RIFLES AND WAR BONNETS: Negro Cavalry in the West

by Marian T. Place ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1968

In the course of correcting neglect of the Negro cavalry's role in subduing the Plains Indians, Mrs. Place has produced a history of frontier fighting with considerable insight into its causes (encroachment and resentment, impoundment and rebellion) that is also a well-paced, precisely descriptive narrative. The primary focus is on the role of the Tenth U.S. Cavalry, one of two Negro cavalry regiments authorized by Congress after the Civil War: how its determined Colonel, Benjamin Grierson, overcame ""poor quarters, poor horses, and (initially) poor men"" to shape up companies that could be proud of themselves; how these companies faced their first engagements staunchly, and subsequently scored off Cheyenne, Kiowa, Comanche and Apache until the Indians were permanently suppressed. A few incidents set off the Tenth from other, non-Negro, regiments: deliberate insult at a dress parade; accolade--""buffalo soldiers""--by the respectful Cheyenne; dancing reels and cakewalks in an Indian circle at the Medicine Lodge peace conference. Most of the balance could be about any good soldiers, which is just the point. A small aspect of Americana which illumines larger concerns.

Pub Date: April 1, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Washburn

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION