The decision about his personal life was not so easy. He sat on a fallen log alongside Briar Creek, and could see Mavis clearly in his mind, a vision of youth, beauty, and exuberance. He tingled with vivid thoughts of the earlier and innocent flirtations that had led almost inexorably to the passionate consummation of their love under the pine tree. He had a strong desire to see his son and to share the responsibility for his care and nurture. He stood and began walking home.

But he was flooded with memories of Epsey and their life together as he passed the woodland pasture. He recalled nothing but good things—her patience, honesty, ability to withstand hardship without complaint, and her hard work in the cabins and fields they had shared for almost ten years. He thought of how close they were drawn together by the birth of their only child, and now admitted that in many ways she had been stronger than he during times of crisis and personal tragedy. There had never been any doubt about her loyalty.

He paused, bowed his head, and said a prayer for wisdom and judgment. After a few moments, he returned to the cabin site with renewed vigor, packed his gear, saddled and mounted the mare, looked around with satisfaction at his property, and rode down the familiar trail. He was no longer doubtful about his future as he traveled northward to find the woman who would share it with him.

Epilogue

The Treaty of Paris was signed in September 1783 and ratified the following May, bringing peace between Great Britain and America, but it was not until the end of November that American troops finally replaced the British in New York. This was almost ten years after the first shots of the revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord and three years after Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. In all, 100,000 Loyalists left America, most believing themselves to be abused and blameless, and moved to Canada, England, Florida, or the Caribbean.