Broadax and Bayonet

Book excerpt: "In a style that is clear, unhurried and . . . vigorous, Francis P. Prucha has written a definitive study of [the] frontier army that was itself a pioneer. It pushed the line of occupation far beyond settlements. It raised crops, herded cattle, cut timber, quarried stone, built sawmills and performed the manifold duties of pioneers. It restrained lawless traders, pursued fugitives, ejected squatters, maintained order during peace negotiations and guarded Indians who came to receive annuities."--New York Times Book Review. "A work of original research which stands almost alone in relating the Army's work to the peaceful processes of territorial expansion and social development. Studying the thirteen army posts established in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and northern Illinois, the author demonstrates their importance for Indian and land policy administration, as cash markets for the early settlers, and as centers of exploration, road-building, and cultural developments."--A Guide to the Study of the United States of America. "Well-written. . . . a significant contribution to the study of . . . both the westward movement and our military establishment."--Mississippi Valley Historical Review. Known for his books about American Indian government policy and the frontier army, Francis Paul Prucha, S.J., is an emeritus professor of history at Marquette University. Introducing this edition is Edward M. Coffman, a professor of history at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the author of The Old Army: A Portrait of the American Army in Peacetime, 1784?1898.