Monday, September 10, 2007

Coming Soon: Sergeant Larson, 4th Cav.

My long-awaited copy of Sergeant Larson, 4th Cav. arrived yesterday via InterLibrary Loan. I've been waiting for this one for a long time, as the book is nearly impossible to find. Upon opening the cover, I found out why. Only 300 copies were printed, and that was in 1935. The majority of the remaining copies are in small southwestern libraries, and the few available on the internet are several hundred dollars.

I hope to have the book read and a review ready by the end of next week, but at first glance the book appears to be a treasure. Sergeant Larson served the entire war in the western theater with the 4th US Cavalry, and participated in all of the major campaigns with his regiment. The book promises to do for the western regular cavalry what Sidney Davis Morris' Common Soldier, Uncommon War does for the 6th US Cavalry and the Regular Brigade of the Army of the Potomac. I'm especially looking forward to the Chickamauga section, but that's a rant for another time.

1 comment:

1st Sgt. J.M.H. said...

Don, I'm just learning how this thing works. I came across your "Officers of the 1st Cav." Part
III by accident yesterday and posted a message.
I assume you can find there. I received my copy
of Sgt. Larsons book about two months ago, you will find it absolutely fascinating reading. I have covered much of the same information as you in
my first few chapters on the 4th Regulars. I think
we have much to talk about - but to be honest, this format is not my favorite way. Let me know.