The Bushwhackers

The Bushwhackers

The narrative follows Hilary Knox, a young mountaineer in East Tennessee during the Civil War, who yearns to join the fight for his country. He frequently climbs a rocky promontory to watch for the arrival of cavalry, dreaming of action and adventure. His mother, a widow, is apprehensive about his desire to enlist, fearing for his safety. Despite her concerns, Hilary's determination grows, and he eventually joins Captain Bertley's cavalry squadron. As a soldier, Hilary experiences the harsh realities of war, including skirmishes and the camaraderie of fellow soldiers. He proves himself brave and resourceful, often sent on dangerous missions. However, his journey takes a tragic turn when he is captured during a chaotic battle after a reckless charge. In a confrontation with Jack Bixby, a former friend turned enemy, Hilary is severely injured, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Returning home, Hilary grapples with his new identity as a disabled veteran. He feels a profound sense of loss, not only for his arm but for the life he envisioned as a soldier. His relationship with Delia Noakes, a childhood friend, becomes strained as she struggles to reconcile her feelings for him now that he is maimed. Hilary's internal conflict deepens as he reflects on his past actions, including his decision to help Bixby escape during a skirmish, which he views as a betrayal of his own suffering. As the story progresses, Hilary's journey of self-discovery leads him to embrace a new path. He begins to educate himself, using his experiences to foster a sense of purpose beyond the battlefield. He learns to write and eventually finds a vocation in public service, becoming a respected figure in his community. The narrative concludes with Hilary's acceptance of his past and a hopeful outlook for the future, emphasizing themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of peace.

By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1890 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Western, Adventure · 3 chapters · 18,840 words

First lines

One might have imagined that there was some enchantment in the spot which drew hither daily the young mountaineer's steps. No visible lure it showed. No prosaic reasonable errand he seemed to have. But always at some hour between the early springtide sunrise and the late vernal sunset Hilary Knox climbed the craggy, almost inaccessible steeps to this rocky promontory, that jutted out in a single sharp peak, not only beetling far over the sea of foliage in the wooded valley below, but rising high above the dense forests of the slope of the mountain, from the summit of which it projected. Here he would stand, shading his eyes with his hand, and gaze far and near over the great landscape. At first he seemed breathless with eager expectation; then earnestly searching lest there should be aught overlooked; at last dully, wistfully dwelling on the scene in the full realization of the pangs of disappointment for the absence of something he fain would see.

What this Textopian page supports

The Bushwhackers is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Good citation fit

Discussion starters

Similar titles

Genres

Tags

Frontier Fiction · Tennessee Literature · Regionalism · American West · Folklore · Adventure · Survival Story · Wilderness · Mountain Life · Native American · Settler-Colonialism · Conflict

Contents

More by Mary Noailles Murfree