Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-12-24
Review of Personal RecollectiOnS
of Gen. Nelson A. Miles.

To the charm of personal narrative ema-
mating from SO distinguished a source is ad-
ded a chronicle of stirring events embrac-
ing the widest possible field of adventure,
admirably illustrated by the graphic sketch.
es of Frederic Remington and other COM
petent artists. both pen and pencil portray
ing with vivid strokes one of the most mo-
mentous epochs in American history, in
volving no smaller an issue than the SETTLE
ment and civilization of the great West.
The book opens with thoughtful retro
spect of colonial life and character and tie
youthful impress made upon the author by
perusal of New England history. The al-
Nost invariably hostile attitude of the Indi-
ans toward the white settlers is traced from
the earliestperiod of American colonization,
and the gradual occupation of the far West
consequent to exploration and acquisition
of new territory together with the vi,issi-
tudes OF frontier life and the incredible
hardships to which pioneer emigrants were
subjected and innumerab minor in
cidents of the period are narrated with the
fervor and vereimilitude of an actor in the
drama of national progress.
Probably to most readers the Importance
of these valuable "reminiscences will center
in the six years of Indian campaigns in
which the writer was actively engaged. The
territory covered by military operations ex-
tended from the region of tho Yellowstone
to Texas, and the scenes enacted on this
huge battle field are described with a grim
fidelity to fact. The hazardous exploits per-
formed, the intense sufferIngs from cold and
hunger, and the heroic conduct of thetroops
throughout the warfare in which the Indians
implact BILE hatred and Unsuitable thirst for
vengance were constantly displayed. are mar
rated at length and inspire the reader with
alternate admiration and horror.
General Mies's story is by no means linn
tied to this theme. He writes graphically
of the closing scenes of the Civil War, and
that last. awful campaign. There is feel
ing, AS we'll as discriminating account of
the Custer massacre, and of a pathetic visit
to the scene of that deplorable calamity. In
another portion of the work the journey ae-
cross the plains to California is delightfully."-
described, including notes Of Mormonism
and many engaging details by the way.
Even remote Alaska and It's unique people
receive recognition in General Miles ex-
tended recollections, the same original
thought and observation being here as else
where discernibIe
1t should be added that the authors style
is lucid and free from affectation, commend
ing itself to serious readers and excellently
| adapted to the demands of work of this ma
ture. One can but note, too, the magnani-
nifty evinced toward General Miles CON-
| rades in arms, manifested in general orders
and reports. Altogether, 1t is safe to say
| that the volume will deservedly claim atten-
| tion and grateful perusal from those who
are interested in the Nations welfare.
The work is sold by subscription and those
desiring copy or wanting to canvass for
the work in this state will address
FoRsHEE & MoMAKIN,
Cincinnati, o..