.OTAy.NTY4MDI

14.

The 2d Cavalry left Jefferson Barracks on the march to Texas about the middle of November 1855. The day of their departure was clear and full of sunshine. Their wagons were packed and started and as the long white train drew out across the plain and was lost to sight in the forest beyond we began to feel the first of those breakings of army associations to which we afterward became accustomed. Our morning drills were suspended that day and we all rode out to see for the last time the parade of that fine regiment. The alignment was perfect, the colors and guidons were gently ? and folding in the morning air. Overcoats and blankets were rolled and strapped and every buckle shown. The band played "auld lang syne" and after the officers came up to their colonel one had an opportunity to bid them good bye. Not satisfied with this I rode to the edge of the plain where their way entered the forest. They soon began to pass by in a column of twos with perfect intervals and steady gait. I was waiting to see Van Camp once more. Debonair and smiling he rode out of the column saying "I wish you were going with us." So did I. He put his arms around me and kissed me and galloped to his place. I have never seen him since except in my dreams, always young. Just four years later at Lancaster Pa., I laid some flowers on Van's grave. He was killed in a fight with Comanche Indians near Wichita Village Texas.