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fence rails were stuck in the ground, to which their hands
were tied behind their backs-; where the 2 little dots are
marked-; then a squad of a dozen soldiers was placed in
front of each-, ten paces distant-; half of the muskets had
no ball in them; so that no soldier, who fired could feel
that he helped to kill his fellow being -- At the word "Ready"-
"aim"-"fire-" the double volley was discharged -- and both
men fell-; Fowler fell utterly dead-; did not make a motion
or give any evidence of life-; I counted 13 bullet holes in
him, from his chin down-; whilst poor Pelt fell with an awful
sruggle, taking the rail down with him (Fowler's rail did
not fall)-; & Pelt uttered a fearful, blood-curdling, bubbling
yell, as a torrent of blood gushed from his mouth, & struggled
for several moments dreadfully --

I was thoroughly shocked to witness the extent of cold
blooded want of feeling in the soldiers-; I heard them claiming
the hats, clothing & boots of the poor men, before the shooting
took place, and as they fell, there was a rush from all sides,
and all of the clothing was stripped from their bodies-; and
by & bye some negroes were made to dig two holes, and the
naked bodies were tumbled in and buried like two dogs -- I
had no idea that such heartless brutality was allowed --
There were only 4 bullet holes in poor Pelt's breast -- This
dreadful execution took place in an open field, near to the
McBride house, where I had passed pleasant hours -- where our
little Josie died too -- I went into it -- and saw the marks
of "Grim visaged War" all about it -- a yankee shell had