PDF Californio Lancers: The 1st Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West; 1863–1866 (Frontier Military Series) by Mr. Tom Prezelski in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Handsome; Well Written; Deeply Researched GemBy CustomerCalifornio Lancers is a clear; concise account of the brave contributions to the Union war efforts in the southwest by Spanish-speaking natives of Mexican heritage living on California ranches forcibly annexed by the United States from Mexico in 1848. Mr. Prezelski has brought to light a story from the 1860s that provides an illuminative perspective of the prejudices and suspicions that continue to fester in modern times against many loyal US citizens based solely on their racial or religious heritage. The maps are beautifully crafted and the clarity of the illustrations included is remarkable. This handsome; well written; deeply researched volume is a gem.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy vincent sloanA good read about people/units in the American Civil War don't you hear or read about.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Lincoln's LancersBy A. A. NofiA summary of the review on StrategyPage.Com'Independent historian Prezelski takes a look at one of the most unique units to ever serve in the U.S. Army; a battalion of lancers that served in California and Arizona. Composed largely of “native” (i.e. Mexican-American) Californios; with a surprising seasoning of men from across Latin America and a few European adventurers; the lancers fought Native Americans; most notably Apaches; chased bandits; helped keep Confederate sympathizers in California under control; and secured the boundary with Imperial Mexico. In telling the story of this unique unit; Prezelski delves into the history of American rule in California; including the unsavory racism of the times; and the state’s role in the Civil War. He gives us profiles of some interesting people; most of whom are now long forgotten; notably Andrés Pico; touches upon matters military from recruiting policies to the design and composition of the lance used; to desertion rates in the battalion; and much more. This is an interesting book about an unusual aspect of the Civil War.'For the full review; see StrategyPage.Com