Army Life in the West (1862-1865)

Army Life in the West (1862-1865), is the memoir of Charles A. Curtis, who served as a lieutenant with the 5th United States Infantry Regiment in New Mexico and Arizona during the Civil War. The memoir was originally published as a 53 article series in the Argus and Patriot newspaper of Montpelier, Vermont, from 1877-1880, entitled, "An Original Sketch, Army Life in the West." The articles were based on extensive journals Curtis kept. His intent was to educate his readers about everyday details of army life: "People know very little of how the army lives, and what it does. If I can enlighten even a few readers, I shall think I have done a good work." The articles are well written and offer rich insights into the life of an army officer stationed in the southwest, where the army played a critical role in protecting frontier settlers from hostile Indians. Curtis' memoir, which includes several accounts of fighting with Navajo and Apache Indians, also reads like a travel guide. He devoted considerable attention to the geography, geology, flora, fauna, architecture and social life of his surroundings, and as such, provided valuable insights into the various peoples, regions and cultures of New Mexico and Arizona.