2d Dragoons

DISEASE RAVAGES THE REGIMENT

David.Gettman January 10th, 2009

seminole During the fall of 1841, operations were partially suspended due to less activity on the part of the Indians. The Second Dragoons within the district of Lieutenant Colonel Whistler, Seventh Infantry, patrolled the Georgia frontier. Those in the district around Fort King examined the country for the trail of the Chiefs, Halleck, Tustenugge, and Short Grass, toward Orange Lake and Micanopy. The Chief, Coacoochee, finally convinced that further resistance was useless, persuaded his people to surrender and they were sent to Arkansas, along with some other small bands, October 12. Due to illness, which was mostly caused by the unhealthful climate, the regiment was greatly reduced in strength at this time. Company C had thirty sick men out of a total strength of forty-eight.

Colonel Worth decided to dispense with as many troops as possible and order them to a more healthful climate. Among these were regimental headquarters and five companies, A, D, E, G, and I, of the Second Dragoons, ordered to take permanent station at Fort Jesup, Louisiana, and Fort Towson, Arkansas. Starting in the latter part of October, the column marched through Tallahassee, Florida, Belleville and Mount Vernon Arsenal, Alabama, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, arriving at Fort Jesup, Louisiana, January 14, 1842, for station. Company A moved on to Camp Washita, Arkansas, in April, followed by Company I to the same post in October.

Headquarters of the Army,
Adjutant-General’s Office,
Washington, October 2, 1841.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 58
3. Six companies of the Second Regiment of Dragoons, with the Major, will be withdrawn from Florida, and under the Colonel, proceed without delay to the southwestern frontier and take post as follows: Four companies at Fort Towson and two at Fort Jesup.

Colonel Worth will direct the six companies on leaving Florida to proceed, via Tallahassee, to Mount Vernon Arsenal, Alabama, where they will be concentrated. Four companies of the regiment will continue for the present on duty with the Florida Army, under the lieutenant-colonel, who will join the squadron without delay.

By command of Major-General SCOTT.

R. JONES, Adjutant-General.

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