Dated “Fort Sill, I.T. 14 May 1872.”  Pre-printed form. 2 pp., 9.75” x 7.75”. Exhibits fold-marks, else VG.

This “Final statement” lists the date and terms of Johnson’s enlistment, along with his personal characteristics and accrued pay at discharge. As follows: A native of North Carolina, 21 year old laborer frank Johnson   enlisted in Detroit, MI, to serve five years in the U.S. Cavalry, 5/1/1867.  Mustered as a Private he was assigned to co. “E”, 10th U.S. Cavalry.  He stood 5’6” inches high, and had dark complexion, dark hair, dark eye. He was entitled to discharge by reason “Expiration of time of service.”

The U.S. Ten Cavalry was a black regular unit, formed in early August I867, commanded by famed Union Cavalry commander Col. Benjamin Grierson.  By the end of that month—and during Frank Johnson’s enlistment-- a troop of the 10^th would see action against 400 Cheyenne in the Kansas Battle of Saline river,  and a year later the entire regiment  would be engaged in the Beecher Island Box Fight and at Beaver Creek.

In the mid-70s the 10^th Cav shifted to the Texas frontier and through the 1880s saw action against Apache chieftains Victorio and Geronimo. During the Spanish American War the unit was engaged in Cuba at the Battles of Las Guasimas, El Caney and San Juan and Kettle Hill, and even saved Roosevelt’s Rough Riders from being severely handled.

A gallant regiment, the 10^th was awarded a number of Frontier army Medals of Honor, and was among the four key “Buffalo Soldier” units of that era—9^th & 10^th Cav, 24 & 25^th Infantry.

Excellent Frontier Army collectible. In protective sleeve. [jp] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!