We learn that one day week before last three deserters entered the house of Mr. Duncan McNeill, a very old man 
residing in the lower end of Richmond County, over powered him, and locked him in a room. They then proceeded to 
rob him of a large amount of money he had on the premises. After accomplishing the theft they started to leave. A 
slave boy of Mr. McNeill's, who had either been overlooked or not noticed by the party, as they were making off 
took one of Mr. McNeill's guns and fired at the party, mortally wounding one of them. The wounded party was carried 
to Rockingham, where he shortly after died. Wadesboro Argus / Fayetteville Observer, February 27, 1865 Issue