APPENDIX
What follows is an attachment of sundry materials dealing with the 1st Dragoons gathered over by the years by the authors and Tim Kimball.
- Muster Rolls of Selected Companies of the 1st Dragoons, 1834-1847
Company B, 1st Dragoons, May 30, 1834
Officers
Capt. E. V. Sumner
1st Lt. Thomas Swords
2nd Lt. J. H. K. Burgwin
Bvt. 2nd Lt. George McClure
Non-Commissioned Officers Place and Date of Enlistment Stoppages for lost equipage
1st Sgt. Samuel Roberts Youngstown, Ohio May 12, 1833
Sgt. John Leton Utica, N.Y. May 21
Sgt. Samuel Jordan Salina, N.Y. May 20
Sgt. Jacob Martin Canandaigua, N.Y. April 17
Corp. Aaron Young Cleveland, Ohio Aug. 6
Corp. Nelson Derthick Canandaigua, N.Y. May 1
Corp. Joseph Fenton Watertown, N.Y. May 27
Corp. Timothy Kempshall Utica, N.Y. June 17
Bugler John Leprey Brownsville, N.Y. July 11
Bugler Caleb Goodrich Utica, N.Y. May 21
Farrier James White Sackets Harbor, N.Y. July 23
Privates
William Belding Canandaigua April 22, 1833
Theodore Bingham Utica July 22
William Bennett Utica June 6
Benjamin Casterline Utica May 3
James Craig Brownsville July 6 rifle flask
George Clarke Canandaigua July 23 breast plate, rifle flask,
Faustus Close Canandaigua April 29
Robert Dickerson Canandaigua May 11
George Daggett Brownsville July 6 spur
Norman Fullington Canandaigua May 9
James Fletcher Brownsville July 6
Nathan Fitch Cleveland April 5
David Grummon Canandaigua May 9
John Grantor Utica June 25 spur
John Goodall Utica June 13
Phillip George Brownsville June 21
Seth Hubbell Utica May 20
Lewis Halstead Canandaigua May 3 wiper
James Heald Brownsville July 6
James Hildreth Genoa, N.Y. Aug. 6
Willis Kelsey Cleveland Aug. 2
Aron LaFleu Canandaigua April 15
George Latham Utica July 1
Archibald Montgomery Youngstown, Ohio May 4 curry comb, brush
Alfred Miller Sackets Harbor May 28
John Marble Watertown June 6
William McCann Utica June 17 rifle flask
John Oatman Utica June 12
Abel Osmun Cleveland Aug. 6
William Pennington Utica July 1 screw driver
Horace Partridge Canandaigua May 30 waist belt, plate, wiper
Peter Rhoda Canandaigua April 18 rifle flask
Ira Rosier Youngstown April 27 pair of spurs
Samuel Runnion Youngstown May 30
James Rundel Cleveland August 6
George Rockwood Brownsville June 30
John Smith Utica May 3
Joseph Sayer Canandaigua June 26
William Sheldon Utica July 20
Andrew Snyder Canandaigua May 16
John Sherwood Cleveland April 15
George Thatcher Canandaigua May 30
Lester Templar Utica May 10
William Vann Utica June 25
Benjamin Vanbauchoten Cleveland Aug. 6
Arthur Washburn Utica June 22
Abiatha Walden Cleveland Aug. 6
Hiram Young Canandaigua May 9
Discharged
Robert Green Roscoe, Ohio Aug. 9
Deserted
James Fitch Brownsville June 21
Company I, 30 April 1835
Camp Des Moines, Iowa Territory
Officers
Capt. Jesse Browne, present, sick.
1st Lt. Abraham Van Buren, absent, ADC to Gen. in Chief.
2nd Albert M. Lea, present, commanding company.
Non Commissioned Officers When and Where Recruited
J.C. Parrot, 1st Sgt. Feb 10, 1834 Wheeling, Va.
B.F. Price Sgt. “ 8, “ Parkersburg, “
Styles, L.A. “ “ 10, Wheeling, “
Heishberger, H.R., “ “ 11, 1835 Carlisle, Pa.
Burtlett, S.M. Corp. Jan. 30, 1834 Parkersburg, Va.
Barnett, R., “ Apr. 4, “ Lancaster, Pa.
Wilson, C.C. “ Mar. 11, “ Wheeling, Va,
Haber, B.M. “ Feb. 5, “ “ “
Deem, J. Bugler “ 3, 1835 Reading, Pa.
Deem, R., “ 5, “ “ “
Ambold, F. Farrier Jan 30, “ Harrisburg, “
Privates
Britte, Jacob March 13, 1834 Wheeling, Va.
Browne, Geo. S. “ 12, “ “ “
Brown. A.C. Feb. 27, “ Parkersburg, “
Bishop, Benj. “ 20, “ Carlisle, Pa.
Cornoy, Wm. “ 9 “ “ “
Chapman, A. “ 18 “ “ “
Deem, Daniel Feb. 3, 1835 Reading, Pa.
Dennis, James “ 13, “ Carthage, New York
Eastman, John March 31, 1834 Portsmouth, Pa.
Foley, Jas. A. Feb. 8, “ Parkersburg, Va.
Farmer, John March 18, 1835 Carisle, Pa.
Gaston, Chas. W. Feb. 17, 1834 Clarksburg, Pa.
Herr, Henry “ 12, “ Wheeling, Va.
Holladay, A.G. April 16, 1834 Chilicotthe, Va.
Heermance, Ed March 12, 1835 Carisle, Pa.
Hoffman, John Feb. 9, “ Reading, Pa.
Kent, William Jan. 30, “ Harrisburg, Pa.
Lockard, A.M. March 5 “ Carlisle, Pa.
Magonan, James Jan. 30, 1834 Parkersburg, Pa.
Miller, O.H.P. Feb. 11, “ Wheeling, Va.
Mitchell, C.S. “ 19, “ Clarksburg, Pa.
Mitchell, Robert Jan. 27, 1835 Harrisburg, Pa.
Morrison, Daniel Feb. 11, “ Carlisle, Pa.
McDonough, Jos. Mar. 4, “ “ “
McKinley, Alex “ 15, 1834 Parkersburg, Pa.
McCleary, Wm. Feb. 4, 1835 Harrisburg, Pa.
Mc Farland, Gil. Mar, 27, 1834 Zanesville, Oh.
Neely, John Feb. 18, “ Clarksburg, Pa.
Norton, Abel April 16, “ Chillicote, Va.
Pennington, Jos. “ 12, “ Baltimore, Md.
Piper, Conrad March 7, 1835 Carlisle, Pa.
Platte, John Feb. 18, “ “
Robinson, John “ 17, 1834 Parkersburg, Va.
Rubble, Geo. W. February 8, 1834 Parkersburg, Va.
Strait, J.B. “ 20, “ “
Smith, John “ 3, 1835 Clarksburg, Pa.
Shelton, Jacob “ 6, “ Harrisburg, Pa.
Shoemaker, A.W. “ 8, “ Reading, Pa.
Sheffer, William “ 4, “ Harrisburg, Pa.
Trowbridge, Levi “ 7, 1834 Parkersburg, Va.
Willey, Henry April 11, “ Baltimore, Md.
Wolf, John February 11, 1835 Carlisle, Pa.
Worth, Henry “ 9, “ “
Wynkoop, Isaac “ “ “
Young, William Jan. 31, “ Harrisburg, Pa.
Muster Roll Company C, October 31, 1846 (prior to San Pasqual)
Captain Benjamin Moore, commanding *
Lieutenant Andrew J. Smith
Lieutenant Joseph McElvain
Bvt. Lt. John Adams
Non Commissioned Officers Where recruited and Stoppages
Sergeant R.T. Falls January 1, 1844, Weston, Mo. (re-enlisted) Great coat $4.75.
Sergeant Richard Williams May 24, 1846, St Joseph, Mo.
Sergeant John O’Brien December 15, 1845, Weston, Mo. Pistol $8.00, Boots $1.22
Sergeant John Cox * May 24, 1846, Leavenworth (re-enlisted) Promoted sergeant, July 1, 1846.
Corporal Paul Woods September 24, 1844, Weston, Mo.
Corporal John Cassin July 19,1846, Leavenworth (re-enlisted) surcingle $.73.
Corporal Edward Heinrich July 28, 1843, Ft. Scott, Mo. (re-enlisted)
Corporal Oliver Wilson November 4, 1845, Leavenworth (re-enlisted)
Daily duty in charge of Howitzer; 2 pr. Socks $.49.
