Lot Essay
Ex George Harris Collection.
Corporal Edwin Phoenix, Company E, 4th Cavalry, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for gallantry in action near Red River, Texas between 26-27.9.1874. A short report of the action by Colonel R.S. MacKenzie, commanding the 4th Cavalry reads:
'Camp was attacked by Indians on night of 26th and 27th. Attack lasting several hours, we lost nothing, had three horses wounded slightly. The Indians opened fire at daylight of 27th, and were attacked by 'E', Company, 4th Cavalry, Captain Boehm, and Scouts under Lieutenant Thompson, other Companies being in supporting distance. One Indian was killed whose body fell into our hands, our loss none. Moved the afternoon of the 27th and at daylight of the 28th attacked Indians camped in the great canyon of Red River at mouth of Canoncito Blanco and destroyed five small Camps and captured fourteen hundred and twenty four ponies, mules and colts of which ten hundred and forty eight were afterwards killed, the remainder now on hand. Three Indians were killed whose bodies were left on the ground. The Indians saw us coming down a very long and rough hill and had time to get away but lost almost all their stock. Had at first terribly bad weather and roads, General conduct of Officers and men very good, Spirits of Command are now excellent'.
Corporal Edwin Phoenix, Company E, 4th Cavalry, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for gallantry in action near Red River, Texas between 26-27.9.1874. A short report of the action by Colonel R.S. MacKenzie, commanding the 4th Cavalry reads:
'Camp was attacked by Indians on night of 26th and 27th. Attack lasting several hours, we lost nothing, had three horses wounded slightly. The Indians opened fire at daylight of 27th, and were attacked by 'E', Company, 4th Cavalry, Captain Boehm, and Scouts under Lieutenant Thompson, other Companies being in supporting distance. One Indian was killed whose body fell into our hands, our loss none. Moved the afternoon of the 27th and at daylight of the 28th attacked Indians camped in the great canyon of Red River at mouth of Canoncito Blanco and destroyed five small Camps and captured fourteen hundred and twenty four ponies, mules and colts of which ten hundred and forty eight were afterwards killed, the remainder now on hand. Three Indians were killed whose bodies were left on the ground. The Indians saw us coming down a very long and rough hill and had time to get away but lost almost all their stock. Had at first terribly bad weather and roads, General conduct of Officers and men very good, Spirits of Command are now excellent'.