The Last of the Foresters
 Or, Humors on the Border; A story of the Old Virginia Frontier

by John Esten Cooke

"The Last of the Foresters" by John Esten Cooke is a novel written in the mid-19th century, set against the backdrop of the old Virginia frontier. The story begins at Apple Orchard, a homestead rich in memories and southern charm, where we meet Squire Adam Summers, his beautiful daughter Redbud, and a young man named Verty, who embodies the spirit of the wilderness. The narrative captures their interactions and explores themes of love, innocence, and the transition from a wild, carefree existence to the complexities of society and romantic feelings. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the idyllic setting of Apple Orchard on a bright October morning. Squire Summers plays with Redbud as they prepare for the day, while Verty, a young hunter and the adopted son of an Indian woman, enters the scene to present the Squire with a pair of deer antlers he has hunted. Their friendship blooms as they share innocent banter amid the picturesque landscape. The opening chapters may suggest the impending tension as Miss Lavinia, Redbud's cousin, hints at conformity and societal expectations, laying the groundwork for the evolution of Verty and Redbud’s relationship, all while immersing the reader in the charm and disquiet of frontier life.