Comanche Trace : Plum Creek Press : 9780999762240 : 0999762249 : 17 Jun 2019 : A historical novel based on real life characters and events during the early days of the Republic of Texas. Texas in 1841 was a sovereign state, bordered by Mexico and hostile Indian Territory. Texas Ranger William "Will" Smith gives up ranging after the Battle of Plum Creek and settles in Austin near his family. Will's brother, Judge James W. Smith is murdered by Comanche Indians who also abduct his son, Fayette. Will sets out alone along the treacherous Comanche Trace to find his nephew and avenge his brother's death. A premonition during his pursuit sends Will to Santa Fe where the locals assume Will is a spy for President Lamar's well-publicized Santa Fe Expedition. The Mexican Territorial Governor posts a bounty for him: dead or alive. Texas sympathizers John Rowland, William Workman, and W. G. Dryden have befriended Will and help plan his escape, but not before Will falls in love with John Rowland's