Summary

In a poignant reflection from Comptia's perspective, written by LaPointe, the devastating impact of smallpox on her people is vividly described. As a nine-year-old girl, Comptia witnesses the horrific effects of the disease on the Chinook tribe. She recounts how her people lose their appetites, succumb to fever, and experience relentless vomiting. Tragically, almost everyone she knows falls victim to the illness. Faced with this unimaginable tragedy, Comptia makes a courageous decision to escape her village, seeking a chance at survival.

Years later, at the age of twenty, Comptia encounters Captain James Johnson, a Scottish sailor affiliated with the Hudson Bay Trading Company. Their meeting marks a turning point in Comptia's life, leading to a profound transformation. Drawn to each other's presence, Comptia and Captain Johnson form a bond that ultimately leads to marriage. In embracing her new life, Comptia adopts the English...