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.
Ratsuväen upseerina hän kunnostautui taistelussa Teksasin comancheja vastaan, ja haavoittui vakavasti taistelussa Nescutungassa Teksasissa 1859.