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Multiple News Items Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Monday, April 27, 1863 Death of Maj. Henry McRae--We are deeply pained to hear of the death of Major Henry McRae, of the 8th Regiment N.C.T., which took place in Charleston on Wednesday last, the 22nd inst. By his death the army of the Confederacy has lost a brave and true man, and a gallant soldier, and this, his native town, one of her worthiest sons. Though not falling on the battle field, his life was none the less a sacrifice to the couse of his country.--Wilmington Journal, 24th.
THE DEATH OF GEN. WM. McRAE The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina), Tuesday, February 14, 1882 We are pained to learn of the death of Gen. Wm. McRae, so well known as a distinguished engineer and railroad manager. He was a Wilmington boy, and his father, Gen. Alexander McRae, being one of the foremost railroad men of his day, he naturally adopted railroading as his profession. On finishing his scholastic education he entered a large railroad establishment at the North and served his time as a machinist, thus fitting himself for a correct understnding of the practical details of his business. During the war he entered the Confederate army as captain of Company B, 15th Regiment, North Carolina State Troops, afterwards 5th Volunteers; became its colonel in 1864, and greatly distinguished himself on many a hard fought field, attaining the rank of brigadier-general. After the war he was connected with the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad and then went to Georgia, where his unusual talents and capacity won for him the highest consideration. About two months ago he resigned as manager of one of the leading roads in that State to undertake a new enterprise. But few families in the State have been so gifted in talents bordering on genius as the McRaes, and Gen. Wm. McRae was justly esteemed as one of the foremost of his name. To a strong mathematical mind he united a rare judgment of men and things, great intrepidity and confidence, a zealous disposition and habits of untiring industry. To such a man, pursuing a blameless and irriproachable life, the South opened a career of vast possibilities, and year after year it was with pride and pleasure that his friends beheld him adding largely to his fame and usefulness. Sunday's Augusta Chronicle says: "Last night, at 9:40, Gen. Wm. McRae breathed his last at the Globe Hotel, in this city. "Last Wednesday, 8th instant he arrived in Augusta from Wilmington and registering, "Wm. McRae, North Carolina," was assigned to room No. 6. For the past two or three days he had been feeling badly, although, yesterday morning he came down stairs and seemed able to get about. Last evening, however, he was seized with a chill, and Dr. R.G. Hitt was summoned to his bedside. Everything possible was done for his relief, but it was clearly evident that his disease was most vigorous in its attack, and alarming in nature, and at twenty minutes to ten Gen. McRae died from congestion of the lungs. His body was soon taken charge of by an undertaker and prepared for the shroud. He was alone in the city, and his remains will lie in state at the Globe until tomorrow, when relatives will reach the city. Mr. Walter McRae, of Wilmington, N.C., brother of the deceased, was immediately informed of the death of the General, and made all directions by telegraph as to the disposition of the body. Col. R.H. Anderson, of Atlanta, superintendent of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, was also wired of the occurrence. The dead man had received every attention and care from Messrs. Atkinson and their employees of the Globe Hotel. "Gen. McRae was one of the foremost railroad officials of the South. As a civil engineer and manager he had no superior, and until three months ago had been superintendent of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Lately he had been interested in building the Belt Railroad around Atlanta, and was probably in Augusta on business appertaining to that enterprise. "Gen. McRae was in the prime of life, was unmarried, and was a man of fine physique as well as of professional attainments. He had friends all over the South, who will regret to hear of his sudden death."
