Just had another thought which may or may not apply to this thread.
I'm wondering if anyone has actually studied the life and times of the typically Frontier Cavarly trooper---
say 1865 to 1895?
Examinations of the remains of US Army troopers of the period suggest endemic infections, arthritis and eye/ear/nose/throat
conditions secondary to the demands of the Service. Though it is documented, such things as starvation, floggings, and torture
were far from rare and contributed heavily to the high rate of desertions and constant undermanning of the Frontier units.
The only reason I mention this is because the media, including movies, TV and even some documentaries represent an almost "Boy Scout Camp" lifestyle and I don't get anything like that from my own reading. Poor hygiene, insects, poor diet, improper clothing and weather conditions give lie to the romantic view seen in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", "They Died With Their Boots On" and "Fort Apache". Nor were the communications, logistics, support and administration anything like the sort of conditions suggested in the media.
If it can be said that I have a point here, it is only that I hope folks would remember that we have a very comfortable perch in our recliners from which to pass judgement on how others lived a hundred years ago. FWIW.
Best Wishes,
Bruce