carrying provi-
slons to the main army, came by a
few DAYS after AID encamped near our
house the officers staying at the house.
For their safety and protection hun
bred men were stationed at the bridge
that spans the Shenandoah river at
Mount Jackson, three-fourths OF
mile of.
On the following morni ng, just at
the dawn Of day we were aroused! from
our slumbers by the firing of guns, the
sound coming in the direction OF the
bridge. 1t was yet too dark to distin-
gulsh what was noing in camp, but
we could hear great commotion and
knew that the eieepers had been arous-
ed from their morning nap by some of
our sleepless rebels, who were always
on the alert to surprise the enemy, no
matter which way they were going, or
to pick up stragglers or picket men
whenever they had chance. We were
almost sure that they were at that
kind of work now. Our suspicion was
soon gratified, for we saw dozen or
more Yankee cavalry dash up the pike
as fast as their horses could carry then
toward the main army. In few NOM
ents we saw squad of Confederates
coming with some prisoners.
In front of them rode their COM
mander, Capt. Mcneil, supported on
each eide by two OF his men. We saw
at glance that he was severely wound
ed, as they filed into the yard, and
lifted HIM from his faithful old horse
and laid him on the grass. His noble
form writing in agony, reminded one
msre of wounded lion. The fire still
flashing from his clear, blue eyes, and
taking in the situation, he said, "Jesse,
my son, take charge of the prisoners
and you and my men do the best you
can to move on"
AS the man bent over him with tears
of sympathy, he looked into theirfases
and said: "Good-bye, my boys, leave
ne to my fate, can do more for my
country" One of his men knelt and
offered up short prayer, commencing
their gallant leader to a merciful God.
AS he arose and left with the men the
Captains eyes followed them as long
as they were in sight. Then for the first
time he exclaimed: ooh, am in such
agony do something for me if you
CAMP
she seemed to realize our helpless
there without even a protector, and
what would be the consequence should
the Yankees who had escaped return.
His sutferings seemed intense; and |
could only think of cup of coffee to
give him, which | made from some
the commander of thewagon train had
given me the day before. Then |
thought of package of medicine that
had been left with us to be sept to the
hospital at Mt. Jackson, where Union
soldiers were sick. In this package
found some morphine, which | adj
m ,nistered with trembling hands, and
# getting him quiet my husband,
servants and l managed to get him on
q blanket, and with great effort carried
ann up flight of steps into my own
room, and laid him on the bed. We
had hardly gotten him comfortable
and were considering what would best
be done for safety, when the same YAM
KEGS rode up to the door and asked if
we had seen any rebels around, | re-
Piled, ''Oh, yes; and they had a lot of
prisoners with them ami had gone to-
ward the mountains. l also told them
that cry of distress had been heard
ia the direction of their camp, and if
there were any wounded to bring them
up TO the house. We knew TO have a
" ounded Yankee in the house would
be great protection.
In the meantime, the effect Of the
morphine had wornlotf, and Capt. Nc
I