Description

Eight years after the Arnold Expedition, the Robert Forbes family traveled the same route from the south side of the St. Lawrence River to the Kennebec River, essentially retracing Arnold’s route in reverse. Based on a true story, the family of six emigrated from England to Canada to build a better life. Circumstances soon forced the family to leave Quebec and join Robert’s brother in the District of Maine. Led by three unscrupulous fur trappers who agreed to guide the young family through the 200-mile wilderness, the family was soon abandoned to fend for themselves. Kalloch draws on the journals of several men from the Arnold Expedition as the Forbes family struggles to reach the Kennebec River.

Kenny R. Wing, co-author, The Lost Villages of Flagstaff Lake and noted expert of Benedict Arnold’s march through the Maine wilderness.

Norm Kalloch is top shelf as a skilled storyteller. He ranks right up there with Maine authors Paul Doiron and Gerry Boyle. This tale of a family’s struggle to survive the roughest area of the Maine wilderness is a masterpiece. You may find yourself burning through this haunting tale in one sitting. I ask myself “Could I ever survive such a saga? Do I know anyone who could have survived such a horrific ordeal?” No, I don’t!

Gary Cobb, hunter and explorer of the Dead River area with 60 years of experience and co-author,
The History of Pierce Pond