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11.

for their ?. These ambulances were marvels of strength and perfect in their appliances and adaptations to the uses of a family. They were thoroughly weatherproof and could be converted into comfortable sleeping chambers in rough weather. Major Backus 3d Infty and Lieut Owen Chapman 1st Drags accompanied our expedition. After our packing was completed we made our adieux to the friends to be left behind and drew out without any order of march to Salt Creek three miles west of the fort and formed a regular camp. Our regulations for camp and for the march were promulgated and order was established. Mounted guards patrolled around the outskirts of our immense herd of oxen which covered several hundred acres when grazing. The men were given their first lessons in picketing their horses. Tllford myself Jackon? of the Rifles and Lord of the 1st Dragoons eah commanded a mounted troop of about 62 men. Capt. Wood and Lieuts Shipley, Hildt and Walker all of the 3d Infantry commanded the companies of infantry. Our surgeons were Drs. J.C. McKee and Quinan. Santille and Gordan came out from the fort in the evening to help us let go of civilization. The following morning Lieut J.E.B. Stuart of the 1st Cavalry on his way from Sumner's command to Fort Leavenworth stopped and breakfasted with us.