Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Reflective, Poignant, Hopeful, Historical
- Read it if
- You enjoy quiet, character-driven historical fiction with a focus on human connection and the American frontier.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced plots with high-stakes action and complex political intrigue.
News of the World Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The News Reader and the Orphan
Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an elderly veteran and traveling news reader, journeys across post-Civil War Texas, reading newspaper articles aloud to communities wanting information. In Wichita Falls, after a successful reading, Britt Johnson, a former soldier, and Mr. Gannett, a local man, offer him fifty dollars in gold to take ten-year-old Johanna Leonberger to her aunt and uncle in San Antonio. Johanna was taken by the Kiowa four years earlier, after they killed her family. She was recently 'rescued' by the U.S. Army. She speaks only Kiowa, is wild and distrustful, and clearly misses her adopted family.
An Unlikely Companion
Captain Kidd accepts the job, despite Johanna's clear distress and resistance. He quickly understands the challenge: Johanna is quiet, tries to escape, and rejects any attempts to 'civilize' her, such as wearing shoes or proper clothes. She is strongly tied to her Kiowa identity, showing no memory of her German past or English. Kidd, using his experience as a soldier and a widower, patiently tries to understand and manage her, slowly building a fragile trust through consistent care and small actions, like sharing food and protecting her from the weather. Their journey south begins, full of the dangers of the unsettled Texas frontier.
The Perilous Path
As Kidd and Johanna travel, they face the harsh realities of the Texas frontier. They encounter rough land, unpredictable weather, and the continued lawlessness of the post-war time. One event happens when three former Confederate soldiers, led by Almay, ambush them and try to abduct Johanna. Captain Kidd, despite his age, uses his intelligence and experience to defend Johanna, eventually shooting and killing two of the men and badly wounding Almay, who later dies. This violent event strengthens a protective bond between Kidd and Johanna, as she sees his strong loyalty and courage.
Building Bridges
After the ambush, the relationship between Captain Kidd and Johanna changes. She begins to trust him more, and he, in turn, grows more fond of her. Kidd works to teach her English, starting with simple words and connecting them to objects and actions. He also shares stories from his newspapers, even if she does not fully understand the words, recognizing how important communication and connection are. Johanna, in turn, shares parts of her Kiowa life through gestures and sounds, showing a deep connection to nature and a resilience that impresses Kidd. They develop a unique, non-verbal language of understanding and affection.
A Stop in Dallas
During a stop in Dallas, Captain Kidd continues his news readings, with Johanna often nearby. He buys her new clothes and tries to help her adjust to a more 'civilized' environment, though she remains wary of strangers. One evening, while Kidd is reading, Johanna wanders off and is drawn to the music of a German band. She begins to dance, captivating the crowd with her free movements, a touching display of her lost heritage and her wild spirit. This moment marks a step in her tentative re-engagement with the world outside the Kiowa, and for Kidd, it is a heartwarming glimpse of her potential for joy.
The German Settlement
Finally, Captain Kidd and Johanna arrive in Castroville, a German settlement near San Antonio, where her aunt and uncle, the Leonbergers, live. The reunion is not happy. The Leonbergers, especially Frau Leonberger, are strict, unwelcoming, and see Johanna as a burden and a 'savage' who needs to abandon her Kiowa ways. They are shocked by her appearance and her inability to speak German or English. Captain Kidd is deeply bothered by their coldness and lack of care, sensing that Johanna will be unhappy and mistreated with them. He feels a strong sense of responsibility for her well-being, even though he has completed his contract.
A Difficult Choice
Seeing the Leonbergers' harsh treatment of Johanna deeply troubles Captain Kidd. He sees Johanna's spirit being crushed and her fear of her new 'family.' Despite having delivered her as promised and knowing that interfering could lead to kidnapping charges, he cannot abandon her to such a fate. He spends several days in Castroville, watching the situation and struggling with his moral choice. He tries to reason with the Leonbergers, but they remain firm and hostile towards Johanna, further confirming his belief that she is not safe or loved with them.
