Beadle's Dime Novels No. 190: The Phantom Horseman

The Phantom Horseman; or, The Mad Hunter of the Mohawk This dime novel by Edward S. Ellis follows frontier conflict during an unspecified period of warfare in the Mohawk Valley. British forces and Tories have invaded the region, forcing settlers to flee. Mr. Kingslake, his son Edward, and others attempt to reach the Vreeland house in a covered wagon. Encountering hostile Indians, young Kingslake shoots a painted Mohawk warrior attacking the group. Upon reaching nearby property, the party meets Mintu, a Seneca Indian ally who has disguised himself in war paint to aid settlers and gather intelligence. Mintu reports having seen the Vreeland family safely sheltered in their house, including Mrs. Vreeland, daughter Edith (Edward's betrothed), son Horace, and a enslaved man named Jim. The narrative emphasizes frontier danger, ethnic tension, betrayal, and defensive action against hostile indigenous forces.