Journal of William H Richardson a Private Soldier in the Campaign of New And

Cover Journal of William H Richardson a Private Soldier in the Campaign of New And

WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON, A PRIVATE SOLDIER USDER TEE COXXAXD OF 6ECOND EDITION. - 1848, -- I LEFT my home on West Rirer, Anne Arundel County, Md., the 11th November, 1845, for a southern tour, and after visiting the principal places of the south and west, inspecting the country, and meeting with adventures familiar to all who travel, -1 found myself, the following spring, located permanently a few miles from Carrollton, Carroll County, hiIissouri, boarding in the family of Judge Rea, a clever gentlemanly man. Here I formed numerous acquaintances, among them, an old Capt. Markle, who informed me of his intention to visit California, and depicted in glowing terms the pleasure of travelling in new countries, c. In the meantime, a company of mounted volunteers was being formed in the neighborhood, .under Capt. Williams, in n-hich many young men whom I knew, had enlisted. This, together with the enthusiasm which prevailed at a public meeting on the 4th of July, when the ladies of Carrollton p

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resented the company a beautiful flag, and many speeches were made---caused me to decide and join the company. I immediately .set about pre- paring-bought my regimentals, canteen, saddlebags, 310 some boolts and a writing apparatus for conve- nience in noting down the occurrencesof each day, thinking it probable, sliould I live to return, it might be a source of amusement to my friends in hfaryland. August 4th, 1846.-This morning we started for Fort Leavenworth. Many of my friends came to take break- fast with me at Squire Dorrs. We met our Captain at Carrollton, where a public dinner was given. The com- pany formed and marched to the table in order. In the evening a-e mounted our fine horses and proceeded out , oftown. TATe passed the Prairie, 30 miles wide, and rode as far as the residence of Dr. Arnold. There were fifteen of us in company, separated from the rest, and all in search of quarters. Having to water our horses, the Doctor directed us where to go. The way was plainly pointed out, but to our astonishmetit, we all got lost in the timber. We rode till very late, and might have beenput to great inconvenience, had we not met with a servant who set us right. We returned to the Doctors to muse on our mishap and enjoy more hospitality. An ominous beginning for a soldiers life. 5th.-Started this morning in company with the Doctor and his lady, who went with us eight miles to Lexington, and thence to Richmond, where we arrived at 4 oclock. A few miles further on we encamped. I rode all this day without my dinner Having had opporturlity to become better acquainted with my Captain and other officers, I find them very cleer and kind. 6th.-I discoverd this morning that my horse was lame from tightness of his shoes. Went to town to a blacksmith who re-shod him. The company could not wait for me, arid I travelled alone through a beautiful forest of sugar trees. Passed Elke Horn, and rode until within six miles of Liberty. Here I found our baggage team had given out. Our Captain had gone ahead with the company, and left the second Lieutenant, Mr. Sinith, in charge. I discoverd Lieutenant Smith to be a man of very tender feelings. Several of our company were taken with chills to-night, which is rather discouraging. 7th.-At day light this morning o,ur train was under way, arrived in town to breakfast, after which our Captain marched us all over the city. It is a beautiful inland place of 1000 inhabitants. Fifteen miles further on, we met our first Lieutenant, just from the Fort. He told us to hurry on and get mustered into service before the other companies sholld crowd in. We hurried accordingly and reached Platt City at sun-set...

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Journal of William H Richardson a Private Soldier in the Campaign of New And
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