On the Trail of Deserters; A Phenomenal Capture

by Robert Goldthwaite Carter

"On the Trail of Deserters; A Phenomenal Capture" by Robert Goldthwaite Carter is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative recounts events from 1871 involving Captain Carter and Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie of the Fourth Cavalry as they pursue a group of deserters in Texas. The focus is on the challenges faced during their journey through harsh weather and the complexities of military life during that period. The opening of the book sets the stage for an intense military episode, detailing the backdrop of increased desertions within the Fourth Cavalry, driven by fatigue and dissatisfaction with the American government's handling of their hard-fought campaigns against Native American tribes. As Carter describes Colonel Mackenzie's frustration with the deserters, he reveals their intent to take immediate action. Mackenzie issues orders for Carter and another lieutenant to pursue the deserters across Texas, leading to an adventurous and treacherous journey fraught with harsh winter conditions and encounters with civilians and other military personnel. Carter’s narrative combines personal recollections, military strategy, and social commentary on the burdens of soldiering, giving readers an insightful look into the struggles and complexities of life in the late 19th-century American Army.