Bugler Michael Halpin October 7, 1843, Leavenworth (re-enlisted) due sutler $8.00
Bugler James McKee December 8, 1845, Leavenworth (re-enlisted) Daily duty escort to Kearny.
Farrier John Roady January 19, 1846, Dayton, Ohio, appointed farrier August 1, 1846.
Privates
George Ashmead * October 1, 1845, Leavenworth (re-enlisted) Flannel shirt $.49, greatcoat $4.95.
Stephen Bishop May 20, 1844, Leavenworth (re-enlisted)
George Bryan October 7, 1844, St, Louis, Mo. Headstall $.55.
Zarah Bobo January 14, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Flannel shirt $.49.
John Brown January 24, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Gen’l court martial suspension of half-month’s pay for 12 months. (Wounded at San Pasqual.)
George Casselt February 10, 1846, Leavenworth (re-enlistment).
Edward Cumen October 14, 1845, Leavenworth (re-enlistment) Flannel shirt $.49, socks $.49,carbine sling swivel $.75.
Mark Childs June 27, 1844, St. Louis, Mo. Screw driver $.24, cartridge box plate $.10, carbine sling swiverl $1.50.
Joseph Campbell * February 14, 1846, St. Louis, Mo.
Jeremy Crab January 20, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Wool jacket $4.19. (Wounded at San Pasqual.)
Caroloust Callahan July 26, 1844, Louisville, Ky.
John Douglass May 7, 1846, Leavenworth
John Dunlap * August 10, 1845, Ft. Washita, IT, re-enlistment. Pistol $8.00.
A.C. Donaldson December 17, 1845, Wheeling, W. Va.
William Dalton * June 18, 1844, Louisville, Ky. Pistol $8.00 (in confinement)
Peter Forney December 14, 1843, Weston, Mo.
Erasmus French January 3, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Fatigue frock $.61, flannel shirt $.61 (hospital stewart). Deserted, Los Angeles, September 25, 1848.
Thomas Grady January 26, 1846, Leavenworth (re-enlisted). Sling & swivel $1.50, sabre $2.50, 2 cotton shirts $.86. Daily duty Howitzer.
John Henerle April 2, 1846, St. Louis, Mo. Sling & swivel $1.50.
Joseph Kennedy * July 15, 1844, Louisville, Ky. Daily duty escort Kearny.
Matthew Louber July 10, 1845, St. Louis, Mo.
William Lecke* January 6, 1845, Dayton, Ohio. Fatigue cap $.95.5, cotton jacket $.72.
Jacob Mauser May 7, 1846, Leavenworth (re-enlisted). Daily duty Howitzer.
John McNeilly May 3, 1846, St. Louis, Mo. Wool overalls $3.36, flannel shirt $.90, fatrigue frock $.61. (Wounded Jan. 6, 1847.)
James Murphy December 24, 1845, Dayton, Ohio. $9.00 due to court martials of May 22 and August 28, 1846. Wool jacket $4.19.
George Myers December 29, 1845, Dayton, Ohio. Fatigue frock $.61.
John Murtry July 23, 1844, Louisville, Ky. Resigned.
Ferdinand Nichols June 27, 1846, St. Louis, Mo. Extra duty under Quartermaster.
John Osborne July 30, 1844, Louisville, Ky. Reins $.40, snaffle bit $.62, 2 cotton shirts $.86.
George Pearce July 1, 1844, Louisville, Ky. Company letter $.05. Daily duty escort Kearny.
Henry Purcell January 16, 1846, St. Louis, Mo. Sabre $4.50, belt $1.50, cartridge box $1.10, wool jacket $4.19, flannel shirt $.90.
Amasa Palmer Jan. 15, 1846, Dayton, Ohio.
James Pinkerton January 9, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Cartridge box and plate $1.10. Daily duty Howitzer.
Isaac Randolph August 29, 1844, Jefferson Barracks. Pistol $8.00, fatigue shirt $.90, 2 pair socks $.49.
Samuel Repose * December 10, 1845, Dayton, Ohio. Wool jacket $4.19.
James Reppeto October 30, 1845, Dayton, Ohio. Fatigue cap $.95, wool jacket $4.19, cotton jacket $.72, cotton frock $.61.
John Stokely February 2, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Sling swivel $1.50.
Michael Tubb July 19, 1844, St. Louis, Mo. Daily duty escort Kearny.
William Tubb January 16, 1846, (re-enlisted) St. Louis, Mo. Daily duty escort Kearny.
Christian Teinchand May 5, 1843, Dayton, Ohio. 2 shirts $.86.
Paul Vanaken December 13, 1843, St. Louis, Mo. Boots $1.22.
John Vyzer November 1844, Dayton, Ohio. Ramrod $.59; fatigue cap $.95; wool jacket $4.19; wool overalls $3.56; sling & swivel $1.50; cotton jacket $2.00; cotton overalls $.98, ramrod $.59
George Williams August 20 1845, Leavenworth (re-enlisted). Wool overalls $3.36; belt plate $.10; socks $.49
Jacob Westfall December 22, 1845, St. Louis, Mo. Cotton overalls $.98
William West* August 3, 1844, Leavenworth (re-enlisted). Flannel shirt $.90
John White February 6, 1846, Dayton, Ohio. Daily duty driving howitzer.
Harry Walker May 26, 1842, Leavenworth (re-enlisted). Left sick at Leavenworth
- Died, Battle of San Pasqual
German born soldiers who served with Company B, 1st Dragoons 1847, Lt. John Love commanding. This information was gleaned from the muster roll and recruitment records for Company B of the 1st Dragoons. At the time this company left Ft. Leavenworth for Santa Fe in June of 1847, over one-quarter of its privates were of German extraction.
1st Sgt. Frederick Muller 15 Apr. 1844, St. Louis, Mo., Prussia, Promoted Ordnance Sergeant and died at Fort Wood, NY Harbor, 1860.
John Baker 29 April 1845 St. Louis, Mo. Prussia, Fireman Discharged due to Disability, Chihuahua, Mexico 27 Apr. 1848
Henry Heineke 16 Feb. 1847 St. Louis, Mo.; Wounded at Battle of Rosales, 16 Mar., 1848, Discharged due to Disability Chihuahua, Mexico, 15 May, 1848: Civil War service: Lt., 14th Illinois Cavalry
Joseph Hoerner 29 Dec. 1846, St. Louis, Mo.; left sick at Santa Fe, 10 Feb. 1848
Phillip Joost 4 Jan. 1847, St. Louis, Mo. Germany; Signmaker Deserted Ft. Leavenworth, 4 June 1847
Joseph Kieffer 23 Dec. 1846 St. Louis. Mo. Germany Laborer Discharged Disability
19 March 1850, Taos, NM
Hy Kroaus (Kraus?) 27 Dec. 1846 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Tailor Discharged due to Disability, 24 Aug. 1848, Santa Fe, NM
Edward Langerwelsh 13 Jan. 1847 Jefferson Bks Germany Laborer 19 Aug. 1848, Santa Fe, NM
Conrad Leffler 16 Feb. 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Laborer Discharged Disability
28 Dec. 1848, Alburqueque, NM
Frederick Lohrmeyer 19 Apr. 1847 St. L. Mo. Germany; Laborer; Dicharged 19 Aug 1848; re-enlisted 1 Dec. 1855 Alburqueque, NM
George Meyers, St. Louis, Mo. Feb. 25, 1847 Wounded at Rosales 16 Mar. 1848 (lost right arm); left sick Santa Cruz de Rosales (18 Mar. 1848)
Peter Mokenhanbt 3 March 1845 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Laborer Deserted 28 May 1848; captured.
25 Nov. 1846.; Detached Duty as officer’s servant Feb-Apr. 1848; Discharged end of service 3 March 1850
John Mokenhanbt 21 Jan. 1845 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Laborer Deserted 4 May 1846, captured 25 Nov. 1846. Discharged end of service 1850
Jno Racener 9 Feb. 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Farmer Discharged 9 Aug. 1848 Santa Fe.
Jno Scott (Schott?) 9 Jan. 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Painter Discharged 9 Aug. 1848 Santa Fe.
Frederick Sick 28 June 1846, Ft. Scott Germany Soldier 2d Enlistment. Discharged
Disability 24 Aug. 1848 Santa Fe.
John Stein 14 January 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany; Wheelwright; Deserted Ft. Leavenworth, 7 June 1847; captured 21 Dec.1847; Discharged General Ct.
Martial 16 Jan. 1848.
