19 - Boots and Saddles by Elizabeth Bacon Custer

Boots and Saddles is an insightful glance into the 1870s life on a U.S. cavalry post in the Dakotas, penned by Elizabeth Custer. She paints a vivid picture of her isolated existence, likening it to living on a remote island. Elizabeth offers an affectionate portrayal of her husband, General George Armstrong Custer, praising his intellect and fondness for dogs. But this book is not just a tribute. It is an astute observation of the diverse characters that comprise the army “family”, from Indian scouts and enlisted men to officers wives. She tells a heartrending story about the regimental laundress and midwife, a tale that deserves a place in the armys history of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”