Dragoons

by Paintbrush235


An Army of Observation Under Observation

November 10th. Fort Scott. Equestria. 1845

Quite a lot had happened in the past two weeks for the young Patrick Harris and the rest of the Fort Scott Garrison. Indeed quite a lot had happened for the U.S. Army in general. Only a week had gone by since the storm had carried off Fort Scott from Kansas Territory and plopped them in the prairie 12 miles from a little village called Ponyville. Now, almost the entire prairie was filled with the blue uniforms of United States soldiers and the white shapes of their tents and the grey columns of campfire smoke.

Patrick himself was now sitting outside his and Billy's tent with all the members of their squad as they prepared the squad breakfast of skilly gally, salt pork and hardtack all fried together in a pan. He was looking forward to what came after the concoction, for tucked away in his haversack was a fresh red apple from Sweet Apple Acres. When Colonel Matthews had heard of the farms bountiful harvest, he had sent the fort quartermaster to procure enough of the fruit for the garrison. The Apple Family had obliged and now several crates of delicious apples sat in the storehouse.

Patrick looked up from his pan to take in the mass of humanity that surrounded him. As far as he could see were the tents of fellow dragoons. And not only those of the garrison at Fort Scott, but also those of the 2nd Regiment that had arrived with Captain May. And what was even more surprising was that they were not alone in arriving either. Only five days ago, another report of a strange appearance had reached the soldiers at Fort Scott. Apparently, further north in an area that was referred to as the great Equestrian Plains, another military post had appeared. A quick investigation into the matter had led to the realization that the post that had arrived was Fort Leavenworth, along with the rest of the 1st US Dragoon Regiment under Colonel Stephen Watts Kearney. Like the men at Fort Scott, and those under General Taylor, the mounts at Fort Leavenworth had also gained the ability to communicate with the riders. Questions again were raised to the Royal Sisters of Equestria as to what exactly was causing all of this, though they admitted that that knowledge was beyond them. They only promised that they along with Princess Twilight would continue to search for answers.

In the meantime, General Taylor, who had established himself as the most senior officer present among them and therefore the de facto commander, had set up all of the units that had arrived in a single camp around Fort Scott. The barracks were emptied out to make room for senior officers, which the enlisted men of the garrison didn't appreciate, and the rest of the army was now camped in the fields surrounding the post. The 1st US Dragoons were camped with the 2nd Regiment closest to the fort as the men needed to be near their horses. It was a dramatic change to go from barracks and bunks to canvas tents and ground cloths, but luckily for the dragoons, they were much more accustomed to living rough from their expeditions into the Indian Nation. The infantry and artillery regiments however, who spent most of their lives quartered up in the barracks of their posts had yet to get used to the sensation, though many elder sergeants soon put a stop to any complaining.

"I think it's done."

Patrick's thoughts were cut short when Billy cut in. Looking back at his friend he saw that he had his fork up to his face and it appeared that he had tasted the stew. No words were needed as Billy was the trusted cook in the squad. Plates were soon brought up and forks pulled out to stand ready for the unsavory yet long anticipated breakfast. Billy then pulled the pan off of the grate and began to use his wooden spoon to shovel the stew onto the awaiting plates. Soon, each soldier had a full plate and was beginning to shovel the food into their mouths.

The warm food was actually quite welcome that morning for the weather had started to turn cold with the season. Even now Patrick and the rest of his comrades were dressed in their greatcoats that had been unpacked at last after being stowed away for the summer. It made sleeping out in the field slightly more uncomfortable, but Patrick could manage. The weather however did not help in preventing jealousy arising among to the enlisted men over the fact that the senior officers were quartered in the barracks. Cups of warm coffee helped to sooth any hard feelings though. The cold weather also made men welcome drill as it meant they were up and moving around keeping warm.

"Having a good breakfast lads?"

Patrick and the rest of the men around the fire looked up to see Sergeant McMann standing over them, sword belt fastened tight around he buttoned up overcoat. Sticking out of his mouth was his clay pipe with wisps of smoke wafting about his face.

"Fine meal sergeant." Billy replied with a mouthful. "Would you like a bite?"

"No thank you Kirkwood." McMann smiled. "I already ate. Though I do have an assignment for you and Harris."

Patrick looked up at that.

"The Captain needs you two to escort a supply wagon into town. To pick up an order of fresh vegetables. Though no dawdling."

"Yes sergeant." Both Patrick and Billy said together as they stood up and went back into the tent to fetch their gear.


Patrick enjoyed the ride into Ponyville. He had grown to do so after the many supply runs that he had been assigned to escort had taken him into the little village. Over the course of two weeks, the citizens of Ponyville had warmed up to the soldiers and were happy to see their appearance in the village. Even now, Patrick was busy tipping his hat and waving in return to similar gestures from the citizens as he, Billy and the supply wagon rode into town.

Patrick and Billy soon halted their mounts when they arrived in front of store owned by a Miss Carrot Top. It was here that General Taylor had established a supply deal for vegetables for the army. The wagon stopped just behind them and the infantry teamsters put the brake on and hopped down. The leader, a young black haired corporal grabbed a packet of papers that contained the list of supplies and knocked on the door. Patrick looked away at this as it had become routine. He began to look around the street at all of the Ponyville citizens going about their daily routines. Mares walked about with their baskets of purchases and talked in pairs or even trios about the latest gossip. Stallions in this frock coats and wide brimmed hats exchanged news as they themselves ran their own errands in town. Behind several couples walked children with springs in their steps that made Patrick smile. Though everyone was still somewhat on edge after being transported to this strange land, he found it comforting to know that there was such a kind and vibrant settlement near the fort now.

His thoughts were interrupted when the sound of what appeared to be a child's cries reached his ears. Turning his head he saw that they were coming from an alley between Miss Carrot Top's shop and the building next door. Curiosity getting to him, he made a snap decision in his brain.

"I'll be right back." He said to Billy before he dismounted Caroline. "You stay here as well girl." He said with a smile before turning back to the alley and making his way over to it. When he reached the entrance to the alley, he was greeted with a quite unpleasant site to say the least.

Three teenaged colts dressed various vests, trousers and hats were standing over a little unicorn filly dressed in a now dirty pink dress and bonnet. All three of the colts were wearing the most evil smiles that children could make on their faces, and two of them held pieces of what appeared to be a stuffed teddy bear. The little mare was crying her eyes out as tears seemed to pour down her cheeks and stained her dress as they fell on to the fabric. Even worse, Patrick recognized the little unicorn filly, which made him all the more angry at the sight. The little filly sitting on the ground crying was Dinky.

"...w....w....w..wh..why!?" She sobbed. "Wh-why did you d-d-do th-hat?!?!" Her cries nearly shattered Patrick's heart.

" 'Oh why did you do it? WAH WAH WAH!' " One of the colts, a brown pegasus with black hair mocked. "Why do you think? Because you're a dumb little filly with a dumb little toy!"

"Yeah." The colt standing next to him, a light grey earth pony with shale grey hair smirked. "You and your clutz of a mother! Why don't you and that whore just pack up and move on out of here anyway?! You're both giving this town a bad name!"

With that all three of the colts started laughing, and with that Patrick had had enough. He marched right on over and cleared his throat. The three colts looked behind them and saw a tall human soldier standing before them with his arms crossed and a deep scowl on his face.

"What's going on here then?" Patrick growled. For a moment, the bravado in the colts faded, but when they saw that the human was alone, their smug expressions returned and they all took a step towards him.

"What do you want monkey?" The grey earth pony asked. Patrick ignored the obvious insult and continued.

"Where are your parents?" He asked.

"Get out of here you ape!" The brown pegasus shouted. "This ain't your business!"

"No." Patrick replied. "I think you three need to get out of here right now."

The grey colt stepped forward. "Oh yeah? And who's gonna make us? You?! All alone?!"

"He's not alone."

Patrick looked behind him to see Caroline, Billy and his mount Coal standing behind him with angered expressions. Turning back to the colts, he saw that the bravado had well and truly gone as they dropped the remnants of the teddy bear and took off down the alley. Patrick bent down and picked up the teddy bear and walked over to the still crying Dinky.

