"Nine Years Among the Indians, 1870-1879" is a memoir written by Hermann Lehmann. It tells the true story of Lehmann's capture as a young boy by a Native American tribe and his subsequent years living among them. Here's a brief overview of the book:
Hermann Lehmann was a German immigrant who settled with his family in Texas in the late 1860s. In 1870, when he was just ten years old, he and his older brother were kidnapped by a raiding party of Apache Indians. His brother managed to escape, but Hermann was taken deep into the rugged and unforgiving lands of the American Southwest.
The book describes Lehmann's experiences living among various Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche. It provides insights into their way of life, customs, and beliefs. Lehmann gradually adapted to his new environment, learning the languages and survival skills necessary to navigate the harsh conditions.
During his nine-year captivity, Lehmann witnessed tribal conflicts, participated in buffalo hunts, and experienced both the joys and sorrows of Native American life. He formed deep bonds with some members of the tribes he encountered, including the chief's daughter, whom he married.
Eventually, Lehmann was recaptured by the U.S. Army in 1879 during a raid on the tribe's camp. He was then reunited with his family, who had thought him dead. Lehmann's memoir recounts his difficult adjustment to returning to a settled life after being fully immersed in Native American culture for so many years.
"Nine Years Among the Indians, 1870-1879" offers readers a unique perspective on the interactions between settlers and Native Americans during the late 19th century. It provides a firsthand account of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals caught between two distinct worlds.
