The telegraph on Wednesday last brought the mournful intelligence of the fall of this noble 
young man and excellent officer, in the battle of Sharpsburg on Wednesday. Lt. McNair was a native 
of Robeson County, graduated at our University, and, at the time the war broke out, was an engineer 
on the Wilmington and Rutherford Railroad. He was happily married about two and a half years ago, to 
a most excellent lady of this City [Raleigh]. His intelligence, high bearing as a gentleman, and his 
many virtues endeared him much to his friends. As a soldier, he had few equals. Cool, courageous and 
determined, duty was his rule in life and at cannon's mouth. He fell leading his command, a company in 
the 3rd N.C. Regiment, to victory or death. Severely indeed has the blow fallen on his doting wife and 
friends, who mourn their sad bereavement. May He who holds the winds in His hands be their support.