'I Will Not Surrender the Hair of a Horse's Tail': The Victorio Campaign 1879

Prof. Watt has authored a comprehensive study of the U.S. Army conflict with the Apache band led by Victorio. The book is both a reference work for scholars and an enjoyable read for those interested in this frontier military operation affecting three states and two countries. Considerable resources were poured into finding and capturing Victorio’s band, but the Army was soundly defeated by these Apaches using brilliant tactics. The author provides a detailed chronology of the beginning of the war, with back stories of the national political figures, Indian Bureau, state governments and military leaders – all attempting to put an end to the struggle.This book is the first of three that describe the “Victorio War,” its origins, conduct and ending. Included in the book are transcripts of original documents, primarily the field reports written by the officers commanding the troops chasing and fighting with Victorio’s band. These give the reader a seat at the camp table of the 9th and 10th Cavalry soldiers trying to and usually frustrated at cornering this small Apache group. This is an important series that reflects how much of this conflict might have been avoided by fair treatment and a willingness to understand Apache culture.I highly recommend this book for serious students and other readers interested in Southwest Native American history.

Having lived in the area covered in this volume I found it an excellent well documented work.

The best researched book on the Apache wars I've ever read. Easy to read with abundant footnotes!

Simply put this book is a triumph in the deepening study of the prolonged Apache Wars in the desert borderlands. Watt deftly crafts a magnificent achievement in academia, but at the same time a wildly fun read. This volume will become a new standard in the vast, and sometimes troubled, world of Apacheria studies. Watt has carved for himself a place alongside the great scholars of the field like Edwin Sweeney, Dan L. Thrapp, and Eve Ball.

Am half way through, and just ordered the third part of the trilogy. Will give an in depth review after finishing this volume. It starts with management theory, and nineteenth century theory of war, and then describes the campaign based upon this. The early chapters you can gloss over and study in depth later. As stated: will do an in depth review later. Worth more than five stars.

Very handsome big volume; glossy white pages, footnoted on every page, many illustrations and color maps. If you have an interest for the Apache wars, this book is for you. This is the most detailed narration of the first part of the Victorio war , after Don Thrapp' s groundbreaking book . It is the first of a three volume series by Prof. Robert Watt. A must have, strong recommended .

Hervorragend!!!!!