he was appointed by President Lincoln, second lieutenant, in the 1st United States dragoons, placed on duty in Washington City, and was at the battle of Bull's Run, July 21, 1861. He served on staff duty at the headquarters of the 6th Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac, also on staff duty as Inspector General of Savannah, Georgia, in the early part of 1865. Lieutenant Baker was promoted July 17, 1862, to captain in the 1st United States Cavalry, brevetted April 9, 1864, major in the regular army for gallantry and meritorious service at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; also, brevetted lieutenant colonel for gallant and meritorious service during the war. After the suppression of the rebellion he served with his regiment at the headquarters of General Sheridan in Louisiana, and in 1865 was ordered from there to the Pacific coast, spending three years in Nevada and Oregon, campaigning against the Indians. Colonel Baker returned to Springfield and resigned his commission in July, 1868.

Robert was known throughout his military and civilian life as ' R.A.' Magan. He joined the 1st U.S. Dragoons at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri and was assigned to Forts in the Western Frontier, protecting settlers, trappers, wagontrains, etc. In late 1861 President Lincoln needed the Cavalry units and they were transferred to Wash, DC in Jan 1862. Camp Stoneman at Giesboro Point, Wash, DC was the main re-mount Depot. The 1st Cav was in many battles and skirmashes in Virginia throughout the war and participated in the action of the Appomattox surrender. They were present for the Grand Parade in Wash, DC, May 1865.

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