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The Indian War of 1864
From Captain Eugene Fitch Ware's service in the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, an organization charged with keeping the overland routes open and free from Indian attack, came The Indian War of 1864 , originally published in 1911, the year of his death.
483 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 1911
About the author
Eugene Fitch Ware
45 books2 followersEugene Fitch Ware was a soldier, journalist, politician, historian, lawyer, poet, and served as Commissioner of Pensions under the Theodore Roosevelt administration. Describing him, Roosevelt said he refused “to be swayed by any motive save the public good,” and, under the non de plume Ironquill, he remains one of Kansas’ well-known poets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 25, 2018
Obscure civil war perspective.
Narrative diary style writing shedding a glimpse of military assignments and behavior. Depicts the role of the Union forces in the West and the strategy of the Confederacy to siphon troops from the Union thereby diluting the effective forces opposing the Union. Interesting and insightful descriptions of cavalry movements and expectations. Area maps would have contributed greatly to the reader!
Narrative diary style writing shedding a glimpse of military assignments and behavior. Depicts the role of the Union forces in the West and the strategy of the Confederacy to siphon troops from the Union thereby diluting the effective forces opposing the Union. Interesting and insightful descriptions of cavalry movements and expectations. Area maps would have contributed greatly to the reader!
April 18, 2018
A long read but what a great book. If you ever wondered what the western part of the U.S. was doing during the Civil War, this is the book for you. I learned things about the war I never knew and I'll bet you will too if you just try it.
October 30, 2017
The author (this was written in 1911) shows the bias of his times. However, he is an engaging author and does a good job of covering the Western Frontier at the end of the US Civil War. I would recommend the book for those interested in Indian Warfare, or what life was like back in the time period of the end of the Civil War. Not a book for the general reader.
May 14, 2018
Definitely for cavalry fans
Ware has documented the life and times of soldiers manning the frontier forts. Hard times for hard men. A good look at what it required to maintain a fort on the frontier.
Ware has documented the life and times of soldiers manning the frontier forts. Hard times for hard men. A good look at what it required to maintain a fort on the frontier.
November 17, 2014
Excellent history of the Sioux war that broke out in the Great Lakes region toward the end of the Civil War. It explores the roots and results of the conflict.
July 5, 2018
Good reading but not much on the Indian war of1864 I would have liked to read
More of the Indian fighting It was more on camp life and not the war of1894. Still a good read.
More of the Indian fighting It was more on camp life and not the war of1894. Still a good read.
August 19, 2018
Military
A bit dry for my taste, but is likely to be a well appreciated book for those whose tastes run to the military discipline.
A bit dry for my taste, but is likely to be a well appreciated book for those whose tastes run to the military discipline.
June 2, 2020
Being an Australian, my knowledge of the American west and the Native American peoples is coloured by 'Cowboys and Indians' movies and TV series. Though I've read a little about the American west during the 1800s, it has been from a modern perspective.
The value of a book like this is that it is written by someone who was actually there. Sure its long winded, and gets much into the facts and figures, but then it is a diary of a soldier's life during a traumatic period in the U.S. with the Civil War in progress, and the problems associated with the relationships with several of the plains Indian tribes at that time, especially the Sioux and Cheyenne.
What's fascinating is the day by day activities of these hardened soldiers and their constant confrontation with exposure to the elements, the movement of civilians and Mormons into these regions, and of course how the Army and government were dealing with the Indian issues. The writer's attitudes are raw and seem honest about his feelings, perceptions about what is happening about him. He shows very mixed feelings about Indians, and settlers, Confederates allied to the Indian tribes, and it says something of how people of those times thought about what was happening in their world. Mention of contact with now famous people occasionally arise as does the perception of how close the Union was to losing the war based on public perception even among the ranks of Union soldiers who felt a negotiated peace should have occurred by 1863 with the Confederacy. And the activities and strategies of both the Army and Indian tribes is quite enlightening.
I found it a fascinated account, despite being long winded, and learned a great deal of how people of that time survived, thought, entertained themselves. The author describes a huge range of very interesting characters, people living in raw conditions, facing constant danger, yet eking out an existence. Its nothing like the 'Cowboys and Indians' film and TV portrayals. It is so much more and so very different. Takes an effort to stick with it, when the author rambles a little, but its a rich and worthwhile read for anyone wanting to really get a sense of what living in the 1860s US West was really like.
The value of a book like this is that it is written by someone who was actually there. Sure its long winded, and gets much into the facts and figures, but then it is a diary of a soldier's life during a traumatic period in the U.S. with the Civil War in progress, and the problems associated with the relationships with several of the plains Indian tribes at that time, especially the Sioux and Cheyenne.
