Written in Sand

THIS book concerns primarily that relatively little-known American, “General” William Eaton, and the great moment of his life: his gallant attempt in 1805 to settle our troubles with Tripoli by a land march from Alexandria to conquer Tripoli—a march across a thousand miles of desert.

This incident is one of the most completely misrepresented military events in our schoolbooks. It is generally referred to as a brilliant achievement of the American Army, although the Marines have, in song and verse, appropriated the glory. In the nondescript rabble which started on this fantastic expedition there were European mercenaries, a company of Greeks, and four or five hundred Arabs and Turks. There were only some ten Americans, including the commanding general. By sheer fanatical faith in himself and his plan, Eaton succeeded against incredible difficulties in capturing the city and fort of Derne, well on the way to Tripoli, and in holding it against attack by superior forces.

The American fleet, which had coöperated mildly during the coastal march, was commanded by a weary professional commodore who had never had much faith in Eaton’s undertaking and was glad to endorse a negotiated peace with the wicked Bashaw of Tripoli. Eaton’s presence at Derne certainly had considerable influence on the Bashaw’s decision. Eaton and his officers and men and the Bashaw’s brother and his retinue were forced to steal on board the American ships at night, leaving their followers to almost certain destruction. Thus ended William Eaton’s claim to fame — a claim which almost succeeded. The rest of his life was frustration.

Mrs. Case belongs to that school of authors who document themselves well on their historical themes and then enliven their narration with imaginary conversations. Sir Walter Scott gave great popularity to this technique, but he called his books novels. Mrs. Case has not written a novel, but a dignified, straightforward, and dramatic narrative. The average reader will regret that he was not supplied with a little more historical background at the beginning, but the story as written will hold his attention and compel his admiration. Houghton Mifftin, $2.00.

RICHARD ELY DANIELSON