This is a fictional story of the life of a Lt. Governor of the Virginia Colony in the 18th Century. The main fictional character, Alexander Spotswood was born in Tangier, lived in England, and removed to the Colony of Virginia. This is not historically accurate even though some of the events in the story actually happened. It is more about how his life might have been like in Tangier, London, and Williamsburg, VA long ago. Alexander learns that he is descended from a notable and ancient Scottish family and uses this knowledge to motivate himself into being successful and making a name for himself. He believes he is under a curse that will detract him from being happy in his life journey. He is curious about every subject and gets facts and stories from family and friends, soldiers, statesmen, and English Lords of the Manor and from English Dukes. The fictional Alexander Spotswood is also searching for love, wealth, and fame. He has many questions about how to improve his status on his journeys whether they be physical or spiritual. He lets the Lord lead him in his boyhood in Tangier, his life as a Quartermaster in the Royal Army in the Battle of Blenheim, and his ability to govern the expanding Virginia Colony for the English Crown and King George I. The story explains his leading the colonists, his handling of the menacing pirates, and his living in the important tobacco culture of Virginia, his handling of the Indian affairs in his colony, and his life in London. He is fascinated with a star that seems to follow him no matter which continent he is living at the time. He finds comfort in the star.Alexander is in love with a beautiful and church going lady in London. Will they get married or just remain friends? Will the curse be broken? Will he continue to be lead by the Lord?There is a real Alexander Spotswood in history who lived from 1676 to 1740 and was Lt. Governor of Virginia from 1710 to 1722. This story is not intended to take away or add to the many noble achievements of the real Alexander Spotswood. The real Alexander Spotswood did lead his men, the Knights of the Golden Horseshoes over the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1716. The importance of this journey was to expand the colony westward for the Colony of Virginia for England. This historical event should be remembered. This story attempts to describe how that journey may have been and how it was planned. The Knights in the fictional Spotswood's Journey may have had the same name that really existed in history. Again, the best way to learn about the Knights of the Golden Horseshoes is looking in reference materials. What happened on the Journey may not known except through the writing of Robert Beverly, historian; Hugh Jones, minister; William Byrd, statesman; and John Fontaine, the explorer. Many of the other fictional characters in Spotswood's Journey have the same name as famous people that actually exist in history and may also accomplished some of the same events in the story. However, the story is not to be taken as historically accurate. A historian would study reference books to find the true facts of the actual characters in history. This story is not attempting to add to or take away from real history.By all accounts, the real Alexander Spotswood was a distinguished and capable leader, successful businessman and family man, a brave soldier, a strong statesman, and a gentleman. He ordered the capture of Blackbeard and was a friend of the Indians, and respected by the colonists. He accomplished the finishing of the Palace in Williamsburg and assisted in the beautification of Williamsburg, Bruton Church, and William and Mary College. He was a man of letters and was a gifted speaker. The stories told by the fictional characters are stories handed down through the generations and the sources are impossible to credit or acknowledge. Psalm 121:8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
About the Author: Robert Taylor is a businessman that has traveled extensively in America and has visited Williamsburg and Germanna, VA. He also has journeyed on the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiked over the Blue Ridge Mountains and has visited. London, England. These are some of the scenic places in this story. He presently lives in North Carolina. He is also a descendant of Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood and his son, John Spotswood.