The Life And Adventures Of Frank Grouard, Chief Of Scouts, U. S. A

JOE DEBARTHE

Publication: Combe Printing Company, 1894, St Joseph

First edition. Thick 8vo. Original decorated cloth and with gilt stamping on the front cover and spine, 545 pp., 67 plates, most from old photos. Born in the South Pacific, Frank Grouard was the son of a Mormon missionary and a native islander. He came to Utah in 1852, and left home in 1865 at the age of 15. Four years later, while a mail carrier in Montana, he was captured by the Sioux Indians with whom he remained for the next 6 years. During this time he learned their language and became personally familiar with Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. Grouard served as a scout for Gen. Crook during the Sioux Campaign of 1876. He was an active participant in the Battle of the Rosebud, the famous Sibley Scout, and the Battle at Slim Buttes. Grouard was highly praised by Gen. Crook; Aid-de-Camp John Bourke; and correspondent, John Finerty. As interpreter at Camp Robinson, it is alleged that Grouard's misinterpretation of statements by Crazy Horse led to the attempted imprisonment and fatal stabbing of Crazy Horse. The author relates not only the personal experiences of Grouard but also his account of events such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn as told to Grouard by participants. Much information on Gen. Crook, Custer, California Joe, "Big Bat" Pouriere, "Little Bat" Garnier, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall, Dull Knife, etc. Huntington #231: "Of the highest importance historically; probably the most thorough and reliable work on scouting on the plains that has ever been written." A rare work...nearly the entire edition was lost in the St. Joe flood. Spine rubbed and darkened, covers lightly rubbed, front endpaper lightly foxed, signatures retied with original spine laid-down, spine channels are internally reinforced, else a good, tight copy, housed in a cloth slipcase. A rare and important work. Highly recommended.