Daily life for the troopers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries was harsh,
but, for the most part, it was similar to that of their White
counterparts. During the 1860s and 70s, the frontier forts
resembled little more than rundown villages, and the enlisted
men's barracks were often poorly ventilated, vermin infested hovels.
The only bathing facilities usually consisted of the local creek. As a
result, diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea, bronchitis, and
tuberculosis were a common problem. Rations throughout the Indian
campaigns consisted mainly of beef or bacon, potatoes, beans, fresh
vegetables from the post garden, and sometimes fruit or jam. The
work week was seven days, with the exception of the fourth of July
and Christmas. The monthly pay for a private was a meager $13
(reduced from $16 in 1871).
When available, many of the African-American troopers
availed themselves of after-hours schools established to
alleviate the illiteracy mandated by slavery. The schools were
normally run by chaplains assigned to the Black units, in part for this
purpose. Other leisure activities were sparse, especially for the
African-American troopers stationed in west Texas. Only a small
percentage of enlisted men were able to bring their wives with them
to the frontier posts.The small villages which grew up around the
forts were usually little more than a collection of saloons and
gambling parlors, inhabited by some of the more unsavory characters
on the frontier. Here, partially due to the federal government's harsh
reconstruction policies, racial prejudice by both local citizens and
law officers was severe. When disputes arose among Buffalo
Soldiers and locals, the local law and juries consistently sided
against the troopers.
The most serious problem faced by the Army during the Indian War
period was desertion. In 1868, the desertion rate for enlisted
personnel was approximately 25 percent. Desertions among White
regiments were roughly three times greater than those among Black
units. Also, both African-American cavalry and infantry regiments
had lower rates of alcoholism than their White counterparts. While in
the field, both the troopers and their horses faced not only hostile
Indians and outlaws, but also extended patrols of up to six months
and covering more than 1,000 miles. Adding to their ordeal was the
scarcity of water and the extremes of weather common to the
southwest.
When not on patrol, the Buffalo Soldiers were engaged in
endless drills, parades, and inspections. At Fort Davis in 1877
a dress parade, complete with the post band, was held each
evening except for Saturdays. Regarding the African-American
troopers, the Post Surgeon noted that: "the troops seemed especially
proud of their uniform and of their profession as soldiers."
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
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