The Unseen Hand

The Unseen Hand: The Four Scouts of the Waccamaw

By J. Stanley Henderson. Published by Beadle and Adams, 1868.

A Revolutionary War adventure serialized in this dime novel. Set in 1781 South Carolina, the story centers on Judge Alston's family near the Waccamaw River—staunch Whigs threatened by British occupation. Daughter Edith, son Harry (posing as an invalid), and their parents harbor partisan fighters including Sergeants Macdonald and Stairn and young Billy Gwinn, a skilled marksman. When Harry carelessly expresses support for Washington, Major Stairn of Georgetown—appearing unexpectedly with redcoated soldiers—exploits the indiscretion. After the Major attempts to kiss Edith, Harry attacks him, revealing his true vigor. Stairn has him arrested as a traitor, intending to transport him to Georgetown. The narrative continues with "Mysterious Occurrences," suggesting supernatural or mysterious elements complicate the political drama.