Bruce,
Thanks for your expansive reply, and suggestions regarding my question on how the 3rd Wisc Cav may have traveled from Benton Barracks to Ft Leavenworth. My dates for the time was from the "Military History of Wisconsin" ---looking at other materials I have collected it would seem that they correspond with dates you put forth. Everything I have states they drew horses at Ft Leavenworth. They had 1,186 men in the Regt to start. so maybe more than 1 boat was needed. I'll try to check sources you suggest & if I turn up anything will get back to the board. I live in St Joseph so maybe they did come across Mo. on the Hannibal-St Joseph RR!

Regards and Thanks,
John