The Indian Sign Language, with Brief Explanatory Notes of the Gestures Taught Deaf-Mutes in Our Institutions for Their Instruction, and a Description of Some of the Peculiar Laws, Customs, Myths, Superstitions, Ways of Living, Code of Peace and War Signa…

443, [3] pp. 8vo. An early study of the use of sign language by Native Americans, still considered the definitive primary source on the subject. Clark was a West Point graduate who fought in the Plains Indian Wars, and was present at the Starvation March and the Battle of Slim Buttes, and served several posts beneath General Sheridan. "William Phil Clark's classic work on Native American signs and culture is still considered a monumental achievement. Published posthumously after the young Clark died in 1884, it covers the words and phrases of many tribes."