What's fascinating is the day by day activities of these hardened soldiers and their constant confrontation with exposure to the elements, the movement of civilians and Mormons into these regions, and of course how the Army and government were dealing with the Indian issues. The writer's attitudes are raw and seem honest about his feelings, perceptions about what is happening about him. He shows very mixed feelings about Indians, and settlers, Confederates allied to the Indian tribes, and it says something of how people of those times thought about what was happening in their world. Mention of contact with now famous people occasionally arise as does the perception of how close the Union was to losing the war based on public perception even among the ranks of Union soldiers who felt a negotiated peace should have occurred by 1863 with the Confederacy. And the activities and strategies of both the Army and Indian tribes is quite enlightening.
I found it a fascinated account, despite being long winded, and learned a great deal of how people of that time survived, thought, entertained themselves. The author describes a huge range of very interesting characters, people living in raw conditions, facing constant danger, yet eking out an existence. Its nothing like the 'Cowboys and Indians' film and TV portrayals. It is so much more and so very different. Takes an effort to stick with it, when the author rambles a little, but its a rich and worthwhile read for anyone wanting to really get a sense of what living in the 1860s US West was really like.
June 9, 2020
A thorough first hand account of an officer stationed in the West during the Civil War. Sometimes the little details you don't get from history classes, documentaries, or most books on the time period make for a fuller experience when you realize that this is what happened. I've visited many of the forts he mentions, and it's fascinating to hear about daily life for a soldier having visited the parade grounds and walked his steps.
I particularly paid attention to the way the author described the Native Americans. To him, they were below humans -- to be hated, mistrusted, and attributed the worst descriptors. I absolutely do not condone or support his views, and even knowing that was the prevailing attitude of the time, it's still unconscionable and cruel. But a small part seems to have come from the Native Americans that threw their lot in with the evil Confederacy, which I did not know.
Still, the value of a first hand account removes most of the filtering we see with controversial, indeed, all history.
Never forget the atrocities. And note that the author supported the Sand Creek Massacre that he refused to name as such.
I particularly paid attention to the way the author described the Native Americans. To him, they were below humans -- to be hated, mistrusted, and attributed the worst descriptors. I absolutely do not condone or support his views, and even knowing that was the prevailing attitude of the time, it's still unconscionable and cruel. But a small part seems to have come from the Native Americans that threw their lot in with the evil Confederacy, which I did not know.
Still, the value of a first hand account removes most of the filtering we see with controversial, indeed, all history.
Never forget the atrocities. And note that the author supported the Sand Creek Massacre that he refused to name as such.
August 23, 2018
The Only Good Indian....
Eugene Ware’s book is an excellent resource about the war against the Indians in 1864 and 1865 as well as the history of the Army cavalry out west during the Civil War. However, there is a lot of anti-native American sentiment throughout. There is also a great deal of misinformation about Native American culture, temperament and historical facts. Typical of a conquering force of invaders, indigenous people are treated like a disease that infested the land rather than the rightful owners of the land. Nonetheless, this is a great historical document and is well worth reading for anyone interested in this period.
Eugene Ware’s book is an excellent resource about the war against the Indians in 1864 and 1865 as well as the history of the Army cavalry out west during the Civil War. However, there is a lot of anti-native American sentiment throughout. There is also a great deal of misinformation about Native American culture, temperament and historical facts. Typical of a conquering force of invaders, indigenous people are treated like a disease that infested the land rather than the rightful owners of the land. Nonetheless, this is a great historical document and is well worth reading for anyone interested in this period.
September 2, 2018
Delightful!
Eugene Ware has given us an incredible glimpse into the life and times of a period of American history that is rarely recognized. He writes with great clarity and describe in great detail of the life of a calvary officer, it's men and the civilians, both white and Indian. Throughout his overview, he entertains with personal antidotes and stories he gathers from other stories he collected in his travels.
This is a very personal perspective of a life lived when the nation he loved was being torn asunder and his dedication to serve that nation the best way he knew how.
Eugene Ware has given us an incredible glimpse into the life and times of a period of American history that is rarely recognized. He writes with great clarity and describe in great detail of the life of a calvary officer, it's men and the civilians, both white and Indian. Throughout his overview, he entertains with personal antidotes and stories he gathers from other stories he collected in his travels.
This is a very personal perspective of a life lived when the nation he loved was being torn asunder and his dedication to serve that nation the best way he knew how.
September 10, 2019
History told by one who lived it
To understand America, understand the pioneers. They lived in their times with those characteristics as have been successful throughout the ages: grit, determination, and conscientious discharge of their duties and responsibilities as assigned and as they saw it. Their age was different and yet driven by the same struggles humans have always known. Applying modern sensibilities to them is misguided, indeed, we have much to learn from their successes and failures, if we listen and understand the world as it was for them and as they made their way through it.
