The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 12, July 1908 - April, 1909 Page: 309
332 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Reminiscences of Jno. Duff Brown.
309
The men had many little attacks of colic and minor ailments,
and they seemed to think that no one could relieve them so quickly
as their own lieutenant. For a long time they worked me hard
indeed, taking into consideration my other duties, which were im-
perious and could not be slighted. At last I had to object. We
had a good medical officer, but he was somewhat stern and indis-
posed to be unnecessarily overworked. He had a private, a physi-
cian, but a man who loved his ease, detailed to attend to all minor
ailments. I had unpleasant words with both of them about the
men, who were dear to me; but we had no fight, for we had not
entered the service to kill each other.
Just before the close of the six months for which I had enlisted,
I was commissioned by General T. N. Waul to raise a company
for his Texas legion, composed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
Through a mistake of Colonel Waul regarding military regula-
tions, my company ranked D in the cavalry battalion, which was
six hundred and forty strong. Company D mustered one hundred
and twenty-seven-mostly picked men. Thirteen promotions were
made from it. At Camp Waul, seven miles from Brenham, we
organized and drilled for some time. Meanwhile there occurred
an epidemic of measles, with six hundred cases reported, and a
few deaths. Young Lockett, a member of my company, had con-
tracted the disease and recovered; but he begged so earnestly to be
allowed to visit his mother-a widow-that with much reluctance
and many misgivings I gave him leave, receiving from him solemn
promises to obey instructions for safeguarding his health. Un-
fortunately he disobeyed the instructions, and, much to my sorrow,
relapsed and died.
After a time the command was ordered to march for north Mis-
sissippi. Obtaining leave, I visited my family, not feeling sure
but that it might be the last time. Drs. King and White, two of
the best surgeons in the legion, were my messmates; and, daily
observing my state of health, they assured me that I would not be
able to endure the rigors of campaigning in northern Mississippi
during the winter. Though in very delicate health, I had no
thought of resigning until compelled by an absolute breakdown.
At Vicksburg, where we stopped to perfect our rolls and pay off
the men, Dr. White came to me saying he was authorized by others,
and that it was his wish as well, to solicit me to become a candi-
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 12, July 1908 - April, 1909, periodical, 1909; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101048/m1/347/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.