Houston Military Histories

In March, 1862, Mr. Robert McCleary Houston enlisted in the 51st I. V. I. and in November following was transferred to the Engineer’s Department, serving under General O. P. Morton. In March, 1863, they were ordered to Nashville, Tenn.; here Mr. Houston assisted in building two gunboats and was placed in command of one [the USS Newsboy].

As of 2023 cannot source O.P. Morton as a General.  Oliver P. Morton was Governor of Indiana During the Civil War

Dec. 2 1863 CIVIL WAR LETTER from Henry D. Osborne onboard the Gunboat “Newsboy” Water mark ~ Guaranteed 100% Authentic ~ Dec. 2, 1863 signed letter from Henry D. Osborne aboard the Gunboat “Newsboy” near Tennessee. The letter reads: “Clarksville Tenn. Dec. 2nd, 1863  (https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/dec-1863-civil-war-letter-henry-456192002)

https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=631422AA-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A

https://51stillinois.org/page4.html

https://apps.ilsos.gov/isaveterans/civilMusterSearch.do