William leaves his wife behind
This is copy of William Metty's enlistment in the 13th Infantry on June 10, 1870. The enlistment took place "in the field" near Fort Shaw, Montana Territory. He is described as being 24 years of age, and a carpenter by occupation. Of greater interest is the second part of his enlistment contract shown below wherein he signs the Declaration of Recruit which reads as follows: I, William Metty desiring to ENLIST in the Army of the United States, for the term of FIVE YEARS, Do declare, That I am twenty four years and --- months of age, that I have neither wife nor child; that I have never been discharged from the United States service on account of disability, or by sentence of a court martial, or by order before the expiration of the term of enlistment; and I know of no impediment to my serving honestly and faithfully as a soldier for five years. On the 28th day of October 1869, at Louisville, Kansas he married Mary C. Jackson. What became of his new wife? The records show t...
