I would not recommend this book. The book is a rather short summary of the period. Though the bibliography appears thorough enough, it is my impression that it is predominately based on secondary sources. A more positive comment I can make is the use of memiors from the Indian-Pioneer Papers (WPA Writer's Project) which give a civilian's view of conditions during the period.

Most who study the subject are interested in the military aspects of events e.g. organization, movements, strategy, engagements. The concise nature of the book offers little in that respect and, in its summarization, loses precision and key elements.

At some point the author seems to forget or disregard the fact that the treaties required the Indian troops would remain in their own countries unless they officially agreed otherwise -- not that there are not several occasions where they did operate outside their national boundaries. However, this is a key point in the deployment of Indian troops in Indian Territory which is also influenced by other factors such as the need for local protection, the raising of crops, and the inability or unwillingness of the Confederacy to provide subsistance for the troops and their mounts.

Regarding the aftermath of Pea Ridge (p.72-73):

With his remaining men [excluding the Cherokee], Pike ventured far into the heart of the Indian Territory instead of patrolling its borders.

I would not characterize Ft McCulloch as being in the "heart" of the Indian Territory. However, perhaps the author is referring to the location of Indian troops other than the Cherokee regiments. The Indian troops, including the Cherokee, generally returned to their own countries leaving the Cherokee Nation, due to its proximity, the most exposed to potential Union invasion. Chief Ross' appeal to Pike for protection was more for the promised presence of white troops than a complaint that the other tribes had returned to their national boundaries.

The description of the Battle of Locust Grove in convoluted and misleading as it appears to say that Jewel's 6th Kansas Cavalry captured Clarkson's camp. The author goes on to copy the mistake of previous authors in stating that Capt Greeno escorted Chief Ross et al northward. Chief Ross was escorted out of the Cherokee Nation some three weeks later by Col. Cloud with a portion of Phillip's regiment (Drew's defectors that became the 3rd IHG).

Regarding Cooper's position in late 1862 (p.83), the passage gives the impression that Cooper constructed "a new stronghold" in the fall of 1862. Fort Davis was, of course, constructed under Pike's command prior to Pea Ridge.

What I can say on a positive note is that the author reasonably characterizes the misunderstanding of the Indians by the Union commanders, the terrible conditions for civilians, and the unsettled position and strategy of the Union army regarding the Indian Territory.

Regarding the military aspects of the book, it offers no new information and confuses the facts in its attempt to summarize military activities and encounters. A serious student of the subject would be very disappointed by this book.

Ken