| It was not until I turned to the wealth of material in the military records of the National Archives that the true character and contributions of the Ninth and Tenth stood clearly revealed. For twenty-four years these regiments campaigned on the Great Plains, along the Ro Grande, in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and finally in the Dakotas. Their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order and settlement: warring Indians, bandits, cattle thieves, murderous gunmen, bootleggers, trespassers, and Mexican revolutionaries. All these they met many times, and with success, regardless of extremes of climate and terrain that ranged from the broken, rugged, and torrid Big Bend of Texas to the rolling plains, badlands, and subfreezing temperatures of South Dakota. |
| Their work was not limited to fighting. Many a frontier post arose as a result of their labors and the foundations thus were laid for future cities. Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the thriving city of Lawton are prime examples. Scouting detachments stripped the mystery from little-known areas, located water, wood, and grass, and paved the way for eager settlers. Many a frontier official owed his life and his job to the support given him by these black men in blue, and many more farmers and ranchers slept soundly in their beds because a thin line of Negro troopers guarded them from harm. |
| The only obstacles the Ninth and Tenth could not overcome were those of prejudice and discrimination. These twin foes were constant enemies, ever harassing, hampering and embarrassing their efforts, and denying recognition for tasks well done. Three-quarters of a century have passed since the work of these regiments on the frontier came to a close, and their contributions still go largely unknown and unheralded. This book is an effort to tell the story of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry, in the conviction that they deserve recognition for what they werefirst-rate regiments by any standards one wishes to apply and major spearheads in the settlement of the West. It is a story of significant achievement under many handicaps, and a record in which every American can take justifiable pride. |
| In the research and writing of this book, I am indebted to many |
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