The Diary of Lieutenant Francis Henry French at Fort Clark, Texas 1883 (continued #20)

May 14, 2026

by Fort Clark Heritage Council, Bill Haenn, FCHC Senior Historian

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 20th installment, Lieut. French journeys to Fort Duncan with several scouts in an attempt to locate the 1870 agreement between the Seminoles and the U.S. Army when the Detachment was first formed.

Monday, May 14, 1883

Reenlisted some men and made preparations to go down to Fort Duncan(1) tomorrow. Sgt. Kibbets was drunk this evening at stables as was William Wilson(2). For this reason, I refused to allow him to go to Duncan tomorrow. Called at the General's, at Mrs. Hall's, and at Mrs. Lyster’s in the evening. Discharged and reenlisted some men today. Gave Mrs. L. a book, "Lucille" to give to Marie on Thursday as a birthday present in case I am not back in time.

Tuesday, May 15, 1883

Got up at 4-30 this morning and prepared to start to Duncan. Luce came up with the pack mule an rolled up my bedding and valise so as to pack them. Sgt. Kibbets not appearing rode down to camp on Luce's pony and met him just coming out of camp, under the influence of liquor. Got started soon after sunrise. Refused Sgt. Kibbets permission to go to the store and found just as we were leaving the Post that he had gone anyhow. Rode back, caught him in the store and made him go back to camp. He was very much disappointed as he wanted to go. Shall settle his case when I return. Was very much vexed to have this thing happen. The trip to Duncan is over uninteresting country, much more level than the road to Del Rio. On the way down enjoyed talking to old Dembo Factor(3), the oldest man now among the Seminoles. He participated in the Florida War and was present at Dade's Massacre.(4) It was very interesting to listen to him. Got into Duncan about 5-30 P.M. and met Maj. Smith(5) and Godwin there. Then went over to Col. Bliss's(6) and am to stay with him. After cleaning up, Vernou(7) and Dr. Havard(8) came up. The former is about the same as ever. Dr. Havard is a foreigner and seems to me to be an affected sort of a fellow. He may be well read and very intelligent, but he is quite conceited and I don’t like him much in consequence. Col. Bliss has Dr. H. and Major Smith to mess with him. After supper wanted to make some calls but felt too sleepy and retired early.

Wednesday, May 16, 1883

This morning had an interview with Col. Bliss about the Seminoles and we hunted through the records. Sgt. July & Dembo were in the office. Found that the Seminoles had crossed from Mexico in '70 and an agreement was made with them a copy of which had been forwarded by Col. Bliss as Post commander at that time to Department Headquarters. Could not find any copy of the agreement and consequently must write to San Antonio for a copy. After the interview called on Mrs. Vernou(9) and May. Found Mrs. V the same as ever. Poor May has been in some mental trouble for she is not as lively as she used to be. I guess there is some truth in that report that she was engaged to Gaston. Took dinner at Vernou's and had a good one too. After dinner called on Mrs. Morris(10), Mrs. Hammond(11) and Mrs. Godwin and Maj. Smith. Packed up my property and sent the men on ahead to camp at Elm Creek. Then said good-bye to Col. Bliss. The Vernous went out with me in an ambulance about two miles, but a storm was coming up and they had to turn back. So I said good-bye to them, mounted me horse and with the men reached Elm Creek after dark. Found a good place to camp. It was raining when I went to sleep but the tent fly kept me dry and comfortable.

Thursday, May 17, 1883

Started this morning before daylight and by sunrise was 15 miles from Duncan. Rode into Clark about 1-30 P.M. and after waiting a short time until Charlie could be found got into my quarters and took a bath. Dr. Harmer came to see me soon after my arrival. He came in from Mayer's Springs a day or two ago and is to remain here for a while. After dinner called at Col. Lyster's and spent the evening there. Congratulated Marie and was thanked by her for the book. We spent the evening out in the band stand and made an engagement to go out riding tomorrow evening. Went to the Sutler's afterwards and borrowe two horses from Maj. Caraher for the ride tomorrow evening. Gave Sgt. Kibbets a good lecture today for his conduct and made him promise to behave better in the future.

