For your consideration is a 1872 copy of Belden The White Chief, or Twelve Years among the Wild Indians of the Plains from the Diaries and Manuscripts of George P. Belden, The Adventurous White Chief, Soldier, Hunter, Trapper, and Guide. This book is edited by Gen James Brisbin, U.S.A. Belden was a well-known guide, scout, hunter, and trapper, an officer in the U.S. Calvary, who for 12 years lived among various tribes of Plains Indians, including the Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe, and married a native woman. He became a famous writer of western affairs. In addition to describing his own remarkable life, Belden comments on the customs of the Indians, particularly their family life. He includes how-to directions on Indian woodcraft including bows, arrows, and other weapons as well as tools, shelters, cooking methods, etc. Belden could speak several Indian languages fluently, including their various dialects, and understood the sign language perfectly. During all his career among the Indians, as demonstrated in his book he made a study of their legends and traditions, and probably no man in the West knew more in regard to their history. George P. Belden (1844-1871) during the Civil War served in the 1st Nebraska Infantry, the 1st Nebraska Veteran Cavalry Volunteers, and the 2nd Nebraska Cavalry, rising to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He later received a Lieutenant's commission in the regular army and held assignments at Ft. Phil Kearney, Dakota Territory, Ft. D.A. Russell, Wyoming Territory and Ft. McPherson, Nebraska Territory. The blue leather and cloth bound gold gilt stamped illustrated hardcover is in good overall condition with a stamped image of an eagle headdress on the front and back cover. Scuffing is exhibited on cover edges, fading cover images, but the gold gilt is still clear and bright. Intact pages exhibit age tanning and foxing throughout. Measures 6"W x 8.75"L x 1.75"D, weight is 2lb 2oz.*