Samuel McBride Pringle

Samuel McBride Pringle (December 7, 1839 - September 24, 1862) was the son of a South Carolina planter who attended Furman University and was a commissioned officer in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He died on September 24, 1862 in Winchester, Virginia from a fatal leg wound he received at the Battle of Sharpsburg.
Personal Life
Samuel McBride Pringle was born on December 7, 1839 in the Sumter District of South Carolina. He was the son of Elijah Judson Pringle (1805-1860) and the former Rebecca McBride Witherspoon. His father was a wealthy planter and a deacon in the Baptist Church in Sumter. Samuel was also member of the Baptist Church and described as a devoted Christian. Samuel was the youngest of six children born to Elijah and Rebecca, which included Mary F. Pringle, Henrietta M. Pringle (Hennie), Elijah Hartwell Pringle, William Judson Pringle (Civil War surgeon), Anne Haseltine Pringle (Annie).
Education (Furman University)
Pringle entered Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina in 1859 as a ministry student. Samuel had been baptized in January, 1854, in Sumter’s Baptist Church, and from the time of his baptism until his death, Samuel’s life was dedicated in honor of his Savior Lord. The letters sent to Pringle's parents after his death described him as a diligent and hard working student, who was admired and respected by his professors and fellow students. In the fall of 1860, Samuel received honors for his high marks in Ancient Languages and Descriptive Geometry. In December of 1860, South Carolina’s General Assembly passed an act to raise a military force armed to fight in the Civil War. In response to the act, the male students and professors at Furman left to enlist. With less than a year to graduate, Samuel left Furman in the spring of 1861 to join the Confederate Army.
General Military Career
Pringle first attached himself to Company D of the Second South Carolina Infantry, known as the Sumter Volunteers, composed of men from the Sumter District, and originally led by Captain Jonathan Smythe Richardson, Jr. The Sumter Volunteers were first called into service on April 8 1861, when the company was stationed on Morris Island during the attack on Fort Sumter. Pringle initially enlisted as a Private or Musician when he was called for State Duty and reported to Morris Island. By June 14, 1861, Pringle was promoted from Musician to Fourth Sergeant.

Samuel originally enlisted as a twelve-month volunteer, but when his engagement ended a year later, he re-enlisted and transferred to the Artillery Company of Sergeant Hugh Garden in April of 1862. Twenty-six members of the Sumter Volunteers also re-enlisted in Garden’s SC Battery and continued to fight for the Confederate cause.
Battle of Sharpsburg
Samuel Pringle was a Lieutenant in Garden’s Palmetto Light Artillery that participated in the Battle of Sharpsburg on September 17, 1862. During the battle, the Artillery was located near the South Bridge on high ground over Antietam Creek. Garden’s company was engaged throughout the battle, tirelessly firing their cannons from 1 until 6 o’clock. During these hours, Pringle was hit in his left leg below the knee, knocking him to the ground. Accounts from the battle record that Pringle tried three times to stand up and continue at his post, but his leg was so badly shattered that he could not stand and was carried by his men from the field. In a letter from James Henry Rice, he wrote that when Samuel was hit, he cried out, "They have killed me boys, but stand by your guns.”
Samuel Pringle received all available and possible attention at the hospital, but he did not receive the immediate amputation needed. He was transported to Winchester, Virginia on September 20, surviving the trip and undergoing surgery in a hospital there.
Conclusion
Samuel was put to rest among his Confederate brothers in Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia. His last words were reportedly, “Tell Pa & Ma, my peace is made with God,” a testament to his faithfully devoted and strong character that affected so many during his life. He left behind his fiancée, Anna Ware of Greenville, South Carolina, and his family in Sumter District, South Carolina. His memory and story are kept alive today through his personal letters written home during his time at Furman University and while fighting in the Civil War. These letters, along with transcriptions, newspaper articles and other biographical information, are preserved in Furman University’s Special Collections and Archives.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu