In the summer of 1769, the citizens of Louisiane wait the arrival of the new governor general of Louisiane with apprehension. The colony has been transferred from French to Spanish rule, but unwilling Creoles rebel against Spanish authority, expelling the first governor general. King Carlos responds by sending his leading general Alejandro O'Reilly, an Irishman, to put down the rebellion and administer the king's justice. Alejandro leads the colony forward into the Spanish empire while establishing contact with the English and Americans from the expanding thirteen colonies along the eastern...

After the execution of the rebel leaders, Governor General O'Reilly moves Louisiane forward into the future with a series of reforms designed to strengthen and rebuild the colony. His new government deals with social unrest among the citizens and intrigue with Louisiane's English and American neighbors. O'Reilly remains an outsider to the citizens of Louisiane. He is feared by many and respected by the few who come to know him. Although O'Reilly is resisted by some, the future of the citizens and slaves of Louisiane rests in his hands. Will he succeed in his attempt to build a new future for...