Edward Schobe 24 Apr. 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Clerk Discharged 19 Aug. 1848 Santa Fe,
Jno Shobe 9 Jan. 1847, St. Louis, Mo. Germany, painter; Discharged Santa Fe, 19 Aug. 1848.
Herman Sigler 11 Apr. 1846 St. Louis, Mo Discharged 11 April 1850 Taos
George Sigler 11 Apr. 1846 St. Louis, Mo. Dischgd 11 Apr. 1850, Taos
Wm Strobe 10 Dec. 1846 Jefferson Barracks Hanover Laborer, Discharged at Sonoma Barracks California, 10 Dec. 1851
Geo. Stremmle 5 Dec. 1846 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Locksmith Discharged 5 Dec. 1851 Ft., Leavenworth; end of service
Peter Trimborn 22 Jan. 1847 St. Louis, Mo Germany Carpenter Dischgd 19 Aug. 1848, Santa Fe; Civil War service: pvt. West Missori Volunteers.
Henry Vankaster 24 Mar. 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Farmer; Severely wounded in battle with Commanche; 26 June 1847; Discharged Disability 19 Aug. 1847 Santa Fe
Jno Wedeg 15 Feb. 1847 St. Louis, Mo. Germany Laborer Discharged Disability 15 Feb. 1848, Chihuahua, Mexico
Henry White 23 Mar. 1847 Jefferson Bks. Germany Farmer Discharged 19 Aug, 1858 Santa Fe
Muster Roll of Phil Kearny’s Company F of the First Dragoons, Following the Battle of Churubusco, Mexico City, October 31, 1847
Capt. Philip Kearny, Jr. Sick
1st Lt. A. Buford Absent. Never Joined. Place and duty not known.
1st Lt. Richard Ewell Commanding Company.
2d Lt. Oren Chapman Joined from duty 2d Drags. 5 Sept. 1847
Non Commissioned Officers When and where recruited
1st Sgt. David Reed 9 Jan. 46, Ft. Leavenworth
Sgt. Henry Hence 23 Nov. 46, Sick
Sgt. Fleming Megan 8 Aug. 46, Terre Haute Sick, Pueblo, Mexico, since 8 Aug.
Corp. James Clark 7 Sept. 46, St Louis
Corp. John Perkins 8 Aug. 46, Shelbyville
Corp. Wm Anderson 28 Aug. 46, St Louis
Bugler Joe Hodgson 25 Sept. 47, Joined City of Mexico
Farrier George Thompson 12 Jan. 44, Ft. Scott, $2.00 stoppage garrison ct martial
Privates
Daniel Alaways 21 Aug 46, Chilicotte
John Alaways “ “ “ “ Sick, Pueblo, Mexico, since 8 Aug.
Joseph Aleut 21 July 46. St Louis
John Askins 8 Aug. 46, Shelbyville Detached service, since 31 Oct.
Allen Bullard 13 Aug. 46, Terre Harte
Michael Brophy 20 Apr. 46, Rayado, joined co. prisoner exch. Sept. 3
Thomas Bryant 5 Aug 46, St Louis, Sick, Pueblo, Mexico since 8 Aug.
Morris Kane 18 Sept. 46, “ ”
Hugh Call 16 Oct. 46, near St Louis
Peter Christman 6 Dec. 43, St Louis, Sick; wool infy coat, $2.28
Alonzo Clark 16 May 47, Jalapa, Mexico, joined during march.
James Curley 18 July, 46, St Louis
Eleazor Dort 10 Aug. 46, Terre Haute
William Donovan 29 Aug., St Louis Daily duty
David Dunton 9 Dec. 46, Saltillo, Mex. Daily Duty
Samuel Flint 14 July, 46, Chilicotte
Philip Frankenberg 6 Aug. 46, Ft. Leavenworth, Sick, Puebla, Mex., 8 Aug.
Charles Graman 10 Aug. 46, Terre Haute Sick
David Giesler 21 July 46, Chillicothe
Andrew Gillespie 26 ” ” ”
James Grace 16 June 46, Ft. Leavenworth
Jacob Grant 5 July 46, Jefferson Bks, Sick Puebla, Mex. 25 May
Augustus Gruber 6 July 46, Ft. Leavenworth, Sick, Puebla, Mex., 8 Aug.
Thomas Hall 5 July 46, Jefferson Barracks, Sgt. until 29 October.
John Harper 28 July 46, Chillicote, Stoppage pistol $7.50.
Patrick Hart 4 August 46, St Louis; Tabacayo 5 Sept. prisoner exch.
Michael Henry 12 Sept. 46, Philadelphia; from desertion 16 Feb 47.
Thomas Hewitt 27 Aug. 46, Terre Haute, Sick, Puebla, Mex., since 8 Aug.
Henry Hoffman 14 Jan. 46, Dayton Sick
Martin Howard 11 Aug. 46, Terre Haute, Sick, Puebla, Mex., since 8 Aug.
John Howell 6 Feb. 46, Ft. Leavenworth; flannel shirt and pistol
William Jeffers 19 Oct. 46, New Orleans
John Kaler 4 June 46, St. Louis
John Keckler 17 Aug. 46, Chillicote
Levi Kimball 1 June 46, Sackett’s Harbor; Detached Service 31st Oct.
Antone Lange 14 Aug. 46, St Louis Daily duty.
William Martin 8 Aug. 46, Terre Haute
Persaruis Maypelle 25 July 46, St. Louis
John Moore 10 Aug, 46, Terre Haute
Wm McAllister 17 Aug. 46, Covington, Ind., 1 blanket $2.22.
Wm McCrea 19 Aug. 46, Roseau, Ind. Daily duty.
John McDonald 19 Aug. 46, Chillicote, pistol $7.50.
Anthony Pulver 7 Dec. 46, Corpus Christi; det. ser. since 31 Oct.
Charles Prother 10 Aug. 46, Terre Haute
Christian Ranner 10 Aug. 46, Terre Haute
John Roberts 1 April 47. Vera Cruz Sick at Puebla since 8 August.
Frederick Rodewald 16 Aug 46, St Louis, left sick at Puebla since 8 August.
William See 15 Aug. 46, Terre Haute Detached service since 31 Oct.
John Smith 10 Aug. 46.
John W Smith “ “ “ , stoppage flannel shirt $1.30.
Robert Stewart 8 “ “ “ ”
James H Stevens 1 Apr. 46, Vera Cruz.
Daniel Suter 6 Aug. 46, Ft. Leavenworth; Daily duty.
Clinton Thompson 14 Aug. 46, Terre Haute, sick at Puebla since 8 August.
Harvey Thompson 4 Aug. 46, Shelbyville; Daily duty.
James Thompson 8 Aug. 46, “ Sick at Puebla since 8 August.
John Walkes 24 Aug. 46, St. Louis; Sick
Joseph Westgenes 17 Aug. 46, “ “ “ ; Sick, Puebla since 8 Aug.
Robert Whitener 7 Jan. 41, Ft. Crawford; Sick Perote, since 25 May.
Andrew Whitley 31 July 46, Geldon, Ind.
William Wilson 25 Sept. 46, Jefferson Bks.
Robert Wright 8 Aug. 46, Terre Haute.
- The Otoe Question: June 28, 1843, Jefferson Barracks Col. Kearny to Major Samuel Cooper, Assistant Adjutant General, 3rd Military Department, St. Louis, Missouri, Dragoon Letter Book 197
Sir.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a communication from Major General Gaines, Commdg. 3d Military Dept. & of yesterday’s date on the subject of the late disorderly conduct of the Otoe Indians, and requiring a report from me of my opinion of the measures which should be adopted towards them.
By letters (which you sent to me, and from which I now return) from Capt. Burgwin, U.S. Dragoons, and Mr. Daniel Miller (Ind. Agent) it appears that Otoes are evincing “a restless and turbulent spirit, and that they have openly and directly insulted their agents and the Government.”—“That their feelings are hostile to the Government and the authorities”—“That they told him [their agent] that he must go away, and that they expected to find his house empty when they returned from their hunt”—“That their [sic] would return is about the 20th August”—That “they may have 350 or 400 warriors, active, well armed, and having the reputation of being misbehaved on that frontier”—and by the deposition of Mr. P. D. Passin and of Mr. T. Roberts it appears that the latter was dangerously wounded on the 9th inst. when they were peacefully descending the Platte River in their Boats, when opposite the Upper Platte Otoe Village, by a ball from a party of 10 or 12 Otoes, who fired four vollies of shot at them!
