A Volunteer with Pike

Name: A Volunteer with Pike
Author: Robert Ames Bennet

The narrative follows a young American doctor, John H. Robinson, who arrives in Washington, D.C., in 1805, seeking a position in a military expedition led by General Wilkinson. His journey begins with a chance encounter with a beautiful Spanish senorita, Alisanda Vallois, whose uncle, Don Pedro Vallois, is a Spanish nobleman. Robinson's initial act of gallantry, rescuing Alisanda's coach from the mud, sparks a connection between them, leading to a budding romance. As Robinson navigates the political landscape of Washington, he meets influential figures, including President Thomas Jefferson and Colonel Aaron Burr. He expresses his desire to join an expedition to explore the western territories, but his hopes are dashed when he learns that Lieutenant Pike has been appointed to lead the mission instead. Despite this setback, Robinson remains determined to find a way to be part of the adventure. Robinson's journey takes him to the Mississippi River, where he joins Don Pedro and Alisanda on a flatboat. Their voyage is filled with challenges, including encounters with Native American tribes and the threat of Spanish forces. Throughout the journey, Robinson grapples with his feelings for Alisanda, who embodies both allure and unattainability due to her noble lineage and cultural background. As they travel, Robinson learns of a conspiracy involving Burr and the potential for war with Spain, which complicates his aspirations. He becomes embroiled in the political machinations surrounding the expedition, ultimately seeking to prove his worth and win Alisanda's affection. The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the clash of cultures against the backdrop of early 19th-century America. The story culminates in Robinson's determination to cross the barriers of class and nationality to pursue his love for Alisanda, even as the political landscape shifts around them. The tension between personal desire and the larger forces at play in the world serves as a driving force in the narrative, leading to a climax that intertwines Robinson's fate with the unfolding events of the time.

By Robert Ames Bennet · First published 1901 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Military Fiction · 36 chapters · 124,729 words

First lines

The first time I was blessed with a sight of the senorita was on the day of my arrival in the Federal City, -- in fact, it was upon my arrival. An inquiry in the neighborhood of the President's House for my sole acquaintance in the city, Senator Adair of Kentucky, had resulted in my being directed to Conrad's boarding house on the Capitol Hill.

What this Textopian page supports

A Volunteer with Pike is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Ames Bennet, dated 1901 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Robert Ames Bennet
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Military Fiction, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Length: 124,729 words
Structure: 36 chapters, 2,450 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for A Volunteer with Pike by Robert Ames Bennet
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The book is set against a historical backdrop, exploring themes and events relevant to a specific time period.
Adventure — The narrative likely involves exploration and action, typical of adventure stories.
Military Fiction — The title suggests a focus on military themes, possibly involving a volunteer's experiences in a military context.
Drama — The book may delve into character development and emotional conflicts, characteristic of dramatic literature.