Mormon Battalion

We went to a presentation about the Mormon Battalion 

that was an active military unit during the Mexican-American War. 

It is the only battalion named after a religious group. 

Hurricane was enchanted by the brass band that played.

He counted how many instruments have mouth pieces,

 how many boys and girls, and how many songs. 

I grew up learning about Israel Evans who walked the 2,000 miles in Company B.

He was stationed in San Diego after arriving in San Diego. 

He later was a captain of a handcart company. 

Sweetheart and I have talked about him.

On his messager at work, he has "Israel Evans walked 5,000 miles."

One day he was asked why Israel did that.

Sweetheart responded, "Because he believed a prophet."

Before we went, we looked up on Family Search to see 

if Sweetheart had a member in the battalion. 

He did. His name was Riley Garner Clark.

He was in Company A and was assigned to Los Angeles

after arriving in San Diego.

He eventually settled in Panguitch, Utah.

We haven't learned much about him yet.

The only battle that the Mormon Battalion fought was against bulls south of Tucson. 

Their march took them through the desert in the winter.

When they arrived in San Diego, most had no shoes, and their clothes were in tatters.

After the presentation, the boys got to dress up and see different displays.

We are glad we learned about our history.