This book was not worth the paper it was printed on. This bookwas a very difficult read because of the poor editing, and many factmistakes. Havn't they ever heard of a spell checker? I would not recommend this book for anyone interested in the mormon battalion. Rather, try to get your hands on a copy of Daniel Tyler's book. END

The Mormon Battalion is a result of apparently careful scholarship brought to print with an eye for anecdote straight from the original diaries of the participants. Characters come to life through their own words. Anyone interested in the early frontier period of western US history should own this book. Unfortunately, several "typos" throughout were distracting

Ms. Rickett's work is a necessary addition to the cannon of scholarly research on the subject of the Mormon Battalion. Her work is the best attempt to date at reconstructing a battalion roster. She has filled in many "gaps" that previous historical accounts have overlooked, e.g. her treatment of non-enlisted service personnel, her excellent treatment of post-war activities, and the inclusion in Appendix A of the names of men who were crossed out on the original muster-in rolls.

It is about time that I write a review of Norma Ricketts' the Mormon Battalion U.S. Army of the West 1846-1847. I bought the book when it first came forth. I found it to have many short comings, especially with depth and inadequate background of major events and it provided no new intrpretation, just continuing the old themes. Yet, since that time I have come to realize that Mrs. Ricketts' has assembled an outstanding research and resource tool. I have nearly worn out my copy from my hundreds of times in looking up information and facts. It is invaluable to any serious student of the Mormon Battalion. I recommend it to all readers, especially those who desire to write or publish anything dealing the Mormon Battalion. Even with its weaknesses and old school approach in scholarship, it is still an important asset.

As a historical geographer and recent author of a related work covering the 1846-50 period of Mormon history, I found this book to be quite illuminating -- and a great reference. It was particularly good at weaving the numerous diaries of actual members of the Mormon Battalion together into an understandable fabric. This book is the result of a lifetime of devoted research by Ms. Ricketts. While she may be faulted for her lack of military acumen and historical context, she is at her best in fathoming the emotions of these oft ignored and long forgotten volunteer Mormon soldiers who became a benevolent postwar occupational army the likes of which has seldom been seen since. This is particularly interesting in the light of their recent forcible expulsion by mobs and night riders from their homes in Nauvoo, IL. If anyone had a right to revolt against the nation by whom they had been "ethnically cleansed," these men did. Instead, they honored the country they yet loved by leaving their families at the Missouri River to suffer through countless privations in one of the longest (if not THE longest) forced infantry marches in U. S. military history -- from Council Bluffs, IA to Fort Leavenworth, KS to Santa Fe, NM to Tuscon, AZ and finally to San Diego, CA. Once arrived, rather than adding privations upon the local Californios, they set about finding ways to serve them. Today, such a unit would likely be a much honored National Guard unit. Then, they were quickly forgotten. In fact, within ten years, most of these men were forced to defend their homes and families against the very same Army of the West in which they had so loyally served. Great work, Norma!