Book Description

Ray Ward¿s dramatic March Into The Endless Mountains ¿ 1778: The Beginnings of War on the Frontier of America, reconstructs the turbulent story of two cultures in clash and the adventures of a double spy who almost changed American history. Ward describes in vivid detail the battles spreading amid the mountains and along the Susquehanna River, westernmost boundary of Colonial settlement. Herein, much as are interwoven the strands of a tapestry, the author weaves a tapestry of unfolding events, narrating the loves, tragedies, espionage and, yes, terror that prevailed. The war is seen from several perspectives, Indian, Tory, frontiersman, and those with divided loyalty. All major characters are drawn from real life, including the beautiful Seneca Queen Esther Montour of French and Indian descent, and Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant, college educated, who led the warring Indian nations. The plot advances around Samuel Wallis, respected Philadelphian known as the `land king of Pennsylvania¿ because of his vast holdings on the frontier. To preserve his investment he would play both sides, serving Sir William Howe more faithfully that his other master General George Washington. He would become paymaster of Philadelphia¿s notorious spy-ring. About him swirls the military forays, pitched battles, wilderness ambushes, Indian confabs, Loyalist intrigue which makes this fast paced chronicle a compelling account of the bloody years 1778-79. Helpful to the reader is preface material and end notes. Sleep deprivation is a byproduct experienced by those opening the covers of this historical treatise.