Questions about Army life in the Mexican War
I have a 4x great-grandfather who joined the regular Army in Ohio in 1845. According to his service record, he was recruited at Newport Barracks in Washington County, Ohio.
Five days before his enlistment date, he married his second wife (his first wife was deceased.) One reason for the marriage might have been that he needed a permanent babysitter for his two-year-old son, and perhaps she agreed because there was a benefit for her -- perhaps a living allowance from his paycheck while he was in the service. Did the Army send money home to the wife in the 1840s?
My grandfather became a private in the 4th Infantry Company C on 28 Apr 1845.The 4th Infantry Company C was stationed at Fort Scott, Kansas, from 3 May 1843 through 21 July 1845. After that, they were sent down to Texas to join General Zachary Taylor's Army of Observation. Was it customary for new recruits to be added to the company along the way? I wonder if he was ever in Fort Scott or if he went directly to Texas.
On 08 Dec 1845, my grandfather (or his representative acting on his behalf) posted a bond for the guardianship of his 2-year-old son. About that time, his wife apparently became pregnant (she had the baby 9 months later.) If the baby was his, he must have returned to Ohio to appear in court personally. Is it likely that the Army would have allowed him to take an extended leave of absence from service in Texas to travel home?
The rest of the story: my grandfather was severely wounded on 21 Sep 1846 in the Battle for Monterrey, 4th Infantry, Company C, under General Twigg on the first day of fighting. He was discharged at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis on 4 Apr 1847.
Any insights or comments that anyone can offer about these questions would be welcomed. Thanks for your help.
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Re: Questions about Army life in the Mexican War
Denise Simmons 6/29/14