Howdy, I suspect I do the Mariposa Battalion an injustice by not posting more of their Indian Adventures in early 1851. But my primary postings purpose was to discover YoSemite, not to corral Indians - thank goodness:-))) I suppose that If I had had a guy in the Battalion, I would have waded through all of Robert ECCLESTON'S Indian Wars diaries - tough sledding though, he can be unusually cryptic. With that in mind, we bring the Mariposa Battalion to closure with Eccleston's description of the mustering-out ceremony. Before we do, let's again look at his FIRST Battalion diary entry: "Feb. 12[1851] Wed. "Mustered into service[probably at WHITTIER's Hotel in Agua Fria] at 12 o'clk by Jas. G. BURNEY, Sheriff of Mariposa County by order of a requisition from Gov. McDOUGALL. .About 180 men volunteered, the requistion calling for 200. Jas. D. SAVAGE was elected Major without an opposing candidate or a dissenting voice. After this election, the Battalion marched to Dutch Frank's (LOREMCEISTER) and partook of refreshment eatable & drinkable, after which they marched to the rendezvous about 2 1/2 miles from Town[Buckeye Creek?], where a Surgeon, Comissary, &c. were elected." NOW we rejoin our diarist/Private Robert Eccleston almost five months later: "Tues. July 1st[1851]. ".....About 3 o'clk we were mustered out[again probably at Agua Fria's Whittier Hotel] by the mustering officer Adjt[M.B.] LEWIS. Major[James] BURNEY & many others were present. About 4 oclk we proceeded to partake of Barbacue, which consisted of Roast Beef, any quantity of bread, Cheese & Walnuts, besides drinkables. These were a half barrel of whiskey & a barrel of port wine, a sack of loaf sugar to make the Liquors palatable. The viands were discussed in a manner which spoke well for their qualities. "After dinner was over Major Burney[Sheriff & Battalion paymaster] mounted the Rostrum(an old rickety pantaloon box) & in a clear & pointed speech vindicated himself against the false rumors [Burney orginally declined Battalion command due to pressing sheriff duties -OR ? padded prisoner handling expense accounts:-)] which were in circulation about him. After him Mr.MERRIT [probably my ggf's friend, Samuel A. Merritt - Mariposa's lst County Clerk & later Chief Justice of Utah] spoke & announced himself as candidate again for the legislature, adding what he had done for the Battalion & what he would do should he be re-elected to office. "He was followed by Justice[Richard M.?] DALY who without any exact object in view spoke some time & then finished by saying should be appear as a candidate for ANY office, he hoped we would support him[:-)] Mr WADE said a few words. Mr MALLORD announced himself a candidate for the Legislature & Major Burney spoke a few words in behalf of Squire RUSHER who is also a candidate for the same office, he having to leave the party on account of business. "Judge[John G] MARVIN[Battalion Quartermaster who reportedly wrote the April 23, 1851"Alta California"Yosemite Discovery article - later, Marvin was CA's first Superintendent of Education] made a long & able speech showing in what manner he became attached to the Battalion & under what circumstances he served us till this time, bringing in many laughable antectdotes. He was greatly applauded. Major [James D.] SAVAGE said a few words thanking them for their kindness to him during our service & also complimenting us on our gentlemany deportment. "About sundown the meeting broke up in harmony & good will & thus ended the great COMPACT which called so many together." NOTE: Eccleston's Diaries editor C. Gregory CRAMPTON quoting from the account book, "Expenditures for Military Expeditions Against the Indians of California During the Years 1850-1851-1852," confirms the Battalion's disbandment date of July 1, 1851. He reports the account book shows that our 49er/diarist Private Robert Eccleston, who furnished his own horse, was paid $565 for his battalion services, and $86.67 for his horse, a total of $651.67. According to the account book, the total cost of the Mariposa Battalion was $256,145.37. Nothing stupendous, but I thought it purty intertesting:-) Bob Norris in Dallas <BNorris166aol.com>