SCOTTISH REMINISCENCES Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Thursday, September 13, 1888 (From the Scottish Chief) The writer attended a picnic recently at Black's Bridge, in Cumberland county, and gathered the following incidents, which may interest the readers of the Scottish Chief. On the knoll immediately West of the Big Oak there lived James Black, a Scotchman, who had served under Prince Charles Edward, and like hundreds of others was driven into exile after the battle of Culloden. He was a native of the island of Jura. His brothers, Alexander, Neill and Archibald Black, accompanied him to America and settled in Cumberland. James Black, like many other Whigs, was compelled to remain in concealment during the Revolution, owing to the animosity of Tory neighbors. He was once attacked in his house by a party of Tories and received a wound which ultimately occasioned his death. His brother Alexander, faithful to the oath of allegiance taken on leaving Scotland, remained neutral, but having entertained Flora McDonald and her daughter at his residence in the year 1780, he was shot down at his own door by order of Col. Wade, who accused him also of being concerned with the Tories in the massacre of Whigs at Piney Bottom. Neill Black was twice married. He first married Polly Buie, and on her death married Effie Clark. He emigrated to Fort Claiborne, in Alabama, in 1810. One of his sons is said to have amassed enormous wealth in Texas. James Black married Ann Peterson, a Scotch lady, who deserves more than a passing notice. Her kindness to the sick and wounded in Revolutionary times is well known. She once performed a perilous journey on horseback with Mrs. Murphy, of Robeson, mother of Gov. Murphy, of Alabama, to Lindley's Mill, in Randolph. Their mission was to relieve the wounded and bury the dead. The battle of Stewart's Mill was fought in 1780 between Col. Hector McNeill and Major Peter Robeson. The Tories under McNeill were defeated and many were killed. The late Wm. Davis, of St. Paul's related to the writer that while on a visit to his grandfather, John Stewart, who lived near the battlefield, he saw the mounds where the Tories were buried. This visit occurred thrity year after the battle, and he counted numerous mounds for a distance of three miles on the North bank of Rockfish Creek. The dead lay unburied for several days, till Mrs. Black and another Scotch lady ventured to bury them. The bodies were found so far decomposed that it was impossible to move them, and earth was heaped upon them where they lay. We say a horn which was used by Mrs. Black to notify her husband of any trouble brewing. Juat a little West of the residence of James Black were buried two Tories, who died in Black's barm after the battle of Moore's Creek. The tradition runs that in the early part of the night the Tories, who were seriously wounded and starving, applied to Mrs. Black for food a nd shelter. Some Whig neighbors were at her house, and she did not deem it wise to acquaint them with the presence of the Tories, so she advised the wounded men to conceal themselves in the barn till a late hour, when she would prepare some food. On the departure of the Whigs, Mrs. Black found both men dead, and with her it was a life-long regret that she did not yield to the first impulse and relieve them in their distress, regardless of consequences. She enjoined upon her children, as a sacred duty, always to succor distress without hesitation and without question. After the close of the Revolutionary troubles occurred the following incident: Malcom McNeill, Esq., was on a visit to James Black, who, hearing a call, espied a gentleman and lady on horseback. "Come in," said Black. "No," the gentleman replied; "Christian Black and myself have concluded to get married, and we are looking for Malcom McNeill, the Justice, to perform the ceremony." The couple dismounted, and in Black's house the marriage ceremony was performed in a few minutes, and the happy apie went on their way rejoicing. The gentleman was Colin McRae, the father of General Alexander McRae of Wilmington. Colin McRae died in 1865, at the great age of 95 years. His father, Roderick McRae, emigrated from Inverness-shire in Scotland, and settled on Deep River, in Chatham county. His wife's maiden name was Burke. She made an uncessful attempt to rescue her relative, Gov. Burke, from Col. David Fanning, while the Governor was being conveyed a prisoner to Wilmington. Major Alexander McRae, of the Confederate Artillery, was the oldest son of Colin McRae, and was the oldest officer in the Confederate army. On account of his great age he was placed on detached service by Gen. Bragg to keep him out of the battle of Bentonville. He followed the Confederate General till the last remnant of the army was disbanded at Chester, S.C. From thence, tottering with the infirmities of age and almost blind, he made his way to his residence at Argyle, in Robeson county. He died in Wilmington, at a great age, beloved and respected by all. Of the sons, Major Henry McRae and Major Robert Burns McRae gave their lives to the Confederate cause. William McRae became General of Brigade in the Confederat service, and died within a few years past in Georgia. He was well know among the soldiers of his brigade as "Fighting Billie McRae." Another son, Archibald, became a distinguished naval officer. At the naval academy he distanced all competition and was, after graduation, given a commission as Lieutenant. He commanded the Gillis Expedition to South America over forty years ago, and after performing the perilous feat of ascending some of the loftiest peaks of the Andes for the purpose of taking certain astronomical and barometrical observations and afte accomplishing his perilous mission satisfactorily to the U.S. Government, he returned home and died in Sanfrancisco in 1850. The "Big Oak," beneath whose branches Colin McRae and Christian Black were married still lives, and annually the Scotch Picnic is held there, and incidents of Scottish hills are rehearsed, that the y oung people may not forget their ancestors.
REMINISCENCES The Daily Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana), Monday, October 01, 1888 The following from the Scottish Chief, published at Red Springs, Robeson county, says the Wilmington (N.C.) Star, will be read with interest by hundreds of relatives and friends of the McRae family in this city and section: After the close of the revolutionary troubles occurred the following incident: Malcom McNeill, Esq., was on visit to James Black, who, hearing a call, espied a gentleman and lady on horseback. "Come in, " said Black. "No, " the gentleman replied; "Christian Black and myself have concluded to get married and we are looking for Malcom McNeill the justice to perform the ceremony. " The couple dismounted, and in Black's house the marriage ceremony was performed in a few minutes, and the happy pair went on their way rejoicing. The gentleman was Colin McRae, the father of General Alexander McRae of Wilmington. Colin McRae died in 1865, at the great age of 95 years. His father, Roderick McRae, emigrated from Inverness-shire in Scotland, and settled on Deep river, in Chatham county. His wife's maiden name was Burke. She made an unsuccessful attempt to rescue her relative, Governor Burke, from Colonel David Fanning, while the Governor was being conveyed a prisoner to Wilmington. Major Alexander McRae of the confederate artillery was the oldest son of Colin McRae, and was the oldest officer in the confederate army. On account of his great age he was placed on detached service by General Bragg to keep him out of the battle of Bentonville. He followed the confederate general until the last remnant of the army was disbanded at Chester, S.C. From thence tottering with the infirminities of age and almost blind, he made his way to his residence at Argyle, in Robeson county. He died in Wilmington at a great age, beloved and respected by all. Of his sons, Major Henry McRae and Major Robert McRae gave their lives to the confederate cause. William McRae became general of brigade in the confederate service and died within a few years past in Georgia. He was well known among the soldiers of his brigade as "Fighting Billie McRae." Another son, Archibald, became a distinguished naval officer. At the Naval Academy he distanced all competition and was, after graduation, given a commission as lieutenant. He commanded the Gillis expedition to South America over 40 years ago, and after performing the perilous feat of ascending some of the loftiest peaks of the Andes for the purpose of taking certain astronimical and barometrical observations, and after accomplishing his perilous mission satisfactorily to the United States government, he returned home and died in San Francisco in 1850. The " big oak," beneath whose branches Colin McRae and Christian Black were married, still lives, and annually the Scotch picnic is held there, and incidents of Scottish hills are rehearsed, that the young people may not forget their ancestors.
EARLY SCOTCH SETTLERS Wilmington Review News-Observer-Chronicle (Raleigh, North Carolina), Tuesday, November 07, 1893 We clip the following from an article by Mr. Wm. McMillan which appeared in the Scottish Chief: (The beginning paragraphs of this article have been ommitted because it has been recorded in previous articles here. Bridges) *Colin McRae died in 1875 at the great age of 95 years. Among the grandsons were General Alexander McRae and Col. John McRae, who were prominent citizens of Wilmington. General Wm. McRae, Major Henry C. McRae, Major Robert Burns McRae of the Confederate Army, **Lietu. Archibald McRae, of U.S. Navy, were prominent among the great grandsons of Roderick McRae. Mr. Donald McRae was the eldest brother of this large and remarkable family of boys, every one of whom has proved himself of more than average ability and prowess. Roderick McRae and Capt. Walter G. McRae, the two youngest, and the only survivors, are still residents of Wilmington. Their father, Gen. Alexander McRae, was for many years previous to the war president of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. He lived in a pretty cottage, with a farm attached, which he called "Hard-scrabble," and which was located on the site of the Athletic grounds, between Oakdale Cemetery and the W.