At Close Range

<p>Francis Hopkinson Smith was an American author artist and engineer celebrated for his evocative novels travelogues and short stories that capture the essence of 19th-century American and European life. Known for works like <em>Caleb West: Master Diver</em> and <em>Colonel Carter of Cartersville</em> his writing often explores themes of honor resilience and the human spirit against vividly described backdrops. Smith's storytelling combines technical precision with warmth drawing readers into the lives of his well-crafted characters.</p>