Deaths of Gens. McCulloch and Price [sic]

As the manner of deaths and “last words” uttered of distinguished men are often matters of interest to the public, we publish the following extract from the correspondence of an Eastern contemporary, written shortly after the battle of Pea Ridge:–

MANNER OF M’CULLOCH’S DEATH.

Concerning the death of McCulloch and McIntosh there seems to be but one opinion.  Both of them were mortally wounded on Friday, during the heavy fighting by Gen. Jeff. C. Davis against the center column of the enemy.  It will be remembered the rebels gave way, and two of the Southern chieftains made the most determined efforts to rally them in vain.

McCulloch was struck with a minie ball in the left breast – as I am assured by one who says he saw him fall, and after he was taken from the ground – while waving his sword and encouraging his men to stand firm.  He died of his wounds about 11 o’clock the same night, though he insisted that he would recover; repeatedly saying with great oaths that he was not born to be killed by Yankees.

A few minutes before he expired his physician assured him he ad but a very short time to live.  At this Ben, looked up incredulously, and saying, “Oh Hell!” and turned away his head and never spoke after.

I presume if Ben is really dead, the Southern papers will put some very fine sentiment into his mouth in his closing moments; but the last words I have mentioned are declared to be correct by a prisoner.  They are not very elegant nor dramatic, but quite expressive, and in McCulloch’s case decidedly appropriate.

HOW M’INTOSH DIED.

It is reported that McIntosh was struck near the right hip with a grapeshot, while giving an order to one of his aids, and hurled from his horse.  The wound was a ghastly one, and tho’ it must have been very painful, McIntosh uttered no groan, but calmly gave directions for his treatment.  A few minutes after he fell into a comatose state, from which he never recovered – passing through Death’s dark portal while his attendants supposed he still lay beside the golden gates of sleep.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 2