Journal of William H. Richardson, a private soldier in the campaign of New and Old Mexico, under the command of Colonel Doniphan of Missouri

by William H. Richardson

MARCHING THROUGH A JORNADA. Page [45].

JOURNAL
OF
WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON,
A PRIVATE SOLDIER
IN THE CAMPAIGN OF
New and Old Mexico,
UNDER THE COMMAND OF
COLONEL DONIPHAN
OF MISSOURI.

SECOND EDITION.

BALTIMORE:
JOHN W. WOODS, PRINTER.
1848.

Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1848, by William H.
Richardson, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Maryland.

JOURNAL.

I left my home on West River, 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, I found myself, the following spring, located permanently a few miles from Carrollton, Carroll County, Missouri, 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 which 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 presented the company a beautiful flag, and many speeches were made)—caused me to decide and join the company. I immediately set about preparing—bought my regimentals, canteen, saddlebags, also some books and a writing apparatus for convenience in noting down the occurrences of each day, thinking it probable, should I live to return, it might be a source of amusement to my friends in Maryland.

August 4th, 1846.—This morning we started for Fort Leavenworth. Many of my friends came to take breakfast with me at Squire Dorr’s. We met our Captain at Carrollton, where a public dinner was given. The company formed and marched to the table in order. In the evening we mounted our fine horses and proceeded out of town. We 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.