2 Merrill, In Memoriam : Charles Eniil Bendire. \_lt\\. 



the age of twelve years, and then passed five years at a theological 

 school at Passy, near Paris. Leaving suddenly, it is understood 

 on account of some boyish escapade, he returned to his home for a 

 short time and then, upon the advice of a friend and accompanied 

 by his younger brother Wilhelm, sailed for New York in 1853. 



Upon arrival the new world did not meet their glowing expecta- 

 tions, and in a short time Wilhelm Bender sailed for home, but 

 was lost overboard during the voyage. 



Not long after this young Bender enlisted, changing his name 

 to Bendire and dropping his middle initial, which he reassumed 

 about fifteen years ago in correspondence and in his published 

 notes ; but to the time of his death he was known officially as 

 Charles Bendire and his name so appears upon the title pages of 

 his ' Life Histories.' 



As the greater part of Major Bendire's life was passed in the 

 Army, it is fitting to briefly recount his services and stations. 



Enlisting at the age of eighteen years on June 10, 1854, he 

 served for five years as a Private and Corporal in Company D, 

 First Dragoons. Remaining out of the service for a year, he again 

 enUsted June 8, i860, in the 4th Cavalry, serving as Private, 

 Corporal, Sergeant, and Hospital Steward until September 9, 

 1864, when he was discharged by reason of appointment as 2nd 

 Lieutenant, 2nd Infantry, of date May 18, 1864. He was trans- 

 ferred to the I St Cavalry September 9, 1864, promoted ist Lieu- 

 tenant, November 12, 1864, Captain, February 21, 1873, and 

 placed upon the retired list for disability contracted in the line of 

 duty, April 24, 1886. 



He was brevetted ist Lieutenant, June 11, 1864, for "gallant 

 and meritorious services in the battle of Trevillion Station, Va.," 

 and Major, February 27, 1890, for "gallant services in action 

 against Indians at Canyon Creek, Montana, September 13, 1877." 



During his first enlistment his company was stationed in New 

 Mexico — then including Arizona — but he did no collecting then 

 nor during the Civil War, through which he served, as an officer, 

 in the Army of the Potomac. 



After the war he passed three months in 1867 at his former 

 home in Germany, and after this — omitting mention of temporary 

 details and duty — he was stationed in Louisiana until December, 



