Army Sacrifices; Or, Briefs From Official Pigeon-Holes.

JAMES B. FRY

Publication: D Van Nostrand, 1879, New York

First edition. Original red cloth, with gilt and black-stamping to spine and front cover. Blind-stamping to rear cover. 254pp. + 2 pages of advertisements. A very scarce and interesting work. Decker 44:152: "A very elusive little book with probably the best and most accurate appraisal of the Indian fights and fighters on the American frontier." Graff 1458: "Contains chapters on the Fetterman Massacre, Forsyth's fight, the Grattan Massacre, and the Canby Massacre, etc." Other chapters discuss the experiences of Col. Guy V. Henry, the death of Capt. Gunnison in Utah, encounters with Apaches, a voyage to Oregon in 1848, gold rush experiences, the Penitente Brotherhood near Ft. Union New Mexico, and more. A few spots on the front cover, with light general wear to edges and corners. Spine ends modestly worn with a few very short tears but no chipping. Text block clean, yet crudely bound. Light, erasable, pencil notes in the margin of 1 page, pertaining to the mutilation of the dead by the Indians at the Fetterman massacre. In all, a very good, bright, attractive copy ... The finest of only 3 copies that we've seen in 30 years. This copy is signed on the front pastedown by Major-General Thomas H. Ruger. Ruger (1833-1907) served as Commander of the District of Montana and of the Department of Dakota, 1879-1891. A desirable, collectors copy of a very scarce work.

Inventory Number: 49580