"Hey. They're gone now." he whispered soothingly. "It's alright."

Dinky looked up and began to slowly stop crying as she took in the familiar face of the trooper. The kind smile soothed her worries and slowly but calmly, she reached out and took the teddy bear from Patrick's hand. Clutching the stuffed animal to her chest, Dinky stood up and looked at Patrick with her wide eyes, causing his heart to melt nine times over.

"Are you ok?" He said softly.

Dinky attempted to blink away her tears, but found that her efforts weren't necessary because Patrick took that moment to softly wipe away the clear drops away with his thumb. Looking into his warm smile, Dinky's breaths began to settle until she was breathing regularly again. Patrick looked down at the torn teddy bear now clutched tight in her hands. Looking back into her eyes, he whispered again.

"Your mom nearby?"

Dinky shook her head. "No." She said silently. "I was on my way home from school. Didn't see the boys. They dragged me into the alley and grabbed Fluffles from me." She stopped and looked down at the bear.

Patrick sighed. Understood what Dinky was going through. Had seen in before back home before he had run off to the army. The boys in his hometown roaming the county searching for girls to tease and for boys they thought too weak to fight back. One of the few times that his father had been proud of him was when he had knocked one of those boys down with his fist after he finally decided to stand up for himself. Though the next day he had felt the sting of his belt after the school had punished him for the fight. Looking at the now shivering unicorn filly, he put his hand on her shoulder, causing Dinky to look up from her teddy bear again.

"Would you like me to walk you home?"

Dinky nodded. "Yes please."

Patrick smiled and looked back at Billy and Caroline, looking on with sad eyes at the poor child. Getting up and taking Dinky by the hand, he walked the filly over to his fellow trooper and mount, stopping in front of him.

"Watch over her for a second." he said. "I'll be right back."

He then made his way back to the wagon where the soldiers were already loading the vegetables by the crate. He walked up to the Corporal who stood there keeping track of each item as it was loaded.

"Permission to speek Corporal?" He asked as he approached.

"Permission granted." Came the reply.

"We found a young Equestrian child back in that alley that has lost her way home. I know who her mother is and I request permission to escort the young lady back to her home."

The Corporal looked over Patrick's shoulder at Billy, Coal and Caroline standing several feet behind Patrick with Dinky close beside them. He took a quick glance back at the wagon still being loaded with produce. The black haired soldier shook his head before turning back to Patrick.

"Fine. Permission granted." He said sighing. "But be quick about it."

"Yes Corporal."

Patrick turned back towards his friends and knelt down to Dinky.

"You want to ride up on Caroline with me to your Mother's house?" He said.

Dinky's eyes widened in surprise. She looked up at Caroline's smiling face, then turned back to Patrick with an enthusiastic smile and nod. Returning the smile, Patrick grabbed Dinky's waste gently and lifted her up onto his saddle. Dinky briefly became nervous at the hight she had not anticipated from the top of the horse. This quickly faded however when Patrick joined her, sitting behind her to help secure her to the seat. Patrick took the reins and looked down at his passenger.

"Would you be my guide Dinky?" He said.

Dinky nodded and pointed down the road. "My house is down the road that way. It's a little white house."

Patrick nodded. He signaled to Caroline, who began to make her way in the direction that Dinky had pointed towards.


After about a ten minute ride, the white house that Dinky had said was her home came into view. The structure was familiar to Patrick as he had seen many similar houses on his trek through Missouri on his way to the Army. There was a simple porch on the front of the house which contained a simple rocking chair to the right of the front door. Off to the right of the yard was a simple outhouse of grey faded wood. Off to the left were the doors to a root cellar. A few wisps of smoke came from the simple mud and log chimney connected to the house. And coming around from behind the house carrying a pile of wood, dressed in a simple green dress, was the mare Patrick knew as Bright Eyes. As they approached the house, Bright Eyes looked up from her woodpile in their direction. Upon seeing her daughter with one of the new soldiers that had arrived recently, she paused, set her pile down and made her way over to them. Meanwhile Patrick had dismounted and helped Dinky down from Caroline's back onto the ground.

