They were there

         to protect the settlers

             from possible attacks

           from Native Americans

                and dominating outlaws.

     When they were not fighting,

           the regiments

                built forts and roads,

              dug wells,

                   and installed telegraph lines.

     They also drew maps

          indicating water sources

              in the West.

     They helped

          establish the groundwork

               for westward expansion,

       a concept

          that the American people believed

              was their destiny.