Westward Expansion

This is a non-fiction book that opens the adventures of many historic characters (Kit Carson, Jeremiah Johnson, Daniel Boone, David Crockett, Jim Bridger and many many more). The stories are taken straight from the Newspapers of the time. Our time frame is from 1793 to 1906. An example of a true story found in the Gazette of the United States & Evening Advertiser. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1793-1794 UNITED STATES. BOSTON, March 28. PIRATES-some particulars of them. The brig Betsey, belonging to Mr. Daniel Sargent, of this town, and commanded by Joseph-Saunders of Cape Ann, failed from this port, in September last, for Balboa, and safely arrived there. Some of the crew, fearful of falling into the hands of the Algerines on her homeward bound passage, left the brig, which obliged Capt. Saunders to ship other hands. Accordingly he took on board one Flemish, an Italian, and a Portuguese sailor - who, when at sea, rose upon the vessel, entered the cabin, and killed a passenger by the name of Wood, belonging to New-London, in Connecticut, who had sold some cargo in Balboa, and had on board the Betsey the proceeds of the same, which the Pirates being acquainted with, occasioned the horrid deed, in hope of sordid gain. They like-wise attempted the lives of the Captain and Mate, the former of whom received three dangerous wounds, notwithstanding which they were drove out of the cabin. The master, mate, and one boy contrived ways to secure themselves in the cabin, by fastening, the companion and cabin doors. The pirates, not long after, being destitute of provisions, demanded some of the captain; upon being refused they drew lots for one of two lads that were on deck, which to destroy; and then informed the Captain that one of his boys on deck would soon be killed, except be furnished them with provisions. The Captain knowing it to be in his power to preserve the life of human being, and actuated by the feelings of humanity, consented thereto. Five days after, one of the lads espied fail near the Western-Islands, and secretly informed Capt. S. of the same; who in the evening hung a lantern or light out of the cabin window by means of which she was taken by British letter of marque, and carried into Barbados. The pirates were confined in irons and sent to this port. They arrived here on Saturday last in the brig Betsey, and were committed to jail yesterday, for trial. Captain Saunders is nearly recovered of his wounds; being well attended to by the skillful Doctor which was on board the letter of marque. The Mate likewise was stabbed in three places, but is recovered. One of the enjoyments of the book is the language being used, the spelling used (or lack thereof) and the obvious insertion of attempted humor by the News Correspondents.