Three Years and a Half in the Army or, History of the Second Colorados-Union Volunteer Cavalry at War Against Indians & Confederate Forces, 1860-65

Union horse soldiers in the far west

Curiously for a work that is at least in part the regimental history of a cavalry unit, its author was a woman, Ellen Williams, who was not only a mere chronicler of the horse soldiers fortunes but who also campaigned with them as the wife of a bugler of the regiment. This remarkable camp follower recounts the activities of the Colorados in combination with her own first hand experiences which illuminate the text with a unique female perspective. The 2nd Colorado Cavalry's campaigns during the American Civil War involved combats with the Confederate Army, guerrillas and the hostile Indians of the western frontier. Organised in St Louis, Missouri in late 1863, the regiment was principally put to use as detached companies working in concert and numbers as the task required. For example three companies were despatched to Fort Lyon in the Colorado territory and then to various posts before being assigned to the protection of the Kansas border region from depredations by guerrillas which put them perpetually on the firing line until late 1864. Other companies were involved in the scout from Pleasant Hill, the expedition into Missouri, the scout to Lafayette and Jackson county and more. The principal engagements of the regiment against the Confederates were the battles of Camden Point, Second Lexington, Little Blue River, Second Independence, Byram's Ford, Westport, Marais des Cygnes, Mine Creek and Second Newtonia. The regiment then moved to the District of the Upper Arkansas to engage in operations against hostile Indians around Forts Riley, Zarah, Ellsworth and Larned. It took part in numerous skirmishes including Godfrey's Ranch, Pawnee Rock and Plum Butte whilst also protecting the overland stage route from Denver to Julesburg until September of 1865.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.