The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1927-11-18
BY SERGEANT EDWARD MARSHALL
Fourth Infantry, Fort MissOulal

Fourth Infantry, Fort MissOulal
DROUD of the record of their regi-
ment, officers and soldiers at
Fort Missoula Monday, Nov. Z,
celebrated the n hundred sixteenth
anniversary of the first notable en-
gagement in which the Fourth United
States infantry took part.
Protecting settlers, clearing the
way for civilization in Indiana as
early as 1911; in Florida during the
Seminole wars; in Washington during
the outbreak of the Nisqually tribe
under Leschi, and in the campaign
against the Yakima Indians in 1855
and 1856; with General Crooks Big
Horn expedition in 1867; upholding
the honor of the United States in
every foreign war since the RevOlu-
ton, and participating ~gloriously in
the Civil war, the Fourth United
States Infantry possesses a history
which run through that of our coun-
try like a gold thread in a heroic war
banner.
The regiments first notable conflict
was fought November z, 1911, at Tippe-
canoe, Ind, against the great Indian
chief, Tecumseh.
The regiment was first organized as
the infantry Of the Fourth sublegion in
1892, only three years after the adoption
Of the Federal Constitution. The regi-
ment existed for 10 years and then was
disbanded due to g reduction in the
army. Threatening war clouds caused II
to be -reorganized in 1908, and since ther
it has had a record Of continuous service
including 122 noteworthy engagements
Of which more than 80 were historic
conflicts.
The battle Of Tippecanoe, fought I'm.
der the leadership Of General Harrison
afterwards president Of the United States
broke the power OF the Indian tribe il
the Northwest territory, now the states
Of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, ant
opened that great region to settlement
The battle was fought by the Fourth in
fantry and a force Of militia and volun
teers, the Fourth losing n Of it's 80
men in the engagement.
For 20 years, commencing in 1915, tn
regiment fought almost constantly will
the Greek Indians in Georgia, and tn
Seminoles in Florida, marching for day
through swamps, building cantonmentS
making roads, and in general openin
the way for civilization.
In Mexican War
In 1874, the threatened war with Mex
leo caused the wal department to orde
the Fourth infantry to the western boz
der Of Louisiana, there to await order;
Hostilities were precipitated by the nun
der Of Colonel Cross and the slaughte
, of Lieutenant Cross, Fourth infantry, an
7 a small detachment of his men by Mex
l can raiders. Although this happened i
April, communications were slow, and
; was not until September that III com
mand sailed for Corpus Christi wheru
with the Third, Fifth, Seventh an
Eighth Infantry regiments, a regimen
z Of artillery acting as infantry, seve
: companies Of dragons and four comps
MES Of light artillery, it formed tn
: army Of General Zachary Taylor.
Z Discipline Severe
b The pay was only 81 a month, the foe
S not rs well balanced as now, and disc
pline severe (hogging being a commo
d punishment), yet General Grant, then
lieutenant in the Fourth infantry, state
"a more efficient army, for it's membe
and armament, I do not believe ev
fought a battle" Certain it is that c
the fields Of PalO Alto, Resaca de
Palma, and at the desperate struggle
e Monterey, they set a standard Of couraI
# seldom equalled and never surpassed; n
is this surprising with the rough but il
trepid Taylor in command and such me
II as Grant and Lee serving as compal
officers.
r General Taylor, having successfully II
= vaded northern Mexico, the base Of a
If tive operations was transferred to We
is Cruz on the east coast, and in Janual
IL 1847, the Fourth was taken by sea
that port. The landing was made on
> side the town and after a siege the ci
h capitulated. General Scott, commando
d the army az Vera Cruz, ordered the a
ef