Paper in the U of Rochester Library

Colonel Arthur Tracy Lee (1814-1879) served as a regimental officer in the US Eighth Infantry for twenty-three years, twelve in Texas. He joined the army in the late 1830s serving in various posts before arriving in Texas in 1849.

His regiment was encamped at various posts including Camp Worth, Fort Croghan and Fort Martin Scott. In October, 1854 Lee and his regiment were ordered further west, into Apache territory, to establish a fort in the Davis Mountains. Here, inspired by the dramatic scenery surrounding Fort Davis, Lee painted and sketched many views.

In September 1859, Lee was ordered to assist in the defense of the United States-Mexican border during the "Cortinas Wars." He arrived after the skirmishes ended and did not participate in any military action

at Fort Stockton the Civil War began Lee was captured by Confederate forces while attempting to evacuate his troops from Texas. He was granted parole on the grounds that he not take up arms against the Confederate government or give information against Confederate interests unless "regularly engaged." Returning to the North, he served in various assignments and was promoted to major. His parole expired and under no further obligation not to engage in combat, Lee fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and received injuries to the right ankle and hip.