To understand America, understand the pioneers. They lived in their times with those characteristics as have been successful throughout the ages: grit, determination, and conscientious discharge of their duties and responsibilities as assigned and as they saw it. Their age was different and yet driven by the same struggles humans have always known. Applying modern sensibilities to them is misguided, indeed, we have much to learn from their successes and failures, if we listen and understand the world as it was for them and as they made their way through it.
February 15, 2024
Would probably rate this as a 2.5 in all honesty. Very interesting read by someone who was there, but trying to get through this book felt like trying to run through sand. A great deal of detail was put into describing the makeup of each cavalry detachment, which may interest some but to the average reader was tough going.
Mr. Ware was obviously an accomplished soldier both in the Civil War and the early days of the western frontier. His bias and ramblings against the South were a constant theme of the book. All in all, a good account of the early days of the western frontier, but Mr. Ware was a soldier, not a writer.
Mr. Ware was obviously an accomplished soldier both in the Civil War and the early days of the western frontier. His bias and ramblings against the South were a constant theme of the book. All in all, a good account of the early days of the western frontier, but Mr. Ware was a soldier, not a writer.
June 13, 2018
Author Eugene Ward is a fine writer, detailing his military activities with a thoroughly readable quality that makes the story an excellent window into in 1864-65 life in the in th United States
. The author has an uncommon insight into his own views of the frontier as well as facts of the Indian need for recognition. He is impartial in the matter of blame for the many confrontations with the Indians.
I highly advise this book to anyone who seems an understanding of the trials and tribulations of life in the Early West.
. The author has an uncommon insight into his own views of the frontier as well as facts of the Indian need for recognition. He is impartial in the matter of blame for the many confrontations with the Indians.
I highly advise this book to anyone who seems an understanding of the trials and tribulations of life in the Early West.
November 28, 2018
I enjoyed reading "The Indian War of 1864" for two reasons. Firstly, the language is clear and direct to my 2oth century sensibilities; the prose of many 19th century works is too longwinded and the pace often too leisurely. Ware chronicles his experiences clearly and concisely. Secondly, I had almost no prior knowledge of the frontier in 1864 and had not realized how dangerous it was, or what efforts the U.S. Army went in the midst of the American Civil War to patrol the west. The endurance of Ware and his comrades in the face of hostile weather, terrain, and Indians was remarkable.
August 7, 2019
Misleading
While a wonderful insight into the life of young, and energetic, officers that manned the forts of the opening West during a time of ethnic conflict, this book reflects little on the confrontations between Native Americans and the forces sent to contain them. Nonetheless, I read it all and found the detail intriguing. May anecdotes regarding historical persons of interest seem a bit contrived to shine a bright light on the writer.
Read the book for its historical benefits.
While a wonderful insight into the life of young, and energetic, officers that manned the forts of the opening West during a time of ethnic conflict, this book reflects little on the confrontations between Native Americans and the forces sent to contain them. Nonetheless, I read it all and found the detail intriguing. May anecdotes regarding historical persons of interest seem a bit contrived to shine a bright light on the writer.
Read the book for its historical benefits.
April 9, 2019
First hand account!
Being a history buff, I really enjoyed this vivid description of the challenges that faced our growing nation through the eyes of an officer that lived the events. With the details of the narrative it seems obvious that he kept a daily diary. While occasionally the details were a little boring, the overall descriptions were wonderful and informative. I'd recommend this book for anyone interested in that time frame in our country's history.
Being a history buff, I really enjoyed this vivid description of the challenges that faced our growing nation through the eyes of an officer that lived the events. With the details of the narrative it seems obvious that he kept a daily diary. While occasionally the details were a little boring, the overall descriptions were wonderful and informative. I'd recommend this book for anyone interested in that time frame in our country's history.
January 7, 2020
Excellent, sometimes exciting true account.
This book is written directly from the true account of a journal kept by an army officer during Indian Wars of 1864. It give some insight into what it was like to be in the Army at that time. About the relations with the Indians, and immigrants and settlers. It Was Written 50 years after the war. And the author went back to see the sights that he experienced in those days. Very well written and interesting
This book is written directly from the true account of a journal kept by an army officer during Indian Wars of 1864. It give some insight into what it was like to be in the Army at that time. About the relations with the Indians, and immigrants and settlers. It Was Written 50 years after the war. And the author went back to see the sights that he experienced in those days. Very well written and interesting
May 12, 2018
A trip into the very interesting past of our great countryà
The authors description of all occasions was true to life and to the times. His fidelity to his men and to his nation made him a great officer. This book is an unsung treasure going to times and places we can never know. Likewise people.
