It was one of the most popular English-language novels of its time, and helped establish Cooper as one of the first world-famous American writers. The story is set in the British province of New York during the French and Indian War, and concerns a Huron massacre (with passive French acquiescence) of from 500 to 1,500 unarmed Anglo-American troops, who had honorably surrendered, plus some women and servants; the kidnapping of two sisters, daughters of the British commander; and their rescue by Hawk-eye, the last two Mohicans, and others. Parts of the story may have been derived from the capture and death of Jane McCrea in July 1777 near Fort Edward, New York, by members of an Algonquian tribe.