STEPS TOWARD FREEDOM

Steps Toward Freedom is based upon historical individuals and events.  The author has taken the freedom to introduce fictional characters and events in the persons of the Palatine family of Karl and Rebecca Heindrick, their friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.  Through these characters’ fictional activities and experiences, the author has interwoven historical characters and events to give the reader a realistic and meaningful account of the Palatines’ experiences, who were living along New York State’s Mohawk Valley during the middle 1700’s after the Palatines were relatively well settled, to the later 1700’s after the Americans under the command of Generals John Sullivan and James Clinton conducted their devastating sweep through the Iroquois country under the orders of General George Washington, who stated that the Americans intended to settle “where they damn well pleased – even clear to the Mississippi River.”

The author believes that the interweaving of the fictional characters’ beliefs and activities with those of the historical figures result in a more interesting approach to study America’s history, while preserving the authenticity of events and characters.

The following notes are the author’s attempt to distinguish the fictional from the historical facts and personalities.

BOOK ONE               CIVIL  WAR!

ONE                                  Like Women Breasts, Bare and Open

The first name mentioned in this chapter is King Hendrick, who was a forceful chief with the Indian name of Thayanoge, and the French called him Tete Blanche after his silver hair.  He was one of the visiting Indian notables who caused such excitement at Queen Anne’s court.  This great chief, who was more of a politician than a scholar like his brother Abraham, looked upon the whites with mixed emotions.  Governor Clinton of New York had been known to inquire solicitously “how poor old Hendrick does, but a Pennsylvania official called him “that vile Indian Henry,” and very likely did not care how he did.  Other historical figures mentioned in this chapter include Major General William Johnson, who served the British royalty as Superintendent of Indian Affairs.  On July 9, 1755, British General Edward Braddock, whose forces were surprised and attacked by over 600 Iroquois braves, with about 150 French Canadian militia led by 72 French officers and regulars killing Braddock and his troops “broke and ran like sheep pursued by dogs” (so George Washington recorded).  Other historical individuals mentioned in this chapter include Missionary Samuel Kirkland, Molly Brant, Sir John Johnson (Sir William’s son), and Sir William’s son-in-law, Daniel Claus.

The only fictional character in this chapter is Martha Butler, who is the tavern owner in the fictional town of New Palatine.

On November 12, 1757 was one of the bloodiest days of the Palatines’ years in the Mohawk Valley when French and Indian supporters swept through German Flats, incinerating homes, blockhouses and carried away over 150 residents as captives.

TWO                                  End Justifies the Means

This attempts to accurately report the happenings as the result of Sir William Johnson’s death, and the activities reported about another of Sir William “ son-in-laws, Guy Johnson is well recorded, as well as those of George Klock.  The borders established by the shocking 1768 Fort Stanwix Treaty with the Americans should have forewarned the Indians of things they could expect from the white settlers.

THREE                              Steins and Blue Holland Punch Bowls

The chapter introduces many of the fictional char