Robert Howard transferred as a first lieutenant from the 1st Nebraska Infantry to Company G, 2nd Missouri Cavalry (Merrill’s Horse) on September 22, 1861. He was promoted to captain on May 1, 1862, and detached to St. Louis as a judge advocate; he spent the majority of his service on detached duty on the staffs of various generals.

The 2nd Missouri Cavalry was involved in pursing guerillas throughout Missouri and Arkansas; in 1864 they were involved in the pursuit of General Sterling Price during his raid into Missouri.

Howard mustered out of the service in December 1864.

Carte-de-Visite by G. H. McConnell, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11756