As we approach Memorial Day, I think of my father’s 32-year military service (WWII, Korea, Vietnam) and also of my GGG grandfather’s military service (1844-1858). Like many of his West Point classmates, Isaac Bowen went on to faithfully serve the United States, even when he disagreed with the political climate and orders. Isaac and his bride, Katie Cary Bowen, were separated for 3 years during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). They both learned resilience – constantly adapting to difficult life experiences.
That resilience came in handy while traveling by wagon train on the Santa Fe Trail in 1851, from Kansas to the newly acquired territory of New Mexico. Katie was pregnant and desperately missed her mother. To compensate, Katie wrote copious and detailed letters to her family back home in Maine. She wrote about everything she saw, everyone she met, everything she ate, and shared her strong opinions about the military and Native Americans. Isaac was used to the hardships of camping and embraced the challenges, but he had serious doubts about the military’s location of the new supply depot, where he would be Chief of Subsistence for the southwestern forts. His greater concern, however, was Congress’ demand for “economy and efficiency,” even if it meant starvation for soldiers and horses.
To read their firsthand accounts spanning 12 years of marriage and military service (prior to the Civil War), please go to https://amazon/com/author/susanleeward to find Lifelines: The Bowen Love Letters.
Big blessings to those who serve. We are grateful.
Susan Lee Ward