The Escape
Unable to stand Johanna's suffering and the Leonbergers' cruelty, Captain Kidd makes a major decision. He decides to take Johanna with him, effectively kidnapping her in the eyes of the law, but saving her from a life of misery. He secretly takes her from the Leonberger home, and they start a new journey, this time with no specific destination other than away from her relatives. Johanna, despite the new upheaval, clearly prefers Kidd's company, showing the bond they have formed.
On the Run
Now fugitives, Captain Kidd and Johanna travel north, heading towards areas where Kidd has connections and where they might be less likely to be followed. They continue to strengthen their unique bond. Kidd teaches her more English and shares his world through stories, and Johanna teaches him about nature and her Kiowa perspective. They face new challenges and continue to rely on each other for survival and friendship. Kidd deals with the results of his choice, but he never regrets saving Johanna, finding new purpose in caring for her.
A New Beginning
Years pass, and Captain Kidd and Johanna settle in a small town. Kidd continues his news readings, and Johanna, now a young woman, has fully joined their life, though she never forgets her Kiowa past. She helps Kidd with his readings, often translating or adding her own insights. Their relationship has become that of a loving father and daughter. The novel ends with them finding a true home and family in each other and the community they have built, showing their lasting bond and the strength of chosen family over blood ties.
Principal Figures
Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd
Protagonist
An aging, itinerant news reader and former soldier.
Captain Kidd is a seventy-year-old widower, a veteran of three wars, who travels across Texas reading newspapers aloud for a living. He is a man of integrity, quiet dignity, and deep empathy, often reflecting on the injustices and suffering he has witnessed. Initially, he values his solitary existence, but his encounter with Johanna awakens a profound sense of responsibility and paternal affection. He is driven by a strong moral compass and a desire for connection, though he rarely admits it. His past experiences have made him observant and resilient.
Relationships: Johanna Leonberger (Becomes her adoptive father and protector, forming a deep, loving bond.); Maria (His deceased wife, whose memory he cherishes.)
Johanna Leonberger
Protagonist
A ten-year-old girl raised by the Kiowa, forcibly returned to white society.
Johanna is a resilient, wild, and deeply traumatized ten-year-old girl. Having spent four years living as a Kiowa, she has forgotten her birth language and culture, identifying solely with her adopted family. She is fiercely independent, distrustful of strangers, and possesses an innate connection to nature. Her initial resistance to Captain Kidd gradually gives way to a profound trust and affection, as she recognizes his genuine care. She is a symbol of cultural displacement and the strength of the human spirit.
Relationships: Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Her adoptive father and protector, whom she comes to love and trust deeply.); Kiowa family (Her adopted family, whom she deeply misses and identifies with.); Herr and Frau Leonberger (Her biological aunt and uncle, whom she fears and dislikes due to their cruelty.)
Herr Leonberger
Antagonist/Supporting
Johanna's stern and unwelcoming biological uncle.
Herr Leonberger is Johanna's biological uncle, a German immigrant living in Castroville. He is a rigid, unfeeling man who views Johanna as an unwanted burden and a 'savage' in need of strict discipline. He shows no warmth or empathy towards her, only resentment and a desire to erase her Kiowa identity through harsh methods. He represents the cultural insensitivity and prejudice prevalent in the era, embodying the societal forces that seek to strip Johanna of her true self.
Relationships: Johanna Leonberger (Her biological uncle, who sees her as a burden and treats her with cruelty.); Frau Leonberger (His equally stern and unfeeling wife.)
Frau Leonberger
Antagonist/Supporting
Johanna's equally stern and unwelcoming biological aunt.
Frau Leonberger is Johanna's biological aunt and Herr Leonberger's wife. She mirrors her husband's harshness and lack of affection for Johanna, viewing the girl's Kiowa upbringing with disgust and fear. She is determined to 'civilize' Johanna through severe discipline, showing no understanding or patience for the child's trauma and cultural displacement. She is a formidable figure of unwelcoming authority, reinforcing the hostile environment Johanna finds herself in.
Relationships: Johanna Leonberger (Her biological aunt, who treats her with coldness and severity.); Herr Leonberger (Her equally stern and unfeeling husband.)
Almay
Antagonist
A dangerous former Confederate soldier who attempts to abduct Johanna.
