The Diary of Lieutenant Francis Henry French at Fort Clark, Texas 1883 (continued, #9)

Francis Henry French was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 27, 1857. Deeply impressed from his youth by the stirring deeds and stories told by veterans of the Civil War, he realized his ambition for a military career by entering the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York where he graduated twelfth from the class of 1879. He was assigned as 2nd Lieutenant of “E” Company, 19th Infantry and came west. Following service at Fort Garland, Colorado Territory, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the regiment moved to Fort Brown at Brownsville, Texas where Lieutenant French was detailed as the Regimental Adjutant. In December 1882 the 19th Infantry was posted to Fort Clark. At Fort Clark, on January 1, 1883, Lieutenant French began diaries, which he faithfully maintained for the next thirty years. The Fort Clark period of these diaries from 1883-1888 and his letters home are an intriguing window to late 19th century Army life at Fort Clark and to the American experience of the Victorian era. Lieutenant French’s command of the famed Seminole- Negro Indian Scouts is particularly noteworthy as the young officer developed a lifelong respect for the scouts as soldiers and men. Lieutenant French is a caring and sensitive man with opinions on people and politics. He is a bachelor immersed in the “society” of the regiment and Fort Clark. However, always in the background is his profession of being a soldier and an officer, which he takes quite seriously. The fascination of any diary is of course the private thoughts and observations of another human being, revealed, and in this case the direct link to local history. What the diary truly brings to light is the complex society of a regiment at a frontier post amid the tedium of garrison routine and soldiering, all of which serve to season the young officer. The reader can’t help but become engrossed in the almost soap opera like situations and personalities observed and commented upon on a daily basis by the very perceptive Lieutenant. French falls in and out of love and debt, and is the consummate social butterfly as he takes full advantage of his bachelor status.

In this 9th installment, Lieutenant French is at the sub-post of Meyers Spring in Command of the Seminole-Negro Indian Scout Detachment. He is slowly acquiring a genuine respect for the Scouts as soldiers and men.

Cold norther, with some rain made up the weather today. Spent most of the day correcting some errors for Guest in the Clothing Book. Had just finished the preceding sentence when a skunk became very fragrant near my tent. Put out the light and retired hastily that he might not be attracted to pay me a visit. Rode over to the railroad with some medicine for Conductor McGeary and some letters to be mailed. As the operator told me that McGeary was not on the train and it was raining, I did not wait but left the medicine and the letters with McCarty. One of the letters is to go home, one to Shunk, one with pay accounts to Major Bash and the other carries the Signal Receipts to Crowder for correction. Hope they will come back all right. Was quite cold on return to camp and had a big appetite. Worked on the Muster and Pay Rolls until 11 o’clock in the evening.

Pleasant change in the weather today. Worked at the Muster and Pay rolls all day. In the evening rode Harvey over to Thurston for exercise and saw McGeary who kindly took my letters to mail them in San Antonio. He is a very pleasant gentleman and quite obliging. About noon the wagon with rations for next month came. The driver had never been over the road before and was lost. It took him seven days to make the drive. In the evening Dr. Harmer and I went over to the meeting in the Company Kitchen. The scene was a very impressive one. There was a semicircle of men seated around the stove, while a candle or two furnished all the light. As none of them can read this was a very unimportant matter. In that dim light, it was almost impossible to distinguish those dark faces, but I saw one man whom I did not expect to see there, singing with a great deal of earnestness. They had no other exercises but singing while we were in the room, not a long time. Sgt. July is class leader, but anyone that so desires can start a tune. It is impossible to write any description of their music, but they keep very good time. The same words are repeated many times in a song. I suppose this is necessary as all the songs are sung from memory. I hope to attend a revival sometime.

Muster and inspection day.1 Worked on the Muster Rolls and Clothing Rolls today. In the evening mustered the Detachment. All the men were present except Sgt. Daniels who is sick in the Post. As these men have never been drilled, the military part of the ceremony was very ludicrous. I made them all wear the uniform as much as they could out here. Most of them have fine forms and all are strong healthy men. With proper drill, I think they would make a very military appearance. Had to work on my rolls and monthly return and could not take the usual ride this evening.

A new month is ushered in today. I wonder if its departure will signal my return to Clark or not. One thing, I shall not ask to return until June and then I shall ask to be relieved in order to take a leave during the Summer. But it is only just to the men that they should return to Clark as they have been out here since the 20th of November. I like the detail and don’t want to give it up until June. It was after 2 o'clock this A.M. before I retired as I tried to finish the rolls. Sent two couriers in for mail and gave two men a pass to the Post until the 14th. Had them sign the rolls before leaving camp. Compared rolls today with the assistance of the Doctor. He intended to go to Clark this evening, but felt too sick to start. Wrote a letter home and took it over to Thurston and sent it on the train. Felt too tired and sleepy to do anything in the evening. Issued clothing today.

Finished the rolls and return, compared them and prepared them for transmittal to destinations. All the work is done now except making an inventory for Vedder of Q.M.2 property here. This can easily be done tomorrow. In the evening Doctor and I rode over to Thurston for exercise. McGeary was conductor of the train and got us a San Antonio Express. He is a very obliging gentleman. In the evening wrote a letter to Marie. Hall sent me a letter on the 28th by Corp'l. Perryman saying that Dr. Maddox and Marie were indulging in horseback rides by moonlight. I guess Maddox is in love with her and I must say I am not surprised. If he succeeds he will have a thoroughly fine woman for a wife, one of whom any man may well be proud. Hall writes that Eckerson is completely enraptured with Miss Ffoulkes. I hope he will get her. 

Wrote a letter to Hall, one to Department Headquarters3 stating what action I had taken in that confounded Post Fund business at Brown, made the inventory for Vedder and sent all by the Doctor to Clark. The Doctor left on the evening train. I accompanied him to the train and did not feel lonesome when he boarded the train, did not have any desire to accompany him. Sent out a hunting party today. A cold wet norther started up this morning and may interfere with a successful hunt. Have not been able to practice at all this week on account of the returns etc. Read a novel called "Flower and Weed" by M. E. Braddon4 in the evening. It is a light story and not of much interest.

Sunday, March 4, 1883

Wrote a letter home this morning, took a bath and then rode Harvey over to Thurston. Luce did not seem to like it that I had spoken to Sgt. July that Harvey was not well groomed. Luce is a good man but he is a little too free. When we return to the Post, I think I shall make Luce do company duty and let Blanco take care of Harvey. The train did not stop this evening and I was unable to send my letter off. Read a trashy French novel, "Monsieur Le Ministre"5 this evening. It is quite lonesome without the Doctor. Well, the couriers are due Thursday and then I hope to get lots of mail.

1 Muster Day typically occurred at the end of each month. It involved soldiers assembling for roll call and accountability. Inspections were conducted to assess the condition of uniforms and equipment. Officers evaluated troops' readiness and discipline during these events. These days were crucial for maintaining military organization and morale.