New Mexico's Buffalo Soldiers, 1866-1900.

MONROE LEE BILLINGTON

Publication: University Press of Colorado, 1991, Niwot, Colorado

First edition. 8vo. Cloth, 258 pp. Illus. from photos and by Frederic Remington and Jose Cisneros; maps, intro., bibliographic essay, index. Almost 4,000 black men served in the U.S.Infantry and Cavalry in the New Mexico Territory between 1866-1900. At the end of that period, the monthly average of black enlisted men [there were no black officers] in New Mexico was just over 200. Racial prejudice impeded the effectiveness of these soldiers, but the extent of this prejudice as documented will surprise you. White civilians could murder black soldiers with impunity and seldom were punished for such crimes. Over 40 black soldiers died while serving in New Mexico, and 5 of these died after fights resulting from racial prejudice. An excellent book that fills a major gap in New Mexico history. Fine in dust jacket.

Inventory Number: 51812