Almay is the leader of a small group of former Confederate soldiers who ambush Captain Kidd and Johanna. He is a ruthless and predatory man, driven by greed and a disregard for human life. He attempts to abduct Johanna for his own nefarious purposes, seeing her as property to be exploited. His violent encounter with Kidd serves as a critical turning point, solidifying the bond between Kidd and Johanna and highlighting the dangers of the post-war frontier.
Relationships: Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (His antagonist in a violent confrontation.); Johanna Leonberger (His intended victim.)
Britt Johnson
Supporting
A former soldier who helps arrange Kidd's task.
Britt Johnson is a former soldier who, along with Mr. Gannett, offers Captain Kidd the job of transporting Johanna. He is a pragmatic and observant man, aware of the complexities of the frontier. He shows a degree of concern for Johanna's welfare but is ultimately bound by the limitations of his role. He represents the initial, official effort to return Johanna to her 'people,' without fully grasping the emotional and cultural implications.
Relationships: Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Entrusts him with the task of transporting Johanna.)
Mr. Gannett
Supporting
A local man who helps arrange Kidd's task.
Mr. Gannett is a local man from Wichita Falls who, along with Britt Johnson, offers Captain Kidd the fifty-dollar gold piece to deliver Johanna. He is less defined than Britt Johnson but serves the narrative purpose of presenting the initial proposition to Kidd. He represents the broader community's attempt to deal with the 'Indian problem' by returning captive children to their white families, often without consideration for the child's perspective.
Relationships: Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Offers him the job of transporting Johanna.)
Themes & Insights
The Nature of Family and Belonging
The novel explores what makes a family, suggesting it is not just blood but love, loyalty, and shared experience. Johanna, though German by birth, considers the Kiowa her family. Her initial rejection of the Leonbergers and later bond with Captain Kidd show that true belonging comes from acceptance and care, not just genetic ties. Kidd, a lonely widower, finds new purpose and family in Johanna, showing how unexpected connections can meet deep human needs. The ending sees them create a new, chosen family, moving beyond the social norms of the time.
“They were not kin, not in the way of blood, but they had become family through the long miles and the dangers shared.”
Cultural Identity and Displacement
Johanna's character is key to this theme. Having fully adopted Kiowa culture, she feels deeply displaced when forced back into white society. Her inability to speak English or German, her wildness, and her longing for her Kiowa family show the trauma of being torn between two worlds. The novel criticizes the attitudes of the time that aimed to 'civilize' Native American captives, often ignoring their emotional well-being or their deep connection to their adopted cultures. Captain Kidd's patient acceptance of Johanna's Kiowa ways, instead of forcing her to change, allows her to integrate her identities.
“She was a girl caught between two worlds, and neither of them was truly hers.”
The Power of Storytelling and News
Captain Kidd's job as a news reader highlights how important stories are in connecting people and making sense of the world, especially during a time of great change. His readings bring distant events and different views to isolated communities, offering both education and entertainment. For Johanna, the stories first help her learn a new language and culture, and later, they become a shared activity that strengthens her bond with Kidd. The news, whether factual or embellished, shapes opinions and provides a vital link to the wider world, showing its role in forming individual and group identities.
“People wanted to know what was happening in the world, and he was the one who brought it to them, in his own voice.”
Redemption and Second Chances
Captain Kidd and Johanna both seek a second chance at life. Kidd, a man affected by past wars and the loss of his wife, finds new purpose and a renewed sense of humanity in caring for Johanna. His choice to 'kidnap' her from her cruel relatives is a moral act, choosing compassion over rules. Johanna, displaced and traumatized, gets a second chance at a loving home and a chance to combine her past with a new future. Their journey together is one of mutual healing and finding hope in unexpected places after significant loss and hardship.
“He had carried the news of the world for so long, but now he carried a different kind of news, a living story.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Journey Motif
A physical and emotional journey that facilitates character development.
The 400-mile journey from Wichita Falls to San Antonio (and later, north) is the central plot device. It serves as a crucible for Captain Kidd and Johanna, forcing them into close proximity and interdependence. The physical challenges and dangers of the Texas frontier mirror their internal struggles and the emotional distance they must overcome. The journey allows for a gradual unfolding of their personalities, the building of trust, and the development of their father-daughter bond, without external distractions. Each stop and encounter along the way contributes to their evolving relationship and understanding of each other.
