The Lawmen: United States Marshals and Their Deputies, 1789-1989

The history of the U.S. Marshals Service, the civilian enforcement arm of the federal government since 1789, is, in essence, the story of constitutional government in our country. In the early days, U.S. Marshals were the only national civilian police power; they have been on the scene in nearly every major event, from the Whiskey Rebellion to the second battle of Wounded Knee. Marshals fought in the moonshine wars, protected the U.S.-Mexican border, escorted black students at Southern universities to enforce desegregation. Even with the addition of specialized federal enforcement agencies, the Marshals retain their authority. This volume by Service historian Calhoun ( Power and Principle: Armed Intervention in Wilsonian Foreign Policy ) will be of special interest to students of government and the judiciary. Illustrations . (June)