Elkswatawa : $b or, The prophet of the west. A tale of the frontier
"Elkswatawa: or, The Prophet of the West. A Tale of the Frontier" by French is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative focuses on significant events from American history, particularly the interactions between Native Americans and settlers in the western territories, spotlighting the lives of two celebrated Indigenous figures, Tecumseh and his brother, Elkswatawa, amidst the backdrop of conflict and change on the frontier. The opening of the novel establishes a historical setting during the late 18th century, specifically around the year 1794, when the culmination of conflicts between Indigenous tribes and American settlers was imminent. It describes the aftermath of violent encounters and the excitement surrounding the arrival of General Wayne's forces. This period is marked by the complexities of warfare, treaties, and the perspectives of both Indigenous leaders and settlers. The story begins with a sense of foreboding as conflicts escalate, followed by the introduction of key characters, including the settlers journeying westward with hopes of a prosperous future, intertwined with the dangers posed by rising tensions with the Native American tribes who inhabit these lands.