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THE CUMBERLAND RIFLES by Noel B. Gerson

THE CUMBERLAND RIFLES

By

Pub Date: July 24th, 1952
Publisher: Doubleday

The independent state of Franklin of the 1880's (later to be eastern Tennessee) under the governorship of John Sevier is the goal of Roz Walker who comes to teach school and Danish Janus Elholm, a mercenary escaping scandal in Europe, who is in the pay of the Spanish to lead their gathering forces against the Americans. Their romance is played out with the background of Sevier's attempts to control North Carolinian raids, the Spanish dons' determination to infiltrate the local militia and soften it up for a surprise attack, and the settlers adamant stand against suppression of any kind. Janus learns the rewards of treachery cannot be balanced against the freedom of the frontier and joins up with Sevier, rescues Roz and is responsible for turning back the Spanish when the battle is joined. Less feminine distraction here and a more manly display of historical behavior than might be expected. Better than adequate.