Dedicated to the invaluable work of the National Park Service

INSPIRATIONS

By J P Ronan

Pub in 2001 by Booksurge, LLC

ISBN 1-58898-327-7

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 Chancellorsville...a small town in Virginia

Chickahominy...small river in Virgina

Culpeper, Virginia...military base of the Confederacy

Deersville...county seat in Virginia

Frederick...first town in Maryland invaded by Lee

Gettysburg...small town at cross roads in Pennsylvania

Harper’s Ferry...town in Virginia holding Union arsenal and munitions factories

Haggerstown…town in Maryland occupied by Lee’s troops

Harrisburg...Pennsylvania’s state’s capital

Manassas...intersection of railroads in northern Virginia

Mechanicsville...Confederate military compound in Virginia

Fair Oaks...railroad junction in the eastern peninsula of Virginia

Portiunicula…a chapel of St Francis of Assisi near Winchester

Rappahannock…small river Virginia

Seven Pines...village near Fair Oaks

Sharpsburg...small town in Maryland occupied by Lee

Shennandoah Valley...fertile plan of Virginia that runs north to south

Mr. Pritchard's...general store in Deersville

Loci: Wilderness Run…track of tangled growth of woodland and bush in Virginia

Winchester...Virginian town located at the upper mouth of the Shennandoah

Anteitam...a small stream near Sharpsburg, Maryland

Blue Ridge...a mountain range in Virginia Personae:

Buffalo Creek...a small stream near Deersville Jerry Baxter...private in Jo's squad of the confederate army
Bull Run...a small river near Manassas, Virginia Lt. Bevil Bramwell…English military observer

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Harold Walker Burnett...Private in Jo's squad of the confederate army May Siadh...Jo's grand mom

James Calloway...Lance Corporal in Jo's squad of the confederate army Fr. George Sussex...Franciscan Friar

Whitey Cadwell...Private in Jo's squad of the confederate army Tasbala...escaped Negro

Lisa Sue Cardel...peer of the heroines Fredda May Varny...long time nurse and acting physician

Bueford Crawford...coal miner drunk, and father of eleven Carl Wiesdig…Master Sergeant in Confederate quartermaster corp.

Rev Richard Crooks...Baptist minister Gary Young...sheriff of the county

Emmy Lou Ferris...cousin and best friend to Jo

Figures:
Fredericksburg…large city in Virginia that blocks the route south to Richmond
Title; train traveling through Blue Ridge Mountains
Dale Freshwater...richest landowner in the county
Chp1; a group of slaves
Bruno Geeda...Corporal from Lyunchburg, Va
Chp2; typical would fence used by farmers
Cathy Jo Goodall...young girl that goes to fight in the Civil War
Chp3; steam locomotive
Maybelle Carroll Hobes...aged widow and neighbor to Jo
Chp4; a collection of dead soldiers before group burial
Ute Hostil...Confederate Calvary officer from wealthy family
Chp5; typical make shift field hospital
Sonny Jain...Sargent of Jo's squad in Confederate Army
Chp6; guns ready for shipment to battle
Parnell Ty Kooter...Jo's husband
Chp7; wagons used for transport
Teddy, Corporal Marius Ledbetter...Confederate Orderly
Chp8; view of Harper’s Ferry
Petey Martin…Private in Jo’s squad
Chp9; Union battery
Thomas McCray…Private in Jo’s squad from Pennsylvania

Harold F Moore...Anglican minister

H R, Harry Osetek...deputy sheriff

Jedidiah Pickett...Colonel in Confederacy

Beau John Reiter...husband to Emmy

Seth Siadh...Jo's grand dad

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Chapter 1 land is full with deer and black bear. The occasional coyote is heard but their numbers are small

Deersville since the colonial time.

Tree lines run along farmed fields and pastures denoting the boundaries of neighbors. Large oaks

mix with maple and elm. Stands of firs cover rough ground unused by the farmer. Flocks of wild

turkey move between wood and meadow.

Hill tops lift above the horizon. Large birds of prey cruise high in the sky. The falcon, hawk and the

vulture are upon the wing all day. Smaller birds hop among the wild blossoms in the hay fields, and

call warnings among the bushes and trees. Squirrels dart about the trunks of trees.

Small streams run from the hills to feed ponds that dot the county. There are plenty of fresh

waterfowl and spacious wetlands. Fishing is a favorite pastime of boy and man. Some have claimed

to make a living by taking the pelts of raccoon and beaver but the land in the county is no longer

open. The Blue Ridge Mountains remain as wild as the time they first rose.

The lower lands of the county are prone to flooding from heavy rains that are shed from mountains.

The tops of hills are prone to drought in the heat of summer when the rains are scarce. During these

dry times only the deepest water wells do not go dry.

Many of the homes are the same as built by the original settlers. Arrowheads and the marks of the

tomahawk are still to be found on the heavy wood doors that once barred angry natives. Most

homes keep the look of the mixed stone and wood one story structure. Recently, two story wood

In the south west of Old Virginia, foothills separate the Blue Ridge Mountains from the flat coastal homes are being constructed.

plain to the east. Here sits a county marked with rolling tree lines separated by narrow winding Many homes are wood heated from trees felled during tempests. Coal seams run every. Some are

meadows. Wide streams and shallow rivers make a gentle rush to low lands where they water fields just a few feet down under the topsoil and are exposed in many places by erosion. Here folks

of tobacco and cotton. A man could walk across this county in a day if his mind is made to it. The collect chunks of coal by hand. Local travelers keep a rough sack to store a nice piece of loose coal

they chance to stumble upon.

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In some pastures one may see a small fenced area set out in the middle of the open field where a northeast is the community of Louise. It was named after the mother of the founding family. It

farmer is under surface mining coal. The fence is intended to keep his livestock safe from the pit's serves the material needs of the farmer, lumber mills and hunters who make their living closer into

entrance. Some farmers allow neighbors to dig a load of coal from such works in exchange for the Blue Ridge. Down on the flat land of the county, the town of Piney Fork has been growing

favors or items bartered. rapidly with the boom in tobacco, cotton, and textile exports to the Old World.

The roads are rough. They are dirt lanes in the hills. Closer to the tons, some highways are stone The railroad's one line runs through Piney Fork up to Deersville. Here at the county seat a number

and ash covered where possible. The roadways to coal fields are covered with layers of black dust. of spur lines permit the railroad to reach separate coal fields. Trains with a hundred or more cars

Streams that pass through the coal fields are colored a thick orange from the sulfur that has been loaded with coal will move out to supply boilers of steam engines on locomotives, ships, and mills

leeched out from the damp coal beds. There is one rail line through the county which was laid by all over the mid Atlantic region of the United States.

the owners of the coal mines. There are several streets that run east to west in Deersville. The most prosperous folks live to north

The ugliness close about the large commercial coal works of the county lay hidden by the lush of the main business corridor. The poorest folks live across the rail tracks that cut through

green hills. The only sign of a nearby coal field is the white plums of smoke that rise from a Deersville just south of the main street. There is one school at the very end of town. Attendance is

passing steam locomotive. Most folks live independently on small farms and trade for needed optional. Most of the pupils are children of the merchants and commercial office workers. The

goods. children of the wealthy are tutored at home. The poor and back wood folks instruct their own

The land is rich in other minerals such as copper. Orchards, hay fields, grazing pastures abound. children.

Most county roads make way aside one stream or other. Covered bridges span river's crossings It is autumn. The fields and meadows are yet green with late summer flowers of mums, roses, and

where forging will not do. Narrow access lanes diverge to reveal the way to homes deep set on dianthus remaining in full bloom. The nights are cooler but there is no frost expected soon. The

farms yet heavily forested. hills are magnificent with rows of trees decorated with a mix of colored foliage in dark reds and

This county is not heavily populated. All but a few are rural people. Deersville is the county seat. It many shades of yellow. Browns and orange colors blend to fill in about a stand of bright crimson

is the center of the local coal industry, and the county government. It has a population near to 1000 leaves.

souls. Two banks, a town hall, the county jail, the one doctor's office, two dry goods stores, and Red, black, and silver colored squirrels bound in woods, cross lanes and yards gathering acorns,

several small churches make Deersville as modern a city as any in Virginia. and chestnuts. The sky is moving with black ravens, blue birds, red cardinals, and yellow finches.

The population in the county is not large by comparison to the others in Virginia. The area is large The cool breeze rustles the leaves, sending many to swirl across the ground. The warm bright

in acreage, however. Two other population centers are to be found in the county. Up to the sunlight makes more vivid the moving colors of autumn.

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Many homes are busy with the last of harvest. Pots simmer above fires on spits that prepare foods Mrs. Ferris has just placed a pan of sausage links individually clad in thick mashed potatoes to bake

to be sealed in jars for the coming winter. Small fires burn in the yards from bracken collected in the oven. "As soon as I get these beans on the stove I'll need those apples." Mrs. Ferris turns her

about the house. Fallen branches, broken furniture, discarded items of any type will be added to the head to eye her daughter of fifteen years.

pyre. The aroma of smoke from bush fires and kitchen chimneys fills the air. "Done mommy! What kind of apples do you want me to bring?" The girl stands to her mother’s

Near the end of one lane in the better part of Deersville, a home is warmed with much activity. Mrs. side and pulls her hand through her long hair with a shake to straighten herself.

