Here, our enigmatic character the Gantseh Macher opens up old wounds in Unctual Natchez, our internally troubled but externally chipper friend of Pinky DeVroom’s:
***
But the Gantseh Macher was unperturbed. “You, as your surname suggests, sir, are of Natchez Indian ancestry, along with your French background.”
It was Unctual’s turn to flush red in the face. That was an accurate description of his ancestry, and it was a tortured one. The French had almost wiped the Natchez out of existence, after an initial period of trade and good relations. So much for half his ancestors enjoying “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
***
Unctual is half French Hugenot and half Natchez. His own personal ancestry is like a bloody civil war confined to the realm of a family. And so are the ancestries of countless other American families.
Your family, if your ancestors have been here for awhile.