Customer Reviews

The origin, progress, and conclusion of the Florida War (Seminole Wars Historic Foundation contribution)

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This book about the Second Seminole War, written by an American officer who served in it, is an outstandingly useful source for researchers containing much first hand information unavailable elsewhere. It includes eyewitness accounts of the war by both American soldiers and Seminole warriors which give a fascinating insight into America's longest war against its native peoples and which cost $20,000.000 andthe lives of more than 1,500 Americans. It is essential for academic research and I would also recommend it to anyone interested in the conflict between whites and American Indians. A masterpiece of its kind.

Sprague's account of the Florida War is, to my knowledge, the definitive source for any student of this American conflict. It is one of the few book-length works on the subject and, without any doubt, the most complete treatment of the war. Sprague includes letters from the commanders, copies of U.S.-Seminole treaties, as well as detailed reproductions of civilian accounts of some events. The style of writing employed by Sprague is easy to read and hardly ever dry as his personal passion comes through in his voice, without overbearing didacticism.

For anyone interested in the history of the Seminole people or U.S.-Native American conflicts, this book is a must have for your library!