Over the Texan landscape lies the bloody
stain of a forgotten defeat. Commemorated
only by a lone monument is the death of
Cherokee Chief Duwal'li executed on July 16,
1839 while leading a pan-tribal resistance
of 800 warriors. The fight that took his life is
called the Battle of Neches but to those who
know the full story, it was truly a massacre.
Duwal'li's troubles with foreign settlers
began in 1773 with the slaying of his father. It ended in his heroic
attempt to secure land titles for the Cherokees and the associated tribes
he represented. Faced with deceit and bigotry at every turn, Duwal'li's
struggle turned to tragedy when he was forced to confront the army of
the newly formed Republic of Texas.
Turning her perceptive eye to this overlooked moment in history,
celebrated author, Sally McClain, sets the record straight with meticulous
research and sweeping historical vision. Hers is a damning look at the
harmful philosophy called Manifest Destiny and the devastation of
westward expansion. Yet, A Taint on Texas seeks not only to condemn but
to heal. For ultimately, this history is a renewed monument to the life of
Chief Duawl'li so that his life and struggle may stand as an inspiration
for the ages. It is an important book that will be welcomed by Native
Americans, history buffs and truth seekers everywhere.
