I just received my gr-gr-gr-grandfather's military records from the NARA. I thought I'd post some of it in case someone is related to him. His parents were John W. DAWSON & Mary LOOMIS. Thomas was born 26 March 1839 in Hancock County, OH, he married Hannah I. HOSFORD in 1859 in Story County, Iowa, and he died on 10 June 1901 in Clark County, WA. I have a question: What exactly was the "bounty" the soldiers had to pay? I've heard of bounty lands, were those granted them because they paid the bounty? Thanks! Thos. M. V. Dawson pvt., Co. M, 2 Reg't California Cavalry. Appears on Returns as follows: Nov 1862 On extra or daily duty building quarters Apr 1863 Absent on detailed service at Little Sandy 90 miles east of this Post -- on an Indian scout -- since 28 inst. -- Sep 1863 On extra or daily duty plasterer Oct 1863 On extra or daily duty (V? Q?) M. Dept. since Sep 30/63 Plasterer order of C.O. Jun & Jul 1864 Absent on detached service enroute from Muddy Creek A. T. (Arizona Territory) to Camp Douglas U. T. (Utah Territory) since June 7/64 -- Mch 1865 Absent with leave since Mch 29/65 at Camp Douglas U. T. Jul 1865 Absent on detached service since July 29/65 at Fort Laramie D. T. (Dakota Territory?) Aug 1865 Disharged Aug 27/65 Fort Laramie D. T. Expiration of service ------------------------ Thos. M. V. Dawson, Co. M, 2 Reg't California Cav. Appears on Company Descriptive Book of the organization named above DESCRIPTION Age 23 years; height 5 feet 4 inches. Complexion fr (fair) Eyes blu; hair lt (light) Where born Hancock O Occupation mason ENLISTMENT When Aug 26, 1862 Where Dry Creek Station Nev. Ty. By whom 1st & Adjt J. W. Stillman, 3 Inf C. V., term 3 y'rs ------------------------- Thomas M. V. Dawson Pt, Co. M, 2 Reg't California Cavalry Age 23 years. Appears on a Detachment Muster-out Roll of the organization named above. Roll dated Ft. Laramie D. T., Aug 15, 1865. Muster-out to date Aug 15, 1865 Last paid to June 30, 1865 Clothing account: Last settled June 30, 1865; drawn since $_______ Due soldier $________; due U.S. $_________ Am't for cloth'g in kind or money adv'd $5 42/100 Due U.S. for arms, equipments, &c., $18 62/100 Bounty paid $25; due $75 Valuation of horse, $___________ Valuation of horse equipments $____________ Remarks: discharge furnished - ---------------------------------- Thomas M. V. Dawson, Co M, 2 Reg't California Cav. Appears on Company Descriptive Book of the organization named above DESCRIPTION Age 23 years; height 5 feet 4 inches. Complexion fr Eyes blu; hair lt Where born Hancock O Occupation mason ENLISTMENT When Aug 26, 1862 Where Dry Creek Sta N. T. By whom Capt. Price; term 3 y'rs Remarks: Mustered into service Feb 4/64 at Ft. Bridger U. T. by Lt Wildrick 3 Art USA $25 of bounty Act July 5/62 paid Dischgd at Ft. Laramie D. T. Aug 27/65 Exp of service T. Aug 27/65 Exp of service