Shortly after Latter-day Saints began gathering here in 1846, they faced a difficult request from the United States government for a battalion of 500 men to enlist in the army for the Mexican-American War. Many felt bitter because the government had not aided them during persecution in Missouri and Illinois, but Church leaders, seeking a government contract to help fund the westward migration, secured soldiers' pay in exchange for a battalion with the help of Thomas L. Kane. Close to 500 men volunteered, along with a few women and children, and the loved ones left behind exercised faith in Jesus Christ as they bade farewell. The Mormon Battalion marched from Kanesville to Fort Leavenworth to begin military service, consisting of nearly 500 men divided into companies of 100, accompanied by up to five laundresses per company and some families with special permission to come along.