Ferris and her only child, Emmy Lou is busy about the kitchen. The home is a white two-story “Bring a small basket of Jonathan's and a few Ida Reds...these pies are going to be special." Mrs.

wood frame structure with black shutters trimming long windows. The rooms are large with high Ferris has just placed a mess of string beans to fry in the skillet. She is adding seasoning and large

ceilings. Oak trees stand in the yard. There is a cooling breeze here through the entire summer due crumbs of dried bread.

to the shade of the massive oaks. The windows are closed now with autumn’s arrival. Emmy Lou skips off. Mrs. Ferris removes a loaf of fresh baked bread from the oven. "This heavy

Mrs. Ferris is a buxom woman, young and full of energy. Her husband is the county's surveyor and bread of cheese and onions bits will make the dinner complete."

manages the state's land office for this region. The Ferris are not poor. They have a very "What did you say mommy? I couldn't hear your voice down there." Emmy carries a basket

comfortable life. The home is decorated with many objects that one would find in a wealthier swollen with apples.

home. "I said your father's favorite meal is on the stove. We'll have a grand surprise for him when he

Mr. Ferris is a graduate of the Virginia Technical College and his position has created much arrives home."

association for his family with the wealthy of the county. Mrs. Ferris has a fine piano and gives Emmy Lou returns to her writing on the table. "Mommy I want to have some friends over this

lessons. Today Mrs. Ferris is busy with special preparations. weekend when dad lights the bonfire."

"Emmy Lou dear! Put down that writing and fetch some more apples from the cold cellar if you She awaits her mother's approval.

please." Mrs. Ferris is bustling over a large wood-burning stove that is busy heating several items at "Well you best ask your father if he's gathered every thing he wishes to burn. Who are you a

once. wanting to come over?" Her mother is anxious.

"All right mommy! I would like to finish this letter first...I am just about to the salutation." The "Well...I think I would like to have just one special friend."

little girl does not bother to look up. The Ferris have made a fall tradition of a very large fire out in the back. Mr. Ferris saves items of

waste the whole of the year. They often invite guests to join in the roasting chicken, potatoes, and

whatever else one may place over the fire on the end of a stick. Cider is heated to warm the souls

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on the cool night. Taffy is made and hand pulled by the children. The adults sing all the songs they "Child, that girl’s cloths come directly from London, England, or Paris, France. I don't know how

know for as long as the fire burns. Some fires burn very late into the night. to clean such apparel." The woman pauses as hazardous notions race through her head. "How can I

"Who may that be?" let that child come here and go home with soiled clothes? Her parents will think of us as trash."

"Well mother...I've a letter for Nora Freshwater...I've told her about daddy's large burn up and she More dreadful thoughts are conjured forth. "Mr. Freshwater could have you father lose his position

wants to come." if he should get mad at us!"

"Dale Freshwater's daughter?" Mrs. Ferris shrieks with alarm. Emmy Lou's mouth puckers at her mother's words. "Mom! Her parents never see dirty clothes.

"Yes mother. Nora says her parents will let her come to our house to stay because daddy is fine They never even see her bathe. Her slaves take care of Nora’s every need and do nothing else but

engineer." provide for her. Nora has never done a chore in her life."

"Child! Do you know how rich be those Freshwaters? They live in one of the largest mansions in "Land sake, Emmy Lou! How those folk must live. I would like to see you invited up to the

all of Virginia." Mrs. Ferris stares at her daughter in disbelief. The mother's mouth hangs full open. mansion for one of a grand ball or such" More alarming thoughts arise.

"Mother she doesn't care! She wants to be my friend!" "It's too risky to have something happen to that child here and your father lose his posiiton. Then

"Do you how much work it will take to get the house ready for that kind of company? I'll have to what would we do?" Mrs. Ferris is confounded as never before.

have help just to get the walls washed up proper...I would need two weeks of labor!" Mrs. Ferris is "Well mommy Nora expects an invitation. She says her parents will let her do just about anything

thrilled by the prospect that her daughter might be asked to stay over at the Freshwater's estate. she wants." Emmy Lou sees no problem "She's just one girl."

"Mommy, Nora is dying to have a taffy pull. She says they never do anything fun like that at her Mrs. Ferris is too anxious. "You must discuss this with your father." She is having visions of her

house." daughter in a great formal gown, and mounting a fine carriage driven by a handsome young man

"Taffy pull?" Mrs. Ferris shrieks again. "That girl can afford any thing in this world and she wants from a prominent Virginia family. Her face flushes with anticipated joy. "I'll talk with your father

to come here to pull taffy?" The mouth of the woman has not yet closed. Her breath has grown after dinner. Now you can help me prepare these pies."

heavy with excitement. Mrs. Ferris points to the basket of apples and hands her daughter a paring knife.

“How can I let that child come here to pull taffy? The butter from her hands would get all over her "I hate pealing apples." The little girl begins what appears as a mighty task.

dress!" The lady’s eyes swell in fright. "You love apple pie with sugar crust? They don't bake themselves. Your work will finish as early

"Mommy, my apron gets stained and you just wash it!" Emmy Lou is confounded by her mother’s as you begin."

alarmed response. "Mother! Why don't we have a slave to do these chores?"

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"Slaves cost a lot of money!" "She is a very fine old southern lady. She has no one left and she's lonely. She means no harm.

Emmy Lou ponders this notion. "Daddy has money...doesn't he?" There are those that tell things about people that are meant only to do harm. We are not going to be

"Your father has a good job that pays very well indeed." like those poor souls." Again the mother’s head nods.

"So why doesn't he get us a slave?" The child asks. "That Lisa Cardel is always saying mean things just to get her way. She is always after the boys.

"Child slave owning is expensive business. The slave has to be fed and housed and clothed. If they None of us girls like her the least bit." Emmy Lou takes her turn at the nodding of the head. "Her

turn sick one has to fetch a doctor. If they are lazy or old or hard for learning then you waste all heart is always cold mother!"

your money and you can't get rid of them." Mrs. Ferris is irritated at the notion of slavery. "Her mother is the busiest woman in Deersville. She's buried two husbands so far and the third

"Is that why most folks have no slaves?" The little girl looks to her mother for understanding. won't be long in going." Mrs. Ferris doesn't like the Cardel women.

"There's more to it than just money. Some folks don't hold with keeping a body in bondage no "You mean Mr. Cardel isn't Lisa father!" Emmy Lou shrieks in the manner of her mother.

matter what the reason." Mrs. Ferris has no intention of being a slave owner or minding another's "No, the first husband was a miner that got himself crushed. Folks say the woman pecked at him so

affairs. he was in a daze from lack of sleep. The second husband...Lisa's father was a young clergyman.

"Nora's daddy has slaves...How many slaves do you think he has mommy?" The woman ruined his heart so that one day in Sunday service as he was a calling out loud to the

"My goodness gracious...I don't suppose anyone knows that answer but Mr. Freshwater himself. Lord to send down His healing, and the man dropped dead."

That's his business daughter, and we don't belong in the affairs of others." She nods her head to "You mean he died in front of everyone? How does a body die from a bad heart?” Emmy sits up to

affirm the right answer. take note.

"Some folks say he has a thousand or more slaves...how much does a slave cost?" Emmy Lou has "Well the heart is the center of a person's body just as the soul is the center of a person's spirit.

never asked about slaves before. When the heart will no longer work...such as from illness, or too much unhappiness, or injury like

Mrs. Ferris is uneasy in this conversation. "Slaves are a man's business... a good slave will cost as being shot, then body goes to eternal sleep."

much as we paid for our home or more." "One never wakes up?" Emmy asks.

"How much did daddy pay for the house?" "Nope! The body turns to ash in the ground and the soul moves back to heaven...if you mind your

"Well we paid almost 500 dollars...don't you be telling our business. Folks never trust a body that's own business otherwise you burn in hell forever."

busy at gossiping and asking personal questions." "That's pretty scary!" The child observes.

"Like Widow Avery, mother...she tells everyone everything whether they want to know or not."

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"Just mind the Ten Commandments and you haven't a thing to worry over." Mrs. Ferris smiles at "Daddy!" The girls are caught by surprise at his entrance. Emmy Lou runs and jumps in his arms.

her daughter's anxiety. "What's in the bag?" She giggles as her father dances with her in circles.

"So how did Lisa become a Cardel?" Quizzes Emmy. "It's a present for the ones I love. I just had to stop at Mr. Pritchard's store on the way home to see

"Her mother married a distant cousin that most woman found substantially less than attractive. He if he had anything to make my girls happy."

gave the girl his name." Mrs. Ferris is hurrying at the pies’ preparation. Emmy Lou takes the bag after giving her daddy a big kiss on his cheek.

“You mean a woman would marry a man that isn't good looking?" Emmy Lou is shocked. "Look mother daddy brought you candy...and gums drops for me."

"Mr. Cardel is from a banking family and has lots of cash...Hunger makes good sauce child." “Well Mrs. Ferris what have you for a hungry man to eat...I smell sausage!"

"You mean Lisa's mother married her own cousin because she was hungry and he had lots of "It's your favorite dear. Links in a potato blanket with fried beans and hot apple pie for desert." She

money? I never thought he was very good looking mother." kisses her husband warmly on the lips as he takes her in his arms. "How was your day dear?"

