Eagle's Cry

October 2, 2000
The second installment in Nevin's (1812) American Story series actually marks the chronological beginning of this epic history of the early years of American democracy. Covering the politically chaotic years from 1799 to 1803, Nevin spins a complex, plodding yarn of conspiracy and intrigue as the fledgling U.S. suffers internal strife and external pressure from the French, Spanish and British. Numerous parallel stories march along through the years as major historical figures maneuver, scheme and plot for personal advantage, the good of the nation or both. Thomas Jefferson barely wins the presidential race in 1800 and is criticized for being weak and too cozy with the French. Secretary of State James Madison must posture and bluff to deflect the Spanish and prevent the French from reasserting control over New Orleans and the Louisiana Territory. Vice-president Aaron Burr hates President Jefferson and all Democrats and plots with a treacherous army general to break with the Union and create a separate Federalist empire in New York and New England. Capt. Meriwether Lewis hungers for adventure and dreams of leading an expedition in search of the Northwest Passage. Other less weighty characters struggle with issues of slavery, diplomacy, women in business and affairs of the heart, but the meat of this story is the historical significance of Burr's treason and the Louisiana Purchase. While historically colorful and accurate, the narrative drags along, offering little suspense or excitement and succeeding better as a history lesson than a novel. However, the simmering controversy over Thomas Jefferson's descendants and two recent books on Aaron Burr (Thomas Fleming's The Duel and Arnold Rogow's A Fatal Friendship) may have created readership for another look at these controversial igures.