Journal of the U.S. Cavalry Association from Leavenworth, Kansas • 30

FIVE YEARS A DRAGOON. 555 mind was clear. I imagined, however, that I had been there three days, from Tuesday to Friday. The supplies in the train were for two commands some distance apart, and I had the papers, invoices, number of wagons to go to each place, the contents of each wagon, etc. The wagonmaster knew nothing about the distribution of goods, and, if this was Friday, they were a day behind and there would be confusion.

However, I soon learned that my idea of the time I had been there was but a delirium, and this was Wednesday morning. I had been there from 5 o'clock Tuesday to 8 o'clock Wednesday. This good woman had watched over me all night. Mr. and Mrs.

Martin Hefferlin were the people, and I might have died but for their kindness. My fever lasted nearly all night, during which I was quite violent, requiring close attention; and now I was nearly helpless, but my mind was clear. I inquired what time the stage for Fort Riley would 1 j' i 1 i gen. edwin vosb sumnkb pass, and Mrs. said in about an hour.

I bundled up my papers and memorandum book, wrote a short explanation and gave it to the stage driver, whom I happened to know, and who promised to give them to the wagonmaster. I found I could not ride, and returned to the fort with Lieutenant Buford (afterwards General Buford) who was en route Edwin Vose Sumner was born in Boston in 1797, and educated at Milton Academy. He was appointed second lieutenant of the Second Infantry in March 1819, became first lieutenant in 1823. and was promoted to captain First Dragoons (now First Cavalry) at the organization of that regiment in March 1833. In 1846 he was promoted major Second Dragoons (now Second Cavalry), and in 1848 lieutenant-colonel First Dragoons; and when the First Cavalry (now the Fourth) was created in 1855, he was appointed its colonel.

He was appointed brigadier-general in March, 1861, and major-general of volunteers in June of the same year. He died in March, 1863. General Sumner had his share of wars. He distinguished himself in the Black Hawk War, and took part in numerous expeditions against Indians. He participated in every engagement of General Scott's army in its advance.