The old frontier policy of passive defense against the Indian aggression was quickly abandoned as the regiment rode patrols, pursued and attacked. Hood recovered and continued serving in the Regiment.įor the next four years of service in the southwest, the regiment fought some 40 engagements against the Apaches, Bannocks, Cheyennes, Comanches, Kiowas, Utes and other fierce tribes along with the Mexican bandits. Outnumbered two to one, the Troopers withdrew, covering their retreat with revolver fire. The Troopers charged and a hand to hand battle ensued. Thirty Indians, hiding within 10 paces of the troops, began an attack on their flank with arrows and firearms. At this point, the Indians dropped their flag of truce and set fire to rubbish which they had previously collected to provide a smoke screen. Spotting a band of Indian Warriors, Hood moved ahead to parley, stopping nearly 30 yards from five Indians who were holding a white flag of truce. John Bell Hood led his company of the 2nd Cavalry on a dramatic foray in Texas. Lee arrived at Fort Mason to take command of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. On 22 February 1956, Company “C” of the 2nd Cavalry, under the command of Captain James Oaks, engaged the Waco Indians in their first battle just west of Fort Terrett. By late spring, a new Fort Mason flourished atop Post Hill. The Troopers were soon put to work repairing old buildings and constructing new ones. On 14 January, they arrived at their assigned station which had been abandoned for nearly two years. On 2 January 1856, Johnston’s group negotiated the icy waters of Clear Fork, the Pecan, the Colorado and the San Saba Rivers in their journey to Fort Mason. Upon arrival at Fort Belknap, Colonel Johnston received orders to set up Headquarters along with Companies “B”, “C”, “D”, “G”, “H” and “I” at Fort Mason, Texas. It was built to protect early settlers, travelers moving on west and was a stop on famous Butterfield Overland Mail Route. Established in 1851, Fort Balknap was one of the largest posts in North Texas prior to the Civil War. The temperature dropped below zero, ice froze six inches thick and horses on the unprotected picket line died from the extreme exposure. On 27 December, the entire regiment arrived at the post during a severe blizzard. The long hard march of the regiment depended on the resources of the surrounding country for meat, flour and forage. The line of march of the 700 men with 800 horses carried them through the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, through Arkansas and into Indian Territory. On 27 September 1855, after training at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, the Regiment, under the command of Colonel Albert Sydney Johnston, received orders to ride southwest to Fort Belknap, Texas. Company “A” rode grays Company “B” and “E” rode sorrels Company “C”, “D”, “F” and “I” had bays Company “G” and “H” rode browns and Company “K” rode roans. Each company rode mounts of one color a colorful sight during regimental dress parades. The regiment soon became a crack outfit with some of the best horsemen and Soldiers in the mounted service. On 3 March 1855, the 5th Cavalry Regiment, originally designated as the 2nd Cavalry, was activated in Louisville, Kentucky with troops drawn from Alabama, Maryland, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia. 5th Cavalry Regiment Information compiled and composed by William H.
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