After a term of service that included duty in Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico territory, he died at the battle of Gaine's Mill.
Mrs. Merrill, with her husband, who board at the Astor House, going to the South for his health, made us drink, champagne every day for sea sickness—a very agreeable medicine, truly... Jan 12, 1841...Some Indians with their squaws are in camp this morning.
I would give a months ^pay^ to see them all hanging to some of the pine trees around us... [saw] three of the rascals, one of them appeared to be a negro... ...Adjutant gave me notice immediately after inspection that there would be a parade.
I formed "F." Compy on the right in line of battle, and was not aware of the object of the parade, until I saw the prisoner in front who was to receive 50 lashes for desertion, with
After the proceedings and approval of the Court Martial were read, the prisoner was tied to three muskets stacked, and received the 50 lashes on his bare back, inflicted with a small rattan by the Chief Musician.
This was the first flogging I ever saw — Friday, January 12.—Yesterday Col. L arrived here from Fort Clinch with some women and children and a few women's on their way to Tampa... February 3d—Nothing wonderful happened to day—nothing to stir up the dull blood, or drive off ennui.—The Sun rose as usual, and has set behind the everlasting pine trees,—and the Moon is now shedding its soft and gentle rays upon us, occasionally obscured by some passing cloud which impudently thrust itself before her face.
...Occasionally the notes of a flute come wafted to our ears from the quarter of the soldiers mingled with the song and merry laughter of ^many a^ reckless son of Mars.
A little farther on another group may be seen whom frequent shouts and peals of laughter, are evidently occasioned by some witty jest, or stage buffoonery of the oracle of their little circle.
The soldier is the same the world over, as soon as enlists he throws dull care away, and becomes a reckless, thoughtless, light hearted being—thinking of nothing but the p[r]esent, and regardless of the future.Clark, John D., Congressman Thirty-fourth District, 1921–1925 (1925).