In 1876 and 1877, Captain W.P. Clark commanded a detachment of Indian scouts--including Pawnees, Shoshones, Arapahoes, Cheyennes, Crows, and Sioux--who conversed in sign language. The scouts patiently taught Clark the sign system, which he patiently recorded in this book. This book corrects the sentimental and brutal stereotypes of Indians that led to much misunderstanding.