As a cavalry subaltern, he distinguished himself by his gallant conduct in actions against the Comanches in Texas, and was severely wounded in a fight in Nescutunga, Texas, in 1859.
Som kavaleriofficer udmærkede han sig med tapperhed i kampe mod comancheindianerne i Texas og blev alvorligt såret i en kamp i Nescutunga, Texas, i 1859.