Burning Prospects: A Novel Based on a True Story

Revolutionary War Captain Isaac Ross built a fortune in the fertile cotton growing region of Jefferson County, Mississippi on his plantation Prospect Hill. Towards the end of his life, he came to realize that he owed much of his prosperity to his large holding of slaves and wanted to reward them for their efforts. With this in mind, he made the decision to free his slaves in his will; with the stipulation that the American Colonization Society would oversee the transport of the Prospect Hill slaves to Liberia. Once on the shores of Africa, the proceeds from the sale of his estate would establish the slaves there, providing everything necessary for them to begin a new life. Including the establishment of a school. What Captain Ross was not counting on was the challenge to his Last Will and Testament that would be mounted by his heirs. A legal challenge that went on for years after his death. Before a legal settlement was reached, Prospect Hill was burned to the ground. By the time any of the slaves reached Africa's shores a young girl would be dead, several slaves would be lynched, and a legacy of the tragedy would remain forever. Based on the events at Prospect Hill from just before Captain Ross' death until the aftermath of the fire, Burning Prospects will bring this unique piece of history to life.