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North Texas Military Biography and Memoir Series
Scouting with the Buffalo Soldiers: Lieutenant Powhatan Clarke, Frederic Remington, and the Tenth U.S. Cavalry in the Southwest (Volume 19)
On a hot summer’s day in Montana, a daring frontier cavalry officer, Powhatan Henry Clarke, died at the height of his promising career. A member of the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 1884, Clarke graduated dead last, and while short on academic application, he was long on charm and bravado. Clarke obtained a commission with the black troops of the Tenth Cavalry, earning his spurs with these “Buffalo Soldiers.”
He evolved into a fearless field commander at the troop level, gaining glory and first-hand knowledge of what it took to campaign in the West. During his brief, action-packed career, Clarke saved a black trooper’s life while under Apache fire and was awarded the Medal of Honor. A chance meeting brought Clarke together with artist Frederic Remington, who brought national attention to Clarke when he illustrated the exploit for an 1886 Harper’s Weekly. The officer and artist became friends, and Clarke served as a model and consultant for future artwork by Remington.
Remington’s many depictions of Clarke added greatly to the cavalryman’s luster. In turn, the artist gained fame and fortune in part from drawing on Clarke as his muse. The story of these two unlikely comrades tells much about the final stages of the Wild West and the United States’ emergence on the international scene. Along the way Geronimo, The Apache Kid, “Texas” John Slaughter, and others played their roles in Clarke’s brief, but compelling drama.
He evolved into a fearless field commander at the troop level, gaining glory and first-hand knowledge of what it took to campaign in the West. During his brief, action-packed career, Clarke saved a black trooper’s life while under Apache fire and was awarded the Medal of Honor. A chance meeting brought Clarke together with artist Frederic Remington, who brought national attention to Clarke when he illustrated the exploit for an 1886 Harper’s Weekly. The officer and artist became friends, and Clarke served as a model and consultant for future artwork by Remington.
Remington’s many depictions of Clarke added greatly to the cavalryman’s luster. In turn, the artist gained fame and fortune in part from drawing on Clarke as his muse. The story of these two unlikely comrades tells much about the final stages of the Wild West and the United States’ emergence on the international scene. Along the way Geronimo, The Apache Kid, “Texas” John Slaughter, and others played their roles in Clarke’s brief, but compelling drama.
480 pages, Hardcover
Published November 19, 2020
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 25, 2023
A very valuable research book about military life in the late 1800's.
January 29, 2021
John Langellier's book is an interesting look into the life of a young officer in the U.S. Cavalry during the closing years of the 19th Century carrying out assignments in the New Mexico and Arizona Frontiers before these "regions" become States within the Federal Union. One of the best aspects of this book is its interconnectivity with the budding artist Frederick Remington. The books illustrations are superb and bring a fine touch of historical and artist perspective into the "story."
As an Historical Study of the life and times of members of the U.S. Army and the challenges facing both officers and enlisted men, Langellier is effective and successful bringing back to life through the use of personal letters and Diaries what it was like to be serving in the U.S. Army.
One of the most interesting components within this study is the fact that the Tenth U.S. Cavalry was a "Black American Unit" at the enlisted man's level. Cavalry Units comprised of Black Enlisted Men were referred to at this time by the Army as "Buffalo Soldiers." These units were trusted and highly respected by their all "white " officers. A time, period and place in American History that is not well know and often overlooked or ignored.
Fredrick Remington's important contribution keeping this time alive in our Nation's History of its westward expansion through his drawings and paintings adds a significant insight into the power of art and its role creating shared views and cultures in the mind's eye and perceptions of others.
"Scouting with the Buffalo Soldiers" is a book you'll enjoy. It opens up a time and place most of us know very little about. It's an interesting journey into the final days of the American Frontier.
As an Historical Study of the life and times of members of the U.S. Army and the challenges facing both officers and enlisted men, Langellier is effective and successful bringing back to life through the use of personal letters and Diaries what it was like to be serving in the U.S. Army.
One of the most interesting components within this study is the fact that the Tenth U.S. Cavalry was a "Black American Unit" at the enlisted man's level. Cavalry Units comprised of Black Enlisted Men were referred to at this time by the Army as "Buffalo Soldiers." These units were trusted and highly respected by their all "white " officers. A time, period and place in American History that is not well know and often overlooked or ignored.
Fredrick Remington's important contribution keeping this time alive in our Nation's History of its westward expansion through his drawings and paintings adds a significant insight into the power of art and its role creating shared views and cultures in the mind's eye and perceptions of others.
"Scouting with the Buffalo Soldiers" is a book you'll enjoy. It opens up a time and place most of us know very little about. It's an interesting journey into the final days of the American Frontier.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews