144
with the Light Infantry, came and took post on our
right with a fine band. ...After breaking into columns
of six, we shouldered and crossed over to the
Executive Mansion. ...The conjoined officers and
friends proceeded up the steps and into the Great
Hall and were presented to his excellency, "Old Zac"
Taylor. ...He pressed my hand warmly in both of his,
he thanked me, and desired I would present his
compliments to the company.
The intrepid company of disciplined, would-be gold
miners left D.C. by train and headed for the California gold
fields: Train to Cleveland, the Steamer "Robert Fulton" to St.
Louis, MO, wagons and mules across the plains and
mountains.
Our ancestors included in the W.C.C.M.A.
membership were Edwin D. Slye, age 33, director and
committeeman, Oscar B. Queen, age 25 and Henry J. Queen,
age 22.
Henry, the youngest of the group of ancestors,
endured the almost indescribable hardship of the overland
journey, settled in California and in 1854, drowned while
swimming in an unnamed river.
Bed survived the 11 month cross country ordeal and
reached California. However, he turned around to return
home very soon after his arrival.