If a Military force is to be sent into the Indian Country, “to convince the Otoes & Missouri Indians into a sense of their duty to the Central Government”, as their agents Mr. Miller requires, is should be large enough to put down opposition (should any be exhibited) from 400 well armed and discontented Indian Warriors; and full powers should be given to the Officer in command to decide upon a Peace or War with them, as their conduct may call for! If it be deemed necessary to apprehend those Indians who on the 9th inst. fired at the Boats and wounded Mr. Roberts, it should be previously determined what it to be done with them? Will the Officer in command of the troops be authorized to caused those Indians to be whipped or authorized punished as is his judgment may deem with? I have no reservation in saying that it would have a bad affect to those Indians into the State of Missouri and turn them over to the civil court for trials–no testimony could be produced there which would ensure their conviction & [im]prisonment.
Another course towards the Otoes & one more pacific than the former may be entitled to consideration! They are now in receipt of annuities amounting to about $2,000! What would be the effect of instructions being given to their agent to tell them that he is directed to stop any further payments of their annuities—to present officially any direct or indirect intercourse between them and the Traders—to remove the Missionaries & any other White who may be living with them—that we with hold no kind of communications whatever with any of them, will they repent of their former bad conduct and then their submission and a proper respect to the Government of our Country & its Representatives sent among them. Should they not soon find their situation a deplorable & intolerable one! Like outlaws they would be surrounded by Persons of their own Race, enjoying privileges from which they were debarred & in sight of comforts & necessities which their own conduct prevented them from obtaining. Their annuities stopped & unable to get any thing from the Traders, and all their intercourse with the Whites having ceased. They would soon become the scorn of other Nations of Indians & would assuredly be made to feel it in with this subject, I have to state, that on the 25th April 1838, Capt. Boone & myself being commissioners under the Act of July 2, 1836, in a communication to the Q.M. General, urged upon the Secretary of War, the establishment of a Military Post at the mouth of Table Creek—I send a copy herewith—That point is in Otoe Country & a Post were would serve to quiet those Indians, as well as to produce much other good—It would be the starting point from the Missouri River to Oregon Country. Should a line of posts to connect them be determined upon & the point from which Emigrants to that Country will commence their land journey. The Sect. of War in June 1838 told me that he highly approved of the site selected, & that he would cause a Military Post to be established there, as soon as he could draw troops from Florida.
In connection also with this subject I have to state what I have frequently reported to the authorities in Washington, that the laws relating to the Indians could as much better executed & peace with them more officially secured, if Congress could be induced to proclaim Martial Law over the whole of the Indian Country.
Very Respectfully,
Your Ob[edient] Servant],
S.W. Kearny
Col. U.S. Dragoons
- Weapons Seized by Dragoons from the Snively Party in 1843.
29th Congress, 1st Session. Senate Document 43, 1846
DOCUMENTS SHOWING The description and value of the arms taken from a party of Texans, within the Territory of the United States, by Capt. Cooke, 1st Regt Dragoons, June 30, 1843, and deposited at Fort Leavenworth, Mo.
January 8, 1846.
Submitted, and ordered to be printed, to accompany bill S. No. 37
Head Quarters, Fort Leavenworth, 4th August, 1844. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of the communication, addressed to me from your office by Capt. Freeman, Assistant Adjutant General, on the subject of the arms, &c, taken from a party of Texans on the 30th June, 1843, by Capt. P. St. G. Cooke; and I now transmit a return of those arms, and a report of a board of officers convened by my order, for the purpose of furnishing the information desired by Captain Freeman for the department of State.
I understand from the president of the board that the value placed upon the several arms is rather their worth, with respect to condition when seized, and their probable cost, than their value here, and now.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
- WHARTON,
Major 1st Dragoons, commanding.
Brigadier General Jones,
Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
Proceedings of a board of survey convened at Fort Leavenworth by virtue of the following orders, viz:
Orders} Head Quarters, Fort Leavenworth, Mo.
No. 85} August 3, 1844.
Extract.
A board of officers, to consist of Capt. Moore, 1st dragoons, 1st Lieut. Johnson, and bvt. 2d Lieut. McClelland, 3d infantry, will assemble this morning at half past 9 o’clock,, and proceed to ascertain “the number, description, and condition, and as nearly as may be the value of the arms ken from a party of Texans on the 30th of June, 1843, by Capt. P. St.Geo. Cooke, commanding a detachment of U. S. dragoons,” and which arms are now in possession of the ordnance sergeant, by whom they will be shown the board. As the report of the board is intended for the
Department of State, the board will be as minute as possible in stating the variety, condition, and value of the respective arms.
By order of Major Wharton:
- C. HAMMOND, Bvt. 2d Lieut. 1st Dragoons—Post Adjutant
Fort Leavenworth, August 3,1S44.
The board met pursuant to the above orders: present, all the members.
The board then proceeded to the careful examination of a number of arms presented by Sergeant Hemming [sic, Ross Flemming], ordnance sergeant at Fort Leavenworth, being those taken from a party of Texans by Capt. P. St. Geo. Cooke, viz: Thirty flint lock rifles, valued at eighteen dollars each, including the barrel of one which has no stock, which appears to have been 1st in transportation. Twelve percussion rifles, valued at twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, including the barrel of one which has no stock, which appears to have been lost in transportation. Fifteen English flint lock guns, valued at ten dollars each. Three tower pieces, valued at seven, dollars each. One large American flint lock shot gun, valued at twenty dollars. Two double barreled flint lock shot guns, stub and twist, at fifty dollars each. Four percussion lock double barreled shot guns and twist, valued at sixty five dollars each. Three half stock Middletown rifles, percussion lock, valued at eighteen dollars each. One full stock percussion lock, valued at eighteen dollars. One half-stock flint lock Middletown rifle, valued at eighteen dollars. Two American dragoon carbines, valued at seventeen dollars each. One American and two Texas muskets valued at sixteen dollars each. Four pairs of flint lock holster piston valued at twenty dollars a pair. Two pairs percussion lock pistols, valued at forty dollars a pair. Eight flint lock holster pistols, odd, valued at ten dollars apiece. Seven percussion lock belt pistols, valued at fifteen dollars apiece. One percussion lock duelling pistol, valued at forty dollars. One sabre and scabbard, brass mounted, valued at ten dollars. One steel mounted sabre, no scabbard, valued at ten dollars. One steel sword and scabbard valued at ten dollars.
The board are of opinion that the arms are considerably injured from rust, and many of them broken, apparently from transportation from the place of capture.
- D. MOORE, Capt. 1st Dragoons. B. R. JOHNSON, 1st Lieut. 3d Infantry. Geo. C. McClelland, Bvt. 2d Lieut. 3d Infantry
The above is the original official record.
- WHARTON,
Major 1st Dragoons, commanding
Return of arms taken from a party of Texans, by Capt. P. St. G. Cooke, 1st Regt. Dragoons, June 30, 1843, within the territory of the United States, and now deposited in the ordnance store at Fort Leavenworth, Missouri.
No. Description of arms.
30 Flint lock rifles.
12 Percussion rifles.
15 English flint lock shot guns.
3 Tower pieces.
1 Large American flint lock shot gun.
2 Double barreled flint lock, stub and twist, shot guns.
4 Percussion lock, double barreled, stub and twist, shot guns.
2 Half-stock, percussion lock, Middletown rifles.
1 Full stock, percussion lock, Middletown rifle.
1 Half-stock, flint lock, Middletown rifle.
2 American dragoon carbines.
1 American musket.
2 Texas muskets.
4 Pairs flint lock holster pistols.
4 Pairs percussion lock pistols.
8 Flint lock holster pistols.
7 Percussion lock belt pistols.
1 Percussion lock dueling pistol.
1 Sabre and scabbard, brass mounted.
1 Sabre, no scabbard, steel mounted.
1 Steel sword and scabbard.
Head Quarters, Fort Leavenworth,
August 5, 1844.
- WHARTON, Major
- D. Plans to return Arapahoe Captives, Col. Kearny to Capt. William Eustes, Dragoon Letter Book 1845:270
Head Quarters, 1st Regt. Dragoons
Camp on Platte River 55 miles
Above Ft. Laramie
June 18, 1845
Sir,
Two men of Co. Pvts Callahan & Buckner return to your camp in charge of a Squaw and 2 children, supposed to belong to the Arapahoe Tribe of Indians, and having seen out column from a bluff on the opposite side of the river, followed on and came into camp after we had halted for he day. The Squaw relates as far as her signs and language have been understood, that she is of the Arapahoe Tribe, and living on the prairies north of us with a party of Ree Indians, they were attacked by a War party of Sioux, and that she with the 2 of her was permitted to escape, the rest having been killed. The Colonel supposes that through the interpreter at Laramie you will be able to obtain more satisfactory information from this Squaw, and he instructs me to say that should an opportunity [arise?] offer of sending her home, that you will do so—if not, that you will give her protection in your Camp until our return, when she can accompany us towards the Arkansas and be returned to her people.
