An Army Wife on the Frontier
Subtitle: The Memoirs of Alice Blackwood Baldwin, 1867-1877
By: edited and with an introdtion by Robert C. and Eleanor R. Carriker.
Series: Utah, the Mormons, and the West No. 6
Publisher: Tanner Trust Fund, University of Utah Library
Published: 1975
Place of publication: Salt Lake City, UT
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 118
Subjects: Baldwin, Alice Blackwood, ca. 1845-1930.; Frontier and pioneer life -- West (U.S.); Indians of North America -- Wars -- 1866-1895.; West (U.S.) -- History -- 1860-1890.
Genres: Biography.
Description: Life in the Indian-fighting army was hard, for wives and husbands. The frail young woman from "back East," whisked to the Indian-active West by a knight errant in officer's dress, often found her duties much more than those of an ordinary helpmate. The regular household and wifely tasks were performed, but frequently under unusual and trying circumstances. Years of anxiety took their toll.

Childbearing was dangerous and unattended, while family life suffered from a too often absent husband. Housing accommodations at frontier posts were shabby at best, if officer's quarters were even available. Indian attacks were always a potential threat, though the ever-present insects, snakes, and rodents were a more realistic fear. In far too short a time the bride's age was no longer accurately reflected in her wrinkled face. Clearly, the wife earned her husband's promotions as much as he.

Ms. Baldwin was an articulate woman who lived an interesting life. She was intelligent and spunky, dedicated to the Old Army Her memoirs give information and anecdote from a seldom heard corner -- the reluctant campaigner, the woman who waits at home.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Reprint of pt. 3 (Memoirs of (Mrs. Frank D.) Alice Blackwood Baldwin) of the author's Memoirs of the late Frank D. Baldwin, major general, U.S.A. published in 1929 by Wetzel Pub. Co., Los Angeles.