The story is about a group of men, led by Adam Colfax, who are on a journey up the Ohio River to deliver supplies to the colonists in Pittsburgh. The voyage, which starts from the Mississippi River, is dangerous as they have to navigate through the thick forests haunted by warlike tribes. Despite the danger, the men remain steadfast and resolute in their mission. Henry Ware, a young boy in the group, is particularly alert and vigilant as he scans the surroundings for any signs of danger. The journey is long, but the men remain upbeat and are comforted by the majesty of the wilderness around them. They are driven by a strong sense of purpose, and even though they face many challenges, they are determined to complete their mission.
Joseph A. Altsheler was born on April 29, 1862, in Three Springs, Hart County, Kentucky, to Joseph and Louise Altsheler. He was a newspaper reporter, editor, and author of popular juvenile historical fiction. He wrote fifty novels and at least fifty-three short stories. Seven of his novels were in sequence. He worked as an editor at the Louisville Courier-Journal in 1885. In 1892, he started to work for New York World and then as the editor of the World's tri-weekly magazine. He wrote children’s stories due to a lack of suitable stories. On May 30, 1880, Altsheler married Sarah Boles and had a son named Sidney. In 1914, during World War I Altsheler and his family were in Germany and they were forced to remain there. Altsheler died at the age of 57, on June 5, 1919, in New York. His wife, Sarah Boles died after 30 years. Their bodies are buried at the Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Although each of the thirty-two novels constitutes an independent story, Altsheler suggested reading in sequence for each series (that is, he numbered the volumes). You can read the remaining eighteen novels in any order.
