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the company left for Santa Pe. Although some good officers remained over the Battalion, some were not so good. When the detachment reached the last crossing of the Arkansas River, the commanding officer insisted that most of the families, with some food and supplies, be sent under guard up the Arkansas to Pueblo, Colorado. This was unquestionably "in the best interests both of the families and of the Battalion."6 Water was scarce and often impure causing many to become ill. Food rations were cut, and a number of the men were without blankets or warm clothing, having left as much as possible with their families, possibly misunderstanding exactly what they would receive from the Army. It is quite possible their commanding officers were more harsh because they understood the need for as much speed as possible so all could reach Santa Fe before supplies ran out or the weather turned cold. When they did reach Santa Fe, they were greeted by a 100-gun salute ordered by Colonel Honiphan, their supreme connander. There was much criticism and complaint about Dr. George H« Sanderson who had been appointed surgeon to serve with the Battalion. Sanderson seemed to enjoy tormenting the men who became ill and caused the whole company to travel more slowly. He nade them come before him each day to prove they were incapable of walking, then dosed them with medicine from a despised iron spoon. One man complained that he had been given a large dose of laudanum, but was warned by the orderly in charge to get rid of it quickly or it would be fatal.' Caratat's cousin William was apparently treated somewhat the same. When William became ill and unable to wall:, Caratat v;as advised to leave hin where he was and move on. Caratat sat cross-legged on the ground beside his sick cousin, his musket across his lap, and refused to leave. Finally the officer in charge ordered that William be lifted into the wagon. The commanding 11 |
