Headquarters, 1st Battalion
February 20, 2008
Headquarters 3rd (Frontier) Brigade
Colonel Prater,
Per your direction, companies of the 1st Battalion removed themselves to Ft Washita, IT for the purpose of mustering for pay and preparing the troops for the upcoming campaign season.
Thirty seven men and officers and three staff arrived at the fort Friday last. Present were; two officers and 15 men from the 1st US, One officer and six men from the 2nd CO and, One officer and ten men from the 77th PA. One private each from the 1st KS and 10th KS were present. The staff was composed of me, an adjutant, and a bugler. Five laundresses (on rations) accompanied the companies. Local unrest in the southern Department of Texas precluded the 13th US and the 173rd NYSM from making the long journey to Indian Territory.
The small permanent garrison at the fort was well prepared for our arrival with adequate wood available. Water had to be brought in from the nearby river as the post well had recently become contaminated. The men were housed comfortably in the barracks while the officers made due in tents. Funds were drawn to provide rations for the troops. There was a small amount of excess rations funds which I left in care of the Fort’s permanent garrison.
The men were drilled in both company and battalion formations, the battalion composed of two balanced companies. The major battalion evolutions were practiced and an emphasis was placed on deploying and relieving skirmishers.
I conducted training for officers in all evolutions. A certain Mrs. Thomas, a part time school marm, graciously consented to endeavor to improve the men’s ability to read and write for those who skills in these areas needed improvement.
The troops were paraded and inspected prior to mustering for pay. The paymaster arrived with insufficient funds to pay the men all that was due them. Several men were due up to six months pay. However, all men were paid for one month’s service. No officers were paid as there were insufficient funds available. I respectively request that you look into the matter of the paymaster arriving in the future with sufficient funds to pay the men and the officers all that is their due.
In addition to the above mentioned military duties the men repaired the fort’s east fence.
Since the men had been on hard duty at scattered posts I consented to their request for a party. The men took up a subscription on imported various delicacies not normally available in their rations. These included, hams, smoked turkeys, smoked salmon, American champagne, and whiskey punch. The attached laundresses prepared the feast and then were our honored guests. Some of the men provided music and there was much gaiety and dancing. I am pleased to report that the men conducted themselves as proper soldiers and there was little gambling and no excessive rowdiness.
Sir, the men of the 1st Battalion are fit, rested, and well prepared for the upcoming campaign season.
I remain, etc, etc
Donald Gross
Major 1st US,
Commanding 1st Battalion, Frontier Brigade