On Duty in the Pacific Northwest during the Civil War: Correspondence and Reminiscences of the First Oregon Cavalry Regiment

For a long time, scholars and the general public thought of the Midwest to the east coast when contemplating events surrounding the Civil War, rightfully so, this is where most of the population lived, and where most of the action took place. Recently, and thankfully, there are a growing number of publications that are researching the west coast during that period—the citizens, the formation of volunteer military units, and more.

On Duty in the Pacific Northwest during the Civil War focuses on Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the First Oregon Cavalry Regiment—a group of volunteers that covered for the army as they were sent back east. The book examines fights with Native Americans; the author also adds letters that were written during the time. These letters, while anonymous, give a fascinating insight into the men who joined First Oregon. These men wanted to go back east to fight, but they were stuck in Oregon doing guard duty and fighting Native Americans. On Duty in the Pacific Northwest during the Civil War is an excellent book that guides readers through an area of American history long neglected.