Capt. W. Eustes I am Sir,
Comdg Dragoon Camp Very respectfully,
Near Fort Laramie Your Hum. Servt.
Platte River Signed H.H. Turner
Adjt. 1st Drags.
P.S. Should you have an opportunity, the Colonel desires that you will write to some one at Bents Fort starting that we expect to be three towards the last of July and will need the Government provisions supposed to be there.
- Correspondence between Capts. Sumner and Cooke with the Adjutant General re their availability for war with Mexico.
Fort Atkinson Iowa
May 18th 1846
General
I have this day received the startling information of the commencement of hostilities in Texas. As I presume this will lead to the rapid concentration of all our regular troops that can possibly be spared from their present stations, among the rest a large part of the 1st regiment of dragoons, I hasten to state to you that Capt. Cooke’s company and my own can be withdrawn from this frontier. If a single company of volunteers was raised (which can be easily and quickly down) to garrison this post, with a detachment at Fort Crawford, and the frontier put under the charge of Governor Dodge [original Colonel of the 1st Dragoons, at this time Governor of Wisconsin Territory], it would be perfectly secure. The Winnebagoes, although troublesome, are not at all inclined to be hostile, and there is no man in the country for whom they have more respect & fear than for Govr. Dodge.
These two companies of dragoons are full and effective, the horses are in fine condition, and I can safely guaranty they will do good Service.
We could leave immediately, & could join the Army in Texas (by Steamboats) in less than 20 days from the receipt of the order. Will you please take this subject into consideration. Capt. Cooke and myself have been so long in Service it would be very humiliating to us, to be left at these remote posts, while the rest of the army, and particularly our own regiment was actively engaged in the field.
I am Sir,
With high respect
Your obt. Servt.
Signed E. V. Sumner
Capt. 1 Drags
[To:] Brig Gen. G. M. Brooke
Comdg 3rd Dept
True Copy
PS GeoCooke
Capt. 1. Drags
[the following personal enclosure was included:]
Fort Atkinson Iowa
May 18th ’46
My dear Sir
I have just addressed you officially about affairs in Texas. May I ask the favor of you to do what you can for me consistently with your public views. I have been so long in service and on a peace establishment at that, it would be particularly mortifying to me to be left up here, if the rest of my regiment takes the field. I don’t know what effect this news will have upon the Bill for the Mounted [Rifle] Regiment. It appears to me there is some secret and powerful hostility to that bill. If it should be determined to replace my compy with volunteers, Mr. Rice [Henry M. Rice, Post sutler, soon to be Tty Congressional Delegate for Minnesota, later a Senator as it became a state ] will raise a company, if authorized to do so, and he would be an excellent person to take charge of these two posts [Fort Crawford, Wisconsin Tty, also] and all the public property for he is both responsible and careful.
I am Sir
Very sincerely yours
E V. Sumner
[To:] Genl Geo. Brooke
[Attached letter]
Fort Atkinson Iowa
May 18th ’46
My Dear Sir
Index 218-C, 1846, filed with 80-K, 1846
Fort Crawford May 20th 1846
Sir,
I enclose this with a letter from Capt. Sumner Commander of Fort Atkinson reporting that his and my company can be spared from this part of the frontier at this time with other states & remarks relative to the commencement of hostilities at the south.
So far as my short command here has enabled me to judge of its Indian relations, I must concur with the opinion of Capt. Sumner which he has had every opportunity to mature & I heartily respond to his whole letter.
The 1st Regiment of Dragoons have steadily matured & perfected a system of tactics and discipline of cavalry, its equipment for, and the art of making, long and active campaigns without disorganization or deterioration. The Mexicans are understood to be strong in this arm, (which must be met by its like,) and it is precisely that which cannot be created on such a sudden requisition as the present war, which takes the most time & pain for sufficient organizations.
Under these circumstances I trust the general has even anticipated our earnest request to be sent where we may be of much more importance to the public service.
Very respectfully
Yr. Obt. Servant
PSGeoCooke
Capt. 1st Drags.
Comdg
[To:] Lieut R. B. Garnett [for Brooke]
ADC &AAAdjGen 3 Mil. Dept.
Saint Louis
- Battle of Santa Cruz de Rosales, as reported in the Santa Fe Republican, April 22, 1848.
CAPTURE OF SANTA CRUZ
We copy the following from the Santa Cruz
Banner, a small sheet published at that place by P. G. Ferguson.
On the first of March Gen Price set out from El Paso with four companies of the Missouri regiment of horse under command of Colonel Ralls, two companies of U. S. Dragoons under command of Major Beall, and two mounted howitzers with an artillery detachment under command of Capt Hasseduebel for a forced march upon the city of Chihuahua, 300 miles distant, south from El Paso, at Carasel [sic, Carrizal], 100 miles upon the road. The Santa Fe battalion, Major Walker’s, joined us, making in all, nine companies, with which we marched on to Chihuahua, in the unprecedented time of six days; reached the city with the nine companies, but the enemy under Gen. Trias, with his forces some eight hundred strong, with principally Cavalry, had left some12 hours before with all the public property, including a [blurred] of newer artillery for the South. A few hours after our arrival at Chihuahua, we were put en route to over take the enemy. Our forced march upon the city exhausted a great many of our horses and men and we set out for the South with skeletons of nine companies, numbering in all about 300; with this force, we kept our march in pursuit—we made sixty miles march in about 12 hours, and approached Santa Cruz at about sunrise,where the enemy had already fortified himself, his batteries fixed, and full and efficient disposition made for defence of the place, he having reinforced himself to the number of about 1200 in all behind his barriers, also occupying the church itself, a perfect fortification. As we moved our column around the west of the city, a nine pounder was discharged by the enemy, passing our centre, when several of the companies of his infantry filed through the balcony, ranging in order upon the church, a person supposed to be a priest, harangued them, and the surrounding populace, a part of which was heard and distinctly understood, was replied to by loud cheers by the soldiery, and the people with many “vivas” “vivas” and vevar Republicano Mexicano.”
An express was sent back to hurry on the pieces, and the place was put under siege. We permitted no communication with the place, allowed omen and children and non-combatants two days to leave the city with their effects, when our pickets were closed upon them. The siege last from the 9th to the 16th. Many attempts were made by parties of the enemy during the siege or leave the town, but few succeeded—now and then, a fleet horse would out run our pickets and get to the mountains. The third day of the siege, the commander of one of the pickets, sent word to the general that a number were escaping, which he could not prevent, his picket was too small.
On the morning of the 16th, Lieut. Col. Lane, arrived with artillery &C., and we received the enemy’s invitation to come on. Our forces are referred to the reports of Col Ralls and to Lt. Col. Lane in this number, which detail their part of the affair. The reports of Major Walker andBeall would make this account complete. Maj.Walker’s command distinguished itself by storming the South of the town while the dragoons acted well the part assigned them, and Capt. Hassandeuebel [sic] and Lieut. Love, gallantly
managed their batteries the whole day, with great science and skill. The charge of Col Rall’s column was a splendid affair. It moved like a thunder-bolt, precisely in the direction it was sent spreading dismay, death and destruction, and it was over this column that Col Sanchez extended the flag of surrender. It was a proud day for all, but for those leading and directing this column, it was particularly so, and Col Ralls in his report has but rendered justice to his officers and men, and that report does that commander distinguished honor for the virtue of his head and heart.
An entire park of artillery was captured with about 2,000 stand of arms and munitions, with other public property to the value of seven to eight hundred thousand dollars. We captured the whole force, including thirty commissioned officers, Gov. Maj. General Trias at their head. After the day had nearly expired we learned that the place could only be carried by storming. The order to charge was given, and in one hour’s time the city surrendered, our arms as ever, victorious, adding another trophy to the Fame of the great Republic we serve.
LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. – 2d Lieut. George O. Hepburn of Co. D, privates Schafenberg and Bockman, co. B.
WOUNDED.—Private Ripper, Greff and Dedrich, co. B, Jackson, Kearnes, Williams and Gillam, co. D.
