Forts and Forays: A Dragoon in New Mexico, 1850-1856

Dr. James A. Bennett

Apr 2018 · Pickle Partners Publishing

About this ebook

Forts and Forays is a rare account of frontier soldiering in the pre-Civil War Southwest by an enlisted man. James A. Bennett joined the regular army in 1849 and was stationed in New Mexico for six years before he deserted to Mexico. Assigned to the First Dragoons, he visited most major New Mexico posts such as Forts Union, Craig, and Fillmore. His company was stationed at or passed through Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Socorro, and other New Mexico settlements. In six years, his rank climbed from private to sergeant before an unknown infraction reduced him to the ranks. Bennett served under future Civil War generals Edwin V. Sumner, Richard S. Ewell, and John W. Davidson.

During his service, Bennett waged war on the Kicarilla, Mogollon, Mescalero, and Mimbres Apaches, the Navajos, and the Utes, suffering serious wounds at the Battle of Cienguilla Forts and Forays is a unique glimpse into the routine duties and terrifying ordeals of soldiering in the antebellum Southwest.

About the author

JAMES A. BENNETT (January 8, 1831 - January 14, 1908) was born at East Avon, New York. He was raised by his grandmother in Rochester, New York from age 8. At 18, his mother’s hardship led him to enlist in the army in November 1849 to reach California, where gold had just been discovered. The following summer he was assigned to the First Dragoons and sent to New Mexico, where he served for eight years, keeping a diary.

Following termination of his army service due to ill health, he journeyed south into old Mexico before returning to the States. He worked as a practical doctor and trader and eventually reached Lima, New York, where he took up the study of medicine under his brother, Dr. George Bennett. He graduated from the University of the City of New York in medicine just before the Civil War. He served as assistant-surgeon in the 13th New York Heavy Artillery during the war, and then took up the practice of medicine at Prattsburgh, New York.

In 1960 he married Rowena E. Warfield and operated a drugstore with his brother-in-law, Myron Frank Warfield. Dr. Bennett died in 1909, aged 77.