Voices of the Buffalo Soldier - by Frank N Schubert (Paperback)

About the Book

All students of the frontier army as well as aficionados with a special interest in the Buffalo Soldiers will find this an invaluable tool. Drawing on a wide variety of periodicals, military records, and letters, the book covers such key topics as the legislative origin of the inclusion of black soldiers in the army.

Book Synopsis

The Buffalo Soldiers were African Americans who served in the Regular Army between the Civil War and World War I and fought in some of the most difficult wars against western Indians. Examining their military service, their social lives, and their interactions with western civilian communities, it uses the words of the soldiers themselves and of contemporary observers, some friendly and some not.

Voices of the Buffalo Soldier draws on a wide variety of periodicals, military records, and letters. It covers such key topics as the legislative origin of the inclusion of black soldiers in the army, the campaigns in which the Buffalo Soldiers fought, their daily lives and interactions with white communities, the few black chaplains and line officers who were permitted to serve, and the bravery of some Buffalo Soldier heroes. All students of the frontier army as well as aficionados with a special interest in the Buffalo Soldiers will find this an invaluable publication.

"The first work that presents the correspondence and their primary documents pertaining to black soldiers' lives in the West."--Quintard Taylor, University of Washington

Review Quotes

""Voices of the Buffalo Soldier," is a result of painstaking efforts to uncover firsthand accounts of black troops serving in the West. Ranging from court-martial records to a love letter, Schubert's selections push aside shadows to reveal a complex, personal and diverse picture. . . . Schubert once more deserves accolades for expanding the historiography of African Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces."

""Voices of the Buffalo Soldier" is a superb collection of documents that not only illuminates the lives of these soldiers, but also helps us to understand the obstacles they faced and the challenges they met. It is a valuable reference and well worth the read."

""Voices of the Buffalo Soldier" will certainly be a welcome addition to the libraries of those who are interested in the history of the black regulars. Other history aficionados may also find the documents well worth a look, because, as Dr. Schubert so accurately points out: 'These are not just black voices; they are American voices.'"

"[Schubert's] well-written introductions are informative, yet succinct. With "Voices of the Buffalo Soldier," Schubert has made another worthy contribution to the subject."

"Although military historians will certainly appreciate this book, it will also appeal to a wider audience in search of authentic western experiences. It is a welcome addition."

"Honest, detailed letters of black infantry soldiers and line officers show these men served their country with extreme courage in an often racist atmosphere. From the court-martial of Lt. Henry Flipper to the murder of Private Hiram Pinder, the men served with dignity, not to mention great restraint. Schubert has possibly written the finest work on the history of the buffalo soldiers."

"Meticulously researched and documented, this book is a gem of first-hand information that draws the reader into the time and place."

"No one has contributed more to knowledge of the buffalo soldier and his role in the frontier army than Frank Schubert. Gathering nearly one hundred telling documents in this volume, the author offers readers a peek into the daily lives and career of these ordinary individuals who performed extraordinary service for their country."

"Schubert, an established authority on the black military experience on the plains frontier, enhances his reputation and contributes to the literature with this anthology of documents covering every aspect of the Buffalo Soldiers' military service, their daily lives, and their interaction with white military and civilian communities."

"Well organized and expertly annotated, Schubert's collection of documents belongs on the shelf of every western and military historian, and, most especially, students of African American history. It provides scholars and western buffs with carefully selected documents for further research and reflection."