West of Santillane
In the early years of the 19th century, sheltered Virginia planter’s daughter Julia Hancock is delighted when Captain William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark discovery mission comes a-courting. They marry, overcoming objections from Julia’s father rooted in Clark’s uncertain prospects. But the match is very much in line with Julia’s adventuresome aspirations. The newlyweds move west, to St. Louis, Clark’s new post, and make a life in the still frontier- challenged capital of the Louisiana Territory. Early 1800s St. Louis is well-described, as are period costumes, appearances and household settings. But Julia finds that differing attitudes on slavery drive a wedge in her marriage. She abhors the institution and does what she can to improve the lives of her husband’s “people.”
Julia’s first-person account is a convincing tale of how Meriwether Lewis’s and William Clark’s years following the mission might have gone. Julia’s internal narrative on topics like the fleeting nature of time and separation anxiety is satisfying but shines most brightly when she searches through her feelings on slavery. The mission still looms large over Julia, her husband and Lewis, including relationships with the crew, recompense, and most importantly, publication of their account of their iconic journey to the Pacific. The historical sources and inputs relied upon by the author are impressive and provide the foundation for a well-researched story with keen insights into the hardships of life in the early days of US westward expansion, more than two centuries ago. Author Brook Allen has taken a little-known historical nugget, the life of Julia Hancock, and turned it into a terrific story involving major historical figure William Clark: a fine example of “you are there” historical narrative that her readers will relish.
