Part first: The narrative
Part second: Military records of the officers of the Fifth Regiment of Cavalry
Part third: The appendix.
The narrative: First period
1856-1861: Service in Texas from the Rio Grande to the Canadian River
1861-1865: The War of the Rebellion
1866-1868: Reconstruction duty in the southern states
1868-1871: Service on the Plains from the Canadian River, in Texas, to the Niobrara River, in Nebraska
1872-1875: Arizona and the Apache Campaigns
1875-1883: Service on the Plains from the Canadian River, in Texas, to the Yellowstone River, in Montana.
Includes biographies of George A. Custer (p. 393 and 699), Charles King (p. 463 and 704), and Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody) (p. 583).
Appendix: Field officers --
Non-commissioned staff --
Company officers, arranged by companies --
Officers commissioned in the regular and volunteer armies of the United States who have served as enlisted men in the regiment --
Stations, changes of station, and field-service --
Roll of honor of enlisted men --
Officers who have been killed or wounded in battle on in the line of their duty --
Officers who have served in the volunteer armies of the United States --
Brevet commissions conferred and recommended for gallant, faithful, and meritorious services.
Illustrations: Brevet Brigadier General Albert S. Johnston / S. Hollyer --
Major-General George H. Thomas / A.H. Ritchie --
Major-General W.H. Emory / A.H. Ritchie --
Major-General Wesley Merritt, U.S.A. / J. Rogers.