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Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Frontier Justice: Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
In 1875, Indian Territory, in what is now the state of Oklahoma, was a haven for thieves, swindlers, and murderers, all trying to escape the reach of the law. When President U.S. Grant appointed Judge Isaac Parker judge of the Western District of Arkansas, which included the territory, Parker was intent upon bringing fugitives to justice. He authorized U.S. Marshal James Fagan to hire 200 deputy marshals to help police the 4,500 square mile lawless territory. Among those deputies was Bass Reeves. Born a slave in 1838, Reeves had spent the Civil War as a runaway in Indian Territory, and spoke five tribal languages. He was an expert tracker and an accomplished marksman, and at 6’2” and 180 pounds in an era when the average male height was 5’6”, was an imposing figure. During his 32 year tenure as a deputy marshal, Reeves brought in over 3,000 fugitives. Unable to either read or write, he had someone read warrants to him and memorized every detail – never making a mistake. In this fictional account of his first two years, ride along with one of the most famous U.S. Deputy Marshals in American history.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2010
37 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Charles Ray
580 books154 followersI've been writing since my teens. In addition to writing for several newspapers and magazines in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa, I've written two books on leadership and a number of fiction works. I'm also a published poet, photographer, and artist. I write in several genres, reflecting my broad reading tastes. I spent 20 years in the army, retiring in 1982 and becoming a diplomat. I've worked in about 10 countries and traveled to about 30 more, mining each for material to write about.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 23, 2016
This book is typical of Ray's easy to read journalistic style. Writing is never effortless, though Ray leaves one feeling that it comes to him nearly as easily as breathing. This historical fiction about the legendary Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves is a delight, though I would have liked to have had more of the same to read. That we don't is no doubt simply because Ray has no wish to stray far from the factual history. The conversations created to put the bones on the known story ring so true that I found myself on the dusty trail, spitting tobacco with the best and worst of those tough pioneers.
That a black man born to slavery, Bass Reeves, could do so well for himself and so soon after the emancipation that stemmed from the American Civil War is nothing less than astounding. Some of his success seems almost unbelievable, which makes it just as well that the real life author is every bit as big a picture as the man he portrays. I am sure that Charles and Bass would have got on very well if a time skipped century or so enabled a meeting.
It is impossible to say much without lacing my review with spoilers, though to be honest it is enough to say that this short-novel, or long novella, finishes far too quickly. Lone Ranger, eat your heart out, this is how 'The West' was really won.
That a black man born to slavery, Bass Reeves, could do so well for himself and so soon after the emancipation that stemmed from the American Civil War is nothing less than astounding. Some of his success seems almost unbelievable, which makes it just as well that the real life author is every bit as big a picture as the man he portrays. I am sure that Charles and Bass would have got on very well if a time skipped century or so enabled a meeting.
It is impossible to say much without lacing my review with spoilers, though to be honest it is enough to say that this short-novel, or long novella, finishes far too quickly. Lone Ranger, eat your heart out, this is how 'The West' was really won.
October 21, 2014
If you like wild west stories with strong, but silent, courageous gunslinging heroes, then this historical biography is definitely the book for you. Bass Reeves is a black man, a farmer/rancer toiling hard to provide for his growing family. When he is offered a job as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and asked to hunt down wanted criminals, he is persuaded to give it a try. Not only does he quietly go about his task, but he captures every fugitive on his list without any loss of life. He is such a quick draw with his guns, that no outlaw can outgun him, and they usually surrender like lambs.
Author Charles Ray, with his easy, clear writing style, pens a wonderous tale about this fascinating man who broke through the restraints of race to become one of the most heralded U.S. Marshals of his time. Impeccable research, colorful characters, outrageous outlaws, and a story that makes you cheer as you read along, makes this a novel for everyone to read. Western fans will love the glimpse into the real wild west and the quiet, unassuming Bass Reeves who excels in capturing his bounty! This is an easy, absorbing novel that will keep you turning pages to the end.
Author Charles Ray, with his easy, clear writing style, pens a wonderous tale about this fascinating man who broke through the restraints of race to become one of the most heralded U.S. Marshals of his time. Impeccable research, colorful characters, outrageous outlaws, and a story that makes you cheer as you read along, makes this a novel for everyone to read. Western fans will love the glimpse into the real wild west and the quiet, unassuming Bass Reeves who excels in capturing his bounty! This is an easy, absorbing novel that will keep you turning pages to the end.
November 15, 2017
Bass Reeves knows the land they call Indian Territory in Arkansas as well as the surrounding areas. And because of this, Reeves is given a job as US Marshal by Judge Fagan. Only thing is, Reeves can't read nor write. Reeves was born into slavery and slaves weren't allowed to learn to read or write. He was to become a run away slave after roughing up his master up a bit over a card game. Bass hid in Indian Territory among the Indians until he knew things were safe enough for him to carry on his way. He would make a life for himself and his family by cultivating a farm.
