title: Reap the Whirlwind: The Battle of the Rosebud, June 1876 (The Plainsmen)
author:  Terry C. Johnston 
description: This historical novel takes place in 1876, shortly before the Battle of Little Bighorn. In the Battle of the Rosebud, Brigadier General George C. Crook's Union forces clash with Crazy Horse's Lakota Sioux warriors over control of Wyoming Territory. The story revolves around the adventures of several men, such as Seamus Donegan, a U.S. army scout hired by Crook; John Finerty, a war correspondent for the Chicago Times ; and Crazy Horse. Crook believes himself the sure winner at the start of the conflict, but his confidence wanes as the number of men on both sides increases and he realizes that the shrewdness and tactical ability of his opponent may surpass all his expectations. Although white men tell most of the story, Johnston ( Winter Rain ) does not condescend to his Indian characters; he treats both sides with equal sensitivity. Readers must decide who wins the final battle at Rosebud Creek because, as Johnston explains in an afterword, little documentation exists regarding the battle. Unfortunately, detailed descriptions of battle maneuvers and gratuitous verbiage slow the book down. In general, however, this account of battle on the plains brings the period to life. <BR>Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  This book made available by the Internet Archive.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Departed to the judgment A MIGHTY AFTERNOON Great clouds like ushers leaning
  Creation looking on . . . —Emily Dickinson (1830-86)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  A MIGHTY AFTERNOON
  
  
  Thursday, June 22, 1876
  
  
  It was the first day of summer, but it might have been the first day of spring
  for all the cool, blustery weather. A very heavy, cold north wind pushed at
  the backs of the mounted soldiers. Though almost noon, it was grim and dark as
  the horses clip-clopped up the stony slope of the barren tableland away from
  the Yellowstone River toward the sandy, sagebrush-dotted foothills flanking
  the narrow, winding Rosebud River.
  
  
  The cavalry column came on four abreast by companies. Behind them, the
  twisting Yellows