Monmouth was pleased to have members of the 1-155th Infantry Battalion of Mississippi staying with us recently. As seen in the photo, from left to right is Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Mississippi Colonel and Mrs. Dwight Dyess, West Point; Lt. General and Mrs. Fletcher Coker, Diamondhead; and Brigadier General and Mrs. Ron Powell, West Point.

The group was in Natchez to attend the 1-155th Infantry Battalion Ball. The 1-155th is the oldest unit in Mississippi history and fought with Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. This group, later known as the Mississippi Rifles, was commanded in the Mexican War by Jefferson Davis. When the Rifles took Monterey, Brigadier General John Quitman was in the battle.

Later Quitman was transferred to Mexico where he had an important part in assisting with our victory in the Mexican American War. General Quitman and his family made their home at Monmouth Plantation during his prestigious life, and his life story is portrayed in the history tour and furnishings of Monmouth.
-Peggy Voss