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A New Wife and Troubles on the Rio Grande 83 No doubt Una was overjoyed at leaving Fort McIntosh. During most of her time there, she was the only white woman at the fort. “The troops were colored but faithful and good to us,” she wrote. She had experienced not only the hardships of life on the post but also had learned what it was like to be in the line of fire. “During any fighting across the river we were instructed to lie on the floor with the babies in order to be out of the path of bullets which might come through the windows.” She also noted, not surprisingly, “The heat was intense during our stay at Laredo.”50 Henry Merriam, Una, and daughter Caroline (now called Carry), left Fort McIntosh by wagon bound for San Antonio. Una remarked, “We had no sorrow at leaving Laredo and packed up in short order, discarding many useful articles in order to make the weight of our household effects come within the Government allowances.” At San Antonio they paused to rest from the arduous wagon journey. Una rejoiced in being able to purchase “a presentable hat to continue the journey with.” They had to travel thirty miles beyond San Antonio before they could catch a train that would carry them on to Atlanta.51 Thus, in the latter part of 1876, Merriam’s long, difficult, and varied experience in Texas and along the Rio Grande came to an end. A review of Merriam’s time there points to several significant conclusions. First, this chapter in his life had showcased his talent in selecting strategic locations for military garrisons and building up existing forts. Most telling was the order directing him to establish locations for deploying army units in the lower Rio Grande region. Merriam gained a reputation for his astute choice of points to better control a wild and lawless area. This was all the more remarkable considering he was an Army wagon transportation, Summer 1886. Courtesy National Archives. 84 Chapter 6 infantry and not a cavalry officer. Also, he served as commander of several important forts, particularly up and down the Rio Grande from Fort Bliss to Fort Brown, despite being a relatively junior officer. His growing experience as a post commander, including all the multitude of details ranging from health and sanitation to logistical matters, became a highlight in his expanding military resume. This background would prove important in his forthcoming career assignments in the FarWest. Second, Merriam greatly strengthened his command and leadership credentials, exhibiting sound judgment and decisive action when he believed circumstances warranted.While on the border, with its chaotic conditions, he actively gathered intelligence and firsthand information on conditions in Mexico . The number of revolutionary leaders and Mexican federal officials that he had to deal with was extraordinary. There also was always the question of who was in control. In the New Laredo crisis, Merriam demonstrated unusual and successful diplomatic skills despite being personally fired with a strong sense of American nationalism. On occasion he sought to befriend and use Mexican leaders. At times he evidently saw opportunities to play off one Mexican faction against the other; the Garcia protest letter was an attempt to foil this strategy and unite Mexicans against the Americans. As a person with a passion for discipline, Merriam continually worked to bring law and order to New Laredo as an answer to protecting US interests there. Also, like any smart military man, he was careful to keep his superiors informed and earnestly sought their backing but was not hesitant to act when he felt the situation required a timely response. Overall, Merriam showed measured restraint and diplomatic skill both with his own military and governmental authorities and with Mexican leaders. At the same time, he was always cognizant of the value of timely application of military force in diplomatic situations. Third, Merriam’s departure from Texas terminated his command of black troops and his long tenure with the 24th Infantry. It is important to note that in a number of events, the regiment must have been ready for a fight. Maintaining combat readiness while stationed at distant posts was not easy and at times ignored.Troops were often caught up in mundane activities of garrison life and lost the discipline of arms. Merriam apparently had no hesitancy in sending his men into a possible hostile situation. He remained ready to use force or the...

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