The American Indian as Slaveholder and Seccessionist An Omitted Chapter in the Diplomatic History of the Southern Confederacy

In this meticulous study the author turns a spotlight on a largely forgotten chapter of Civil War history: the participation of several Native American nations that owned slaves and chose to side with the Confederacy. Drawing on official treaties, military reports and personal letters, the book shows how tribal leaders negotiated with Confederate officials, hoping for political recognition and protection of their lands while the Union largely ignored them.

The first volume traces the conditions in Indian Territory from the 1830s through the outbreak of war, describing the strategic value of the region and the motivations of leaders such as John Ross and Albert Pike. Rich illustrations, including maps and portraits, help readers picture the complex alliances that formed on the frontier. By presenting a balanced, source‑driven narrative, the work invites listeners to reconsider the diplomatic dynamics that shaped the South’s western flank.