Fagan has hired Reeves as a US Marshal (or Marshall) to serve warrants to a few outlaws, but with Reeves not being able to read this might be an issue. At least to Fagan. Reeves explains to Fagan that he has a great memory and if Fagan reads the warrants to Reeves he'll be able to do his job. Fagan tests Reeves by reading a warrant to him in which Reeves repeats all the details back to Fagan. With this, Fagan is satisfied and sends Reeves on his way to get his men.
I have to say, after writing that summary, it sounds better than what the book really was.
I'm not a fan of old west books, but wanted to open my mind and give one a shot. I think I should have kept my mind shut.
The book was filled with unnecessary details. When Ray describes Fagan's office he goes into great details. Down to describing exactly where the large map of Arkansas was hanging in his office. I'm not one for details like that. I don't need to know the thread count in the rug or the shape of the desk legs (exaggerating here, of course, about the thread count and such). All I need to know is that "Fagan sat in a high backed chair that placed him in front of his large wooden desk. Fagan motioned for Reeves to sit in the chair placed before the desk". More details were given to the facial hair everyone had, their brows and how they formed to make certain facial expressions. I think saying "he had a look of anger" or "he looked at Reeves with a curious face" would have sufficed. I made up those lines to make a point.
The other thing that turned me off was the history of the land. Wherever Reeves went to look for the outlaws, the history of the land was given. I felt like I was in school and had to read this book for an assignment. Again, I feel the history of the land could have been incorporated into the story telling. I think this has to do with my short attention span. While I was reading the over abundant of details provided along with the history lessons, I kept thinking about the movie Mozart when Mozart, played by Tom Hulce, is being told by Emperor Joseph II, played by Jeffrey Jones, that his music has too many notes.
I tried hard to overlook the amount of details written but it became too cumbersome at times. The reading, thus, became non enjoyable, at least for me and I really wanted to like this book. After reading I wanted to be excited about reading another book set in the old west, but I think I'll hold off a little longer before I give it a shot again.
I wouldn't write off this book for others at all. It's a short book of 253 pages. If you want to read about a man who chased outlaws in the old west, you might want to give this a try. The reason I say this is because what I think is not law. I'm a book reviewer - I review books. Good or bad, I review them.
I tried to like it because it is a historical fiction book, but, as mentioned already, the details and history lessons kept me from doing so.
The book did open my eyes to Bass Reeves and now I'm interested in learning more about him.
Fagan has hired Reeves as a US Marshal (or Marshall) to serve warrants to a few outlaws, but with Reeves not being able to read this might be an issue. At least to Fagan. Reeves explains to Fagan that he has a great memory and if Fagan reads the warrants to Reeves he'll be able to do his job. Fagan tests Reeves by reading a warrant to him in which Reeves repeats all the details back to Fagan. With this, Fagan is satisfied and sends Reeves on his way to get his men.
I have to say, after writing that summary, it sounds better than what the book really was.
I'm not a fan of old west books, but wanted to open my mind and give one a shot. I think I should have kept my mind shut.
The book was filled with unnecessary details. When Ray describes Fagan's office he goes into great details. Down to describing exactly where the large map of Arkansas was hanging in his office. I'm not one for details like that. I don't need to know the thread count in the rug or the shape of the desk legs (exaggerating here, of course, about the thread count and such). All I need to know is that "Fagan sat in a high backed chair that placed him in front of his large wooden desk. Fagan motioned for Reeves to sit in the chair placed before the desk". More details were given to the facial hair everyone had, their brows and how they formed to make certain facial expressions. I think saying "he had a look of anger" or "he looked at Reeves with a curious face" would have sufficed. I made up those lines to make a point.
The other thing that turned me off was the history of the land. Wherever Reeves went to look for the outlaws, the history of the land was given. I felt like I was in school and had to read this book for an assignment. Again, I feel the history of the land could have been incorporated into the story telling. I think this has to do with my short attention span. While I was reading the over abundant of details provided along with the history lessons, I kept thinking about the movie Mozart when Mozart, played by Tom Hulce, is being told by Emperor Joseph II, played by Jeffrey Jones, that his music has too many notes.
I tried hard to overlook the amount of details written but it became too cumbersome at times. The reading, thus, became non enjoyable, at least for me and I really wanted to like this book. After reading I wanted to be excited about reading another book set in the old west, but I think I'll hold off a little longer before I give it a shot again.
I wouldn't write off this book for others at all. It's a short book of 253 pages. If you want to read about a man who chased outlaws in the old west, you might want to give this a try. The reason I say this is because what I think is not law. I'm a book reviewer - I review books. Good or bad, I review them.
I tried to like it because it is a historical fiction book, but, as mentioned already, the details and history lessons kept me from doing so.
The book did open my eyes to Bass Reeves and now I'm interested in learning more about him.
March 24, 2018
You could say this includes spoilers, but if you are considering reading this just because you are interested in the Hollywood-blockbuster-film worthy Bass Reeves, do yourself a favour - read on and avoid having to punish yourself with this unedited, typo-ridden, snooze-fest.
The one star is only for the subject matter. If you are going to publish why not invest in a proof reader? It can sometimes be overlooked for a great story teller and if you are going to use Bass as a basis for your fiction, you have that opportunity. In this book though the grammar just left me as irritated as the repetitive storyline.