We also understand by a private letter that a young man by the name of Maston, commissary Sergeant, started out from Santa Cruz, to meet Love’s command, and has never since been found or heard from, he is supposed to have been killed.
- Dragoon Recruitment Advertisement 1847
On the front page of the Indianapolis Indiana Journal for February 8, 1847, there appeared the following notice:
UNITED STATES ARMY
Recruiting Service: Wanted for the United States Army,
able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 years, being
above 5 feet 3 inches, of good character, and of respectable
standing among their fellow citizens. None need apply to en-
ter service, but those who are determined to serve the period
of their enlistment, honestly and faithfully for the term of five years.
Table of established rates of pay agreeably to existing laws.
Monthly Pay
Sergeant Major, Quarter-
Master Sergt. Chief Musician
and Chief Bugler, $17
1st Sergeant of a Company 16
Ordnance Sergeant 18
All other Sergeants, 13
Corporals 10
Buglers 9
Musicians 8
Farriers 11
Privates 8
Besides the monthly pay, as above stated, one ration per day
is allowed every soldier, which is amply sufficient for his sub-
sistence; also a large supply of comfortable and genteel cloth-
ing. Good quarter and fuel are at all times furnished; and
every attention will be paid to those men who may enlist and
are determined to serve their country in good faith. The best
medical attendance is always provided for the sick soldier; and
no deduction of pay is made during the period he is unable to
perform his duty. Should the soldier be disabled in the line of his
duty, the laws provide a pension for him.
By the above it is seen that pay and allowances are res-
pectably and that, with prudence and economy, the monthly
pay of the soldier may be laid up—”as every thing requisite for
his comfort and convenience is furnished by the Government,
including sugar and coffee. The prudent soldier, therefore,
may readily save from $420 to $1020 during his enlistment of
Five years; and at the expiration of the term he can, if he
chooses, purchase a small farm in any of the Western States,
and there settle himself comfortably, on his own land, for the
rest of his life.
JOHN LOVE,
1st Lieut. 1st regt. Dragoons
Recruiting Rendezvous
Drakes Hotel
- Letters from Corporal Matthias Baker, Company B., 1846-1847
Santa Fe, Mexico, Sep 13th 1846
Dear Sister [Mrs. Hugh Martin],
I suppose that by my previous letter you have long since known my starting for Mexico and by this time you will see I have advanced as far as Santa Fe which at present is held by an American Army, commanded by Gen—™l Kearney [sic]. You will have seen by the papers that the Mexican soldiers & officers on the approach of the American Army, retired and totally dispersed. The whole country gave up without a gun being fired, if I except the firing of the American Artillery (blank cartridges) on this day of the entry into Santa Fe. I am much disappointed in this country. It is bare of wood and water, mountainous and the only parts they can cultivate is [sic] a few of the valleys that are watered by springs and small streams from the Mountains. The houses of town and country are built of mud bricks dried in the sun, are one story high and have no windows, so when the door is shut the room is dark at mid-day. However they are very warm in the winter & cool in summer. The roofs all flat. They raise corn, wheat onions, no potatoes, have thousands of goats sheep, some cattle, plenty of asses and mules with some fine Pony horses. The silver and gold mines siren to be plenty and no doubt before long Yankee skill & perseverance will bring many to light, as yet undiscovered. The Americans have heretofore been afraid to hunt for and work the mines on account of the Indians, who have been the Real masters of the country. But the American Dragoons will soon learn them to keep quiet. They have no mills for grinding wheat except some small hand concerns, and they have to use to the sieve or what is commonly done [to] eat bran and all. They kill-dry both corn & wheat. They have some apples & peaches as well as melons and their grapes equal those I saw in France. They are fond as a nation of dancing and have Fandangos every night in town & country and the way the Mexican Senora dances could be a caution to a Broadway belle. The beauty of Mexican ladies is not generally great but in some cases is extraordinarily fine and brilliant. They become women very young and marry early, but fade and become old & haggard in proportion. Indian blood is almost universally mixed through out the population & the language is far from the pure Spanish. I have given you some few ideas of this country & people but cannot dwell at length on the subject now. You know I must have something to talk about when I see you. I suppose you are anxious to know when that may be, I cannot say for certainly when for I start the 25th of this month to go some hundreds of miles south into the country, to Chuwauwau and then west into California, to Monterey, about 1400 miles off. This is the most healthy country in the world, and I am much larger and heavier than ever before. It rains only in the Spring & Fall. You would laugh to see what a complexion I have, burnt to the colour of Mahogany and with an immense Moustachios.
This will be carried by Government express to Fort Leavenworth on the Missouri about 1000 miles from this and hence mailed to New York. I wish you would write me and direct to me care of Major E. C. Sumner Santa Fe via Fort Leavenworth, Missouri. I wish you would also have mailed to me the latest N.Y. Weekly Herald. I suppose the difficulties between the two countries have been settled before this time, if not all our troops have to do is to march from our part of of the country to the other for the Mexican Army will not fight.
Well good bye for the present. Remember me to all of the members of our family. I am anxious to hear how brother James—™ healt is. I have not heard since he left for England. I hope you are in good health and spirits. I always am,
Affectionately your brother,
M. L. Baker
Fort Leavenworth Dec. 10 1846
Dear Nephew,
I was much pleased to receive your letter in fact I was delighted to receive a communication from any one East, but was most highly gratified to get a letter from you which is perhaps the first one you have sent to any one. Your first inquiry is —œare you in the Army—and next add that my previous letter must have been miscarried as none had been received.— That must be the reason, the letter must have been miscarried and therefore you left in ignorance of my whereabouts. And so you hope I am not in the Army! Why not? Should a consideration of fear keep an American back when he may be wanted by his country to fight for its causes? No my dear boy; you should not have any selfish feelings on such a subject, you should hope and wish for a x welfare that would go to the x , but at the same time feel proud of a relative—™s determination in such a matter. Yes, my dear boy, I am in the Army, and although I do not rank as high as some yet without the influence of powerful friends, but my merit alone am already a N. C. Officer of B Troop of the U.S. Dragoons. I went out last spring under Gen Kearney [sic] and was with him in entering the Mexican Territory and in the taking of Santa Fe. When Gen. Kearney [sic] left for California our Company was broken up and the men out in other companies to fill them up, and our officers ordered to the U.States to fill up a new company. Some are now in Ohio, St. Louis & [et]c recruiting for us and by spring our Troop will be organized and sent to the seat of War. As to the exact point I cannot say, perhaps, to join the Southern Army commanded by Gen Taylor or which is very probable ordered to California. But the whereabouts is very uncertain as a soldier seldom knows where his presence may be wanted for an hour ahead.
We had a hard time of it in coming from Santa Fe this time of the year. Scarcely any grass was left, and very little wood. We had two six mule teams and one four mule carriage and put in much corn as we could carry besides our own food. We could only give our mules but two quarts a day! Yet enough of them lived to bring our waggons to this post, having lost about Ten, but we replaced them by saddle mules and by the saddle party (17.) walking the last 150 miles. Yet notwithstanding all this we made the trip in thirty one (31) days! We had plenty of Buffalo and Antelope meat on the way with an occasional Squirrel, Hare. Turkey & [et]c. Some shoot the Prairie Dogs but I don—™t fancy them as for friends and inhabitants of their holes [,] Owls, a Rattlesnake and a horned frog! This is singular, but true and the Frog is a most curious and beautiful animal, entirely harnless. The Dog is about the size of a plump rabbit and their meat and [et]c resembles a squirrel, but they resemble very much a bull pup as they sit at the mouth oftheir holes and bask at you. They live in Towns, never above, for when you come across a dog hole you will see debris in extent all dug up huge rattle snakes running in and out of the holes, here and there, an Owl hopping in and out, the prairie dog shaking his little tail and shirilly barking, while here and there is the most curious of all curious animals the horned frog. The Grass grows around a dog town. For hundreds of mile in the Buffalo range, we see in all directions as far as the eye the eye can reach the ground blackened by Buffalo. To look at this you would not expect they could run very fast but it takes a very fast horse to keep up with them. Their meat is most excellent and no butter can compare to the marrow in their bones. A person can eat four fold the quantity of this meat than of Beef, and feel no inconvenience. The road is infested part of the way by the Comanche Indians, but we saw none of them except one evening, when by a timely precaution we perhaps saved ourselves from a night attack. The place is called Rocky Point and is noted for many attacks being made there by the Indians on Traders & others. We noticed on coming into Camp we noticed some dung from Indian ponies grazing at a . . . .and suspected immediately that some of these devils were in the neighborhood. As soon as we got supper over a few of us went out armed to the teeth to reconnoitre. We had had proceeded about one hundred yards when the Mules were panicked, when up jumps an Indian from behind a rock and starts off with the speed of a Deer. He was distant—“above 90 or 100 yds when he started, and it being after dark he certainly could be x seen again, but on [letter damaged hereon] carbine at the rascal but none of the Balls hit him as he . . . . coursed and suddenly disappeared among the rocks. . . . . him/loading as we ran, but could find no trace . .. . . put on guard to keep watch but we sure . . . . more by them. They know the difference between a Dragoon . . . . I find my letter must come to a close for . . . .
Fort Leavenworth April 28, 1847
My Dear Boy,
I received your letter a short time since and from its date, I see that it has laid in the office for some time. In the Army, we know not at which moment our services may be required and although we may be at this post to day, yet we may be about some fifty miles by the morrow. Such as been the case with me during the past winter. I have been ordered to take charge of a party to go among the Indians, and in one quarter of an hour have been in my saddle, and on my journey, fully armed and equipped. Such is a Dragoon—™s life, he must have always, all his accoutrements ready, and in the proper place, so that whether we are ordered night or day, it makes no difference in the dispatch. I have been called upon at 10 O Clock at night and traveled without moment—™s rest the distance of one hundred and forty miles. Some say a soldier—™s life is an easy or lazy life. In some respects, the Infantry does lead such a life (as garrison), but no one can say our Corps, (that is the Dragoons) are ever idle. I will give you a small detail of my duties during the day. I rise at Reveille (that is early dawn.) The men are all formed into line and the roll called = one half hour. After Drill Call is blown, and we mount our horses and Exercise with Carbine, Sabre and pistol for an hour or so. Then comes breakfast call. The men are all paraded and they march into the eating room. But previous to this all the horses are thoroughly groomed and watered. In mornings we have ourselves except we may be on Guard or on some fatigue party, which a non commissioned officer (like myself) always has charge of—”in x. (for a non commissioned officer is not supposed to labor at all) At 12 O Oc[lock] Stable Call, when all the horses are led into line and watered. At One O Clock Dinner. At Two—”Drill for something like an hour. At Six P.M. stable call, the horses groomed, watered, & [et]c. At sun down, Retreat sounds, all are paraded during the fifteen minute of the Band playing, from thence to supper and at 9 Oclock Tattoo sounds, all parade again answer to their names. Half an hour after this call sounds second Tattoo, at which all the lights in the garrison are put out, and all have retired to bed. Such is a garrison life of a Dragoon, and considering the different set of arms he has to use, as well as his horse equipage, all of which must be in a clean state, I am sure no one can say he has an idle and lazy life. At our leisure moments, we repair to the library and read the papers & periodicals of the day and take perhaps some work home to our quarters to peruse. I have been very busy since I last wrote you. Lately a number of Recruits have arrived from St Louis all of which now being drilled. Three of us have that duty to perform, dividing the men into different squads. I need not say it is a very serious task to be drilling a lot of green horns and especially when they are sometimes so Dutch as not to understand or be understood. Our Company is about full and will be organized either here or at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis in about three weeks, when we will get orders to proceed either to join Gen. Scott or, once again, to visit Santa Fe, I prefer the latter, on account of the climate for it is the most healthy climate in the world. Wherever I go, I shall sit down before I start, and let you know so you will do in the public print the departure of B. Company. I should like much to see you all again, but no one cannot say when. Certainly not until the close of the War and maybe not for some years afterwards. You must let me hear from you, as soon as you receive this, for I know not how soon I may be on my way to Mexico, and be sure to give me all the news concerning the family & [et]c. & [et]c. I am enjoying the best of health and satisfied and contented with my present mode of life.
When the war closes, I may perhaps leave the Army, but I do not promise for I may have inducement held forth to help me, for the balance of my life. But if such shall be the case, I shall see you much more and perhaps more for I can get a furlough (that is, leave of absence) when the Army is laying still. My dear boy, make as rapid progress as possible in your studies, for perhaps you may in time be thrown on the world like myself and then you will see the advantages of improving one—™ self in early life. Give my love to Pa & Ma, as well as other friends and relatives. I much need close, so good bye and believe me to be an uncle that wishes you all the happiness this world can bestow.
M. S. Baker
Corporal B Troop & 1st Regiment
of U.S. Dragoons
- Please say, I received the Phila. papers and should be pleased to receive any that my friends would take the trouble to send me.
Council Grove June 14, 1847
My dear Nephew,
We arrived at this place to day and will remain encamped until the morning—”On the 17th inst., Company B 1st Dragoons left Ft. Leavenworth as an escort and Guard to Maj Bodine Paymaster in U.S. army who takes out some $350,000 —“ to pay off troops in Santa Fe. We are about 100 strong and have 12 waggons —“ On the 3d day out an express brought out the last Eastern mail and was pleased to receive your one (a letter) from you. I can spare but a moment to acquaint you that I am again going out to New Mexico —“ I forgot to say we have 120 waggons loaded with provisions for our troops in Santa Fe which are a few days ahead of us which will proceed in company as soon as we get up. The whole road is full of hostile Indians who are plundering all the trains not guarded by a military escort. They have some 800 lodges about 200 miles from here and it is our commanding officers intention to give battle on coming up. They are Comanches & Pawnees. I hope we may be able to find them and give them a severe punishment for they richly deserve it —“ Yesterday we met a train waggons belonging to the Government returning and they had a man who was scalped by three monsters —“ Four of the men were out hunting buffalo, when suddenly the Indians burst on them killing two, wounding one who escaped and the fourth supposing him dead took his scalp!! His friends found him still breathing, they took him to the waggons, and by a miracle almost is still alive. It was a horrific sight, not a vestige of hair remains and the skin was taken off clean to the skull! It made a great impression on our men and they swear signal vengence on such demons. We just now hear they have taken the mules from a train of ours ahead of 30 waggons, we of course move rapidly and try to regain them with other property. The Mexicans have visited these tribes and made them presents to induce them to harass & stop all American trains. I shall not be surprised that after having been to Santa Fe we shall have to return and Guard this road until Winter sets in —“My health continues uninterruptedly good. You must not expect a long letter for I have little chance to write much. You can see by any large map of the U. Sates where I am penning these few lines —“ it is 160 miles from Ft. Leavenworth. We have made but small progress as yet owing to the roads which are the worst in the whole route. Give my love to Ma & Pa Also to my relatives and friends. I may perhaps never be permitted to see you again and I will again remind you to pursue your studies diligently while you have the chance, to be kind & dutiful to your dear Parents for you cannot expect to have them always with you and you will in so doing remember your Uncles advice after having grown to manhood and learned by experience and observation the cares & duties of the life man. I should much like to see you my dear nephew before I shall I suppose you will have grown to be quite a man. If any one should wish to write me they can direct to me B. troop U S Dragoons Santa Fe via Ft. Leavenworth and I will get it sooner or later. Well I must close and bid you and all friends good bye and believe me to be your affectionate uncle.
M Baker
P.S, It is uncertain whether we remain in Santa Fe, go to California go to the Southern Army and come back to guard the road, or return immediately to Ft. Leavenworth, but when we started we expected we should return to Ft. Leavenworth. I am glad to hear brother James is in such good health and spirits. My best respects to folks next door &c &c.