Language Barrier
A communication obstacle that forces deeper connection.
Johanna's inability to speak English or German at the beginning of the journey creates a significant language barrier between her and Captain Kidd. This device initially highlights her isolation and the cultural chasm she faces. However, it also forces Kidd to communicate with her on a deeper, more empathetic level, through gestures, shared experiences, and patience. As Kidd teaches Johanna English, and she, in turn, shares glimpses of her Kiowa world, their efforts to bridge the linguistic gap become a metaphor for their emotional connection and mutual understanding, demonstrating that communication transcends mere words.
The News Readings
A recurring element that provides context and reveals character.
Captain Kidd's profession as an itinerant news reader serves multiple purposes. It establishes his character as a man of words and stories, and it provides a window into the historical and social context of post-Civil War Texas. The news articles he reads offer glimpses of the wider world, reflecting the anxieties, hopes, and prejudices of the time. For Kidd, the readings are his livelihood and a connection to humanity. For Johanna, they are initially a source of curiosity and later become a shared activity that deepens her bond with Kidd and helps her learn English, symbolizing the power of narrative to bridge divides.
The Gold Coin
A symbolic payment that represents a moral contract.
The fifty-dollar gold piece offered to Captain Kidd to transport Johanna is more than just payment; it represents a moral contract. Initially, it binds Kidd to his duty, but as the journey progresses, the value of the coin becomes secondary to his growing paternal feelings for Johanna. His decision to 'kidnap' her from her abusive relatives, despite having fulfilled the 'contract,' signifies his choice to honor a higher moral imperative over a legal or monetary one. The gold coin thus symbolizes the tension between obligation and love, and the ultimate triumph of the latter.
News of the World Quotes
“He did not read the news to the people so much as he performed it.”
“The child did not speak English, only Kiowa, and she was as wild as a hawk.”
“He had seen too much, done too much, and now he was a stranger in his own land.”
“People wanted to hear about the world, to be connected to it, even if it was bad news.”
“The silence of the plains was a thing that could weigh on a man, if he let it.”
“She had learned to be a Kiowa, and now she must learn to be a white girl again, if she could.”
“He thought of all the things that could go wrong on the road, and all the things that had gone wrong in his life.”
“There was a certain stubbornness in her, a refusal to be broken, that he admired.”
“The wind was a constant companion, sometimes a comfort, sometimes a torment.”
“He was a man who told stories, and stories were what people lived by.”
“They were two strangers, bound together by an unlikely circumstance, finding a way to make a life.”
“The past was a country that one could never fully leave, but one could certainly try to build a new one.”
“He knew that some things, once broken, could never be entirely put back together, but they could still be made beautiful in a different way.”
“She had carried a great weight of silence and now she had found a voice, even if it was in a strange tongue.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd's primary occupation at the beginning of the novel?
- A U.S. Army scout
- An itinerant news reader
- A cattle rancher
- A bounty hunter
Show answer
B. An itinerant news reader Captain Kidd travels through Texas, giving live readings from newspapers to paying audiences.
Question 2
How old is Johanna Leonberger when Captain Kidd is tasked with returning her?
- Six years old
- Eight years old
- Ten years old
- Twelve years old
Show answer
C. Ten years old The synopsis states that the 'ten-year-old' Johanna was recently rescued by the U.S. army.
Question 3
Who had raised Johanna for four years after her parents and sister were killed?
- A group of Mexican vaqueros
- A band of Kiowa raiders
- Her distant German relatives
- A traveling merchant family
Show answer
B. A band of Kiowa raiders Johanna was raised by a band of Kiowa raiders who had killed her family.
Question 4
What is the approximate distance of the journey Captain Kidd and Johanna must travel to San Antonio?
- 100 miles
- 250 miles
- 400 miles
- 600 miles
Show answer
C. 400 miles Their journey south through unsettled territory is described as 400 miles.
Question 5
What sum of money is Captain Kidd offered to deliver Johanna?
