Mormon Battalion
In 1846, while encamped at Council Bluffs, Iowa, he joined the Mormon Battalion, which was formed at the request of the U.S. government for participation in the Mexican-American War.
He was commissioned as a Captain, and was placed in command of Company A. Two of his sons also enlisted, and served under his command.
He temporarily commanded the entire battalion when its commander died, until a replacement arrived.
During the Mormon Battalion's journey Hunt's company made the first known gesture of peace between Mexico and the U.S in what was called "The Exchange at the Presidio." The exchange took place very close to what is today Tucson, AZ. This event is commemorated with a statue in downtown Tucson. The statue was dedicated in 1996 by Gordon B. Hinckley, then President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
His entire family journeyed with the battalion as they completed what is to this day the longest march in U.S. Military history, ending in San Diego, California.
Read more about this topic: Jefferson Hunt
Famous quotes containing the word mormon:
“If you excommunicate one of us there will be 10 more to step up and take her place. Excommunicate those 10 and there will be 100 to take their places.”
—Lynn Knavel Whitesides, U.S. Mormon feminist. As quoted in the New York Times, p. 7 (October 2, 1993)