Home > Events and Programs > Special Events > Blacksnakes Path Special Events The Detroit Public Library Special Collections Department Join us for a reading and book signing by Author William Heath Saturday, October 11, 2008, 11:00 a.m. Main Library Friends Conference Room, 2nd floor 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 In his new book, Blacksnake’s Path, William Heath tells the little known story of William Wells, an “Indian captive turned Indian fighter-scout-spy-negotiator-agent.” One historian compares Wells to frontiersmen Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. In 1784, he was captured at an early age. He was raised an Indian warrior, but later switched sides to scout for General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Wells knew early Presidents and visited the nation’s capital with Indian leaders, serving as a translator. An epic tale of early Great Lakes history, the author drew upon old manuscripts in the Detroit Public Library’s Burton Historical Collection and other libraries in the Midwest to reveal both sides of this exciting and tragic story. The author will sign his book, which is available for purchase after he speaks. Free parking in the Library’s Putnam St. parking lot.