It should be possible to think of a few more scenarios than "Bass bumped into the man going into the store and arrested him" or "Bass dressed up and sneaked the cuffs on". Rinse and repeat.
The one star is only for the subject matter. If you are going to publish why not invest in a proof reader? It can sometimes be overlooked for a great story teller and if you are going to use Bass as a basis for your fiction, you have that opportunity. In this book though the grammar just left me as irritated as the repetitive storyline.
It should be possible to think of a few more scenarios than "Bass bumped into the man going into the store and arrested him" or "Bass dressed up and sneaked the cuffs on". Rinse and repeat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2019
A CR. Western Action Adventure. (FJ) (BR - DUSM)
CR. Has penned a western on a legendary western character Deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves. He was assigned to the Western District of Arkansas, under US Marshal James Fagan, whose boss was Judge Isaac Parker. Judge Parker was known as the hanging judge. Deputy Reeves worked for the US Marshals office for 32 years and brought in many fugitives for trial. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
CR. Has penned a western on a legendary western character Deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves. He was assigned to the Western District of Arkansas, under US Marshal James Fagan, whose boss was Judge Isaac Parker. Judge Parker was known as the hanging judge. Deputy Reeves worked for the US Marshals office for 32 years and brought in many fugitives for trial. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
July 26, 2021
Did not finish the story
The book is very good but did not finish the entire story. I saw a program on Bass Reeves and that is what led me to the book. The show told about his entire life and I was surprised the book ended the way it did. It kind of left you hanging. I hope there is another book to complete the entire story.
The book is very good but did not finish the entire story. I saw a program on Bass Reeves and that is what led me to the book. The show told about his entire life and I was surprised the book ended the way it did. It kind of left you hanging. I hope there is another book to complete the entire story.
June 13, 2023
Great read!
Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I especially enjoy books about people who don’t already have a lot of exposure. I will definitely do more research on Mr. Bass Reeves. I would like to know more about his family. This isgreat book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction
Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I especially enjoy books about people who don’t already have a lot of exposure. I will definitely do more research on Mr. Bass Reeves. I would like to know more about his family. This isgreat book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction
December 6, 2023
a pretty good read.
This was an interesting read, especially considering that most of the text was created from the mind of the author. There just wasn’t much history to write on. But it was definitely worth reading
This was an interesting read, especially considering that most of the text was created from the mind of the author. There just wasn’t much history to write on. But it was definitely worth reading
Read
July 21, 2020Nice to see someone well deserved get recognized!
November 10, 2020
Great read
The book has a lot of stories that shows the story of Bass Reeves life really well. Recommended by a fifth grade home schooler.
The book has a lot of stories that shows the story of Bass Reeves life really well. Recommended by a fifth grade home schooler.
December 19, 2016
Born a slave, died a legend
This book is a fictionalized story of Bass Reeves, the legendary black Deputy U.S. Marshal who served under the Hangin' Judge, Isaac C. Parker, in the Western District of Arkansas.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is quite proud of its history. It was known as "Hell on the Border" until the advent of Judge Parker, with such outlaws as Belle Starr and Cherokee Bill and Blue Duck causing havoc, then riding across the river to Indian Territory, later Oklahoma, to hide from the law.
If you should find yourself in Fort Smith, take the time to visit the National Historic Site, which includes Judge Parker's courtroom, the jail and gallows (not the original, of course). Pay a visit to the U.S. Marshals Museum, and see the bronze statue of Bass Reeves on Garrison Avenue.
If I had proofread this book, I would have made 38 corrections.
This book is a fictionalized story of Bass Reeves, the legendary black Deputy U.S. Marshal who served under the Hangin' Judge, Isaac C. Parker, in the Western District of Arkansas.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is quite proud of its history. It was known as "Hell on the Border" until the advent of Judge Parker, with such outlaws as Belle Starr and Cherokee Bill and Blue Duck causing havoc, then riding across the river to Indian Territory, later Oklahoma, to hide from the law.
If you should find yourself in Fort Smith, take the time to visit the National Historic Site, which includes Judge Parker's courtroom, the jail and gallows (not the original, of course). Pay a visit to the U.S. Marshals Museum, and see the bronze statue of Bass Reeves on Garrison Avenue.
If I had proofread this book, I would have made 38 corrections.
January 21, 2016
Great read
Enjoyed this book. I would have liked to have known Bass Reeves. A man of his ethics, morals, ability to learn 5 Indian languages is much to admire. The fact that Bass Reeves was black and believed in himself is amazing.
Thank you,Bass Reeves, for helping to tame the west.
Enjoyed this book. I would have liked to have known Bass Reeves. A man of his ethics, morals, ability to learn 5 Indian languages is much to admire. The fact that Bass Reeves was black and believed in himself is amazing.
Thank you,Bass Reeves, for helping to tame the west.
August 21, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include FRONTIER JUSTICE: BASS REEVES, DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL by CHARLES RAY in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
AIBA Book of the Day: 23 June, 2021: 138/41952
AIBA Book of the Day: 23 June, 2021: 138/41952
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews