The Northwest Ordinance

The American Trail, American Trail, glazed in blood, defended in blood. Chapter 2, the Northwest Ordnance. 1787, the Northwest Territory from New York State to the Great Lakes was a vast, almost unexplored wilderness.

Reliable maps and data about the Indian tribes were needed. Congress sent out scouts and surveyors to bring this information back. One of these men was Kit Bratley, an army scout, an Indian fighter. In the early part of 1787, Kit arrived in Philadelphia to turn in his report.

It was a cold, bleak evening. Kit rode his horse slowly down a narrow side street, looking for a tavern where he could stable his horse in either warm eel. Suddenly, something or someone puddled in a dark doorway.

He dismounted and slowly walked over to the doorway. It was a girl, he saw. A girl, shivering, frightened, and exhausted. Are you all right, ma'am? Let me alone, ma'am. No, no, be scared. I don't mean no harm.

Who are you? They sent you to find me. Nobody sent me to find nobody. I hear you're trembling. You must be near the frozen. Please, please let me alone. Ma'am, I reckon you could do with a good meal.

So cozy in this tavern? Yes. I feel warmer now. You had enough to eat? Oh yes. I reckon we can sit a while here. It's one of the fire. Yes. It's nice here. Oh, you look real pretty now.

With your blonde curls and your blue eyes. Hmm? Some color in your face. You've been very kind. Anna. Anna, you said your name was? Anna O'Stold. You're running away from servitude, aren't you? No, no, no, don't look scared.