Pepper Pyle

Civil war hero, richly historical details, and unique story.

The role of a writer is to bring the accounts of the unsung heroes to the public. Here is the one such a Civil War hero, Colonel Willard Pyle presumably killed or captured in Lordsburg massacre. 

Since his body was never found, the Union officers of the 'Repudiated Command' deemed him a deserter and placed a bounty on his head. Since he had been an officer in the Confederate Army, the reward for his kill or capture was substantial.

One Galvanized Yankee against all odds never gives up –neither in battle nor in life. 

After an unexpected attack, Pyle gambled a peek around and only saw the bloating bodies of his squad, the coolies they were escorting, and low flying circle of vultures anticipating a feast. He was able to stand with the assistance of the girl and the boulder. 

He needed to find a water and a shelter. For himself and for his only companions – two women and one old China man and a girl who looked like 12 years old Apache kid. He knew if he was to track the attacker down, she would have to come along. 

Robert Hatting brings this little known but extraordinary story with an authenticity of its time and in rich details known just for a few.