"No one does!" "Very busy...I was up to the Freshwaters...Dale wants the county to put an access road to reach

"How can Mrs. Cardel kiss him then?" The girl cringes. around to the back hills of his land. He is going to increase his timber yields. It's a big expensive

"She closes her eyes I suppose!" The two girls laugh heartily. job."

Two apple pies are covered with a sugar, cinnamon and butter crust. "Who will pay for this?" Mrs. Ferris asks.

"These apples will go in when your father's dinner comes out. Emmy Lou it is time to set the table. "The state! He'll be up to Richmond for the next few weeks seeking approval. He'll get it one way

Your father is a good man and does not deserve to be kept waiting." or the other. That Dale is a money making machine." Mr. Ferris sits to the table and inspects the

Emmy Lou skips off to the dining room. She loves her father very much and takes much joy in covered dishes. "Hmmm! What's the occasion?"

providing for his pleasure. "Nothing special...I just thought one day this week we could take the horse and buggy up to my

As the table is just set and Mrs. Ferris is serving out a glass of wine for her husband, Emmy Lou's Aunt May's place."

father enters the back door of the house. He is carrying a bag of sugar candy and gumdrops for "Is May sick? Some emergency or other?" Mr. Ferris is fond of his wife's family and is concerned.

Emmy Lou, as well as red licorice for Mrs. Ferris. Mrs. Ferris whispers. "May's grand daughter is soon to arrive from Ohio. I want Emmy Lou to

"Something smells mighty good in the house. Have you ladies been working magic?" Mr. Ferris is greet her so that the child will feel comfortable in her new home."

very happy with his family, his job, and his life. "How old is this girl?" Mr. Harris asks.

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"I reckon she's near to 12 years old now! I would like to stay there with Aunt May for a few days Later Mr. Ferris sets on the front porch swing with his daughter. There is much sunlight remaining

and help out!" Mrs. Ferris is most genuine in her request. to the day. The cool breeze makes a jumper necessary. The aroma of warm, sweet apple pie fills the

"What about the bonfire?" house.

“Dear, when we return will bring the child for a visit had have a special burn up!" Mrs. Ferris "Well Emmy Lou, you want to know about slavery?"

smiles with promise. "Yes daddy!"

"I can take you in the morning. I have to do some survey work out that way for a couple of days." "It is a topic that creates lots of controversy. Some folks are mad as a hornet against it others are

Mr. Ferris is delighted to see his wife smile. He is also curious to meet his daughter's new cousin. willing to fight to keep it."

"Oh! Emmy Lou wants to have Nora Freshwater stay over for the bone fire...What do you think? "I want to know what you think daddy!" Emmy's brow is turned down with concentration. She

Will the Freshwaters mind?" wishes to hear her father's words.

"Nora is a very fine child. It's a wonderful idea! Old Dale won't mind! That beggar owes me plenty "Now for as long as one group of folks some where in the world get into trouble with another group

of favors. I've saved him thousands of dollars over the past year alone." of folks, slavery has been one way to force peace." Mr. Ferris struggles to make the complex

Mrs. Ferris sighs with great relief and joy over her husband's manly way of dealing with the subject simple for his daughter. "Two groups of folks start fighting and killing each other until one

powerful Freshwaters. gets strong enough to win an advantage. The loser goes into slavery so they can't fight any more. It

The Ferris are enjoying a pleasant meal. Emmy Lou is giving much thought to her mother's words stays that way until fighting starts with a third group then the slave owners become slaves

on slavery. "Did you ever have a slave daddy?" themselves. It has been this way since man first walked the earth."

Mr. Ferris is surprised by his daughter's question. "Slavery is not a topic for the dinner table little "Is that the only way to end a war...by slaves...can't they just make friends?" Emmy Lou does not

one. It is not really a topic for the mixed company of men and women either...I suppose you are like the choice.

entitled to discuss this matter with your father. After we enjoy our apple pie then we'll talk...We are "Well the Romans were the first people to offer friendship with their enemies. If you were a nation

having some of that pie you made for your Aunt May? Aren't we dear?" that fought a war with Rome and you lost that war, then Rome would offer your people citizenship

“There is a whole pie made just for you! Please don't eat it all in one evening. I'll serve it on the as Romans in their empire."

front porch. You an Emmy Lou can have a swing while you talk." Mrs. Ferris whispers again. "Be "That seems fair daddy. The people weren't slaves."

careful what you tell our little girl. She may carry a tale over to the Freshwaters that will upset "The people really had no choice. If they didn't become citizens of Rome and they made any

them." trouble, then the Roman army would kill every man, woman, child, and animal they could find.

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They would burn every house, barn, and church so no sign of the offending nation was left. Their slavers there to slavers here. The wars are fought in Africa." Mr. Ferris pauses to let the girl breath

homeland would then be occupied by people from another part of the Roman empire." and her mind settle.

"Everyone? How would they die?" Emmy Lou is horrified. "Are there no white slaves in Africa?"

The Roman soldiers would march into a home with their swords and just stab all there to death. "I'm sure there are a few but Africa is full of darkies only.

Then they would burn everything on the property including the flowers." “Now we do not make slaves of Indians since we end wars by peace treaty...It's a way of making

"Even a horse like our Nellie?" Emmy Lou shrieks in her mother's manner. them a kind of citizen of the country." Mr. Ferris continues.

"Not only kill Nellie but most likely cook and eat her for dinner!" Mr. Ferris adds to the child's "Like the Romans daddy!"

moment of drama. "Yes dear...somewhat but this is another story for explaining. Now for the question of white

"Oh No! So no one ever resisted the Romans!" Emmy concludes. slaves...there are white slaves up in the eastern frontiers of Canada. I'm told that Irish slaves have

“No one ever lived to tell about it!" been shipped there for many years. Few in number but there aren't very many Irish free or other

"So the Romans had no slaves!" Emmy states. wise. Some folks forget that this country was settled by indentured slaves from the old countries of

"It turns out that Rome had a huge number of slaves, Emmy Lou." Europe...most of which were white skinned."

Mr. Ferris pauses to watch his daughter's face change from perplexity to thought back to perplexity. "The old countries have stopped slavery then!" Emmy Lou surmises.

"Just where did these slaves come from?" Emmy Lou asks. "Yes!" Mr. Ferris is quick to say.

"Rome had a great number of laws, and a great number of taxes. If you broke any law or failed to "The black slaves there are free now?" Emmy persists.

any pay tax, you were placed into slavery. If you did something really bad by Roman standards you Mr. Ferris was afraid this point would come. "There are some black slaves but they are not legal.

were executed." Mr. Freshwater takes some slaves to Europe when he goes. The folks there set them free and

"Like the early Christians being eaten by lions in the corral." employ them as servants. The black folks in Europe are free."

"You mean coliseum!" Mr. Ferris delights in the child's error. "So we keep slaves here...most being Negroes that would be slaves everywhere but Europe. Why

"Did we win a war with the Negroes some where? Do we make slaves of Indians? Why are there no don't we let them free like they did in Europe?"

whites slaves?" Mr. Ferris scratches his head. He pauses for a long time. He stares at his daughter's eyes. He looks

Ah here is the hard part thinks Mr. Ferris. "The Negroes come from Africa. Now there are black deep into the innocence of her soul.

tribes that have black slaves from other tribes. The Darkies get here as they are sold in Africa from

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"I can not say. We stopped the business of white slaves with no difficulty. One can only expect that the tree stands create hazards for horse and wheel. Mr. Ferris guides his mare with words of

some day we shall keep no slaves of any color." encouragement. "Easy now girl! Slowly over these humps."

“Does Mr. Freshwater have many slaves?" Emmy asks. Past tree stands, along stone fences that mark meadow for cow and horse to graze, the family

"A great many. He is one of the largest slave owners in Virginia. I expect that he will be wanting moves on. "How much further now daddy?" Emmy Lou asks.

more when his lumber business expands." The sun is a long way from it's crossing of the sky. "Oh when we come to the covered bridge we

"Does Mr. Freshwater have slave babies?" Emmy Lou is most serious with her question. are mostly there." Mr. Ferris points to the sky. "When the sun is half way to its highest point we

"Yes! He has slaves of all ages. He sales, trades, and buys slaves as most men do horses or any will be at Aunt May's house. We have much time yet to be traveling."

animal." "Aunt May will be making a lunch for us Emmy Lou. We'll be there long before it's time to eat. I'll

"He sells black babies?" Emmy Lou eyes have tears. be helping her prepare. You'll have time to play with her dog, Lady." Mrs. Ferris assures her

"Yes!" He answers daughter.

The girl's sadness is not lost on her father. Emmy Lou has forgotten about the small spaniel with reddish hair and white spots. "Her legs are all

"I'm glad you don't have any slave daddy." white with little red dots near her feet. She is the littlest lady." She recalls the affectionate dog.

Mr. Ferris puts his arm around his child and hugs her gently. "Aunt May loves that dog! It's like a child to the lady." Mrs. Ferris is very partial to the animal

He kisses her brow. "Me too sweetie." herself.

