Born in upstate New York and spent his boyhood on a farm. Was educated principally at the state normal-school at Albany. He taught in Schodack, New York, in 1859-1860. In 1861 enlisted in the 2d New York, or 'Harris cavalry' regiment. He had reached the rank of lieutenant, when he was taken prisoner in a cavalry skirmish near Buckland Mills, Virginia, on 18 October, 1863, and sent to Libby prison. He was afterward transferred to Georgia, to Charleston, and then to Columbia, South Carolina, whence he made his escape, but was recaptured near Springfield, Georgia. He escaped again from Sylvania, Georgia, 19 December 1864, and returned home, his term of service having expired. On 25 February, 1864, he entered the army again as 1st lieutenant in the 26th New York cavalry, and served till the end of the war. In 1867 he was granted the rank of Brevet Captain for 'meritorious service'. After the war devoted himself to travel and exploration and beccame a well known author. He married Harriet Ayers of Cincinnatti in 1868. In 1876 he went from Boston to San Francisco on horseback, and was captured by hostile Indians near Skull Rocks, Wyoming territory, but made his escape. Less