Early Military Career
Upon graduation from West Point, he was assigned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Infantry. Serving first in Pensacola, Florida, he served in the Mexican War, first under Zachary Taylor, then under Winfield Scott. At the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846, he was brevetted to 1st Lieutenant for bravery. He later served at the siege of Vera Cruz, Churubusco, and Molino del Rey. For bravery in these latter battles he was brevetted once again to Captain.
He served in the Army until 1861, when he resigned his commission from his post in Utah. Siding with his wife's family, he returned to their home in Louisiana, where he joined the Confederate States Army as a colonel.
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