We had many a lively skirmish with the bushwhackers and Younger brothers, and when we were not hunting them, we were generally employed in carrying dispatches between Forts Dodge, Gibson, Leavenworth, and other posts.

Whenever we were in Leavenworth we had a very festive time.

We usually attended all the balls in full force, and "ran things" to suit ourselves.

Thus I passed the winter of 1862 and the spring of 1863.
Subsequently I engaged to conduct a small train to Denver for some merchants, and on reaching that place in September, I received a letter stating that my mother was not expected to live.

I hastened home, and found her dangerously ill.