John Coffey Hays is just nineteen when he arrives in the town of Nacogdoches
Republic of Texas in 1836. Moments later when a man is killed, none of the witnesses
dispute that Jack acted in self-defense. Despite his young age, Jack is a man who
commands perhaps just as much fear as respect.
Although Jack is too late to enlist in the fight for Texas Independence, he soon joins
the ranging company of Deaf Smith and begins a thirteen-year history of defending
Texans from raids by Comanche bands and Mexican bandits. When he is just twenty-three,
he is made a captain of the Texas Rangers. As he becomes known as a fearless
fighter, Jack leads a group of men who will follow him anywhere and under any
circumstances. While Jack's Rangers scout, defend US supply and communication
lines from attacks by Mexican guerrillas, and fight with army units in the Mexican-
American War, the men earn a significant reputation for bravery and success. As Jack's
journey leads him to love and eventually marriage, he leads his Rangers to identify a
county, ultimately transforming Texas history forever.
In this fascinating historical novel, a young Texas Ranger leads his men in fierce battles
against Comanche raiders, Mexican bandits, and the Texas Regiment in the Mexican-
American War.