& W.R.R. Henry, William, Robert, Rod and Walter were all in the Confederate service. Henry was Major of the 8th North Carolina, and died in a hospital during the war. William rose to be a Brigadier General in the service. He escaped serious wounds, and after the war was for a long time General Superintendent of W.C. and A. Railroad. He was afterwards in charge of the Savannayh, Florida and Western Railroad, and was one of the most noted railroad men in the South. Robert was Major of the 7th North Carolina, and was so badly wounded that he was compelled to retire from the service. He was made sheriff of New Hanover county, but died not long after from the effects of his wounds. Roderick was a Lieutenant in Co. I, 18th N.C., the first year of the war. He afterwards ran the blockade on several occasions. The first time he did so he came all of the way from Nassau to this coast in a little sloop of not more than ten tons, with one man to help him work her. The blockaders chased him and he could not make New Inlet, but he got into Sloop Point in safety. Walter, the youngest was with his brother Robert in the 7th Regiment and when the war closed he was captain of his company. The history of the McRae boys is a part of the war history of the Cape Fear *Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Monday, June 01, 1857 Colin McRae.-The above is the title of a new barque that arrived in our port yesterday from Belfast, Maine, at which place she was built. The C. McRae is intended as a pioneer packet between this port and Liverpool, and is of the following dimensions: Length of keel 115 feet; length over all 119 feet 4 inches; breadth of beam 27 feet 8 inches; depth of hold 11 feet 8 inches; about 400 tons capacity, and will carry 3,500 barrels. She is well built, well furnished, and complete in every particular, and bears at her prow a full-sized figure of a Highland Chief, in full dress. The Colin McRae is owned one-half by J. & D. McRae & Co., and the other half by Wm. Neff & Sons, of this town, and the Captain; and is named in compliment to the father of Gen. Alexander and Col. John McRae of this place. Of her Captain, John C. Bramhall, late of the brig Mary McRae, who is so well and favorably known to the shipping portion of our community, it is needless for us to say anything.-Wil. Herald. The New York Herald (New York, New York), Wednesday, September 16, 1857 Tremendous Gale at the South (Excerpt from) There was a severe hurricane, with heavy rains, from Friday evening till Monday morning in North Carolina and Southern Virginia. The telegraph lines were blown down, and the railroad trains south of Petersburg were obstructed. … By telegraph despatch received yesterday, we learn that a number of vessels were wrecked on the coast of North Carolina, and we shall probably receive further accounts, today or tomorrow, of disasters to vessels which were in the track of the storm. The bark Colin McRae, Captain Bramhall, from Liverpool, arrived at the bar below Wilmington, N.C., on Friday last, the 11th instant, and went ashore the next day and bilged, and will be a total loss. She was a new vessel, having been built at Belfast, Maine, this year, rated a 2 or 349 tons burthen, and was owned in Wilmington, N.C. **Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazette (Raleigh, North Carolina), Friday, July 14, 1843 At the late examination of Midshipmen, with a view to promotion, thirty-nine were passed, a list of whom is published, arranged in the order of merit, and at the head stands the name of Archibald McRae, a son of Gen. Alexander McRae of Wilmington. Fayetteville Observer. The Raleigh Register, Saturday, October 19, 1850 Mr. Archibald McRae, son of Gen. Alexander McRae of this town, has been promoted to a Lieutenancy in the Navy. A case of merit properly appreciated. Wil. Chron. Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Monday, December 17, 1855 Lieut. Archibald McRae, of the U.S. Navy, a native of Wilmington, N.C., committed suicide, in a temporary fit of insanity, on board the U.S. Schr. Ewing, of which he was in command, in San Francisco bay, on the 28th ult. He was 35 years of age. The San Francisco Sun says: The deed was committed under perculiarly painful circumstances. The soundness of the mind of the deceased had been doubted for some time by the men under his command, and on Sunday morning his conduct was so singular as to induce the subordinate officers of the Ewing to send to the officers of the Active, requesting them to visit that vessel, which they did. After a long social conversation between the parties, the officers of the Active discerning nothing wrong, took their leave. They had barely reached the deck, when they were startled by the report of a pistol in the cabin, and upon going below, they found that the deceased had died by his own hand, having shot himself through the head with a pistol. The will of the deceased, which was executed by him but a few hours before his death, bears the proof of the diseased state of his mind. After devising his property equally to his relatives, he directed that his body be dropped in the ocean, outside the Heads, at ebb tide.
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