The authors description of all occasions was true to life and to the times. His fidelity to his men and to his nation made him a great officer. This book is an unsung treasure going to times and places we can never know. Likewise people.
May 24, 2018
Exciting from beginning to end
I saw many locations I had visited over my 80 years and each came alive as I read. From the shore of the great salt lake in Utah and nearby Yellowstone to fort Lyons in Colorado memories were Jared loose pleasantly but all the more vividly through the eyes of an engineer.
I saw many locations I had visited over my 80 years and each came alive as I read. From the shore of the great salt lake in Utah and nearby Yellowstone to fort Lyons in Colorado memories were Jared loose pleasantly but all the more vividly through the eyes of an engineer.
July 7, 2018
Great history, fine writter
I gave this title 5 stars because it chronicles the lives of so many great men, noth white and red. 1864 should be on every shelf of every home in America. Wonderful description of the old west, the war and its people. We need heros, this volume defines heroism and patriotism to the fullest. Glad I read it.
I gave this title 5 stars because it chronicles the lives of so many great men, noth white and red. 1864 should be on every shelf of every home in America. Wonderful description of the old west, the war and its people. We need heros, this volume defines heroism and patriotism to the fullest. Glad I read it.
August 15, 2018
I enjoyed reading Eugene Fitch Ware’s book, “The Indian Wars of 1864.” Great history lesson from his journal as a young officer of Cavalry on the early frontier. It was interesting that he went back in 1908 and visited some of the same places and comments on some of the changes. He also gives more in-depth information and updates on his career.
August 29, 2018
Recollections and Observations of a young cavalry officer out West during the Civil War
A very observant young man, the author brings to life the trials and tribulations of the Great Plains. Most of the experiences related were by the author himself, and through his writings we see what he saw, and what he felt. Highly recommended.
A very observant young man, the author brings to life the trials and tribulations of the Great Plains. Most of the experiences related were by the author himself, and through his writings we see what he saw, and what he felt. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2018
A most excellent read!
Written by a Union Army officer of his experiences during the end of the civil war, this is a compelling view of what it was really like "out west". It gives insight into what most history books have glossed over. I recommend this book to anyone interested in American history
Written by a Union Army officer of his experiences during the end of the civil war, this is a compelling view of what it was really like "out west". It gives insight into what most history books have glossed over. I recommend this book to anyone interested in American history
January 5, 2019
We have read much of history about the wars with the Native Americans in the old west in the late nineteenth century, but this first hand account gives the reader the history from a real life participant of the adventures, from the vantage of the soldiers who fought the wars and the settlers who lived through them.
March 13, 2019
Living The West
That it is first hand account made for good reading. I read a lot of Westerns and as I read this book I recognized places and various Indian Tribes. It is definitely a book that favors the power of the early white lands men at the demise of the Indians. It is a good read for those who enjoy early pioneer years.
That it is first hand account made for good reading. I read a lot of Westerns and as I read this book I recognized places and various Indian Tribes. It is definitely a book that favors the power of the early white lands men at the demise of the Indians. It is a good read for those who enjoy early pioneer years.
July 22, 2019
Important Information
Filled with first hand accounts of hostilities with the Indians during 1864 - 1865, this book gives the reader a taste of how things actually were. Some will be taken aback by the overt racism and contempt the author at times displays towards members of the First Nations, but it remains a must read for anyone interested in that period of American history.
Filled with first hand accounts of hostilities with the Indians during 1864 - 1865, this book gives the reader a taste of how things actually were. Some will be taken aback by the overt racism and contempt the author at times displays towards members of the First Nations, but it remains a must read for anyone interested in that period of American history.
February 21, 2022
The book is well-written, but it’s absolutely a first-hand presentation of white men forcing indigenous peoples out of their homeland for no reason beyond “it’s there” and “they could, so they did.”
Long-term, one has to wonder about why you would let avowed secessionists settle a frontier wilderness. Guess that policy ended up biting the US in the end.
Long-term, one has to wonder about why you would let avowed secessionists settle a frontier wilderness. Guess that policy ended up biting the US in the end.
September 15, 2018
Interesting 1st hand experience
More like a diary than anything but interesting and eAsy enough to follow. Wish it hand more maps and diagrams because there is a lot of geography involved.
More like a diary than anything but interesting and eAsy enough to follow. Wish it hand more maps and diagrams because there is a lot of geography involved.
Read
June 7, 2019Great first person accounts of his experiences. Interesting facts about many Indians and their life style. Was the great fire as large as indicated?
Great first person account of native American life and their habits. It was very easy to read and I enjoyed it.
Great first person account of native American life and their habits. It was very easy to read and I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews