Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
2018.006.0002Scope and Content
Letter from 1st Lt. Cyrus A. Earnest to a Major General in Washington D.C. enumerating his service in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1861. The letter was written in 12/10/1878 from Benicia Barracks. While the letter is not very exciting, the service of Mr. Earnest was very distinguished. His obituary in the S.F. papers of the times shows that he was very active during the Civil War and after in the Indian conflicts. He served at Vicksburg, Atlanta, and Fort McCallister, GA and was decorated for gallant services at each place. He fought in the Nez Perces war, went on various Yellowstone expeditions, served at Fort Yuma and San Diego. He went on a leave of absence to Europe for a period.
The obituary also describes in detail some of his specific experiences while in the Army. He died at age 53 in Fort Niobrara.
Lt. earnest signed off a commander on a supply order in item 2006.044.0257.Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection
