"Laramie;" Or, The Queen of Bedlam. A Story of the Sioux War of 1876

"Laramie; Or, The Queen of Bedlam. A Story of the Sioux War of 1876" by Captain Charles King is a historical fiction set during the Sioux War. The story takes place at Fort Laramie, where soldiers and their families face daily struggles such as love, competition, and the possibility of war. The book tells the story of Lieutenant Randall McLean and Nellie Bayard, whose lives become complicated by drama and the rising tensions with Indigenous peoples. Readers are introduced to Fort Laramie during the change from winter to spring as the rivers flood with melting snow. The story also describes the fort's residents, including Mrs. Miller, who oversees social interactions, and Dr. Bayard, Nellie's father, who is frustrated with his responsibilities and family situation. The narrative suggests emerging romances and conflicts, especially between McLean and Miss Forrest, while soldiers prepare for battle with the Sioux; as relationships form in the midst of military life, the scene is set for personal and shared challenges.