This is Margaret Irvin Carrington's narrative about her life as the wife of a military officer in Indian Country. Her husband, Colonel Henry Carrington, was appointed commander of the Mountain District, Department of the Missouri after a successful stint as an intelligence officer in the Civil War. He was tasked with protecting the Bozeman Trail for both emigrants and miners heading to the Montana gold regions. As part of his role, he supervised the construction of Fort Phil Kearny, which served as his (and his wife's) home base during Red Cloud's War. This armed conflict between the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Indians and the United States was fought over control of the Powder River country in north-central Wyoming. The Indians won the war and effectively ended Carrrington's military career. Included with the 378 pages of text are a number of single-page plates and the following 2 folding maps:

A. (Map No. 1.) Carringtons Outline of Indian Operations on the Plains (17.4 x 9.2"). This map covers the path of the Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha west to Salt Lake City, and north from Fort Abercrombie west to Helena. The "Route 1866 of Col. Carrington is shown at the center of the map" with many forts identified. Topography and drainage is well represented.

B. (Map No. II.) Carringtons Outline of Indian Operations on the Plains (11.6 x 5.6"). This small map covers the area from Fort Stevenson (Dakota Territory) west to Helena and north to the Canadian border. It is densely filled with forts, Indian tribes, rivers, and elevation via hachure.

This third edition includes revisions by her husband, Colonel Henry Carrington, who noted that Custer took a copy of the map with him to the Plains. Hardbound in blue cloth with gilt illustration on front cover and gilt title on spine.

References: Howes #C-175, Sabin #11061.

Condition: B+

The maps have light toning and faint offsetting. Map No. 1 also has a 3" binding tear at left that has been closed on verso with archival tape. Text and plates are very good with light toning. Both hinges are starting. Covers are stained and worn and there are a few small chips to the spine.