The Purpose of Power: Nathaniel Lyon, Part III

In May of 1846, simmering tensions between the United States and Mexico finally exploded into war. Lyon's company was soon ordered south along with the rest of the Second Infantry, arriving in Mexico by the following October.

Originally opposed to a war with Mexico, Lyon eventually reconciled himself to the idea, and prepared for his new adventure.

He also came to realize that it offered a better chance at promotion than did a peacetime army. Shortly after arriving in Mexico he wrote a relative that he was "flourishing on the plains of Mexico," adding that they should keep an eye out for a newspaper not yet printed "and probably never will be" to see his name "as the hero of some big Mexican fight."

Before fighting though, Lyon would spend much of his time in Mexico ranting about the imbecility of his superiors, the harmful effects of slavery, which he was apparently encountering for the first time, and the negative impact of organized religion on the world in general and on Mexicans in particular.

In Lyon's opinion the widespread practice of Catholicism in Mexico was responsible for what he viewed as much of the country's ills. In regard to organized religion at least, his father's cynicism seems to have won out over his mother's dedication.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant in April of 1847 and placed in command of Company D, Lyon would manage to see his share of action during the war. That same year would see Lyon taking part in the fighting at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, and also Mexico City, where he was slightly wounded in the leg. (This earned him a mention in his hometown newspaper's casualty list.)

Lyon's performance in these engagements would earn the respect of his regimental commander, and earn for Lyon the brevet rank of captain by war's end in 1848. (No longer in use, brevet ranks were honorary in nature, much like medals are today. It was a way to recognize someone for exceptional performance, but carried no extra pay and only a few minor perks.)

Murder in California

In 1849 Lyon's company was transferred along with the rest of the 2nd Infantry Regiment to the new American territory of California, recently ceded to the United States by Mexico as part of the treaty ending the war.

The discovery of gold in California the year before had started an avalanche of fortune seekers to the area, one result of which was the dispatching of the 2nd Infantry to help maintain order. Lyon would spend most of the next several years along the West Coast.

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