Packed with exploits in the forest and on the waterways of colonial America, this is the story of Henri de Tonti. Before he came to the New World he had fought bravely for the French King and had lost his right arm in the Spanish wars. Despite this handicap he became the chief military aide of the great explorer La Salle, superintended the building of forts and ships at his leader's orders, defended the French colonists and their Indian allies against the attacks of savage enemies.

The best years of De Tonti's life were given to the exploration and navigation of that great inland waterway, the Mississippi. In 1682 he accompanied La Salle on his voyage of discovery to the river's mouth on the Gulf of Mexico. After the death of La Salle he was to continue these explorations. Later he aided Pierre le Moyne, the Sieur d'Iberville, to build Fort Mobile, the first fortified French garrison and settlement on the Gulf. De Tonti became its first commandant, and until his death defended the little colony with daring and courage.

The man with the Iron Hand lives and breathes in these pages. He is shown in all his bravery and loyalty, surrounded by companions all of whom lived in history, by the Indian tribes with their interesting customs, and amid all the teeming life and heroic endeavor of those early days in the Mississippi Valley.

From the dust jacket