Dangerous passage

Chalfant ( Without Quarter , Univ. of Oklahoma Pr., 1991) has added another well-researched work to Western historical literature: a detailed history of the Santa Fe Trail during the Mexican War. Focusing on the latter part of the 1840s, the work provides an intimate look at the travelers and soldiers on the trail, especially at Fort Mann, or the Middle Passage. Initially opened as a civilian stop, Fort Mann was quickly abandoned because of devastating Indian raids. It eventually became the headquarters for the Indian Battalion. The book explores the events and circumstances leading up to the Indian wars and its battles. As with most works written on this subject, it is extremely detailed. It would be valuable for collections on the West and especially the Santa Fe Trail.