The Guardhouse

This stone building, with walls eighteen inches thick, is the only original structure of Fort Martin Scott. Built in 1849 out of native limestone, it served as the post’s guardhouse, where soldiers were jailed for crimes and misbehavior. Army discipline was strict and punishment for infractions was severe. In one court-martial case, Private W. Walters was charged with desertion of his post, found guilty, and sentenced to fifty lashes with a rawhide whip on his bare back, hard labor while tethered to a ball and chain, and forfeiture of pay and allowances for six months. Another enlisted man, Private E. Hughes, was found guilty of habitual drunkenness; as punishment, he forfeited all pay, was branded with a two-inch letter “D” on his right hip, while thieves received a “T,” and was drummed out of the service. Punishment differed dramatically between enlisted men and officers. Captain W. Saunders was charged with embezzlement of public funds and threatening a sergeant; he was found guilty of the latter charge and was only suspended from rank and command for two months and publicly reprimanded. Other punishments included fines, reductions in rank, hanging by the thumbs, wearing the barrel, dishonorable discharge, and confinement in the guardhouse.

Fredericksburg, Texas · United States