This story, based on historical fact, tells of the events leading up to the Emancipation Decree of 1848. Due to the planning of Von Scholten and the discipline and control exerted by Buddhoe, the transition took place with minimal violence. The action takes place in the year preceding the revolt and is told through the participation of the following characters:

JOHN RAND
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A YOUNG COTTON PLANTER FROM VIRGINIA, WHO HAS COME TO ST.CROIX TO RUN THE COTTON PLANTATION HE HAS INHERITED FROM HIS GODFATHER.

SYBIL SLATER
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THE DAUGHTER OF AN ABOLITIONIST PREACHER IN BOSTON WHO HAS BEEN SENT TO THE HOME OF HER UNCLE, LAWRENCE HARRINGTON,BECAUSE OF THREATS TO HER FATHER AND HIS FAMILY

MARTHA HARRINGTON
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THE DANISH WIFE OF LAWRENCE HARRINGTON, WHO CHERISHED THE OLD ORDER OF PLANTATION LIFE AND STROVE TO MAINTAIN IT IN THE DANISH WEST INDIES.

JAMES ALLEN
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AN ENGLISH PHYSICIAN AND AMATEUR ARCHAEOLOGIST, WHO IS CALLED IN TO TREAT THE CRIPPLING AND PAINFUL PARALYSIS IN VON SCHOLTEN'S RIGHT HAND.

PASTOR MULLER
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A MORAVIAN MISSIONARY WHOSE EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THE SLAVE CHILDREN ARE SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNOR - GENERAL, PETER VON SCHOLTEN.THE MORAVIAN INTERPRETATION OF EARLY CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS WAS A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON THE SLAVE POPULATION OF SAINT CROIX.