The year is 1837. The American West is untamed, uncivilized, and largely unclaimed. U.S. President Andrew Jackson, in a race with the British and Russians, sends a wagon train of would-be settlers into the uncharted Oregon territory, led by his close friend, mountain man and veteran Sam Brentwood. Teaming up with trail hand Whip Holt, widow Claudia Humphries, and a colorful group of courageous pioneers, Brentwood sets off from New York, heading westward to Independence, Missouri-the last outpost of civilization before the unknown and treacherous dangers of a new frontier. Along the way they will form unbreakable friendships, fight unforeseen enemies, and face unimaginable and often fatal odds. But in spite of the hardships and heartaches, the tragedies and triumphs, they will risk their lives to follow their dreams-and forge a nation's destiny. This is their story.
Autumn, 1837. Blazing onward from the eastern shores, to Missouri, the legendary wagon train sent by U.S. President Andrew Jackson has reached the last outpost of civilization. Now five hundred strong, these brave pioneers set a course across the great rolling plains toward the treacherous Rockies, hoping to stake a claim in the American West. Led by their new wagon master "Whip" Holt, they must unite as a team if they are to survive, despite their vast differences. For among them is an independent young woman who leaves everything she loves, a black man who dreams of freedom, a Native American who knows the harshness of the land...and hundreds of others willing to risk their lives for a new beginning. Set upon by Indians and enemies, nature and fate, this magnificent caravan will face any challenge to make their own destiny-and change the course of history forever. Their story is the story of America.
Autumn, 1837. Blazing onward from the eastern shores, to Missouri, the legendary wagon train sent by U.S. President Andrew Jackson has reached the last outpost of civilization. Now five hundred strong, these brave pioneers set a course across the great rolling plains toward the treacherous Rockies, hoping to stake a claim in the American West. Led by their new wagon master "Whip" Holt, they must unite as a team if they are to survive, despite their vast differences. For among them is an independent young woman who leaves everything she loves, a black man who dreams of freedom, a Native American who knows the harshness of the land...and hundreds of others willing to risk their lives for a new beginning. Set upon by Indians and enemies, nature and fate, this magnificent caravan will face any challenge to make their own destiny-and change the course of history forever. Their story is the story of America.
Virginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America's future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission. By his side are some of the bravest men and women Blake has ever known: wagon-master Whip Holt, Holt's quick-tempered son Toby, sharp-shooting newswoman Suzanne Fulton, and English widow Allison White, who may be forced into espionage. With states seceding one by one, and tensions rising every day, the fate of a nation is riding on their journey. But there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the "silver train" from reaching its destination. And there are those who will sacrifice up everything - even their lives - for the golden promise of America...
Virginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America's future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission. By his side are some of the bravest men and women Blake has ever known: wagon-master Whip Holt, Holt's quick-tempered son Toby, sharp-shooting newswoman Suzanne Fulton, and English widow Allison White, who may be forced into espionage. With states seceding one by one, and tensions rising every day, the fate of a nation is riding on their journey. But there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the "silver train" from reaching its destination. And there are those who will sacrifice up everything - even their lives - for the golden promise of America...
They are the first wagon train to cross the American continent - and forge the Oregon Trail. Five-hundred courageous men, women and children, led by mountain man Whip Holt, they have survived the Rocky Mountain winter, fierce native attacks, and countless other hardships. Now, on the last leg of their journey, they face their greatest challenge yet. Three mighty nations have sent explorers to stake their claims - the English army, Russian agents, and American pioneers - but only one can win. Devoted to the dream of a new home, Whip Holt finds himself divided by two women: his wife, who is courted by both the English and the Russians, and Cathy van Ayl Blake, who is married to an American commander. Together, these would-be settlers must fight for what they believe in, or die for what they love - in the name of freedom, justice, and destiny. This is their story - the birth of America...
They are the first wagon train to cross the American continent - and forge the Oregon Trail. Five-hundred courageous men, women and children, led by mountain man Whip Holt, they have survived the Rocky Mountain winter, fierce native attacks, and countless other hardships. Now, on the last leg of their journey, they face their greatest challenge yet. Three mighty nations have sent explorers to stake their claims - the English army, Russian agents, and American pioneers - but only one can win. Devoted to the dream of a new home, Whip Holt finds himself divided by two women: his wife, who is courted by both the English and the Russians, and Cathy van Ayl Blake, who is married to an American commander. Together, these would-be settlers must fight for what they believe in, or die for what they love - in the name of freedom, justice, and destiny. This is their story - the birth of America...
