The King's Warrant: A Story of Old and New France
"The King's Warrant: A Story of Old and New France" by Alfred H. Engelbach is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book is set during the tumultuous period of the Seven Years' War, focusing on the conflicts between New France and New England. Central to the story are the characters of Isidore de Beaujardin, a young French nobleman, and the orphan Marguerite Lacroix, both navigating the dangers and uncertainties of war in colonial North America while dealing with personal trials. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the backdrop of the Seven Years' War, detailing the tensions and skirmishes that have erupted in the Americas even as the mother countries maintain a state of nominal peace. As we meet Captain Réné Lacroix on his deathbed, he expresses concern for his young daughter Marguerite's future, prompting his friend Valricour to promise to care for her. This initial setup emphasizes the intersection of personal and political conflicts, setting the stage for Isidore's subsequent journey, his encounter with various factions, and a significant encounter with a Canadian woodsman, Jean Baptiste Boulanger, as they navigate the turbulent landscape marked by both brutal warfare and human connections.