The Purchase Price; Or, The Cause of Compromise

"The Purchase Price; Or, The Cause of Compromise" penned by Emerson Hough, is a historical fiction that throws us into the early 20th century political landscape of a sharply divided America. The story revolves around Josephine St. Auban, a sharp-witted young woman entangled in the hot-button topic of slavery. The journey begins as she finds herself under the watchful eye of Captain Edward Carlisle. We encounter Josephine and Captain Carlisle aboard the river packet "Mount Vernon" which reveals their complicated relationship, she shifts between defiant prisoner and shrewd conversationalist, while he struggles with his duty as her military escort. Tension builds as they discuss the implications of her situation, hinting at political intrigue and the potential for escape and secrets. Their world expands with figures like Senator Dunwody, who adds another layer of mystery with his interest in Josephine. The narrative creates a story of captivity, power clashes, and the quest for personal freedom in a society teetering on the brink of chaos.