- $25 in silver
- $50 in gold
- $75 in federal notes
- $100 in various coins
Show answer
B. $50 in gold In Wichita Falls, he is offered a '$50 gold piece' to deliver Johanna.
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT an initial behavior Johanna exhibits during the journey?
- Trying to escape at every opportunity
- Throwing away her shoes
- Speaking fluent English to Captain Kidd
- Refusing to act 'civilized'
Show answer
C. Speaking fluent English to Captain Kidd The text states Johanna 'has forgotten the English language,' so she would not be speaking it fluently.
Question 7
What is the central moral dilemma Captain Kidd faces upon arriving in San Antonio with Johanna?
- Whether to demand more payment from Johanna's relatives
- Whether to report Johanna's relatives to the authorities for their unwelcoming attitude
- Whether to abandon Johanna to her unloving relatives or become a 'kidnapper' by keeping her
- Whether to teach Johanna English before handing her over
Show answer
C. Whether to abandon Johanna to her unloving relatives or become a 'kidnapper' by keeping her The captain faces a 'terrible choice: abandon the girl to her fate or become—in the eyes of the law—a kidnapper himself' because her relatives see her as an 'unwanted burden.'
Question 8
Captain Kidd has lived through three wars. How many of them did he fight in?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None, he was a civilian
Show answer
B. Two The description states he 'lived through three wars and fought in two of them.'
Question 9
The synopsis emphasizes the formation of a 'bond' between Kidd and Johanna. What does this bond ultimately represent in the context of their journey?
- A shared desire for wealth and prosperity
- A mutual understanding of their individual loneliness and survival in a treacherous land
- A master-servant relationship for practical survival
- A purely transactional agreement that ensures safe passage
Show answer
B. A mutual understanding of their individual loneliness and survival in a treacherous land The text states, 'as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond that marks the difference between life and death in this treacherous land.' This highlights their shared isolation and reliance on each other.
Question 10
The novel explores 'boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.' Which character's initial actions most directly challenge the traditional concept of 'family' as presented to Johanna?
- Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, by taking her on the journey
- The U.S. Army, by 'rescuing' her from the Kiowa
- The Kiowa raiders, who raised her as one of their own
- Johanna's biological aunt and uncle, who view her as an 'unwanted burden'
Show answer
C. The Kiowa raiders, who raised her as one of their own The Kiowa raiders, despite killing her biological family, raised Johanna 'as one of their own,' demonstrating a non-traditional form of family. Her aunt and uncle challenge the concept of family through their rejection, but the Kiowa actively redefined it by adopting her.
News of the World FAQ
What is the central premise of 'News of the World'?
The novel centers on Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an aging news reader in post-Civil War Texas, who is tasked with returning ten-year-old Johanna Leonberger, a white girl raised by the Kiowa, to her biological relatives in San Antonio. Their challenging 400-mile journey forms the core of the story, exploring their developing bond amidst the harsh landscape.
Who is Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd and what is his profession?
Captain Kidd is an elderly widower and a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. His profession is an itinerant news reader, traveling through Texas towns to read newspaper articles aloud to paying audiences eager for information and connection in a fractured world.
Describe Johanna Leonberger's background before meeting Captain Kidd.
Johanna was captured at age six by Kiowa raiders who killed her family. She was subsequently raised by the Kiowa for four years, adopting their language and customs, and was known as Cicada. The U.S. Army 'rescued' her, tearing her away from the only family and culture she knew, making her a displaced person twice over.
What challenges do Captain Kidd and Johanna face during their journey?
Their journey is fraught with dangers, including treacherous terrain, the threat of outlaws like the Britt Johnson gang, and the vast, unforgiving wilderness. Johanna's initial resistance, her attempts to escape, and her inability to communicate in English also present significant obstacles for Captain Kidd.
What is the significance of the 'news of the world' that Captain Kidd reads?
The news provides a window into the broader world for isolated communities, offering stories of politics, progress, and human interest. For Captain Kidd, it's not just a livelihood but a way to connect people and maintain a sense of order and shared reality in a turbulent time.
How does Johanna's Kiowa upbringing manifest during her journey with Captain Kidd?
