...(Private) Lowe was intelligent, well-educated, and strong, which made him an ideal soldier for the years ahead.
A few days after enlisting he was sent to Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, a school for mounted recruits. Lowe received training, drilling on foot and horseback, and practice with the saber. He also met “Big Mit,” a tough Irishman with a crude disposition.
Several weeks after enlisting, Lowe sat eating chicken at a table in the mess hall. Big Mit, a six-feet two-inch giant weighing 225 pounds, decided he would finish off all the chicken on the table. He looked at Lowe, who sat
silent, and sneered an insult. Lowe sprang to his feet, drew his saber, and beat Big Mit with it.
Luckily for Lowe and Big Mit, the saber was dull, and after a few days in the hospital, Big Mit began a long healing process. No action was taken against Lowe when he explained what had happened. ....
Sundays were inspection days. The men, their barracks, and gear would be inspected by their Troop Commander. One Saturday evening, Big Mit decided to trade his gear for Lowe’s. When Lowe ret.urned from supper he noticed the gear on his bunk was not the clean, sharplooking equipment he had left. Looking around, Lowe found his rightful gear on Big Mit’s bunk. He took his
gear, leaving the soiled gear in its place.
When Big Mit returned from supper to find his old dirty gear laying on his bunk, he was furious. Grabbing a carbine, Big Mit charged towards Lowe. Lowe drew his saber and again beat Big Mit with all his might. Two officers of the guard separated the men. Big Mit was taken to the hospital for a month’s stay. Lowe meanwhile explained his actions and was sent back to his unit (*Lowe}
The two episodes with Big Mit had little effect on Lowe’s career. His ducation, intelligence, and courage were more important.
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