Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1896-12-31
sEW PUBLIoArIoss.
personal RECoLLECTIoNs OF @
NELSON A. MILIJSn Wrjttan nv II


awaited with eager anticipation BY the
many personal friends OF the writer no
less than by the general public, to
whom the thrilling incidents therein
narrated will prove Of deep and abiding
interest. To the, charm OF personal
narrative emanating from so distiD-
guished source is added chronicle
of stirring events embracing the widest
possible field of adventure, admirably
illustrated by the graphic sketches OF
Frederic Remington and other COM
petent artists, both pen and pencil
portrayipg with vivid strokes one of the
most momentous epochs In American
history, involving no smaller an issue
than the settlement and civilization
Of the great West.
Gen. Miles has heen widely known IA
an Indian fighter, and the reader
impressed with tho glamour investing
the aboriginal hero of Cooper's tales
will find abundant food for reflection
in the historical rather than romantic
record OF one who has thoroughly
sounded the Indian character, ia
miliarized himself with the actual
type. ard, from the standpoint of a
soldier imbued with an unblemished
spirit OF patriotism, delineates with
admirable candor and impartiality the
salient features in the lives and pur-
poses of the white mans hereditary
foe. Throughout this sanguinary
recital Of commander sworn to obey,
in many a casual reflection and quiet
Inference deduced from personal obser-
walton, there is perceptibis an under
tone of Christian justice and philan-
thropy. The anitnps of the Puritan is
manifest everywhere; for Gen. Miles
sprang from sturdy, uncompromising
New England stock, and tue principles
Of equity, as well as the dauntess
resolution, which animated the early
colonists are too deeply ingrained III
him to be eradicated even by the stern,
often dispiriting, events depicted in
these pages 1t is this dispassionate
judgment of an eye. witness to the
terrible scenes described which gives
strength and authenticity to the nara
tive, and should go far both to modify
the views Of unwiss sentimentnlists
and temper the animosities awakened
by many barbarous massacre.
The book opens with thoughtful
retrospect of colonial life and character
and the youthful impress made upon
the author BY perusal OF New Eng
land history, resulting in an adherencs
to the profession Of arms as his chosen
pursuit. The almost invariably hostile
attitude of the Indians toward the
white settlers is traced from the earli-
est period Of American colonization,
and the gradual occupation Of the far
West consequent to exploration and
acquisition OF new territory, together
with the yicissitudes of frontier life
and the Incredible hardships to which
pioneer emigrants were subjected
these and innumerable minor incidents
of the period are narrated with the
fervor and versimilitude of an actor in
the drama Of national progress.
Incidentally introduced will be found
picturesque and fascinating account
of wild sports in the West ere the
great game had been either exter.
minated or driven into almost inaccessi-
ple mountain soitudes 1t is striking
picture Of primitive life in the wilder.
ness, now only memory among men,
emphasizing, by contrast with present
conditions, the startling rapidly with
which the vast territory beyond the
Mi sissippi has been brought within
the domain of civilization.
Probably to most readers the import
ance OF these valuable "reminiscences
will centre in the six years of Indian
campaigns in which the writer was
actively engaged. The territory
covered by military operations extended
from the region of the Yellowstone 10
Texas, and the scenes enacted on this
huge battlefield are described with a
grim fidelity to fact. The hazardous
exploits performed, the intense suffer.
nd h,.A ~ ko
heroic conduct of tho troops through
out warfare in which the Indians
iinplacable hatred and Unsuitable thirst
for vengeance were constantly dis
played, are narrated at length and
inspire the reader with alternate ad.
miration and horror.
Prominent as is the subject of Indian
control, Gen. Miles story is by no
means limited to this theme He writes
graphically of the closing scenes of
the Civil War, and that last, awful
campaign, the thunder of whose can
nonades will ring forever In the ears of
those who heard them. There ia feel
ing, as well as a 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 across
the plains to California is delightfully."-
described, including notos of Nor
monism and many engaging details by
the way. A chapter is devoted to
the "Arid Region and Irrigation, in
which the marvellous achievements of
systematic. scientific effort in reclaim
ing waste lands are practically eluci-
dated. Even remote Alaska and its
unique people receive recognition IN
Gen. Miles extended recollections, the
same original thought and observation
being here al elsewhere discernible.
1t should tie added that the authors
style is lucid and free from affectation,
commencing itself to serious readers
and excellently adapted to the demands
OF work of this nature. Que can but
note, to, the magnanimity eyinced
towards Gen. lilies comrades in arms
manifested in general orders and reports
and many warm encomium. Alto.
gether, ii is safe to say that the volume
will deservedly claim attention and
grateful perusnl from those who are
interested in the nation's welfare and
advancement as promoted by the ardu-
GUS yet permanent settlement of the
great West. Received from the pub
fishers.
Lett in IA furry.
Several young mon styling themselves
"The Bavarian Athletic Go. +" arrived
in this city last week and had tickets