Johanna frequently attempts to escape, prefers to be barefoot, tries to eat with her hands, and struggles with English, often speaking Kiowa or using gestures. Her deep connection to the land and her survival instincts, honed by her Kiowa family, are evident in her resilience and resourcefulness.
Are there any historical figures or events referenced in the novel?
The novel is set in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, reflecting the societal upheaval and lingering conflicts. While Captain Kidd is fictional, the challenges of Reconstruction-era Texas and the interactions with Native American tribes are historically grounded. The Britt Johnson gang, though fictionalized, represents the very real threat of outlaws in the unsettled territories.
How does Captain Kidd's past as a soldier influence his actions and character?
Kidd's military service in two wars has instilled in him a strong sense of duty, honor, and pragmatism. It has also left him with a deep understanding of loss and the fragility of life, contributing to his solitary nature but also to his eventual commitment to protecting Johanna.
What psychological impact does Johanna's experience with the Kiowa and then with the U.S. Army have on her?
Johanna experiences profound trauma and displacement. Having been fully integrated into the Kiowa culture, her 'rescue' by the army is another violent uprooting, causing her to feel lost, angry, and resistant to the white world. She grapples with a dual identity, longing for her Kiowa family while slowly forming new attachments.
How does the relationship between Captain Kidd and Johanna evolve psychologically?
Initially, their relationship is adversarial, marked by Johanna's distrust and Captain Kidd's frustration. Over time, through shared dangers and the captain's patient care, a deep, unspoken bond of mutual trust and affection develops. They become a surrogate family, filling voids left by their past losses.
What is the 'terrible choice' Captain Kidd faces upon arriving in San Antonio?
Captain Kidd discovers Johanna's aunt and uncle are cruel and exploitative, viewing her as a burden. He is faced with the moral dilemma of fulfilling his legal obligation to deliver her to them, or defying the law and becoming a 'kidnapper' himself to protect her from further harm.
How does the novel explore themes of 'family' beyond traditional definitions?
The novel challenges conventional notions of family by presenting Johanna's deep bond with her Kiowa family as legitimate and loving, despite being a captive. Captain Kidd and Johanna, two unrelated individuals, forge a profound familial connection based on shared experience, care, and loyalty, proving that family is often chosen and earned.
What is the significance of the recurring motif of language and communication in the book?
Language is central to the novel. Captain Kidd's profession relies on it, and Johanna's loss of English and fluency in Kiowa highlights cultural divides and the struggle for understanding. Their eventual ability to communicate, even non-verbally, symbolizes their growing bond and the bridging of different worlds.
How does the setting of post-Civil War Texas contribute to the novel's atmosphere and themes?
The setting of a fractured, unsettled Texas mirrors the internal turmoil of the characters and the nation. It's a land of lawlessness, displacement, and lingering trauma, where individuals must rely on their own resilience and forge new connections to survive, amplifying themes of survival, responsibility, and the search for belonging.
What does the ending of the novel suggest about the future for Captain Kidd and Johanna?
The ending suggests that Captain Kidd ultimately chooses to protect Johanna, legally adopting her and continuing his news-reading profession with her by his side. It implies a future where they remain a chosen family, finding peace and purpose together, demonstrating that even in a chaotic world, love and connection can prevail.
How does the novel comment on cultural assimilation and identity?
The novel deeply explores the pain of forced assimilation through Johanna's experience. She is torn between her Kiowa identity, which she cherishes, and the white world she is forced back into. Her journey with Kidd is a struggle to reconcile these identities, highlighting the trauma of cultural displacement and the difficulty of truly belonging.
What role does honor play in Captain Kidd's decisions?
Honor is a guiding principle for Captain Kidd, deeply ingrained from his military background. He initially feels honor-bound to deliver Johanna to her relatives, but his definition of honor evolves to prioritize her well-being over a mere legal obligation, leading him to make the difficult choice to protect her.
About the author
Paulette Jiles is a novelist known for her historical fiction that often explores themes of resilience and the human spirit. Her notable works include "News of the World," which follows a traveling news reader in post-Civil War Texas, and "The Color of Lightning," a narrative centered on the life of a former slave in the American West.
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