The Riflemen of the Miami

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

"The Riflemen of the Miami" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around a group of frontier riflemen, particularly focusing on the character Lewis Dernor, who leads a rescue mission to save a woman captured by Shawnee Indians. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the American wilderness, highlighting the perils faced by settlers during a time of conflict between Native Americans and expanding white settlements. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the Riflemen as they stealthily track a group of Indians who are transporting a captive girl through the woods. The main characters, including Lewis Dernor, his brothers George and Dick, and their companion Tom O'Hara, are depicted as skilled hunters and woodsmen, characterized by their ruggedness and keen senses. As they cautiously observe the Indians, they strategize a rescue plan. The group remains hidden as they discuss their next moves, showing their determination and camaraderie. The tense buildup establishes a vivid scene of the dangers that lie ahead, setting the stage for the dramatic encounters between the hunters and the Indians as they attempt to save the captive woman.