Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Redlaw, the half-breed; or, The tangled trail. A tale of the settlements
"Redlaw, the Half-Breed; or, The Tangled Trail. A Tale of the Settlements" by Jos. E. Badger, Jr. is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into themes of justice, lawlessness, and societal prejudice in a frontier setting, featuring the central character, Clay Poynter, a man accused of being a counterfeiter and a murderer. As the story unfolds, it explores Poynter's struggle to clear his name while navigating the violent, chaotic world of vigilante justice. The opening of the novel introduces a gathering of local men led by Captain Neil McGuire, who discuss the growing problems of counterfeit money and the threat of thieves in their settlement. As they plan to form a vigilance committee to address these issues, tensions rise with the sudden entrance of a mysterious stranger, Clay Poynter, who claims he is interested in joining their cause. However, he is soon accused of various crimes, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict. The narrative establishes an atmosphere of suspicion and impending violence, highlighting Poynter's precarious position as he must defend his reputation amid growing hostility from the community while dealing with the complexities of his past.