Friday, May 18, 1883

Discharged and reenlisted some men today.(12) Made Sgt. Kibbets apologize to Luce today for some words he used to him. Did not go out to stables this evening at the usual time, but rode out with Marie. Her horse was a very nice one while mine was an old log, so that our ride was a slow one. Showed her Harvey and was pleased to hear her admire him. We rode until tattoo. She told me she was not engaged to Dr. Maddox and did not intend to be. We were very confidential and promised to continue our correspondence all our lives, to be good friends and to exchange photographs every year. After returning & cleaning up went over to Col. Lyster's and she & I took a walk & sat in the band stand. Thanks to our ride we are now as good friends as before and are on the same terms of intimacy.

Saturday, May 19, 1883

Reenlisted some men today. In the evening called on Capt. Farnsworth. Found him splendidly situated, rooms nicely carpeted and everything in keeping with the man himself. He is very polite and courteous and I enjoyed the call. Called at some other places. In the evening after 7-30 Col. Lyster and I beat Dr. Heger & Gen'l. Smith 22 points out of 50 at whist(13) at Dr. Heger's.

Sunday, May 20, 1883

Took a bath and wrote a letter home. Geary & Gaston were over part of the day. After dark invited Mrs. Lyster to go to church but she declined and I went with Dr. Harmer. After church took a stroll with Marie and sat out in the band stand. Wonder if this thing will be kept up until I fall in love again with her. We have made arrangements to go North together if my leave is granted.

1 Fort Duncan at Eagle Pass, about 50 miles southeast of Fort Clark.

2 Wilson, William. He served 16 years in the Scout Detachment (1872-1887).

3 Factor, Dembo (1816-1891). He saw six years service in the Scout Detachment from 1878-1883. He is buried in the Seminole Scout Cemetery.

4 Dade’s Massacre, December 28, 1835. Two U.S. Army companies numbering 103 men under the command of Ma-

jor Francis L. Dade were ambushed by approximately 180 Seminole and Black Seminole warriors as they marched from Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay to reinforce Fort King in Ocala. Only three U.S. soldiers and their guide Louis Pacheco survived the attack, and one died of his wounds the following day. The battle sparked the Second Seminole War.

5 Smith, Jacob Hurd (1840-1918) “Hell Roaring Jake.” A very controversial officer particularly for ordering the execution of civilians during the Philippine Insurrection. Smith was court martialed in 1885 for "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman," for deeds in the "Mint Saloon" in Brackett, Texas. He was found guilty and confined to Fort Clark for a year forfeiting half his pay for the same time period. Despite all his failings he managed to retire as a Brigadier General in 1902.

6 Bliss, Zenas Randall (1835-1900) USMA Class of 1854. A very popular officer who served at Fort Clark multiple times over his 43 year military career. For his Civil War bravery he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1898. He retired as a Major General commanding the Department of Texas on May 22, 1897.

7 Vernou, Charles Alexander (1843-1919). Civil War veteran of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He saw service in the War with Spain and retired as a major on June 8, 1899.

8 Havard, Valery (1846-1927). Born in France, he was appointed an assistant surgeon U.S. Army on 10 Nov 1874. He was a lieutenant colonel chief surgeon of volunteers in the War with Spain in 1898 and deputy Surgeon General on 24 Oct 1901.

9 Vernou, Lucy Mary Lewis (1852-1893). Wife of Lieut. Charles A. Vernou, 19th Infantry.

10 Morris, Susan Frances Reese (1858-1918). Wife of Captain Louis Thompson Morris, 8th Cavalry.

11 Hammond, Suzie K (1861-1895). Wife of Lieut. Andrew G. Hammond, Troop “L,” 8th Cavalry.

12 The Scouts enlisted for six months at a time and received mounted pay, with a few extra dollars each month if they provided their own horse.

13 Whist was a popular 19th century English card game for four players in which the two sides try to win the balance of tricks. It is considered a forerunner of bridge.

Submitted by Fort Clark Heritage Council - Bill Haenn, FCHC Senior Historian. Fort Clark Heritage Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established in 2023, to advocate for the preservation and protection of the architecture and other historic resources in the Fort Clark National Register Historic District… committed to endorsing and promulgating the rich history of Fort Clark by expanding upon related educational and research efforts.