With the exception of the Civil War years, Crook spent his entire military career on the Western Frontier. He was activly involved in the Rogue River and Yakima wars in the 1850's, the Paiute wars in the late 1860's, the Apache campaigns and Sioux/Cheyenne wars of the 1870's, and the Apache wars again in the 1880's. He retired as commanding general of the Department of the Missouri, the largest and most active of all frontier commands. His autobiography covers the period from his graduation from West Point in 1852 to June 18, 1876, the day after the famous Battle of the Rosebud. The editor supplements Crook's account with much new material on the remainder of Crook's career from his diaries and letters, as well as contemporary newspaper accounts.

"First edition."

Pacific coast shavetail -- Rogue river war -- Brigadier General, volunteers -- The brains of this army -- Paiutes to Apaches -- Victory in defeat -- Returning to Arizona -- Fighting with words.