In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Acknowledgments his manuscript has been possible only through the kindness and assistance of numerous people and organizations. I would especially like to thank my family and friends of the Choctaw Nation, Clifford E. Trafzer (Wyandot) and William T. Hagan, respected mentors and friends. The Oklahoma Historical Society’s priceless collections of archives and the staff at the Society helped immeasurably in the research and editing phases of this manuscript. I would like to thank Sarah Evans, archivist at the Thomas Gilcrease Museum, and the staff at the Western History Collection at the University of Oklahoma for their assistance and for making the research for this work a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Special thanks to Sarah and Michael Whitt and Mary Ellen Dodd Leftwich for their love and encouragement through the years. ■ vii T ...

Share