TEXAS! 1844. The bold new Republic of Texas is fighting for its life. Rallying to the cause of liberty, the brave pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail are called upon to lead a new wagon train into the fray. Leaving their homes in the thriving Oregon Territory, they face impossible odds on the wild Texas frontier, overrun with dangerous outlaws, native tribes, and the powerful Mexican Army. Among the freedom fighters are veteran commander Lee Blake and his wife Kathy, boat builder Harry Canning, and the fearless volunteers who would risk their lives as Texas Rangers. Their new leader, Captain Rick Miller, holds the destiny of Texas in his hands. But in his heart, he hides a passion for a woman he cannot have - and a dream he cannot surrender. This is the fight for Texas, in all its grit, glory, and grandeur. This is America at its best...
TEXAS!
1844. The bold new Republic of Texas is fighting for its life. Rallying to the cause of liberty, the brave pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail are called upon to lead a new wagon train into the fray. Leaving their homes in the thriving Oregon Territory, they face impossible odds on the wild Texas frontier, overrun with dangerous outlaws, native tribes, and the powerful Mexican Army. Among the freedom fighters are veteran commander Lee Blake and his wife Kathy, boat builder Harry Canning, and the fearless volunteers who would risk their lives as Texas Rangers. Their new leader, Captain Rick Miller, holds the destiny of Texas in his hands. But in his heart, he hides a passion for a woman he cannot have - and a dream he cannot surrender. This is the fight for Texas, in all its grit, glory, and grandeur. This is America at its best...
WYOMING! 1838. The first wagon train to Oregon country moves slowly across the Great Plains, reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in early autumn. Led by wagon scout "Whip" Holt, the five-hundred-strong community of courageous men, women, and children prepare for the bitter winter ahead. Among them are dreamers and drifters, foreigners and natives, friends and enemies. But it is a pair of strong-willed women who are Whip's most unexpected allies: the outspoken Cathy van Ayl, widowed and alone at twenty-four, and the beautiful half-Arapaho, half-Cherokee La-ena, who was once Whip's mistress. Before these brave pioneers lie endless miles of hardship and danger, treachery and death. Beneath their struggle for survival lie hidden rivalries, unspoken secrets, and burning jealousies that threaten to consume them all. But in their hearts beats the dream of a new beginning in a promised land - the unstoppable dream of America itself.
WYOMING!
1838. The first wagon train to Oregon country moves slowly across the Great Plains, reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in early autumn. Led by wagon scout "Whip" Holt, the five-hundred-strong community of courageous men, women, and children prepare for the bitter winter ahead. Among them are dreamers and drifters, foreigners and natives, friends and enemies. But it is a pair of strong-willed women who are Whip's most unexpected allies: the outspoken Cathy van Ayl, widowed and alone at twenty-four, and the beautiful half-Arapaho, half-Cherokee La-ena, who was once Whip's mistress. Before these brave pioneers lie endless miles of hardship and danger, treachery and death. Beneath their struggle for survival lie hidden rivalries, unspoken secrets, and burning jealousies that threaten to consume them all. But in their hearts beats the dream of a new beginning in a promised land - the unstoppable dream of America itself.
As a slave, Isaac Jefford went to war and saved the life of his master, Major Lytton.
As a free man, Isaac became one of the major's top cowhands, respected-but never totally accepted-by fellow cowboys: when they gathered around the fire to eat their dinner, Isaac took his food and sat on the wagontongue alone.
When Pete Runyan, a bitter southerner, joins the crew, Isaac has to swallow his rage more than once. But then Pete and Isaac are assigned the task of getting cash-profits from the sale of the herd-safely to the Fort Worth bank before a foreclosure deadline.
Time and three gunmen on their trail are against them, and their journey becomes a race to prove who is the best man. First published in 1972 by Bantam as a mass market paperback, Wagontongue is one of Elmer Kelton's classic novels, exploring racial relations on the West Texas plains in the low-key, wry, and compassionate voice that characterizes Kelton's novels. The novel grew from a short story, included in this volume.