"Dinky dear!" Bright Eyes said in surprise. Dinky ran over to her mother and wrapped her arms around her waist, which Bright Eyes returned. Patrick took off his cap and slowly approached the pair with Caroline's reins still in his hands.

"Good afternoon ma'am." He greeted. Bright eyes looked up at the smiling face, and upon recognition, widened her eyes.

"Good afternoon Mister Patrick." She replied in wonder. "What brings you out here and where did you find Dinky?"

Patrick sighed before answering. "We were on our way to gather supplies for the post, when we found your daughter in an alley being harassed buy who I am guessing were some local boys. We ran them off. I offered to bring Dinky home."

Bright Eyes looked down with sadness before releasing her grip from Dinky. "Dinky, Muffin. Why don't you run inside and get yourself washed up for supper ok?"

"Yes mommy." Dinky replied before running to the house and closing the door behind her. Bright Eyes turned back towards Patrick with her arms wrapped around herself and her head hung low. A moment passed before she looked up at Patrick.

"Thank you for bringing her back home." She said quietly. She looked back at the door quickly. "I uh...should go and see if she is getting herself clean."

"Do you need any help ma'am?" Patrick asked quickly.

"No I'm fine." Bright Eyes answered quickly. "Thank you again."

Patrick nodded. "At your service ma'am." He replied before turning back Caroline. After mounting back up, he saw Bright Eyes quickly entering the house. As he turned back down the road, he swore he heard the sound of a sob come from the house. Though when he turned his head to the house, all he heard was silence.


After returning to the camp at Fort Scott, Patrick and Billy had found the camp in an uproar with men rushing about to and fro. When they asked what the fuss was about, they had immediately joined in the rush as they were told that Princess Luna was returning to the fort to observe the army, and the commanders had only gotten word from her that day. Now there was a scramble of men to clean the buff white belts, polish the buttons and boots of their uniforms to make themselves presentable. However that effort was soon cut short.

Just as Patrick and Billy had grabbed their polishing paste, Sergeant McMann came jogging into the row of tents that made up their company street.

"Get your assess up to the parade ground now!" He shouted. "The Princess is here now! Captain wants all you mongrels up at the parade ground now!"


Luna looked around from atop her stag Gladius at the sprawling city of canvas that stretched around her. Behind her trailed her entourage of personal squad of six Lunar Guard Stallions, mounted up on their own stags and decked in their midnight shaded armor and black cloaks while grasping the pennants that bore her insignia. As she passed the various tents, she could see the soldiers dressed in their sky blue coats staring at her, some pointing, some whispering. She could sense the awe and confusion radiating from them as they followed her through the tents. Clearly, they had never seen anything like her, dressed in her full Commanders Uniform, sporting her midnight black cloak. This idea both filled her with confidence, and oddly curiosity. A desire to learn just why these soldiers were so stunned at her appearance.

Before anymore thought could be put towards this subject, the sound of fast approaching hooves hit her ears. Turning to her front, she saw a group of five humans riding upon their horses making their way towards her and her guards. As they got closer, she could see that the head rider was the man that had called himself General Taylor the last time she and her sister had met him. The other officers that were accompanying him were unfamiliar to her. Halting her stag she gave the signal for her guards to do the same. A few seconds later, General Taylor and his group came to a halt in front of her.

"Princess Luna." General Taylor greeted with a nod. "Apologies. We did not expect you to arrive so soon after your letter reached us. We would've prepared some sort of reception for you."

Luna tilted her head up. "Quite alright. Tis precisely what we expected. We wished to view your troops exactly as they are." She nudged her stag forward at a slow walk. "We have found that parade inspections fail to display the full potential of soldiers anyway."

General Taylor smirked at that comment, before turning his mount to ride alongside Luna, his officers falling into place behind them. "As you wish ma'am. Did you have anything in particular that you wished to view."

"When we were last here, the commander of this post mentioned the role of artillery in your military. As this is something that our forces also possess we wish to see how it compares."

General Taylor nodded. "Of course ma'am." He turned back to the group of officers. "Major Ringgold!"

