Dear Readers,

I don't normally post things like this at the end of my stories but because of the response I have gotten I feel compelled to.

First of all I wanted to say thank you to everyone out there that has read and reviewed or subscribed to this story. It's knowing that someone out there appreciates what I have to write that makes me continue.

I am very satisfied with the way this story turned out. I have a few little typos here and there I would like to go back and fix, but other than that, I think this is the first time I've written something I have no desire to revise.

The idea for William's story came about one night when the real Esther (Loves History) was trying to convince me to write something for The Patriot. At that time she had read some of my Star Trek fics as well as an original fic I'm still working on and really wanted to me to try a Tavington fic after I wrote a short companion piece for her.

It was always obvious to both of us in the movie that Tavington was intrigued by the idea of The Ohio Country. Whether it was because he wanted to be titled there (if the British won) or if he had a true desire to farm, the movie never specifies. But when you watch the scenes where he discusses it with Cornwallis as well as the deleted scenes, you have to wonder what he would have done with land in Ohio.

As we chatted over the course of a few weeks the idea of Tavington possibly surviving and making his way to Ohio after the war looked more and more like a plausible, fresh plot.

Esther begged me to write it. Then she dared me and then double dog dared me and by the time I went to bed the next morning, the first chapter had been posted.

It's been a roller coaster but I've truly enjoyed writing something for Tav.

I've gotten many PM's and emails from readers with compliments on everything from the actual history involved to the horses and the message behind the story. I loved reading each and every one of them and it was very nice of you all to stroke my ego a little.

I like to think of myself as a story teller rather than a writer or author. But since I cant just sit down with you all over a couple of beers or a cup of tea and tell you these stories, I actually have to try and remember what my English Grammar and Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Collins, taught me. Although I would hate to think of what she would do with her red pen, I'd like to think she would have enjoyed this story too. So, I'm giving a shout out to all the teachers out there (especially the History and English teachers) who sometimes wonder if their students are actually learning anyhing.

I always try to write about things I know and I'm happy it showed in the details. Thank you all for noticing.

I am very proud to be from Ohio and I'm also proud of our way or life as well as our deep agricultural and historical roots.

I wanted the message behind the story to show that even though people can make some huge mistakes in life, they can overcome them. They can find redemption when they learn to admit those mistakes, take responsibility for them and make the attempt to, as Bordon said, make it right. Once you are willing to change, anything is possible.

So by 'manning up', Tavington doesn't just learn about farming, he learns about actually being a friend instead of just having friends. He learns how to put himself out there and risk himself so he can love and be loved. Not just with Jason and Esther but also with Mr. Mitchel and his future children(who were all taken from bits of my personality as a child- even Isaac). He learns that respect is a two-way street rather than something to be demanded and that love makes all the difference. And finally, he learns that success isn't about glory, or money, or a land grant. It's about being happy with yourself and the life you live.

So thank you, Esther for double dog daring me. Thanks to my brother Jeff, for helping me think like a soldier and his help with Fiddler's Green. Thanks Janeen and Tracy and Stephen for your support and encouragement.

And thanks again to everyone else out there for reading.

With much affection and appreciation,

Julie