BUDDHOE, A HISTORICAL NOVEL FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
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Author - Patricia Gill
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The Danish Governor and his mistress of mixed blood shared a life together for twenty years, a relationship of respect and devotion which was shattered when Peter Von Scholten signed the Proclamation in 1848 stating that ".. from this day forward the unfree of the Danish West Indies are henceforth free."

Their love story is the subplot of the recently reprinted historical novel, "Buddhoe", written by Virgin Islands author Patricia Gill, on sale in St.Croix bookstores and NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WEB.

The action of the novel centers on the actions of Buddhoe, a local leader of African ancestry,whose carefully planned and executed slave revolt effected the transition from slavery to freedom. Emancipation without mass bloodshed was a unique occurence in those violent times. But signing the Proclamation meant the tragic separation of the long-time lovers. Peter Von Scholten was recalled for court-martial and died alone in Denmark while Anna lived on in solitude at Buelows Minde, the home he built for her on a hilltop in Saint Croix.

From the beginning of their life together, the Governor - General insisted that Anna be treated as an equal, with dignity and respect. She was his official hostess at all social functions at Government House, much to the chagrin of the plantocracy who considered any courtesy to Anna not only a breach of social custom, but a personal insult. They demanded revenge for this affront to white superiority when the Danish Navy arrived to establish order and escort Von Scholten back to Denmark. Danish officialdom realized that the actuality of freedom could not be rescinded, but at least the planters could be pacified to some degree. Von Scholten would pay for his decisive action: separation from the place, the people and the woman he loved.

Anticipating emancipation, Von Scholten had officially supported the teaching missions to the slaves conducted by the Moravian Missionaries. His interpretation of the School Act of 1839, providing free education for Danish children, included children in the Danish West Indies, free and unfree. He built four schools for this purpose, staffed by the missionaries. As a result many, perhaps the majority, of those newly emancipated in 1848, were literate and skilled in a trade.

The evidence that his love for Anna extended to the islands themselves is well documented, giving credence to the accusation made by the planters that Von Scholten, Anna, and Buddhoe conspired together to create the State of Emergency which justified the historic Proclamation.

Their memorable love story has remained as an integral part of the West Indian history.

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