Your &c
M. L. B.
Arkansaw River one days march
From Pawnee Forks June 27 1847
My dear Nephew
When I last wrote you I was at Council Gove on my way to Santa Fe. After leaving there we proceeded on our journey and nothing of note happened until we reached Pawnee Forks, where we arrived just one day late to have had an encounter with a party of Comanches & Pawnees, who attacked a homeward bound train of waggons and drove off over one hundred oxen and wounding some of the men. We found here two government ox trains of thirty waggons each, which started the next day with us. Two other trains of thirty each had started some two or three days ahead. We traveled some 16 to 18 miles and encamped on the Arkansaw. At Revielle or light the next morning we discovered that the Indians had made a charge on Haydens train and were driving off their oxen —“ The order to saddle and mount our horses was given and in a few moments all were in the saddle. I was among the first in the ranks, but was ordered to remain behind to help guard the camp. About Twenty one men (only) started off in pursuit of the Indians —“ Opposite to us on the other sie of the river, was a large crown of Indians, ready to cross and fall on our camp if we went away with our men. Our men (21) headed by a sergeant made a gallant charge on the Indians and they commenced to run off. At this time the Indians on the other side run their horses up the river a few hundred yards, crossed and charged in the rear after our men. The Indians in front seeing this, turned around and there was our poor fellows with enemies in the front & rear and ten to one at least (When the Indians commenced crossing the river I foresaw the result and wanted only twenty men to attack them and keep them from attacking our men in the rear but our commanding officer Lt. Love would not send the men and the result was horrid to relate. I make no comment, but leave the facts to speak for themselves) There was at least two hundred warriors all mounted, with lances, bows & arrows & a few guns, all of them on trained horses and themselves the best horsemen in the world. Those could not last only a few moments, when our men made a retreat for camp at the top of their horses speed. They got by this time all the cattle, some 70 to 80 yoke of oxen across the river and had about one hundred and fifty men on foot during this part. The first man that came in was Segt. Bishop, wound with a bullet just above the kidneys. He is not as yet thought dangerous, although it is rather doubtful. The next was a young man by the name of Vancaster, son of a German Baron, who fell from loss of blood &c off his horse some 200 yds from Camp. Besides being lanced, he had an arrow, still in him, which entered under the right arm and the steel point was sticking out through him just above the heart. He still is living but his has is thought hopeless. The next was the Farrier of the Company Seeing he was fainting I ran out, several hundreds from camp and held him on his horse until he got in. He held on to his sabre until I told him to let go his grasp. His case is doubtful, another came in lanced in the back and is very bad to day, but not dangerous. Two belonging to my mess were slightly wounded with lances. The roll was called and we found five men missing & party of umounted and went over the field of battle and the first one we found was the dead body of a fine young man of my mess —“named Arlidge. He was stripped of all clothing, but his scalp wasn’t taken. Then on looking around we found the dead bodies of three more Blake, Short & Dickhart, all three were horribly butchered. Most besides being lanced in a dozen places had his throat cut from ear to ear. Dickhart had his ears cut off and mouth mutilated. All of these three had their scalps taken.We buried them all in a single grave with honors of war. The fifth man, Gaskin, we did not find until this morning, he was dreadfully mutilated, his scalp was not taken, but half of his hair was pulled out, I suppose the one that killed him had no knife about him. So you see we have had five brave fellows taken from us and six wounded, four of them badly. We do not know for a certainty how many of the Indians died with them, but it cannot fall short of thirty, for almost all of our men killed one and those of our men that got killed, each killed two to four & five. The Indians have not as yet made another attack, but we expect nothing else every moment. We are well prepared for them. The two ox trains lay close along the side of us and shall remain here until we can get cattle to take along the waggons. There are some days behind us several hundred head of cattle going to Santa Fe, which when they come up will I suppose be put in the waggons. We have just learned the Indians have taken and destroyed the new fort lately built at Jackson Grove near the crossing of the Arkansaw. They killed three men, the rest escaped with a six pounder and have gone to Santa Fe with Smiths train as guards. We are somewhat fearful they will in a few days bring a still larger number and give us battle. I do Not think they can harm us, as long as we remain encamped as we now are, and very soon we will have a reinforcement as several companies of volunteers are on the road. Almost all the men remain under arms day & night. I have given you a hasty but impartial account of this tragic event, and one must be on the spot & participate in the scene to have any idea. It may be my fate never more to return if such should be the case it is my wish that whatever may be due me by government as well as my other property shall become your own. I will write again when I arrive in Santa Fe. Give my love to Ma, Pa, and all my relatives and friends. Good bye. God bless you, and sometimes if you see me no more spare a moment to think of your uncle
M L Baker
P.S. An express starts at dark for Fort Leavenworth by which I sent you this letter. I hope it may get through safe.
- Two Dragoon Deserters in Puebla, Mexico
The Puebla American Star for June 20, 1847, reported:
DESERTERS—No instance could more clearly demonstrate the fats we urged in our last, relative to the treatment deserters would receive from the enemy, than the fact that we are going to state:–Two dragoons having taken French leave from their quarters, thought they would better their condition by repairing to the enemy’s camp. They had not proceeded three leagues on the road to Alixco, before they fell in with a party of the enemy, who stripped them of every thing but their shirts. The greasers then took their arms, mounted their fine American horses, and rode off, notwithstanding the deserters exhibited to them a pass from a Mexican officer in Puebla. The most degraded nation in the world despises a deserter, and the treatment such as the above shows it. This is the way they pay deserters for their arms and public property they may take away with them. Excellent indeed.
- P. Kearny to Love 1848 re Churubusco
On Nov 4, 1848, Kearny wrote the following to fellow 1st Dragoon, Lt. John Love.
I understand that there are whispered rumors of rashness on my part to detract from what our troop did at Churubusco. My answer is, that those who investigate the matter will find far sooner cowardice, (of, at least, a moral nature), and stupid doltish incapacity on the part of Col. Harney, who interfered with our columns which he was too far in the rear to comprehend the position of. I hold Harney, who took the command out of my hands, responsible for sounding the “Recall” at all, or too late, [as when the head of it being committed, the foremost were left in the lurch.] From the first moment of seeing the “El Pinon,” and understanding the enemy’s double line of defences, I had determined, when opportunity offered, to win distinction for ourselves, by ___?___ into the second line of defences, protected by their own fugitives. It was on the eve of accomplishing this, when I found the rear part of the column had been withdrawn. The ordeal of [re]-calling a squadron of ho[rse] on a hard gravelled [sic] avenue [[with?]] cries, in the [[turn]] around & confusion to boot!!! Lt. [Julian] May [Mounted Rifles] recalled the men from his rear. Neither Ewell nor myself, nor Sergt. Reid ever saw or heard him. Thank God we are all young. I may have another chance yet. You would be surprised to find how little the loss of an arm incommodes me. I heard from Ewell yesterday. He is at “Buckland, Prince William County, Virginia.”See him if you can. We old men of the First must rally warmly to each other. We are all getting (young though we be) too old & form new friendships and god knows our late [ranks?] & [dearest?] ones have been decimated. I was very glad that Mrs. Stewert has seen you. Believe me, very Truly Yours
P. Kearny
- Col. Thomas Swords writes to Capt. Love
Washington City. March 8, 1850
My Dear Love,
I had hoped that before that I should be able to tell you something definite in relation to this detestable matter about Schumburg, but it appears this subject is not yet settled. The Senate in acting on the nomination of Ewell, refused to confirm it and called the attention of the President to a former resolution brought by them. I have understood that the President replied that he was aware of the resolution, and the Secy of War had investigated and made a report on the case–here the subject rests for the present. The President says he will never nominate Schumburg, so the vacancy may remain open, at least until another occurs either among the Captaincies or First Lieutenancies, as if S. is not placed on the Register as 1st Lt. [,] the Senate may refuse the confirmation [of] the next nomination of 1st Lieut.
Everybody here is in quite good spirits to-day from the effect of Mr. Webster’s speech delivered yesterday and the disunion stock is getting quite below par, if they table the question over a few weeks longer, the probability–is, it will result like a lover’s quarrel and all parties will be more loving from the temporary estrangement. I might perhaps to except the abolitionist as I consider them beyond the influence of common sense views which operate in sensible beings. As to the Freesoilers, they may be considered among the things that were, at least as far as their influence is felt in Congress. No notice is taken of them by either of the other parties.
We have nothing new in the way of Army movements, no assignment has yet been made in our Dept. towards scattering some of us in the spring. What will my fate I don’t know, neither do I much care. Would have no objection to remaining here, if I could be permanent, which is not the case, as every little while I get a scare about going somewhere, I know I could make myself contended in almost any place which Mrs. S[words] could go with me.
We have had a very gay winter of it–at a party almost every night go at 10 or a 1/2 before and come away at about 1 or 2 , but it makes no difference as to our hour of getting up, which is always in time for breakfast. Ewell has been over occasionally with some ladies from Balt. and if don’t take care, I think, from what we hear, he will get fixed before he leaves here. I have been locking for him since the action by the Senate, but if he has been [passed] over he has not shown himself to me. 17 member of the Senate were absent when the nomination was acted on, and the resolution of passed by only one majority. Clay voted against Ewell’s nomination.
I have had a very pleasing reception of Mrs. Love and think you have been fortunate–as well as myself in your selection. I could wish you no better wish, than that you may continue to be as happy as we have been in our married life.
Give my love to Mrs. Love and say that I hope at some day to have the pleasure of being at the same station with her and that she and Mrs. S. may become friends. I know they would be, if they could be together.
Yours most truly
Thos. Swords