1866 6TH U.S. CAVALRY MUSTER ROLL, TEXAS FRONTIER AND INDIAN WARS SERVICE

Partly printed muster roll for the 6th U.S. Cavalry, Company A, completed in manuscript. Signed by Captain Benjamin Tucker Hutchins (1836–1889), as company commander, and by Captain George Clarence Cram (1830–1869). Jacksboro, Texas, 31 October 1866. 31 x 21 inches.

The 6th U.S. Cavalry was a notable Civil War combat unit that later fought against the Comanche and Kiowa tribes during the Indian Wars, patrolling the Texas frontier as far west as Palo Duro Canyon. This muster roll was issued during this period, while the regiment was building nearby Fort Richardson. The document names over 60 men, with notations indicating assignments, furloughs, and desertions. The deaths of two men from disease, typhoid and cholera, are recorded, as well as the regiment’s deficiencies in cartridges and waist belts.

After the Civil War, the 6th U.S. Cavalry was dispatched to Texas to oversee Reconstruction efforts. Tasked with supervising local government, there was little fighting until 1870, when they encountered over 250 Kiowa warriors led by Chief Kicking Bird. Though outnumbered, the regiment fought valiantly and ultimately triumphed over the Kiowa.

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