Partially printed form filled out in ink. 43x56 cm (17x22”), folding to 21.5x9 cm (8½x3½”).
Fascinating monthly report from the commanding officer at Fort Philip Kearny, construction of which was begun on July 13, 1866 by the 18th Infantry, under the direction of the regimental commander and Mountain District commander Colonel Henry B. Carrington. The fort was in present-day northeastern Wyoming along the Bozeman Trail.
The report lists the various officers and their posts, including those absent or on assignment, the total number of enlisted men (some being “in arrest or confinement”), the number who died, etc. Among the officers listed, besides Ten Eyck, are Henry B. Carrington, William H. Bisbee, John J. Adair, William J. Fetterman (absent, on detached service), Henry W. Wessells (spelled here Wessels, also on detached service), Charles R. Woods, and other luminaries of both the Civil War and the western frontier. Of great interest is the “Record of Events,” perhaps 300 words (a portion on attached slip as space ran out), relating that “The troops… designated to garrison New Fort Reno reached the present location of said fort July 13th, 1866. The fort is located 65 miles N.W. from Old Fort Reno... A party of troops from 2 Batt, 18 Inf. had an engagement with about 30 Cheyenne Indians 4 miles from the Post. Indians attempted to stampede the mules from the train coming from the timber. One Indian killed one mortally wounded...”