Military service
Robinson had a distinguished military career spanning a little over 10 years, cut short by his tragic death at
San Pasqual, CA. During the course of that 10 years he served at most of the forts in the West including
Forts Gibson, Washita, Wayne and Leavenworth. Trained as were all the young men at West Point, he was
a skilled engineer and his talents were put to use mapping and exploring - as well as policing - the wide
open ranges of the American West. At one time he served with Captain Nathan Boone, Daniel Boone's
son. It was during this time that Robinson had another bit of ill luck. When I first began to read the
family's letters, one of his brothers-in-law, John D. Jones of Cincinnati, OH, made the following comment
in a letter dated Oct. 3, 1843:
I am still a fairly good correspondent – so far as answering is concerned & hope that you will test it often. We are sorry to know of
the loss of your toes.
It took the journal of Nathan Boone to solve the mystery of what had happened to them. While buffalo
hunting Robinson's rifle had discharged and put a 12 to the pound ball through his foot. Page 61 of the
1843 journal says:
Lt. Johnston on the 13th met with a severe accident, shooting himself through the foot, in consequence of which he had to be hauled
in the waggon (sic) during the remainder of the trip.
Robinson's time in the army was divided between the west and service as a recruiter back east. The
following are references from the family letters which give a personal accounting of his service to his
country, leading up to his appointment by General Stephen Watts Kearney as his aide, and the fateful
journey to California.
November 12, 1836 John Johnston to Rachel Johnston, November 05th JHD Johnston to John Johnston
As of letter, Robinson was home with no orders yet. ‘I suppose Robinson has left you before this and you are very
lonesome.’
January 1840, John Johnston to AR Johnston
Not coming home in the winter. Has become a staff officer of Dragoons and has too many responsibilities. At Fort
Leavenworth. Not well in health.
September 23rd, 1840 Catherine Holtzbecker to AR Johnston
On recruiting service in Boston
December 08th, 1840 John Johnston to AR Johnston
At Baltimore.
January 4th, 1841 John Johnston to John Creigh
‘My son whom you saw at Carlisle, the Lieut. of Dragoons, is here (Washington DC) one of a board of officers
compiling a system of tactics for the Calvary. He will return in ten days to New York, where he is stationed on
the recruiting service…It has been a great satisfaction to me the company of my son, and that, too, so
unexpected.’
January 16th, 1841 John Johnston to AR Johnston
As of January 10th in New York
April 18th, 1841 John Johnston to Stephen Johnston
Robinson in Boston. Has visited with Stephen in Brooklyn previous as letter to Stephen says ‘Little Nell still
continues to call out ‘Uncle Rob’ when the bell rings or any one with a cap and cloak passes the window.’
July 08th, 1841 Stephen Johnston to John Johnston
Robinson has exchanged duties with another soldier and is in NY visiting a friend. Stephen ran into him on the
06th by accident.
October 27th, 1841 AR Johnston to John Johnston
In Boston for the winter. Went to Mt. Auburn to visit Dearborn’s grave. May be sent to Carlisle Barracks, PA.
Taking lessons in the broadsword in case of war with Britain.
November 15th, 1841 John Johnston to AR Johnston
‘Send us the Boston Notion while you remain there’, so still in Boston.
June 29th, 1842 Stephen Watts Kearney letter book page 256-258
Robinson is still at Boston and may be ‘destined to remain there ‘til September’.
February 14th, 1842 Stephen Johnston to John Johnston
Made inquiry at the Ajt. General’s Office in relation to Robinson and was told he would be on recruiting service
until next September.
January 08th, 1843 John Johnston to AR Johnston
As of November 14th, 1842 had arrived at Fort Gibson and was on duty by the for the first time on the 26th.
May 17th, 1843 AR Johnston to John Johnston
At Fort Gibson. Readying for 4 months march with Captain Boone. Good health. With 68 dragoons. Reason for
march is to protect the Sante Fe traders from banditti.
June 07th, 1843 John Johnston to Stephen Johnston
Robinson was near Memphis, TN, had written back and forth with Stephen. No probability of his changing
station. The ‘dismantling of the 2nd ½ regiment of dragoons has destroyed the hopes of one battalion of his regt.
of being retained from the (illegible) Garrisons.’
December 08th, 1843 John Johnston to AR Johnston
As of November 10th at Fort Leavenworth. As of December 08th, at Fort Washita.
June 02nd, 1844 Rachel Reynolds to AR Johnston
Robinson at Fort Washita.
June 2nd, 1844 Rachel Reynolds to AR Johnston
Still at Fort Washita
November 12th, 1844 AR Johnston to John Johnston
On tour with company to Wichetaw (sic) to recover two boys taken by the Indians. Returned to post
unsuccessful Oct. 31st after 23 days away.
March 04th, 1845 AR Johnston to John Johnston
At Fort Washita. Dealing with possible appointment of Schaumburg and thinking of rebelling and refusing the
man’s orders if it happens. Near Texas.
January 14th, 1846 AR Johnston to John Johnston
‘Stationed here near Fort Wayne with the company I command’. Trying to exert influence in the Cherokee
Nation and prevent Civil War. At an ‘examination on Saturday in Marysville of a white man before a magistrate
for killing and Indian’ acted as Indian Agent. Court of Inquiry in Harney matter denied. Will probably remain
‘here’ all winter. Encamped in a hollow below Fort Wayne. Under ‘canvas’ since the 27th of November and the
weather has been very severe. ‘Having no doctor along I have to play that part myself’. Second in line for
promotion, but chances are not ‘flattering’.
February 16th, 1846 John Johnston to Jefferson Patterson
As of January 14th Robinson in Cherokee Country. There with a company with Captain Boone. Encamped three
months.
June 22nd, 1846 AR Johnston to John Johnston
Arrived at Fort Leavenworth on the 13th inst, after a hard ride of 200 miles in six days over prairies south.
Assuming the duties of adjutant upon which he entered on the 15th, and is busy preparing for the march.
Courted a leave of absence which did not occur. Health has not been good. Is going with Lieut. Love from
Dayton for recruiting service.
August 24th, 1846 AR Johnston to John Johnston
Robinson is preparing the journal for the ‘march’. Is entitled to promotion to Captain and has been appointed
aide de camp to General Kearney. Is living in the government house in Sante (sic) Fe. Took capital on the 18th of
August. Is preparing to go to California and dealing with the Navajo.
Part Five: The Battle of San Pasqual and Death