An officer in a double breasted coat with gold oak leaves on his shoulder bars rode up and saluted. Luna looked at the officer and studied the man. His face bore the signs of wisdom and Luna could sense a great intellectual mind in the man.

"Prepare one of your battery sections to perform for the Princess. Inform them that this is no dress parade. Strictly a display of our arms. Clear?"

"Yes sir." The man replied with a smooth accent that seemed to Luna to be a more refined Appleoosan accent. After the man saluted he signaled to his mount, who with a smile and whiney galloped off towards another end of the camp.


Arrayed before Luna, she had to admit, was an impressive sight. She had not known what to expect but what she was given was much more than that. The human soldiers and their beasts moved with a precision that she had not expected and now with their guns arrayed before her, it was clear that these soldiers took pride in their duty. Right now the man called Major Ringgold was beginning to explain to her how the crews operated their artillery.

"You see your Highness. The gun is positioned in front and is serviced by four crew. Fifteen yards behind the piece is the limber, which contains fifty rounds of ammunition. Another ten yards behind the limber would be the caisson with extra limber boxes. Behind the caisson is the team of horses." He then began pointing to the individual soldiers around the gun and other vehicles. "The number one of the front right is the one who rams the round home with his rammer and sponge. He also cleans the gun between firings. The number two on the front left is the man who receives the round and places it in the barrel. The number three on the back right punctures the powder bag of the round with his priming wire and helps to prime the piece. The number four on the back left uses his lanyard to fire the piece with the friction primers. The number five carries the round up in his haversack. The numbers six and seven work the box and give the round to the number five. The gunner directs the crew and gives the commands."

Luna peered at the display and found her focus directed at one officer standing back and between the two cannons.

"Who is that man and what is his role?" She pointed.

Major Ringgold looked in that direction and nodded. "That is the section commander ma'am. He is in command of the two pieces of his section. A typical battery in our army consists of three two gun sections."

"Call him over. I wish to speak with him."

"Yes ma'am. Of course." Major Ringgold turned back towards the officer. "Lieutenant Thomas!" He called.

At the calling of his name, the officer moved quickly over to the group of officers and saluted swiftly. Luna studied the man. He wore a single breasted dark blue coat with red shoulder boards. His face was square but firm and the rest of his body was quite stocky as well. The man breathed an air of confidence. Major Ringgold gestured to Luna, causing the young officer to turn towards her and bow slightly.

"What is your name soldier?" She asked.

"Second Lieutenant George Henry Thomas ma'am." The man spoke in an accent that was like a deeper version of Ringgold's. "Battery D, 3rd U.S. Artillery."

"And you command this 'section' as your Major puts it?"

"Yes ma'am."

"How long have you been a soldier?"

"Six years ma'am. Graduated from the Point in the class of 1840."

"And are you proud of being a soldier?"

Lieutenant Thomas paused for a moment before straightening up.

"Never have been more proud to serve my country ma'am." He replied with confidence.

Luna smiled. "Very well Lieutenant Thomas." She nodded. "Please demonstrate what your men can do."

"Yes ma'am." Thomas replied. He then saluted Ringgold before turning around and moving back to his original place.

"Cannoneers! Post!" He called out. Each crew member straightened up in response.

"With one round! Case Shot! Five second fuse! At 800 yards! Load!"

The men began to go through their jobs. The number one sponging the piece, the number five bringing the round up, number two placing the round in, number one ramming it home, all the while Lieutenant Thomas went up and personally adjusted the aim of each gun. Luna was impressed at the mans meticulousness. Finally the guns were loaded.

"Ready!"

On that call, the numbers four and three primed the piece with the number four stepping back until their lanyards were fully extended. The signal that the guns were ready to fire came when they brought up their left hands.

"Firing by piece! Number one! Fire!"

The number four of the left gun yanked on the lanyard and with a boom, the gun fired. A great cloud of smoke blew back towards the crowd of officers and Luna could smell the rotten odor of sulfur.

"Number two! Fire!"

The right cannon discharged creating the same results. Luna could clearly see through gap in the smoke the burst of the "case shot" about 800 yards down range. Lieutenant Thomas had been spot on the mark.

"This is interesting." She said to herself as the crew began to prepare another round.