After some time the travelers mount a hill amidst a hay field. Down below lay a wide stream with

~~~~~ slow moving water. A red covered bridge sits ahead.

"Oceans? Tell me about the ocean, daddy." Emmy Lou looks over into her father's eyes.

The roads that lead from Deersville are windy dirt paths. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris accompanied by Mr. Ferris is quite surprised at the subject raised by his daughter. "What brings that notion to your

Emmy Lou lead their horse Nellie towards the northeast up toward the Blue Ridge. Their carriage head?"

moves slowly along a narrow lane. "Nora tells me that the ocean is the biggest thing in the world and its all water." This response

The road is not much more that two ruts. It is overgrown with high grass as it makes across open Emmy Lou believes requires an answer.

fields. The lane makes its way through the woods here willows, maples, locus, and elms trees "That girl doesn't know everything." Mrs. Ferris is offended. She is not quite sure how to answer

surround much of the way. The lane remains a barren scrape across the land. Exposed roots from Emmy Lou's question. "No one person has seen the entire world I'm sure of that."

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Mr. Ferris is delighted by the spontaneity of his little girl's mind. His has always taken pleasure in The Ferris' carriage crosses the wooden bridge with the loud clatter of Nellie's hoof echoing. Mr.

the innocence and beauty of her face. Her steps in growing are much pleasure for him. Ferris notices that the sheriff and his deputy Harry Osetek hold a young Negro boy prisoner.

"I told her I knew all about oceans and that I had even seen one." Emmy Lou strains to make her "Good day Gary!" Mr. Ferris calls as he brings his horse to a stop.

parents feel her difficulty. Much to her delight her father comes to the rescue. The sheriff moves his horse closer to the carriage. His deputy is walking behind holding a rope

"Oh Emmy Lou you have seen the ocean. And I'm sure you know as much as any one child may be tethered about the neck of a dark youth.

expected to know. Your mother and I took you there to visit my brother Able over to Hampton near "Day all!" Gary Young lifts his hat in greeting. "Sorry to delay you folks but we are returning a run

the coast when your where four. We spent the week there and your uncle took us out in his away Negra." The sheriff motions to his deputy to lead his prisoner forward along the very narrow

sailboat." He looks over to see his little girl smile in delight of her accomplishment. path. "If you'll wait here till we pass we'd be much obliged!"

"Nora has never been on the ocean but I have." She exclaims. Emmy Lou studies the scene before her. The sheriff is smiling friendly towards her. She notices his

"Why we sailed up and down that ocean all day...waving to the dolphins...we even saw a pack of grayish hair. His eyes are red and shiny, and water filled. It seems to her that then sheriff is almost

whales!" Mr. Ferris knows that his daughter has bested her friend. in tears but his grin never fades.

"What else do I know about the ocean, daddy?" The deputy is a very large man. His face is round and his neck short upon a huge chest and rounded

"You know that the ocean separates us from Europe by several weeks sailing. That one can see belly. His hair is sandy and his complexion is apple red from the sun. His arms are round and

nothing but water and sky for days and days. You have many cousins in England who want you to massive. His hands are large.

visit one day." It is almost comical. The sight of the huge brute pulling a slender chord at the end of which is a tall

"Nora says her father goes across the ocean all the time and he's going to take her with him." thin black boy dressed in rags and he is filthy.

"Well I am going to take you and we shall see the Queen of England when we go. Your cousin "This boy has run off before!" The sheriff adds. "He'll do 30 days on the chain gang. Next time he'll

Nigel Ferris is a royal mounted guard at the palace." get six months." These words were intended for the boy as much as for anyone to hear.

Emmy Lou's eyes grow big. She gazes out to open space as her imagination races. Emmy Lou notices the boy's head is not dropped in surrender. He stands captive but yet triumphant.

"Don't make promises that aren't to be kept dear." Mrs. Ferris cautions gently. His dark eyes traced in brilliant white search his surroundings His gaze meets Emmy Lou's watch.

The covered bridge approaches quickly now. She feels his suffering. She sees his sadness and fatigue. He is dirty and exhausted but he looks at

"Look! There someone on the other side." Mrs. Ferris points to the far end of the bridge. her in a princely way. His long delicate eyelashes and smooth complexion make him attractive. She

"They are waiting for us to cross first...It looks like Sheriff Young." Mr. Ferris adds. has never seen royalty but she understands that this boy to be uncommon.

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"The boy isn't injured?" Mr. Ferris is startled by the lad's appearance. "Those Crawfords are too ignorant to know how to use a plow let alone a fire arm. I suppose it was

"Heck no! Harry here may have the strength of a bear but he as gentle as lamb. This here boy is as one of the Freshwater's overseers."

safe as if he were in his mother's womb. Harry is a better tracker than a pack of dogs. Besides he's “Well Gary best of luck. Were going over to the Siadh's farm." Mr. Ferris bids farewell and his

doesn't make a racket like a mess of hounds." horse pulls away.

Emmy Lou jumps down from the carriage with a water canteen. She runs to the youth. The grown Emmy Lou watches as the black youth is led across the bridge.

up folks are dumbfounded by her actions. Harry puts out one of his large hands to restrain her. “The sheriff's eyes are all red an watery, daddy? Is he sick?"

"It's just water! It won't hurt you." Her words are spoken soft and gentle. Emmy Lou asks as she yet watches the sheriff and his charges disappear.

Harry lets his hand fall to give way to the girl's intention. The black youth's eyes are wild from "Gary is a man who loves whisky. He drinks a full bottle every night. Never lets the drink get in the

thirst. The boy drops to his knees. He extends his mouth in an upward position. His hands are tied way of his duty though. Bet he has a couple of swallows of Baxter's pure when they stop on the

at his back. Emmy Lou opens the canteen and pours. The prisoner gulps in a heavy convulsed need. other side of the bridge.

Water pours down his throat in prodigious quantities. "You mean to say the sheriff visits the Baxter's whisky still?" Mrs. Ferris is not happy with a man

"Hold now girly! You'll make that boy too sick too walk." The sheriff is a bit embarrassed. "We of drink, sheriff or not.

have water for him...I guess in the chase we forgot that he might be in need." "Those Baxter's make the best hard cider in the state. The sheriff won't miss a chance to get a

Mr. Ferris is proud of his daughter's feelings. "We have extra food Gary. If any of you all need supply when he is in this part of the county."

some?" The trip continues with changing vistas from field and hilltop to shady lane and stone fence. The

"We'll I promise once we take to the other bank will rest the boy and get him feed and washed. He Ferris follow the stream from the covered bridge along the dell up between gentle hills. Soon they

is still a prisoner however. If he runs off I will shoot him." The sheriff's words are chilling. find themselves in a lush green valley that is home to Seth and May Siadh. The lane makes a fork at

Emmy Lou smiles at the boy. The darkie's eyes turn soft towards the girl. "Tasbala remember." small pond where dairy cows and a few steers water.

"Where was this boy going sheriff." Mrs. Ferris is concerned for her aunt. "Are there any more The service road is part of the Siadh’s farm. As they carriage descends a long shallow grade, a log

Negroes loose?" and stone single story cabin comes into view. The home of the Siadhs lay nestled at the foot of a

"Yes'em...one was shot over near the Crawford's place. They were trying to get over the Blue Ridge steep hill layered with large flatten boulder of black rock covered in moss and fern.

mam... To get t'other side of the Ohio River and freedom. As they close on the house, a small reddish dog comes to the front door of the porch and barks with

"One of the Crawfords shot a darkie?" Mr. Ferris asks. alarm. May follows with a tea towel in hand shooing flies away from the entarnce. She shades her

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eyes from the sun's glare with her free hand. Simultaneously the dog and May explode into joy as Lady wags appreciation at the use of her name. She has not satisfied her curiosity. This is a new

they recognize Nellie at the approach. scent to be learned. Lady takes a safe place behind the trotting horse and will wait the carriage's

"There's May!" Shrieks Mrs. Ferris. stop at the house.

"There's Lady" Shrieks Emmy Lou. Seth and May hasten from the barn to the porch of their home. They wave vigorously as the

"Woh Nellie!" Mr. Ferris calls softly as he pulls back on the reins to slow the horse. "Nellie knows carriage approaches. Lady sprints ahead and joins the Siadh's. The Ferris women are excited and

we are here!" wave with great energy.

May rushes towards the barn as the dog comes running to greet the visitors. As Nellie pulls to a halt, visitors and hosts merge in a struggle to embrace. Arms grope, smiles

The dog gives Nellie a few barks from back of her hindquarter along with a few good sniffs of the surge, and kisses are spread. Lady is busy below the knees of the human commotion. She registers

horse's scent. After the animals exchange notice of one another, Lady turns her attention to the full collection of scents of the owners between barks and leaps. The dog lifts on hind legs with

identification of those abroad the buggy. The dog glances at one passenger to the next with her nose front paws placed on any available human leg for her share of greeting.

high in the air.

Lady sees Mrs. Ferris fussing to gain her attention. She recognizes the woman's voice. "Lady! ~~~~~

Lady! How is my good girl?" Mrs. Ferris is shrieking. Lady responds with a skip and a bark and

accelerated wagging in response. Luncheon has been served. Emmy Lou is at play with the dog, Lady.

The dog drops to the back of the buggy sniffing heartily for more scents. She approaches the buggy Mr. Ferris has continued his journey on towards the Freshwater's property.

