James A. (James Andrew) Braden
Connecticut Boys in the Western Reserve: A Tale of the Moravian Massacre
"Connecticut Boys in the Western Reserve: A Tale of the Moravian Massacre" by James A. Braden is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young friends, Return Kingdom and John Jerome, as they journey westward into the wilderness around the Ohio River, reflecting on their dangerous past encounters with outlaws and Native Americans. The novel delves into themes of friendship, survival, and the perils faced by settlers during a tumultuous period in American history. At the start of the narrative, Kingdom and Jerome find themselves in a stormy evening at the now-closed Eagle tavern, where they encounter a gruff landlord and two suspicious men, Samuel Duff and Lon Dexter. The boys are reminded of previous dangers they faced, including the recent death of an outlaw, Ichabod Nesbit, at the hands of an Indian named Black Eagle. As they continue their journey, they uncover sinister intentions surrounding their fellow travelers and encounter further threats as they seek to establish their cabin in the wilderness. The opening chapters set the stage for an adventurous journey filled with tension, character development, and historical context, engaging readers in the recounting of a formative period in American expansion.