This week in 1863

“See how a Confederate soldier can die.”

— John Nichols, convicted of Confederate guerrilla activity, hanging, Missouri
Executed October 30, 1863

Nichols was one of many Confederate soldiers executed by the state of Missouri.  Nichols’ death would come from the desk of President Lincoln, who approved the sentence.  Before his execution, Nichols confessed to his guerrilla activity, saying: “I have been a Confederate soldier and did all I could for the interests of the Confederacy…”