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Rh legislature. His mother, Anne Catharine Vaulx Carter, traced her descent from Pocahontas and had in her veins strains of Huguenot blood. Her character was full of "strength and goodness." On the paternal side, John Carter of Virginia was the earliest known ancestor in America. The war and the constant presence of large armies practically broke up the schools of Nashville; but young Carter attended as he could private and public schools. When twelve years old he entered the service of the Federal army as a mounted messenger. At the close of the war he studied at the Kentucky military institute, and in 1869 was appointed a cadet-at-large at the West Point military academy, and was graduated in 1873.

He was assigned to an infantry regiment, guarding engineers who were exploring a route for the Northern Pacific Railway. Later he participated in an expedition against the Sioux Indians in the years 1873 and 1874. After a severe winter's campaign, he accompanied his regiment to Arizona, where he was transferred to the 6th cavalry, serving for sixteen years in the Department of Arizona. His regiment was for years pitted against hostile Apaches in a most difficult country, and he was commended several times for his services against these Indians. The Army Register contains these words opposite his name to show why the much-coveted medal of honor was conferred upon him: "For distinguished bravery in action against hostile Apache Indians, in receiving, with the voluntary assistance of two soldiers, the wounded from under a heavy fire of hostile Indians at Cibicu Creek, Arizona, August 30, 1881; while serving as first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster and acting-adjutant, 6th cavalry."

During the campaigning of 1890-91, his command was ordered to Dakota to allay the fanatical outbreak brought on by the "Ghost Dancers." In command of his troop, F, 6th cavalry, he took part in the last Indian fight on the great plains, January 1, 1891. For his action at that time, he was recommended by his commanding officer for appointment as brevet major.

After two years' duty near Rosebud Reservation he was ordered to the Fort Leavenworth infantry and cavalry school. Here he was for several years instructor in the department of Cavalry and Hippology, and here he prepared the book used for the instruction of officers in the army entitled, "Horses, Saddles and Bridles." He was promoted to the grade of major in 1897, and was selected by Secretary