Report:
1st Battalion Muster 2007

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HEADQUARTERS, 1^ST BATTALION, FRONTIER BRIGADE

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

 

February 12, 2007

 

Col Stan Prater

Frontier Brigade

 

Dear Sir,

 

            With pleasure I report on the recent muster of the first battalion.  On Friday last the battalion formed at Ft Washita, Indian Territory for the purpose of muster and training.  55 men were present for duty along with six women from the sanitary commission.  21 from the 1^st US, 10 from the 2^nd CO, 21 from the 77 PA, 2 from the 173 NYSM, and 1 from the 1^st KS, USCT.  The sanitary commission was responsible for the battalion mess.

 

            Guard mount on Friday evening was provided by the 2^nd CO.  Officers and NCOs met to review the planned training, evolutions, and to discuss further events.

 

            On Saturday reveille was at 7 o’clock with breakfast at 7 and a half o’clock.  Drill commenced an hour later.  Company sergeants drilled the men in the school of the company.  This was followed by company and battalion level drill. 

 

            Following lunch the 1^st US was presented their long awaited regimental colors by Mrs. Rick Brockman.

 

            On Saturday afternoon the men were issued partial rations which consisted of the following: 17 (2 oz.) rations of whole roasted coffee, 17 (4 oz.) rations of vinegar, 17 (2 oz) rations of soap, and 17 (1/2 oz each) rations of salt and mustard.  In addition 176 adamantine candles were issued on 53 rations.

 

            The men were allowed to rest but most of took the opportunity to get in a game of rounders.  From what I can tell, we should fare quite well against the 2^nd battalion if ever we should meet on the field of friendly strife.

 

            The afternoon drill session concentrated on maneuvering in a column closed in mass and subsequently establishing a line of battle.

 

            The men were paraded at 5 o’clock and supper followed.  Following individual company meetings a battalion meeting was held to discuss upcoming events and future plans for the battalion.

 

            Sunday reveille was at 8 o’clock.  After allowing the men some time to prepare for departing the fort, a court martial was convened per your instructions.  Sgt Don Gates, 1^st US, was found guilty of the charge and specifications and was sentences to a reduction in rank to private and the forfeiture of one months pay.

 

            Sunday morning drill was as one large company.  Key leadership positions were rotated and I acted as instructor.  Maneuvers practiced were wheels, forming a line of battle, breaking to the rear and front, and the countermarch.

 

            The troops were dismissed before noon.

 

I remain, yr serv’t

 

Don Gross

Maj, 1^st US Infantry

Commanding