Alice of Old Vincennes

Alice of Old Vincennes unfolds in the late 18th century on the American frontier, focusing on the vibrant and complex life of Alice Roussillon, a tall, strong, and imaginative young woman raised in Vincennes. The narrative begins with scenes of playful life under the old Roussillon cherry tree, introducing Alice’s spirited nature and her close relationships with Jean, the hunchback, and Father Beret, a kindly missionary priest devoted to his work among settlers and Native Americans. Alice’s world is shaped by the tensions of frontier life—between romantic ideals inspired by her beloved novels and the harsh realities of colonial conflict.

As Vincennes shifts from French to American control during the Revolution, Alice’s life becomes entwined with political upheaval and personal drama. Her foster father, Monsieur Gaspard Roussillon, emerges as a commanding local leader who supports the American cause. Alice’s skill with a rapier and her passionate spirit draw the attention of Lieutenant Fitzhugh Beverley, an educated and dignified American officer, sparking a complicated romance complicated by rivalries and social contrasts. Meanwhile, Rene de Ronville, a wiry and sensual young man, struggles with his own feelings for Alice and his obligations.

The story captures the fragile and tense atmosphere as the British army under Governor Hamilton approaches Vincennes. Despite militia unreliability and the looming threat, Alice boldly defies the British by secretly removing and hiding the American flag during surrender negotiations, an act of courage that sets off a chain of events including imprisonment, daring escapes, and violent confrontations. Alice’s bravery shines through her imprisonment in harsh conditions, her defiant confrontations with British officers, and her willingness to defend her ideals and loved ones.

Lieutenant Beverley’s love motivates a perilous winter journey to rescue Alice, during which he faces capture and torture by hostile Indians. The complex character of Long-Hair, a fierce but honorable Indian leader, emerges as both a threat and unexpected ally, illustrating the nuanced relationships on the frontier. Beverley’s endurance and the loyalty of frontiersmen like Simon Kenton and Oncle Jazon highlight themes of friendship and resilience.

Back in Vincennes, Father Beret’s quiet strength and cunning come to the fore in protecting Alice and challenging British authority, culminating in a dramatic sword duel with Hamilton that ends with Alice wounded but alive. The narrative then follows Colonel George Rogers Clark’s determined campaign to retake Vincennes, marked by hardship, strategic brilliance, and moments of humanity. Alice’s raising of her own flag over the fort symbolizes defiance and hope amid the brutal siege.

The story closes with the aftermath of victory, the bittersweet realities of loss and survival, and the enduring love between Alice and Beverley. Their eventual marriage and life in Virginia, along with the preservation of Alice’s flag, offer a warm resolution that honors both personal and historical legacies. Throughout, the narrative blends vivid character portrayals, cultural tensions, and the stark contrasts of frontier life, inviting readers into a world where courage, loyalty, and identity are constantly tested.