The Night Captain Bill Wilson Died

This story takes place a little bit east of my normal area of study, however, it concerns troops that were stationed out of Pilot Knob, Missouri. The 7th Reg. Kansas Vol. Cav. has long been of interest to me. So, when I located the documents I could not keep myself from putting the story to paper.

Captain William N. Wilson was a native of Apple Creek Township, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The Governor of Missouri had appointed Capt Wilson to a position of commanding Company A of the 48^th MO infantry, the term of enlistment was for one year. Although, Capt. Wilson attempted to resign early, his requests were repeatedly denied. He finally received his discharge on the one year anniversary of his appointment. He was discharged from service in the 48^th MO Infantry on April 15^th, 1865, the day prior to his death.   

Synopsis of affidavit of James Walker of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau Co. MO.

Says

            On the night of the 16th of April 1865 he was at the residence of Dr. John S Robbs. Six men, apparently soldiers, rode up and requested to stop over night. Dr. Robb’s wife told them were not prepared to keep them, he (Walker) then started home and met Capt W N Wilson who requested him to turn back with him and see who these men were did so found the above mentioned men soldiers at Dr. Robb’s house Soldiers told Wilson and himself that they could not leave that night. Wilson said he would leave when he got ready they immediately commenced shooting at Wilson he (Walker) run from the fray thinking he would be shot also there were 25 of 30 shots fired he did not see Wilson fall and did not know any of the men.

Synopsis of affidavit of James D. Hatcher of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau County. MO.

States

            On the night of the 16th of April 1865 he (was) called upon to go to Dr Robbs. Upon arriving found Capt W N Wilson dying, he having been shot and a soldier named Newman wounded. There were seven men at Dr. Robbs attired in U S Uniforms except the Capt.(Douhit) Did not remember how (he was) dressed. Soldiers told him they belonged to the 7th Kansas Cav. One of the soldiers named Armstrong remained at Dr Robbs two or three days to nurse Newman. He acknowledged to having fired the first shot a Wilson.  Said Capt. Ordered it and that one of the soldiers struck Wilson with a Saber after he had fallen.

Synopsis of affidavit of Dr. J S Robb of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau County. MO.

Saates

            On the night of the 16th of April 1865 two armed men in federal uniforms came to his house and wanted to stay over night. He was sick could not be up. Heard his wife conversing with them. She asked them to what command, they replied command of our own, departed in few minutes way they came, returned shortly with five other men few minutes heard report of fire arms. Directly a soldier named Daniel Newman was brought in the house wounded also WN Wilson wounded. Capt W N Wilson died in about two and half hours after being wounded. A man giving his name as Dophet was in command of the squad of soldiers.

Wilson before he expired told Dophet that him and his men were a band of thieves and had murdered him without a cause as he was acting in self defense. Dophet seemed to regret the death of Wilson. Evidence in the case of the murder of Wilson referred to Brig. Gen Beveridge.

Synopsis of affidavit of John A Wilson. Son of the deceased W.N. Wilson of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau Co. MO.

Says

            Arrived at Dr. Robbs before his father died. Sgt Wilhite of the 7th Kansas Vol. Cav gave him the names of the men who killed his father viz:

Joseph Wilhite, WW Armstrong, H. Poteet, John Parent all of Co G 7th Kansas Vet Vol Cav.

April 25, 1865, Capt. David Neuman, Company G (regiment unknown) stationed at Cape Girardeau, Missouri sends message to Lt Col. F. M. Malone, stationed at Pilot Knob, Missouri: Hold the men of the 7^th Kansas in arrest who had a part in killing Capt. Wm N Wilson in this country about 8 days ago. If Doushett, Capt Pecks special agent is implicated arrest him immediately.

Capt. Peck is Carroll R Peck of the 68^th EMM, 12^th MSM, and 5^th MSM, Assistant PM at Ironton and son-in-law of Col. James Lindsey. Doushett is thought to be Zephyr Doucet of St Francois County, formerly a soldier, now disabled for full time duty, but works part time for Peck, guiding patrols made up of members of the 7^th Kansas.

Extracted from Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas, Vol. 1. - 1861-1865. Leavenworth, Kansas: Bulletin Co-operative Printing Company, Chicago. 1867.

Private	Wilhite	Joseph	Leavenworth	Dec. 31, '61	Dec. 31, '61	Re-enlisted Veteran.
Private	Armstrong	William W.	Leavenworth	Jan. 5, '62	Aug. 31, '63	Re-enlisted Veteran.
Private	Parent	John H.	Leavenworth	March 14, '64	March 14, '64	Deserted, Omaha, N. T., August 9, 1865.
Private	Poteet	Henry	Leavenworth	FEb. 20, '64	FEb. 20, '64	Mustered out with regiment September 29, 1865.
Private	Newman	Daniel H.	Mound City	Sept. 1, '61	Oct. 12, '61	Re-enlisted Veteran.