October 30, 1863---“I will show them how a Confederate Soldier can die.”

OCTOBER 30, 1863:           

John Nichols, one of only two members of the Confederate guerrilla band “James Johnson’s Boys” is hanged in Jefferson City, Missouri. Nichols is one of the few men denied clemency by President Lincoln. Johnson and Nichols had been particularly active in the Sedalia, Missouri area, and so effective (primarily against Unionist civilians, mainly women and children) that the Union ordered a “shoot on sight” order against them. As the rope was being adjusted around his neck, Nichols defiantly said: “I will show them how a Confederate Soldier can die.”