Memoirs of John Adams Dix; comp. by his son, Morgan Dix.

48

MEMOIRS OF JOHN ADAMS DIX.

Shortly after my arrival an independent battalion was organized, consisting of nine companies, and placed under the
command of Major Timothy Upham, of the Twenty-first U. S.
Infantry, who appointed me his adjutant. From June to October this portion of the army was in entire inaction. It was
then united with the troops which had been acting on the
Niagara frontier, and the combined force was placed under
the command of General Wilkinson for the expedition against
miles from Utica. It is situated on a hill, about half of a mile from the
centre of the village. It is of wood-three stories high, and appears
very elegant from the village. There were but twenty or thirty scholars
there, but the number is fast increasing.
"We parted with some reluctance, I assure you, though with the
promise of writing one another once a week.
"My attention is at present somewhat engaged with military affairs,
and I am very much pleased with the employment, I assure you, but believe I shall not lose my relish for civil society. I am attached to a
company, and do my share of all the duties. I spend two or three hours
each day in the Adjutant-general's office as an assistant. This will
afford me an opportunity of understanding all the details of an army.
The Adjutant-general is a smart, active, vigilant, and experienced officer,
and possesses very brilliant talents.
"I will mention a circumstance which, I fancy, will please you. My
father, before he would permit me to accept my appointment, required
me to give him a bond under hand and seal obligating me to 'remain
in the service no more than two years, then to leave the army and finish
my studies, unless I should obtain his permission; or, in case of his decease, Dr. Shattuck's permission to remain a longer time.'
" I brought with me a number of school-books, which I attend to two
or three hours each day. I shall endeavor, therefore, to hold my ground
at least in literature.
"My father sends his respects to your family. Please to present mine
to Mrs. Derby's and Mr. West's families, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Shattuck, Mademoiselle Williams, Monsieur Doane, etc.
"T Votre tres-humble serviteur,
"J. A. DIx..
"Dr. GEO. C. SHATTUCK.
" N.B.-Please to direct a letter to ' Ensign JOHiN A. Dix, 14th Regt.,
U. S. Inf., Sackett's Harbor, N. Y.'"