In November 1853, Fort McKavett is commanded by Captain (Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel) James V. Bomford. It has a total garrison strength of 112. Only two companies are present: Company H, 8th U.S. Infantry and Company F, 2nd Regiment of Dragoons. Concerning Co. H, there are two commissioned officers: Capt. Bomford and 1st Lieutenant Edward D. Blake. There are a total of three sergeants, two corporals, one musician, and 20 privates on duty. Additionally, 17 soldiers are assigned on extra duty and 3 confined to arrest for a total company strength of 46.

Company H has been stationed at Fort McKavett since its founding in March 1852. The rest of the Regiment has moved westward to establish a post at the convergence of the Upper and Lower San Antonio-El Paso roads at the foot of the Davis Mountains. During their occupation of the fort, the men have constructed five barracks buildings, a Sutler’s Store, a Post Hospital, seven officers’ kitchens (currently occupied as quarters), and a mule yard. Construction on proper officer’s quarters, Adjutant’s office, company kitchens, a new bakery, and a blacksmith shop is currently underway. The company is preparing to hand the fort’s operations over to the 2nd Dragoons and depart, which will occur shortly after the new year.

McClellan’s manual is less than two years old and has taken fancy among young infantry officers as a new fad to exercise into their men. As such, Lieutenant Blake of Company H drills the men on the manual as often as he can, due in part to his fascination with the exploits of Captain Bomford at Churubusco and his (Blake's) late-coming to the War with Mexico. The men of the Company spend their time on fatigue detail under the direction of Edmund Weigle, a German-born stone mason who immigrated to Fredericksburg in 1847. The detail is largely spent cutting stone and constructing buildings.