'Army Letters from an Officer's Wife, 1871-1888' Summary

Frances M. A. Roe, the wife of an Army officer, penned a series of letters to her family between 1871 and 1888, chronicling her experiences on the American frontier. These letters provide a fascinating and intimate look into daily life in the West during a time of significant change and upheaval. Frances, a woman of remarkable spirit and resourcefulness, embraces the challenges of frontier life, learning to ride, shoot, and hunt. She vividly describes encounters with Native American tribes, the grandeur of the Western landscape, the impact of westward expansion, and the vanishing buffalo herds. Through her letters, we gain a sense of the hardships and joys of frontier life, the evolving role of the military, and the changing relationship between settlers and Native Americans. Frances’ letters also offer a unique perspective on the changing social landscape of the West, as she reflects on the challenges of adapting to life in towns and cities after years spent on the frontier. Ultimately, Frances' letters provide a poignant and revealing portrait of a woman who embraced the spirit of adventure while grappling with the uncertainties and complexities of a rapidly changing world.