(Court-martial No. 6.)

Orders from Department Headquarters:

A General Court-Martial is ordered to convene at San Antonio, Texas, on Monday, December 2, 1878, at 10 o'clock A. M., or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the trial of Capt. G. A. Armes, Tenth Cavalry, and such other persons as may be properly brought before it.

Detail for the Court-Col. G. L. Andrews, Twenty-fifth Inf.; Lieut.-Col. L. C. Hunt, Twentieth Inf.; Lieut.-Col. M. M. Blunt, Twenty-fifth Inf.; Maj. J. E. Yard, Twentieth Inf.; Major James McMillan, Second Art.; Capt. J. H. Patterson, Twentieth Inf.; Capt. Lloyd Wheaton, Twentieth Inf. Capt. J. W. Clous, Twentyfourth Inf., is appointed Judge-Advocate of the court.

San Antonio, November 29, 1878. At 10 this A. M. I reported to Captain Clous, who read McLaughlin's and Sweet's statements. He talked as if there would be no trial, pretending to be my friend. I soon explained that there were no grounds for a trial, as Colonel Grierson had investigated the case before, and everything was in my favor, but that I had no objection to a trial. I requested a thorough investigation, however, of the false and malicious charges that had been

fixed up by Grierson, McLaughlin, Smithers & Co., who were a set of conspirators trying to force me out of the regiment. Having sent all the particulars to Judge Noah in Washington, a special friend of the Secretary of War, I felt assured that some steps would be taken to prevent any further persecution by those in authority at San Antonio.

December 2, 1878.

Captain Clous, acting as Judge-Advocate of the Department, went through my case today, and soon saw there was nothing in it, and with instructions from Washington naturally could not insist on a trial.

December 3, 1878.

General Ord sent for me this morning, informing me he had dismissed the charges on the ground that Colonel Grierson had investigated the matter in July, and that there was no sufficient reason for bringing me before a court. He gave General Vincent orders to have me released from arrest and returned to duty, but did not mention that he had been instructed from Washington.

Fredericksburg, Texas, December 6, 1878.

Aiter making a number of purchases yesterday afternoon, Colonel Millspaugh insisted on my calling to see Miss Saunders, a young lady with whom he is very much in love. After a visit of an hour we started back, when he spoke of purchasing a gold watch o diamond breastpin for her, as he said he wanted to give her something to remember him by. I advised him not to do it, but to select a handsome bouquet in place of the jewelry, as I thought it would have more effect. He followed my advice and sent her the bouquet.

Fort Stockton, Texas, December 11, 1878. Have just arrived here after nearly 500 miles' stage ride, night and day, and of course am pretty well tired out. Was met by Lieutenants Easterly, Quinby, Chaplain Baldridge and others, who seemed delighted at my victory. My quarters were illuminated and an elegant dinner fixed up for my reception. I had just set down to the table when my first sergeant brought the whole company to serenade me.

December 24, 1878.

Lieutenant John McMartin relieved me as Officer of the Day, when I went to Mr. Corbit's and bought a large sheep to take home to my first sergeant for a Christmas dinner for the men.

December 25, 1878.

My company had a dinner consisting of the whole sheep, roast pigs, cake and wine; in fact, almost equal to dinners gotten up in the East.

December 31, 1878.

Major McLaughlin gave as thorough an inspection of my quarters and men today as he possibly could, but was unable to find fault with anything. The company is looking well, and I am on good terms with all the officers and ladies at the post, with the exception of Major McLaughlin, Lieut. O. G. Sweet, Captain Robe and Lieutenant Easterly.

The memoranda, letters, orders and telegrams which follow are added to more fully illustrate the occurences of the year so eventful to myself and those whose fate is closely linked with mine:

Maj. Geo. A. Armes:

Washington, D. C., April 24, 1878.

Dear Old Friend-I heartily congratulate vou, and I congratulate the United States Army. You deserve all the favors you receive from the United States Government. If I had it in my power I would put Sitting Bull and all the Indian interests in your hands. and I would give you a full division, with the rank of General of Division. Kind regards to Madam Armes.

Your old friend and brother-officer,

(Telegram.)

To Hon. Chas. J. Faulkner,

M. J. GONZALES.

June 4, 1878.

Martinsburg, W. Va.:

Impossible to visit you Saturday. President Hayes sends regards and thanks for invitation. I will write particulars.

(Signed) G. A. ARMES.

Gen. J. S. Mason,

San Antonio, Texas:

Washington, D. C., June 12, 1878.

Dear General-I introduce to your consideration Captain Armes, Tenth Cavalry. I have found him amiable and agreeable, and all courtesies you can extend will be much appreciated. Introduce him to our dear Brown, who, like yourself, is always kind. Mrs. L. joins me in warm regards to you, Brown, John and other friends.

Adjutant-General, Department of Texas,

San Antonio, Texas,

Through Post Adjutant: Major McLaughlin has held me in close arrest eight days, and just furnished a copy of groundless charges, which I think the General Commanding Department will disapprove, as the malice is so plainly exhibited. Until the General Commanding Department can act I respectfully request a suspension of my arrest. G. A. ARMES, Capt. Tenth Cav.

Headquarters Department of Texas,

San Antonio, Texas, December 3, 1878.

V. Capt. G. A. Armes, Tenth Cavalry, is released from arrest, and will return to his post for duty.

CHAPTER XVII.

January 19, 1879. Lieutenant-Colonel Blunt, Twenty-fifth Infantry, arrived on the stage this A. M. and relieved old McLaughlin as commanding officer. He does not look to me as if he will be much improve

ment.

February 18, 1879.

For the past few weeks I have had mounted drill in addition to target practice almost every day. I fixed a number of posts with straw heads, where I practiced some men with their sabers in riding and knocking them off the posts, which is very interesting for the spectators who assemble afternoons when I drill.

March 14, 1879.

The truth is coming out at last in regard to Colonel Blunt. He is shielding Orleman against Major Geddes, whom he appears to be trying to get into trouble, and he seems to be under the influence of Colonel Grierson and Lieutenant Smithers. With the assistance of Lieutenant Sweet, they appear to be doing everything they can to find excuse to bring charges against him.

March 31, 1879.

As the Indians are committing depredations throughout the country, I have been ordered to hold my command in readiness to take the field. A citizen by the name of Price has received orders to report to me as contract Surgeon while I am in the field. I hope to prevent his being assigned with me, as he is a spy and mischief-maker.

April 4, 1879.

My company was relieved from duty at the post today. I had all my sabers packed and moved this afternoon. Having an independent command, I encamped about a mile from the post.

Camp Ritchie, in the Field, April 8, 1879. Moved with my company at 9 this A. M., with Dr. Price as Assistant Surgeon and Calvin Easterly as Second Lieutenant.