Bushwhacker on borrowed time

Throughout the Civil War the "Union" pursuit, capture and execution of "Missouri Bushwhackers," "Kansas Jayhawkers and Redlegs" and "Outlaws" in both states was relentless and deadly with instant death as the immediate result.

However, occasionally one of these individuals was not executed immediately and lived for a few days on "Borrowed Time." There was normally no rhyme or reason for this, it just happened; and the following example is of a "Bushwhacker" who lived for a few extra days and then was probably executed.

Col. O. D. Greene "Macon City, Mo., April 27, 1864 Assistant Adjutant General: On the 20th ofthis month (3) armed men entered the town of Hunnewell, on the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad, in Shelby County. The citizens telegraphed to me to know if they should arrest them. I answered "YES" of course. They collected together about (6) strong [citizens] and proceeded to make the arrest. It was RESISTED, and during the shooting which took place (l) of the desperadoes was killed, (l) named Henry Snider was captured and (l) escaped. One citizen was killed and (2) seriously wounded; (1) of the latter is not expected to live. Snider was sent to me. Immediately after receiving him, I received a dispatch from General Fisk, ordering him to be tried by drum-head cout-martial, and if found guilty to be shot.

[It is believed that the conviction and sentence were never seriously in doubt.] I called together (5) of my most discreet officers, who took testimony for and against him and found him Guilt of being a GUERRILLA and of being [an] accessory to the MURDER. General Fisk is absent from the district, and I consequently refer the matter directly to deparnent headquarters. Shall I proceed to execute the order of General Fisk? Dan. M. Draper Lieut. Col., Ninth Cavaly, Missouri State Militia, Comdg. Post."

No record has been discovered of the execution of Henry Snider, but he probably was shot per the dispatch/order from General Fisk after having lived a few extra days on borrowed time.