driver from down wind and soon takes Mr. Ferris' presence. Lady's joy is resumed as she jumps up The women settle into quiet work together in the house.

toward Mr. Ferris place in the moving carriage to gain his attention. Seth has taken a wagon to the other side of the Blue Ridge.

"Good day Lady, girl! We've come to see ya! Yes we have!" Mr. Ferris acknowledges his Several days have passed since Mr. Ferris left his family at the Siadh's farm. Mrs. Ferris is helping

recognition. with her Aunt May's chores. Emmy Lou is at continuous playing with lady.

There is another scent from the carriage not recognized by the dog. She looks and jumps with "Those two are best of friends." Comments Mrs. Ferris about her daughter and the dog.

curiosity at the third and smallest passenger. "Lady is a fine companion for any age. She's more than a pet, or a watchdog. She's a regular

"Lady! Come on girl!" Emmy Lou calls as if speaking to her best friend. woman." Aunt May smiles.

Mrs. Ferris steps out on to the porch. "Emmy Lou! Come in!"

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Across the barnyard Emmy Lou runs toward the house with Lady at the front. "Coming mother!" "Thunder, I never expected to surprise you two. Once I came over the hill back there, I expected to

Aunt May has a cool glass of cider for Emmy Lou and fresh spring water set out for Lady. see you right off. I was beginning to wonder if a body were sick or missing or something!" Seth is

"Time for your nap! When you awake lunch will be ready. Then we will go out and get materials to delighted to catch his wife unaware.

make a niece wreath to hang on Aunt May's door." The women shriek with delight at his words. They raise their hands and fold them in prayer. Moans

"I'm not tired mother!" Emmy Lou assures her. and cries and tears abound. In their excitement, they are late in recognition of the child with Seth.

"Well, I'll bet you've exhausted Lady. You can take her into the bedroom and put her to sleep." "Cathy Jo is that you?" Shrieks Aunt May.

"Are you tired girl?" Emmy Lou asks. "She answers to just plain Jo. Thank you!" Seth gives introduction.

The dog wags an affirmation to Emmy Lou's voice. Jo jumps down from atop the wagon in the manner of a boy. The women are stunned at the child's

After a bit of time, Mrs. Ferris peeks into the bedroom to see both girl child and girl dog asleep appearance. She is tiny, worn and pale. Her short blond hair is hidden under a style of cap preferred

atop Missy's old bed. by the boys in Deersville. Her trousers are rough. She wears a thick leather belt around a no frills

"Your Uncle Seth will come across the Blue Ridge." Aunt May announces. "He loves those jacket. Her shoes are dusty and worn.

mountains ever since he was a boy. He still goes up there to hunt." "There can only be the remains of a woman in those cloths," whispers Aunt May as she steps

"It's a good deal faster than going around." Adds Mrs. Ferris. toward the child.

"Yes, but Seth will want to show Cathy Jo as many special places as he can on the home trip." "Hello grand ma!" A weak tired voice mummers.

"I hope Cathy Jo and Emmy Lou get to be the best of friends like Missy and I." The women spring to the child and wrap Jo in arms, hugs, and kisses.

"You two girls were closer than natural sisters. It's just common sense for your kin to be close as "She has Missy's voice!" Exclaims Mrs. Ferris.

well." Aunt May holds Jo's face in her hands. "She has her mother's eyes and nose but her father's looks."

"I hope so Aunt May. I loved to visit here with Missy. We'd make such grand plans together." Aunt May's heart melts. "Welcome home child." She cries.

The ladies are busy with preparing, cooking lunch and gossiping. Fried potato cakes, brown sugar "Uncle Seth let me help you with her things." Mrs. Ferris holds out her arms.

shortbread, baked ham, and orange slice fruitcake are all to be served. The women are startled by "There's not much to be taking. The child has out grown most of her cloths. I have a few personal

the sound of horses and wagon. They race outside to find Seth Siadh set upon a wagon with one things of her mother and a few bits of furniture." Seth stands down from the wagon.

arm around a small waif seated at his side. "Well child did grand pa see to you proper like on the highway?" May asks her granddaughter.

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"He let me shoot the long rifle. Up at Spruce Knob, I shot a possum and we cooked it for dinner." Jo awakes to the affection of a dog she doesn't know as an older child's laughs. "Who are you?" She

Excitement refreshes the girl. calls to Lady as she takes the dog's head in her hands for vigorous petting.

"She's a fine shot May. I'm going to get her a small bore musket as soon as I can get to Pritchard's "Lady! She is your grand ma's dog...and now she's your dog too." Emmy Lou says between

in Deersville." Seth declares as May's eyes widen and her jaw falls. snickers.

"You mean you took this child hunting just after her parents passed and all?" May is not pleased. Jo has to smile at her situation. "And who are you?" She asks looking past the dog.

"What's wrong with you? The child needs caring for!" May takes Jo by the arm. "You listen to me "I'm Emmy Lou Ferris ...your older cousin. Your mother and my mother were cousins and best of

Seth Siadh. You're not making a man out of my granddaughter." friends. I'm here to welcome you and make you feel like family." Emmy Lou announces as she sits

"May she a natural in the woods. She'll be a fine asset at keeping the varmints down here about the up on the bed.

farm." Seth is apologetic. Jo is slow to come to fully conscious. The small soft dog is a delight to her. She could never have a

"The girl needs tending! There'll be no chores or such till she's made herself to feel at home." Aunt dog at the store but she has always wanted one. Already life is improving, she thinks.

May takes the child inside with a stern eye cast toward Seth. "Lady is very smart and I have taught her lots of tricks. After lunch we can go out in the yard and

Mrs. Ferris helps to wash up Jo. "This child could use a nap." I'll show you." Emmy Lou is being the older cousin.

"That's a grand notion. Here girl you take a lay down with your cousin." May sends the child to the Jo is captivated by Emmy Lou's face. Never has she seen such beauty. Emmy Lou's dark eyes and

bedroom where Emmy Lou rests. pure white complexion give her a beauty unlike anyone Jo has ever seen. Long black natural curls

Jo is tense when she goes to lie down. In a strange house, on a new bed, with a tiny dog and an ring her face. She appears divine like an angel with a warmth and goodness that makes Jo feel safe

older child, Jo is restless. Her mind is stimulated by new smells of a new home. Jo recalls her and wanted.

mother and father. Her emotions for her lost family and home mingle with the excitement of being "I love Aunt May's cooking...my Aunt May is your grandmother. She always makes something

in the Blue Ridge for the past several days. The new and the lost stir her thoughts. Her fatigue over special to eat." Emmy Lou wets her lips.

takes her small body. She falls to sleep. These words are not heard. She is lost in the emotion of belonging somewhere since the loss of her

Lady remains docile until Emmy Lou stirs. Emmy Lou recognizes the young girl that is asleep at parents. There is also the feeling of becoming a part of something special...being kin to a beautiful

the foot of the bed to be her new cousin Cathy Jo. She is smaller and thinner than she had expected. girl like Emmy Lou. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen!" Jo blurts out.

The new girl's hair is a disaster and her young cousin's cloths give her the look of a field hand.

Lady is anxious to return to play. She begins licking Jo's face.

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Emmy Lou stops her talking. Her eyes widen and her mouth opens. She blushes. Emmy Lou has "Cause girls don't have no fun. If I wear a dress and look all prissy no one will let me shoot and

been told by many that she is pretty but never by anyone from another place. Never has a stranger hunt and fish." Jo is distressed. "Grandpa wants to take me hunting back up in the Blue Ridge. Did

told her so. he ever ask you Emmy to go hunting?"

Emmy Lou for the first time believes that she is beautiful. Jo has convinced her. "Are there many "Well no! But I don't want to...he would if I asked though. I don't want to!" Emmy is frustrated.

girls where you come from?" "I'm going to live like a boy, play like a boy and dress like a boy." Jo is determined.

"Thousands! I've seen girls of all ages. Girls from all kinds of countries and from different states "Listen Jo if you want to play with me we have to do some girl things." Emmy's words are stern.

came into my parent's store. None is as pretty as you, Emmy." Jo speaks with convincing authority. "Okay! But don't let grandpa know!" Jo's energy is returning. She stands and jumps up and down

Emmy Lou has never liked anyone to call her just plain Emmy. Jo has a way of making it sound on the bed. Emmy laughs at Jo's antics.

pretty. "Girls my age?" Jo bouncing looks out a window of the room. "Look at that big rock." Jo points into the back yard

"Plenty...you're prettier than any married woman ever to come into the store." Jo is amazed the girl where a large round boulder rests. "It's huge! Can we climb it?”

doesn't know that she is beautiful. Emmy looks at the black rock that stands nearly as high as the house, and as wide as the room in

Emmy is not to be quick to dismiss this topic. "Are my cloths as pretty as the girls in Ohio?" which they stand. "That rock rolled down from off the top of the hill. Grandpa said the earth shock

"No one has a prettier dress than the one you are wearing." Jo says softly. one day and it just came lose. He said that rock was up on the hilltop ever since his family came to

"My mother has excellent taste. She gets all her material from a small store and makes the dresses live here. It came down just a few years ago. That's when they got Lady as a new puppy."

herself. She doesn't like the prices of garments at Pritchard’s”. Emmy straightens her dress and "Why did they get a new puppy cause the rock fell?" Jo asks.

pulls the hair from her face. She tilts her head to one side and smiles coyly. "Would the boys in "Cause the rock landed on top of their sheep dog," answers Emmy.

Ohio think I'm pretty?" "You mean there's a dog living under that rock. Why doesn't grandpa dig him out?"

"Of course!" "Uncle Seth thinks his sheep dog is dead and doesn't want to bury him twice." Emmy says sadly.

"Don't you have any pretty things?" Emmy asks. "Let's go eat. I'm starved and so is Lady."

