Yank and Rebel Rangers by Robert W. Black

Author:Robert W. Black
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HISTORY /United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books
Published: 2019-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

John Hanson ‘Hanse’ and Jesse McNeill

John Hanson ‘Hanse’ McNeill was born on June 12 1815 near Moorefield, Virginia. Throughout his youth, Hanse McNeill experienced the argument that grew to hatred over opposing views on slavery. He knew first-hand the divisions within communities and families. McNeill married Jemima Cunningham in 1837 and for twenty-four years lived a successful life as a farmer and stock-breeder. An adventurous man, McNeill on several occasions moved his family to greener pastures, once to Kentucky and later to a 500-acre farm in Missouri where he was at the forefront of the agricultural community. He had knowledge of farm animals and was well-known for his compassionate caring for horses, a caring that would impact on his military career. He placed the Southland before the United States. Neutrality was not an option. As the threat of war grew, McNeill supported the secessionist cause.

McNeill had lived in Missouri for thirteen years when argument boiled over into open conflict. In 1861, at age 46, this farmer of limited education and no military experience organized a company of Confederate cavalry and led them to war. His three oldest sons – William, George and Jesse – rode with him. His first experience in battle was a loss to a larger and better-equipped Union force. McNeill never forgot the lesson. He next fought at Carthage on Friday, July 5 1861, where 4,000 Confederates who were primarily farmers forced the retreat of some 1,000 Union men. He was at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek near Springfield, Missouri on Saturday, August 10 1861 when the larger Confederate force won the battle but did not gain the state. The casualties were greater than at the better-known Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas). Each side lost more than 1,200 men and both were in shock from the blood-letting. McNeill gained a distaste for pitched battles. He soon concentrated on hit-and-run tactics. Soon Hanse McNeill’s men were capturing wagons, cannon and prisoners. In mid-September 1861, the Confederates won a significant victory at Lexington, Missouri. In this fight Hanse McNeill was severely wounded and his son George was killed.

While on home leave recruiting, Hanse and his son Jesse were captured. Their captors were men they knew well. Their word that they would not break parole was accepted. McNeill roamed freely, even wearing a new Confederate uniform to social functions with Union officers. Freedom in captivity came to an end when Hanse and Jesse were transferred to the former slave market in St Louis, now a federal prison with miserable conditions. The two McNeills escaped, soon returning to their former home in Hardy County, Virginia. They found that war had already left its mark upon the Virginia landscape. There was opportunity for action and a need for experienced leaders.

On April 28 1862, the Confederate congress passed the Partisan Ranger Act. Colonel John Imboden was raising the First Regiment, Virginia Partisan Rangers. Imboden planned to operate in the area of Western Virginia that Hanse McNeill knew well. McNeill set about raising a company to serve in Imboden’s Rangers.

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