The second book in his critically acclaimed series of Texas Ranger
histories, Frederick Wilkins' Defending the Borders narrates a
rarely told story of the rangers during the slightly-more-than-a-decade 
of Texas' history as one of the states of the United States, just before 
the Civil War ripped asunder the fabric of the federal union which 
Texas had joined.

The period 1848–1861 is one in which Texas, despite having joined
the Union, was nevertheless forced to rely upon itself for defense
against both Indian depredations and invasions from south of the
Rio Grande. The U.S. Army forces stationed in Texas were woefully
insufficient in their numbers and in their capabilities to defend the 
new citizens of the United States. Although skimmed-over in earlier 
histories, the period is one of great importance and exciting incidents. 
The history of the raid into Mexico by James Callahan and his 
company of rangers, their battle at Escondido, and the almost 
complete burning and destruction of Piedras Negras has never before 
been so completely told. Texas' problems with Mexico's "Robin Hood," 
the adventurer Juan Nepomuceno Cortina who harassed Texas' border 
areas, have never before been narrated with such fascinating flair. Many
of Texas' indomitable historical characters—"Rip" Ford, Sam Houston, 
Ed Burleson, "Sul" Ross—grace these pages with their exploits, but 
other heroes who should be better known here receive their full due.

Audaciously emboldened by the results of his meticulous research,
Wilkins is not afraid to disagree with that previous icon of ranger
history—Walter Prescott Webb—when necessary. Wilkins' histories
are a must for those who want to know the way it was!

_________________________________________________________

The late FREDERICK WILKINS was born in Dallas, Texas, majored in 
history at Southern Methodist University, and spent twenty-five years 
with the U.S. Army's information program. His primary interest was 
the Texas Rangers and he is the author of the highly acclaimed The 
Legend Begins: The Texas Rangers 1823–1845 and The Law Comes 
to Texas: The Texas Rangers 1870–1901 also by State House Press.


Other Books by Frederick Wilkins



LEGEND BEGINS

1-880510-40-5 CLOTH

$24.95

1-880510-41-3 PAPER

$16.95
LAW COMES TO TEXAS

1-880510-61-8 PAPER

$21.95