"Heck no! I'm going to be a man when I grow up!" Jo states. Lady, Jo, and Emmy immediately become great friends.

"You can't! You're a girl!"

"My mother said I can be anything I want to be...I want to be a boy." ~~~~~

"Why Jo? Your sort of pretty!"

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In early winter, the churches in Deersville sponsor a great harvest fete. This is held in the ballroom large bear but seven of us over to our side. We were feeling left out!" Seth relives his

of the town hall. Catalans, large weddings, and coming out parties are held here. The reverends disappointment.

Dean Chadwell, Harold Moore, and Richard Crooks take charge of this civic affair. "We decided to have a hunt the very next day. We got a good one too. As big as any I'd ever seen."

The women chance to dress in their finery. Men dress in suit and ties. Young boys are confined to "Will there be another bear hunt this time grandpa?" Jo's eyes are wide in expectation.

Sunday best for the whole of the evening. Music, punch and cake are provided. This affair is the "Those men will take any excuse for traipsing off to the woods." Aunt May sees hunting in a pack

most popular of the year with many church members and citizens of the county in attendance. as a waste of time.

Most families make this a time for reunion. Marriages are arranged, property is sold, charity is "Men have to go off like that May!" Seth is not defensive. "Those bears come down from the Blue

extended, and future elections are decided. Ridge only when they are starving. They'll will attack a human folk whether with cubs or not." Seth

It has been said that the population of the county is never seen in its entirety otherwise. Women knows the nature of the wild.

will shun those families that are not represented for being uncivil and non-Virginian in attitude. "They are fond of eating woman for some reason."

Jo and her grandparents will stay this night at the Ferris residence. Emmy Lou is frightened. "Eat woman...why?"

"Jo, I've taken in a dress of Emmy Lou's that will be perfect for you. Aunt May has gotten you the "Cause there's some scent or maybe just the taste of a woman. A hungry bear will go straight for a

loveliest ribbons from Pritchard's store." Mrs. Ferris informs the girl. female dinner every time...same as a panther."

"Do I have to go...I don't want to wear a dress!" Jo is oppressed. "I would like to catch bear fever. Can I go too?" Jo is frantic for permission.

"Hush now child! You're in Virginia now. There's no exception. All the people of the county will "If you don't get into this dress this evening you'll catch a fever from me but it won't be about

be there." Aunt May says as she is sowing away. bears." May look is stern.

"Shoot Jo! There'll be the best hunters in the state there a telling tales. Last ball seven of us got bear "Grandpa how do you hunt for a big bear." Emmy Lou has surprising interest.

fever." Seth shakes his head in affirmation as he sips a large glass of wine. "A body just looks about where there's water for drinking. A full sized bear must drink water

"You seven got drunk most likely on that wine of yours." Aunt May adds with disapproval. often...lots of water. One looks for bear prints in the mud. Then you get someone with a pack of

"What's bear fever?" Jo is captivated. dogs and chase that bear till he goes up into a tree." Seth speaks with much experience. "The better

"Well last summer there was a dry spell in the Blue Ridge. Them bears came down from the the dogs the sooner you get your bear."

mountains in droves like honeybees. Seems darn near every farmer in the county got himself a "I don't want to hear no more of hunting. This is a social for the ladies as well. Now you young

ones get dressed. Seth put your suit own." Aunt May has spoken.

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"Emmy Lou, you girls come down straight away so I can get your hair ready." Mrs. Ferris shakes Jo is dressed in a cute little yellow frock that turns full at the ankle. Her hair is done with matching

her finger. yellow ribbons. Emmy is dressed in a white print with scarlet trim. The girls make a lovely sight.

"When will you get ready mommy?" Asks Emmy. Mrs. Ferris and May are swollen with pride at the vision of the family as they leave for the ball.

"Soon as I'm done with you girls and Aunt May. What till you see your Aunt May! I made her a The town hall is brightly lit. The streets of the town are also decorated with signs of the harvest.

light blue satin gown with ruffles. It's beautiful!" Mrs. Ferris squeals with delight. Wreaths hang on doors. Porches are lit for the evening showing windows now draped in their fall

"What are you going to wear?" Emmy asks. fashion. Leaves have been brushed from the walks. The yards are in proper order to receive winter.

"The same black gown as last year. I've added white lace trim and a large black bow at the waist. People arrive in carriages and by foot. All are dressed in manner of a grand Virginia homecoming.

Most folks won't know." Again Mrs. Ferris smiles with achievement. Dresses and styles not seen for a year are promenaded. Tall hats of elegant fashion are paraded.

"Wonder what that Lisa Cardel going to wear?" Emmy says with a little jealousy. Children march in order with their parents as a human flock gathers.

"You know her mother takes her to Richmond on the train every year to shop. I'll bet she goes to Music plays sweetly as the guests make their way into the ballroom. A dim roar of greeting rises as

one of those Paris imitation shops and pockets the rest of her husband’s money." Mrs. Ferris is also one person makes to another not seen for a year perhaps. Darkies dressed in white linen jackets and

a bit jealous. black pants are setting the punch table with several large bowls of red or orange colored liquid.

"Do I have to dance?" Jo just becomes aware of this possibility. Some carry trays of cake to the serving table. Others are cutting squares and slices for individual

"If a boy asks it isn't polite to refuse a gentleman." Emmy announces a rule. serving. Plates and linen napkins as well as silverware are laid out.

"I have to dance with the boys!" Horror befalls Jo. "Can't I just dance with you Emmy?" Soon after the greetings have been extended the adults abandon their young and take to the floor in

"Girls are allowed to dance with one another only if no boys ask them!" dance. The young girls gather quickly to show their dress. Boys crowd the cake table and watch the

Another rule is introduced. girls.

"Emmy Lou be sure to save a dance for your father. He takes great pleasure dancing a waltz with The girls close to Emmy's age gather around one girl who is a particular favorite of the boys.

you." Mrs. Ferris knows her daughter will get much attention from the boys this year. "Jo, tell any Emmy and Jo stand off to the side.

objectionable boy who asks you to dance that this dance is saved for your grand father or Mr. "Who is that girl every one's fussing over?" Asks Jo.

Ferris." "That is Lisa Cardel...Everyone wants to see her Paris dress. I think it's ugly. All those feathers

Jo is comforted by this exception to the rules. make her look fat." Emmy refuses to look in the Cardel girl's direction.

"She has big bumps on her chest like a grown woman." Jo notices.

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"All the boys watch her. She looks like a cow!" Emmy is not temperate in her dislike. "Look how she makes those boys watch her." Lisa says to her peers. "What is good enough for her

"Her seat is huge and round." Jo adds. is good enough for me." Lisa marches straight toward a punch bowl. The rest of the girls are frozen

"Oh she just wears some kind of juvenile bustle her mother bought in Richmond. Her back end is as in fear.

flat as her brain." Emmy puffs her cheeks in anger. The boys are confounded by the alteration in etiquette.

Jo watches the boys as their eyes blanket the young Miss Cardel. Lisa turns back toward the pack of girls and motions with her hand forcibly for them to follow. The

Miss Cardel's motions are exaggerated as she tires to give her best form to the males watching. den of boys is disperses now into smaller packs about the two warring girls. The boys are at a loss

"She is such a phony! All those girls stand beside her so the boys will see them with her." Emmy as to their course of action. They lack decision.

steams. Lisa is emboldened by her close presence to all the boys. "My father says we are going to have war

"Maybe they just like her?" Jo questions. with the north over the slaves." Lisa talks over her friends to regain the boy's attention.

"They all hate her more than me. They just hate not being seen by the boys more." "Goodness, does she have no reserve?" Emmy whispers to Jo.

"Some boys are looking over here...once in a while." Jo says. Lisa continues her monologue. "He says his bank owns so many mortgages on the slaves that the

At this remark, Emmy is furious. She grabs Jo's hand and they walk straight towards the punch county will go broke if they are freed."

table. Lisa Cardel watches Emmy and Jo in disbelief. Emmy is breaking the rule of going to the "Does she think anyone is listening?" Emmy hates to hear the prattle.

punch table before the boys have finished. The den of young girls observes the resentment of Lisa Lisa is not through. "My father says in Africa the darkies eat their own children. He says they are

and the boldness of Emmy Lou. better off in slavery here than dying of hunger or living like wild savages back there." Lisa revels in

The boys part way as the two girls close on the punch. Jo gives a shove to one lad too slow for her the close attention she has gained.

in stepping aside. Jo is as fearless as Emmy is bold. "Do you want me to punch her in the stomach to shut her up?" Jo asks in all sincerity.

Nonchalantly, Emmy serves two cups of punch and hands one to Jo. Emmy views Lisa's expression "The Negroes can't take care of themselves here. Who's going to pay to send them back to Africa?"

of rage from afar. Lisa's oratory seems to have no end.

The boys have diverted their attention to the new ruffian, Cathy Jo. Much to Lisa's discontent the "Jo shut that sow belly's mouth!" Emmy commands.

boys have discovered that Emmy has become a real beauty since last year. Jo walks calmly towards Lisa. As she passes the buxom young girl an elbow captures Lisa in the

middle of her ribs expelling the girl's wind.

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"Excuse me!" Jo exclaims as she offers to help the girl who lays on the floor silently gasping for Chapter 2

breath. Lisa's skirt is up around her neck. The laughter of the boys and the shrieks of the girls fill Buffalo Creek

the hall.

