John R. Bell (military officer)

He underwent a court martial between November 27 and December 7, 1821, and was found partially guilty of charges brought by a junior officer.

[2] Bell joined to American Army in his youth, place where he stressed, obtaining the commandant and Captain titles.

[1] Bell served in Maine and Boston, Massachusetts from 1815 to early 1819, including one year as a superintendent of Recruiting Services.

[1][2] Bell was described as "a tall, handsome and soldierly-looking man, who was with us for more than a year, and who, without abating the rigor of the discipline, showed how it could be maintained consistently with a proper regard for the feelings of those under him."

[2] Bell wrote to Secretary of War John C. Calhoun about the open position of journalist on Stephen Harriman Long's expedition of 1820.

[4] A few times he questioned Long's authority and when the expedition divided into two parties, Bell led one of the groups along the Arkansas River.

[5] John R. Bell moved to East Florida, where he was commander of American troops at St. Augustine and provisional secretary.

John C. Calhoun, the Secretary of War, ordered half pay for one year and suspended him from command.

[1][5] He became a brevet major on October 10, 1824, after serving in garrisons in Savannah Harbor, Georgia and Fort Moultrie, South Carolina.