Wacousta

By John Richardson

Wacousta is a historical novel written by John Richardson, first published in 1832. The story is set in the late 18th century and follows the conflict between the British and the French in North America, specifically in the region of the Great Lakes. The main character, Charles de Haldimar, is a British officer who is stationed at Fort Detroit. He becomes embroiled in a plot by a half-French, half-Native American man named Wacousta to seek revenge against the British for perceived injustices. Wacousta's plan involves kidnapping Haldimar's sister, Alice, and using her as leverage to gain control of the fort. The novel explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the clash of cultures between the British, French, and Native Americans. It is also notable for its depiction of Native American characters, which was relatively uncommon in literature at the time of its publication. Wacousta is considered a classic of Canadian literature and an important contribution to the historical novel genre.In this order, and anxiously overlooked by their comrades, whose eyes alone peered from above the surface of the rampart on which they lay prostrate, the detachment crossed the common; one rank headed by Captain Erskine, the other by Lieutenant Johnstone. They had now approached within a few yards of the unfortunate victim, when Captain Erskine commanded a halt of his party; and two files were detached from the rear of each rank, to place the body on a litter with which they had provided themselves. He and Johnstone also moved in the same direction in advance of the men, prepared to render assistance if required. The corpse lay on its face, and in no way despoiled of any of its glittering habiliments; a circumstance that too well confirmed the fact of De Haldimar's death having been accomplished by the ball from Sir Everard Valletort's rifle. It appeared, however, the ill-fated officer had struggled much in the agonies of death; for the left leg was drawn Up into an unnatural state of contraction, and the right hand, closely compressed, grasped a quantity of grass and soil, which had evidently been torn up in a paroxysm of suffering and despair.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1419192965
• ISBN13: 9781419192968
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 396 Pages
• Weight: 1.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.6" x 9.2"