Buffalo Gordon on the plains

the long version

"The tumultuous years after the Civil War are seen through the unique perspective of an escaped slave who became a sergeant major of the United States Cavalry. Deep in the plains of Kansas, on the brink of a bitter winter, Nate Gordon must aid the United States in clearing the frontier of hostile Cheyenne warriors, the feared Dog Soldiers. When not clashing with these seasoned hunters, or the prejudices of his commanding officers, he seeks comfort in thinking of his headstrong, beautiful lover, Cara, a Comanche Mexican woman who is also an escaped slave. From his escape from slavery aboard a Louisiana steamboat, to the horrors he witnessed at the hands of murderous Missouri bushwhackers, Nate has known adventures and hardships. Armed with the knowledge of his experiences, Nate must prepare himself to meet his enemies as he joins forces with some of the West's most legendary characters including: "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Kit Carson, and General George Custer. But Nate's battle becomes more personal when he discovers that Cara, pregnant with his child, has been kidnapped by her cruel former master"--Publisher's description.