This book tells of the life of the subject army officer who served in the so-called "Mormon War," various Indian Wars, the Civil War, the Lincoln County War and the "Crow War." He was physically strong, brave, often at odds with his fellow officers, admired by his troops, and he drank too much. He rose from 1st Lieutenant in the 10th Infantry to Colonel of the First U.S. Cavalry, and was promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. His remains lie in Arlington National Cemetery under a tombstone of his own design.