The Siadh’s farm is in the eastern part of the county. These hills were once part of the hunting

ground shared by three tribes of Indians. The Mingo, the Cherokee, and the Chippawau left this

land as free to be shared. The Indians hold a small creek here as magical. This creek is a main

boundary among farms and it is the western border of the Siadh’s place. This creek is mostly

shallow and narrow. In some places, it disappears all together beneath the ground. In several

locations the creek returns to the surface where it forms a deep wide pool. The Indians found these

pools as favorite watering holes of the wood bison.

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The Indians named this creek for the bison, and the early settlers called it Buffalo Creek. Many "Well I hand me a safety pin on my shirt till May hand time to replace a button. I dug me up a

conflicts between the early settlers and hunting parties of the tribes resulted. Seth's home is one of worm to use as bait." Seth pretends to bait an imaginary hook. “I got me a stiff sampling for a

the oldest and it carries many scares from these early times. pole."

There is one large pool near Seth's place called Snake Spit Bend. This is a favorite spot for Jo to Jo interrupts. "What about string?"

visit with her grandfather. A large flat bolder leans out over the far side of the bend to form a Seth reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a wad of hair. "Horse haircut from the tail...never

natural diving platform. The water is cooled year round from its underground journey. without it. Strong as wire. Some folks sow up cuts with it."

Mrs. Ferris and Emmy have returned to Deersville. Seth is fishing with Jo. "You caught that fish didn't you grandpa?" Jo ruins the ending.

"Why do they call this place Snake Spit Bend grandpa?" Jo sits on the high bank with her Seth smiles with great satisfaction. "Yes'em! Jigged that big old bass right out on the water on his

grandfather. first taste."

“In the summer, this is the coolest place on the farm. All the snakes come here to breed. They swim Jo laughs at the silliness of the fish. "Did you ever catch another fish like that?"

on top of the water and fish for minnows." Seth's pole rests quietly by his side. "No missy. Once I was a swimming and jumping into the pool here off that big ole rock on t'other

"What about the spit? The snakes spit in the water?" Jo is fussing with her pole. side... jumped into the water and catched me a rainbow trout in my long johns." Seth laughs and

“You'll do better with the fish if you leave your bait sit. The fish will find it!" Seth knows the girl jumps up to show how he reacted. "That fish was a trying to get out of my drawers and I was a

has too much energy for fishing. "In the hot summers little bubbles form above the deepest part of trying to help him. Your mother was just a little girl and she was laughing to death at my

the pool. Not many but there is always some. No one knows why. The bubbles always arrive with predicament."

the snakes." Jo falls on her side in hysteria at the idea.

A fish hits the surface and moving concentric rings on the still surface catch Seth's eye. "Throw "Tweren't funny Jo. I had no idea what was after me in my underwear. I thought it might have been

your bait over there where that fish hit." a snapping turtle a fixing to chop down. Scared me to death."

"You catch much fish here grandpa?" Jo rolls with delight.

"One time I was here a chasing some cows that got lose. I saw a big old bass just a laying on the "Or a snake maybe. I could have jumped on one swimming by!" Seth laughs at the scene he is

surface." Seth's eyes grow large with excitement. "Now mind you I had no pole or bait...but I describing.

wanted that bass." "How do all those fish get in this little creek?" Jo asks.

"What did you do grandpa?" Jo shares the excitement.

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"Ducks stopping for a spell as they head north or south. They get fish eggs in their feathers some "I'm showing your grand mother my bake goods. Come by most Saturdays unless we can't get the

place else and drops them in the bend here." Seth is delighted to see the girl laugh. There's good baking done." The reverend gives a smile and a nod.

color coming back to her cheeks. Jo notices the arrangement of breads and pies and cakes and biscuits within his wagon. She moves

"It's time to get back to the house, May wants us around after lunch." closer to smell the delightful aromas.

On the way to the farmhouse Seth sees a cow laid down in the meadow. "I' take that pan of cinnamon honey buns." May instructs the reverend.

"There's a cow down Jo!" Seth's expression turns to one of concern. "My husband's awful partial to your buns."

"What's the matter grandpa?" "That'll be two cents!" The reverend acknowledges with a smile and a customary nod of his head.

"That cow is having a problem. Maybe she's a having a birthing difficulty? Maybe she got into a "How much for pie?" May asks.

patch of garlic weed...they love the stuff but they get sick as all get out." "Apple is two cents...the peach and cherry are three cents!"

"What are we going to do?" Jo is most concerned. "That's expensive Dean!" May drops the ecclesiastic salutation.

"I'll go over and help her. You get to May." Seth smiles at his granddaughter. “Cherry and peach are out of season Mrs. Siadh...these are made from preserves." The reverend

"Most likely she' be fine and up by evening. I have to keep varmints off her...Before dark have May maintains his business demeanor.

bring my rifle out to me." "Well so is spending money!" May answers. "I'll take two loafs of your bread, and that will be all."

As Jo arrives to the house, May is standing along side a small wagon talking to an older man who is "Four cents May...thank you!" The reverend always sells May honey buns and two loaves of bread.

wearing a broad hat made from straw. May is looking into the wagon as the man shows her several "Jo, hope I will see you tomorrow?"

objects. "Why?" Jo is perplexed.

"Here she comes now!" May tells the gentleman. "Jo come and meet Reverend Chadwell. The reverend laughs. "Tomorrow is Sunday and going to church time. Most folks come over to my

The older man is not tall. He is quite round in face and form. He wears the dress of a farmer but is church. You are as welcome as rain."

very clean, and neat in appearance. His face has many smiles around the eyes as well as the mouth. "She'll be there reverend." May smiles and nods in affirmation.

His movements are slow and gentle. "Will you be selling cakes tomorrow?" Jo asks.

"Well Jo, welcome! I knew your mother and father. They were fine people." The reverend greets "No I only sell on Saturday. We bake in the early morning and sell fresh."

the girl. The reverend enjoys the girl's question. "There will be cake and punch after service. Free to all who

Jo is uncomfortable with the grown ups’ inspection. She only nods in return. come to pray!"

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"Will there be any slaves there?" Jo is quick to ask. "Dean Chadwell is a business man and a very successful farmer. He runs the only church in these

The reverend is surprised by this question. "Uh! Sometimes folks will bring a slave, or two. All parts. His preaching is respected all the way to Deersville." May has grown up with Dean

God's children are welcomed." The reverend puzzles. "I don't keep slaves child. Most folks here Chadwell.

about do their own labor as God intended." "He doesn't like slavery grandma!"

Jo studies the man's words. She is anxious to see what the preacher has to say on the subject. "His people use to keep slaves back when Dean was a boy. When Dean got religion he talked his

"Now Jo! The reverend's business is his. We mind ours and we let him mind his." May is a bit shy folks out of keeping slaves."

to have more of this talk. "Did they let the slaves go free?"

"A child learns by asking May. God gave us a mind to think over things. You come child and hear "I believe the Chadwells sold all their slaves off to get back their investment." May is sure.

the word of the bible. You'll get your questions answered." The reverend hands the girl a big sugar "Making a profit is part of their religion. They are honest folks and believe that making money is a

cookie. "I have to be getting on my rounds May." reward from God. Tomorrow you‘ll see the lot of them for yourself when we go to church."

"Are you stopping at the Crawfords?" May asks. "Do I have to go? Lady doesn't go to church and she's a good girl." Jo is not anxious.

"Those folks are too poor to buy anything May." The reverend answers. "I'm going to take some lunch to your grandpa. You stay here and listen for the door until I return."

"They never have enough food." May informs. May gathers some sausage, cheese, bread, and a jar of cider into a basket. "If'n those Crawfords

"I always send some left over down to them first thing Monday. Never will see a Crawford at come while I'm gone, give them the bread and bacon fat there on the table."

church even when one of them dies." The reverend shakes his head in disapproval. "Both loaves grand ma?"

The ladies wave and watch as his wagon returning to the main road. "Yes child. Don't let any of those Crawfords in the house. You tell them that's all they get." May

"Here Jo take these two loaves of bread and put them on the kitchen table. There is a jar of bacon hurries off.

fat on the back of the wood burner. Put it on the table with the bread. "May heads toward the cold Soon Jo hears Lady's barking followed by a knock at the door. Three boys stand at the door and say

cellar. not a word. They are thin, dirty and have no expression upon their faces. They stand and wait.

"Theses buns are for Sunday's breakfast." Jo looks over the trio. She has never seen anyone or any thing so unclean. "You be Crawfords?"

"I never knew a preacher to sell off a wagon." Jo comments as they enter the house. She asks.

The oldest boy nods his head. They yet do not say a word. They look startled by the young girl’s

presence.

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Jo brings the bread and bacon fat to the door. Each boy steps forward to receive one gift each. They The boy is thin. His cloths are neat and expensive. He carries a sack on his saddle. "Here's a bottle

do not speak. They stand and wait. of white lightening for Mr. Siadh. My mother sends it over to trade for a bottle of rhubarb wine

Jo puzzles at their blank stare and wonders why they do not leave. "My grand ma says that's all cause she has women for company coming for tomorrow's super."

today." She did not know what these words were to mean until the boys' turn to leave just as she "I don't know where grand pa keeps his wine?" Jo is confused.

