Three Years Among the Comanches: The Narrative of Nelson Lee, the Texas Ranger (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is a detailed account of Lee's captivity among the Comanches in the 1850's and his escape through the mountains back to white civilization. The story is full of encounters with alligators, snakes, and panthers, as well as hostile Comanches. Lee saw his fellow captives slaughtered most horribly: he was spared only because he convinced the Indians that the Great Spirit spoke to him through his pocket watch. Nevertheless, Lee gives excellent details about the tribe's way of life, albeit from the perspective of someone who doesn't have the kindliest feelings towards his captors.

From the Back Cover

For the Texas Rangers, 80 miles on horseback between sunset and sundown was all in a day's work in the 1850s. These volunteer militiamen, paid only one dollar a day, battled to secure the Lone Star's borders with Mexico, and settlers and frontiersman came to rely on them for safety and protection in the land of the Comanches and Apaches. Not surprisingly, the Rangers' feats became the stuff of myths and legends.
From the ranks of the Rangers arose a folk hero of the old West, Nelson Lee. He encountered one heart-pounding situation after another, handling every daring escapade with fortitude and good humor. That is, until one night when he was awakened from a sound sleep, lassoed by a half-dozen Comanches, and taken prisoner. As he watched his companions being scalped, Lee feared he might meet the same end.
Three Years Among the Comanches is a reprint of the classic narrative of Lee's adventures and captivity. Told in his own words, Lee's tale (almost too tall to be true) was wildly popular when it first appeared in print in 1859. Today it offers a first-hand look at the early Texas Rangers and details the Comanche way of life before white men changed it forever.
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: The Narrative Press (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589760948
• ISBN-13: 978-1589760943
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #286,158 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So you think life is difficult?!?!?, December 8, 2002

By	D. Smith (South Dakota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been reading books of late about the Texas Rangers. They are varied. This one is remarkable. Half the book is about his adventures as a Ranger. The second half is about being captured and living with the Comanches. It is an amazing story. Not great literature and bit dated in its prose, but I thought a wonderful read.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Hand Account of the West and its dangers, January 23, 2006

By	Snooper's Mom (Hudson, NH USA) - See all my reviews

Nelson Lee's straightforward account of his life as a Texas Ranger and then an Indian captive is enthralling. He also offers a valid critique of how the US govt was misguided in their approach to the Indian problem. Moreover, he pleads for the govt. to do something about those still in captivity. Fewer people might have gone West had they known what was really going on and the dangers ahead. This first-hand account is highly recommended.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good read...but take with a grain of salt, January 13, 2007

By	Elaine Martens "Born a 100 years too late" (Northern California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author relates actual events in Texas Ranger history as though he was present. However, the Texas State Historical site has no record of him ever being on Ranger rolls.