MILITARY HISTORY OF THE SOUTHWEST 1992

Vol. 22 (Spring 1992), No. 1

Table of Contents

"The Frontier Soldier: Life in the Provincias Internas and the Royal Regulations of 1772, 1766-1787," by V. A. Vincent, pp. 1-14

Abstract: The Royal Regulations of 1772 laid down rules for all aspects of presidial life. They were intended to make soldiers more efficient, provide more protection against Indian attack, and provide better pay. They did not accomplish these objectives. Life in the presidios remained harsh. The Regulations were mostly ignored by power-hungry commanders.
Key Words: Spanish Borderlands, presidios, Reglamentos, frontier

"Petticoats, Promotions, and Military Assignments: Favoritism and the Antebellum Career of James Longstreet," by William Garrett Piston, pp. 15-30

Abstract: James Longstreet was a capable, motivated soldier whose career apparently was boosted by his father-in-law. While Longstreet accomplished much on his own, his rapid promotion and choice assignments seem to be due partly to his father-in-law's position in the army hierarchy. Longstreet's wife also helped his career by being influential in social circles.
Key Words: Army politics, social status, frontier, Texas, women.

"The Mississippi Marine Brigade: Fighting Rebel Guerrillas on Western Waters," by Anne J. Bailey, pp. 31-42

Abstract: During the Civil War, Confederate regular and irregular forces attacked Union shipping on the Mississippi. The Federals developed the Mississippi Marine Brigade to deal with the problem. The Marine Brigade was not fully successful and caused more problems than it solved. Federal officials did not give sufficient supervision to the group.
Key Words: Civil War, irregulars, Mississippi River, guerrilla warfare, Mississippi Marine Brigade

"George Forsyth and the Battle of Beecher Island: Imagery and the Frontier Military," by David Dixon, pp. 43-60

Abstract: The Battle of Beecher Island (Colorado) in 1868 provided the ultimate imagery of the fight against the Indians in the West. A small group of soldiers on a small island held off a large group of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors until the cavalry arrived in the nick of time. Newspapers played up the story, movies copied it numerous times, and the image is now part of the American iconography.
Key Words: Indians,frontier, Beecher Island, newspapers, propaganda, symbolism