Kregg P.J. Jorgenson's 1886: The Last Campaign is set during a tumultuous time in American history, known as the last phase of the Apache Wars. As the US military uses both force and persuasion to relocate the Indians to reservations, small renegade Indian bands continue their deadly attacks on American settlements. They are engaged in a losing fight against the United States Cavalry expeditionary forces and the local militia. Hanford Jones, a contract scout for the Army in the Territory of Arizona, is involved in the hunt for renegade Indian leaders Geronimo, Naiche, Chihuahua, Cayetano and others under the command of General Crook. Emma, on the other hand, is a young German immigrant who comes to America with an abusive husband, searching for a better life. This is their story.

This is a western fiction novel about Hanford and Emma who lived during an uncertain yet promising time in American history. Action packed and fast paced, it captures the bloody transition of the United States when the campaign against the American Indians is about to end and the nation is poised to attain peace and prosperity. Kregg P.J. Jorgenson is a master storyteller who can creatively blend romance, humor and action into a powerful story that is also historically informative. This novel recreates the lives of people who are caught in the events of an extraordinary time. And it is heartening to note that, in spite of all the violence and uncertainties around them, they continue to dream and hope. I highly recommend this novel!

There was a time when Indian scouts rustled out a living in the U.S. wild west, living colorful lives that are still of interest to readers today. Taking note of historical events, Kregg P.J. Jorgenson offers up a colorful dramatic fictional work, bringing to life a lively cast of characters in 1886: The Last Campaign. Taking center stage is Hanford Jones, who after losing his entire family in the Civil War, made his way out west. There he rescued a young woman, Emma, whom he later came to love — but only after she, in an effort to earn a living in the difficult west, spent a short time as a prostitute at Miss Ophelia’s brothel. When Jones, along with his friends including, among others, Al Sieber, Ben Nyhavn, and the “green” Lieutenant Braxton, join a mission of scouts that travels into Mexico to hunt down the whereabouts of Geronimo, Jones’s plans for a future with Emma are put on hold. Roughing it in the wild, finding unlikely friends amongst the Apaches, and unlikely enemies amongst the armed forces commissioned to bring an end to Geronimo’s renegade days, Jones must make it out of Mexico and back to Arizona and Emma if he is ever to enjoy his dreams for the future.

In 1886: The Last Campaign, readers are treated to some history of the survivors of the American Civil War, the early days of baseball in the U.S., and more. From the opening pages in which Indian warriors ambush Jones, the journey is action-filled. Kregg P.J. Jorgenson has breathed life into his fictional characters, particularly through the ready wit of Jones and Sieber, the true maturing of Braxton, and the rendering of Emma’s story. He offers a glimpse into genuine friendships amongst the men, the growing understanding between new and native Americans, and the antics of baseball lovers in the early days of the sport. With 1886: The Last Campaign, readers will step back in time for a glimpse of both the real life difficulties and the genuine pleasures of the era.

Loved this book. Like a loyal pack mule,I hated to put it down. You can taste the dust and really feel the intensity of the time. Thoroughly researched it is both entertaining and educational. The characters weave nicely within the factual events of the time.