Harris' Mounted Marines.

[Manassas 1861]

Capt. John Harris commanded a company of mounted Marines under Archibald Henderson in Florida from 1836-37. The dragoons (which were newly formed at the time) were issued percussion Hall Carbines, as opposed to the flintlock Hall's which some of the infantry used. Would Harris' company have been carrying percussion Hall Carbines, and Dragoon sabers? In other words, were they issued the same equipment as the dragoons?

 

[RedRover]

No. They were just mounted.

It was not unknown to mount the infantry for particular expeditions. like that of Lt. Col. B.K. Pierce against the Seminole encampment at the abandoned post of Fort Drane in the summer of 1836...

After surprising the Seminole camp by riding rapidly upon it, they dismounted to fight and deliver their musketry, etc.

And even the Dragoons were not always equipped with the Hall Carbines. In February, 1837 in the battle of Camp Monroe, the 2nd Dragoons companies were yet armed with muskets.

And during the course of the war, Dragoon patrols evidently frequently carried muskets instead of their carbines, as the muskets could fire the buck and ball, or buckshot, cartridges, etc. Private Bartholemew Lynch of the 2nd Dragoons noted...

The first lot of rifle caliber Hall-North carbines provided for the 2nd Dragoons in early 1837 were found in some cases defective. The musket caliber 1836 model was perhaps found better.

In 1839 much of the 2nd Dragoons was withdrawn from Florida and participated in a military camp of instruction at Trenton, New Jersey. An Army inspector noted of them they had no swords, but had been employed in the mounted infantry role...

On foot the Dragoons drilled in the "light infantry" or "skirmish drill" principally; which was that generally employed in Florida. From the veterans of the 1st Artillery Regiment;

Most of the mounted volunteers and militia corps that served in Florida were armed with muskets or rifles, and classified as "mounted gun men" rather than dragoons or cavalry, since there was no intention for them to fight on horseback. The Seminole generally stayed in areas where horses could not penetrate, or if caught in the open rapidly retreated to dense woods or swamps...

 

[Manassas 1861]

Ok cool. So just the standard Marine equipment, just on horses.

 

[RedRover]

Ok cool. So just the standard Marine equipment, just on horses.

Evidently. The Marine Battalion had already participated in the Creek campaign in the summer of 1836. Shortly after arriving in Florida thereafter, Harris' company B was mounted, and accompanied Gen. Jesup and a battalion of mounted volunteer troops into the interior.

 

[Manassas 1861]

Evidently. The Marine Battalion had already participated in the Creek campaign in the summer of 1836. Shortly after arriving in Florida thereafter, Harris' company B was mounted, and accompanied Gen. Jesup and a battalion of mounted volunteer troops into the interior.

Henry Prince also mentions the Marines being supplied with army tents.

 

[RedRover]

Henry Prince also mentions the Marines being supplied with army tents.

The Marine Corps battalion arrived at Tampa Bay for Florida War service in late 1836.
The post return for Fort Brooke at Tampa Bay recording troops strength there at the close of December, 1836 shows Colonel Henderson commanding there, and the organization of the Marines.

Col. Archibald Henderson, commanding post.
Lt. Col. Samuel Miller
Lt. Col. William H. Freeman
Capt. Levi Briggs, Commanding Co. "A"
Capt. John Harris, Commanding Co. "B"
1LT Alvin Eden, Commanding Co. "C"
Capt. William Dulaney, Commanding Co. "D"
Bvt. Capt. Benjamin Macomber, Commanding Co. "E"

Among the aggregate of 318 officers and men, the following were present for duty.
1 Colonel
2 Lt. Colonel
1 surgeon
5 captains
5 first lieutenants
4 second lieutenants
25 sergeants
25 corporals
4 drummers
6 fifers
158 privates


Shortly after, Capt. Harris' Company B was mounted, and entered the interior with Gen. Jesup.
And Col. Henderson, the commandant of the corps, was also called into the field and commanded the mounted brigade of Jesup's army, including Harris' mounted Marine company, Caulfield's battalion of Alabama Mounted Volunteers, and Major Morris' battalion of the Creek Indian Regiment in the battle of Hatcheelustee creek in January, 1837.

Lt. Col. Freeman commanded the balance of the Marine Corps battalion in the field, which was attached to Gen. Walker K. Armistead's brigade of Jesup's army.

 

[Manassas 1861]

Are there any writings that show what sort of personal items were carried in field?

 

[RedRover]

The Army Regulations of 1825-1837 specify.

The Marines in the field in the late 1830s likely similar.

 

[Manassas 1861]

@RedRover. If it's no bother, could you post what sources you used in your first message. Just so I can do more research? Thanks

 

[RedRover]

@RedRover. If it's no bother, could you post what sources you used in your first message. Just so I can do more research? Thanks

No bother at all.

"The Squaw Kissing War" "Journal of Bartholemew M. Lynch, 2nd Dragoons...

Squaw Kissing War | FSU Digital Repository

repository.lib.fsu.edu

Rodenbough, "From Everglades to Canyon" (history of the 2nd Dragoons)...

From Everglade to Cañon with the Second Dragoons, (second United States Cavalry)

www.google.com

Haskin, History of the First Regiment of Artillery.

The History of the First Regiment of Artillery, from Its Organization in 1821, to January 1st, 1876

www.google.com

Sprague's 1848 "Origin Progress and Conclusion of the Florida War."

The Origin, Progress, and Conclusion of the Florida War

www.google.com

Senate Documents...

PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

www.google.com

 

[Manassas 1861]

Thank you as always, I really appreciate it!