Twelve Years in the Saddle for Law and Order on the Frontiers of Texas

Book Synopsis: Life as a Texas Ranger was never easy. But to survive twelve years confronting vicious murderers, stopping terrible crimes, and suppressing lawlessness in this frontier state was truly remarkable. W. J. L. Sullivan was born in Mississippi ten years before the outbreak of the American Civil War. He underwent a difficult childhood and youth that certainly hardened him and taught him to uphold decency and order whenever possible. Making his way down to Texas he became a Ranger in 1889 and would remain with the outfit through to beginning of the next century. Through the course of his service he traveled huge distances across the vast plains of Texas, over rugged terrain, in oppressive heat and sometimes atrocious storms, always under the threat of ambush from hardened criminals, all in order to secure law and order in these tumultuous years. Fifty-five different episodes are vividly covered in the book, from apprehending cattle rustlers, combatting Indian raids, quelling civil unrest, participating in shootouts with murderers, chasing horse thieves across border lines, as well as much more. Sullivan writes in a gritty, matter-of-fact style that takes the reader to the heart of the action. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Texas, law and order, and life in the Old West.

"Quiet, cool, and always sober, he stood when in the service without a peer in the State as an officer. He made some enemies, it is true, but so has every other officer who has discharged his duty as honestly and as fearlessly as he did." Amarillo Register

As well as Twelve Years in the Saddle, the publisher has also included three other first-hand accounts from Texas Rangers as a bonus to the reader. These include:

• Rangers and Sovereignty by Dan W. Roberts
• A Texas Ranger by N. A. Jennings
• Six Years with the Texas Rangers by James B. Gillett

W. J. L. was a sergeant in the Texas Rangers in the late nineteenth century. His book was first published in 1909.