Between the War of 1812 and the civil War, Gen. William S. Harney became one of America's best known military leaders. Aided by Andrew Jackson and the concept of an expansible army, Harney saw duty in most of the key military episodes of his time. Removed from command amid false charges of disloyalty during the Missouri secession crisis, he returned to help lead the Indian Peace Commission of 1867-68. Harney was bold, ambitious, and innovative but also impulsive, vindictive, and violent. His career illustrates the nineteenth-century army's role in implementing federal policy, highlights its limited resources compared to responsibilities, and illuminates key aspects of organizational structure, officer behavior, and impact on personal lives.