Beadle's Dime Novels No. 52: Single Eye

# Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 52 (1863)

This issue contains two distinct serials. "Off and On; or, The 'Ranger's' First Cruise" by John S. Warner depicts American sea life during 1777, when the Continental Congress could not afford a navy but privateers and commissioned ships defended national honor. The narrative involves a historical character of renown whose deeds are interwoven with romance.

"Single Eye: A Story of King Philip's War" by Warren St. John follows Peter Simpson, an ugly but good-hearted forest trapper with one keen eye, and his Mohigan friend Assawomset. The story opens in colonial Massachusetts as Philip's alliance of tribes—Pokanokets, Wampanoags, Narragansetts—prepares for war against English settlers. Assawomset has sworn vengeance after his wife's capture and his wigwam's destruction by hostile tribesmen. The narrative includes colonial accounts of supernatural omens preceding the outbreak of hostilities, including phantom gunfire and cavalry sounds. A messenger warns settler William Hendrick that war is imminent, mentioning the execution of three Indians suspected in the murder of John Sassamon, a converted Christian missionary.