finishes saying them. "I'll get it! I usually just leave the whiskey at the door and get the wine myself when no ones here

The dirty boys leave without a word. They race down the meadows towards the woods near the anyway." Baxter enters the cold cellar and returns with a clear bottle filled with a lovely, pink

fork in the road that leads to her grand parents. Lady sniffs and snorts, and sneezes about the door liquid.

where they boys had stood. "Say you are cute!" Baxter notes to the girl.

Jo leaves the house to play with Lady while she awaits her grand mother's return. They chase young Jo feels offended by the personal remark from a stranger. She takes a defiant stand with her hands

chickens in the yard. By and by Jo observes a pinto pony and rider coming down the lane from the on her hips and makes no reply.

direction taken by the Crawfords in their retreat. The sight excites Lady. "Did you have plenty of boy friends back in Ohio?"

Jo notices the dog's pleasure at the pinto's approach. The rider is an attractive young male. "Hello! "See ya!" Jo wishes to have the boy gone. He is attractive in looks but repulsive to her when he

You must be my new neighbor?" The boy shouts as his pony stops. speaks.

"I'm Jo who are you?" Jo notices a freckled fair skinned boy with coal black wavy hair and brown "You're the only girl worth looking at for miles out here. I'll be back. Maybe I'll let your ride my

eyes. pinto, Buck." The boy is in no hurry to leave.

"I'm Jerry Baxter." The boy has an arrogant spoiled manner. "My family lives just a mile up the May returns. "Hey! Jerry will you ride Seth's rifle out to him in the north meadow."

lane. We have the farm across the road from you." "Sure Mrs. Siadh! Is there a problem?"

"Did you see those Crawford boys when you were coming here?" Jo wonders to where they "One of the cows is down. She's been gourd by the bull during courtship. Seth's tending her but if

disappeared. she turns worse then she’ll have to be put down."

"The Crawfords! They live in a shack just past the fork in those woods yonder. They are your other "My uncle over to the next county had a bull once so mean it killed more than one female. He had

neighbors." Baxter looks is one of disgust. "You'll see a lot of those poor folk. There's a lot to pen the bull and let him mate in a tight enclosure. He sold the animal cause it was too much

Crawfords in the county." trouble. Good breeder though." Baxter warns of more trouble.

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"Some times a bull will turn on a lady if she's not cooperating, especially in the middle of the "That's terrible!" Jo exclaims.

rutting season.” May turns. “Jo, fetch Seth's rifle and shot, please." "Not for that dear lady. She had to put up with that drunk ever since he lost his shack in a card

"How's your ma and pa?" May asks the Baxter boy. game to Bueford Crawford some fifteen years ago." May has a mean look to her face.

"Ma's fine! Dad was kicked by a mule last month and is still healing up." "Drunkenness is a form of madness a body can purchase in a bottle."

"Well if he needs a poultice come a calling!" May adds. "Those Crawford boys look as if they have never washed and they are older than me." Jo is

"Ma was over to Mrs. Hobbs." Baxter replies. astonished.

"Well then that's the best deal." "Crawfords have lived in this county as long as any one's memory may recall. Early on, the county

Jo returns and hands the weaponry to the rider. had long been known for it's godless ways, and the rough folk who live here kept only mountain

"I better get over to the meadow." Baxter rides off. law. The Crawfords still follow the code of the pioneers who originally settled this part of Virginia.

"Where the Crawfords here Jo?" Some would say the way of these back wood folks is lawless, but all agree that their way of living

"Yes'em! I gave them the bread and bacon fat." is truly uncivil."

"Good! They didn't go into the house did they" They are awful dirty and smell terrible!" "What kind of work do they do?" Jo wonders.

"No grand ma they staid at the door. They never said a word." "The Crawfords are from a long line of itinerate squatters. Some years back young Bueford was

"They never do! Not natural but they can't talk like regular folks." playing poker and won that parcel of land with a one-room shack. That poor home and the scrubby

"What are they going to do with all that bacon fat?" Jo asks curiously. land upon which it stands, made Bueford a man of modest means. The cash savings from having to

"Child, their mother will warm it and they'll spread on that bread you give'm and they'll have it for pay no landlord rent would have resulted in accumulated worth for most folks. Bueford, however,

dinner." just found the means to more drink and debauchery. Bueford works in a local coal field. He makes

"You mean they eat fat on bread?" Jo is disgusted. good money."

"I've been saving cooking fat and sending bread down to them once a weak since they move into "How many Crawfords are down there?" Jo points in their direction.

old man Jitters shack years ago. Those people are too ignorant to feed themselves." "Bueford married a girl from deep up in the Blue Ridge and they have 11 children by some count. I

"Where's mister Jitters?" hear tell they buried more than one child on their land there."

"He died! Came home drunk to his sister's in Deersville last winter, fell down late outside on the "What's their home like?" Jo is afraid not to ask.

walk to the door and froze to death. His sister found him dead in the morning."

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"Their dirt floor shack has one door and one window. The ground about the house is over grown "Most of the year the kids run about at play and taking food from where ever it might be found.

with briars, wild shrubs and tall grass. Litter sets everywhere along the many footpaths worn by Apples and peaches are from the orchards of nearby farms. Corn, beans, berries, and peppers are

children at play. There are no creature comforts to be seen about their home. There has never a collected from neighbor's fields. Most folks don't mind letting the Crawfords help themselves to a

visitor seen coming to the house. One can only imagine how they all sleep in that small shack. Most bit of food. They run in fields and meadows just like wild animals. There are few smiles on the face

likely, they all lie in a pile on the floor like a litter of puppies to keep warm. Maybe they sleep of the Crawfords as their life is hard every day. When they come to age some shall be married off.

outside on the grass in the heat of summer. No one rightly knows." Some will find work in the coal fields. Some'll move up into the Blue Ridge. Most will die young

"They boys that where here, all dress in slacks and shirts that could never have been washed." Jo from disease or accident."

assures her grand mother. "Are there more poor folk like the Crawfords?" Jo ponders. "They'd be better off as slaves. They

"Soiled clothes have no color. The family all dress in grayish garments that look alike. The children would eat regular!"

just are not washed. Their hair is long, black and stringy." May adds. "One can not tell one child "Every county has a share of folk too ignorant to know how to work. Some counties have more

from another except by subtle changes in height. One of those children who came here today was a than another. Besides those Crawfords are free. Isn't a thing worth getting to become a slave for.”

girl, the second oldest Elle Jean."

"I could not distinguish a girl from her brothers by appearance." Jo is amazed. ~~~~~

"One can only tell a girl Crawford by the timber of voice and the manner of stride in their walk. No

one gets close enough to tell and no one is certain how many Crawford children are boys or girls. May has a special recipe for apple butter. She was constantly making the stuff for trade. Seth had

Heck, most folks aren’t sure that Bueford himself knows just how many children he has fathered." built a large cold cellar for storing apples so May could make it year round.

"Do they have any pets or animals over there?" Jo is concerned. "Jo while your grand daddy is busy we'll visit Carroll Belle Hobbes, back to the west a few miles.

"The Crawfords keep no pets. Any dog would soon die or run of for lack of food and neglect of I'm going to take her some apple butter. We'll make her tea and have a short visit and be back well

care. There is no attempt at farming. Some vegetables and corn are planted in small a lot near the before supper."

house. Chickens and pigs were never successfully raised for want of pens and fodder. Your grand "Who is Mrs. Hobbes?" Jo wonders.

father tired to show them how to farm." "Belle is 80 some years of age. The Carroll family is a member of the first settlement in these parts

What do those people do all day grandma?" back before Virginia was one of 13 colonies. Her parents both had ancestors who fought in the

Revolutionary War."

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"Belle is now widowed and has survived her five children. She no can longer keep the farm. A Belle draws heavy on the rich tobacco. "Too old now May. Some folks 'er stopping from time to

small garden and a few chickens are all she can manage. She has refused to sell off parts of the time to see how I'm a getting on. Some to load up on old time advice." Belle smiles. "I'm not out of

family farm. Neighbors in exchange for goods needed work the ground, but her needs are small. date complete like yet."

She is pleased to still view the bounty of the fields from her home, and has no regrets in letting "Belle are you still gathering herbs and such for medicines?" May asks.

some take advantage of her situation." "Some May, anyone in need just has to come and ask. If I don't have 'em I tell 'em where they can

"What happened to her husband?" Jo asks. get 'em. What 'er you a looking for?"

"Ole Danny Hobbes was one of a kind. He loved talking and eating. Belle thought the world of "Have a young female cow gourd? Anything to help?" May asks.

him. He was no worker though. He sat most of the time with his mouth full. His stomach got so big "Take some of that moss you get on the creek bank. The yellowish kind is good not the brownish

he took to being dizzy when he stood up. He died sudden. Belle misses that man and his talk even kind. Grind it with mud real fine. Smear it on the wound every now and then. If'n the cow gets to

today after all those years." her feet she's not bleeding inside much. She'll live if she doesn't take a fever from the wound. Other

"Who did the farm work grand ma?" wise if she can't rise or falls again she'll need to be put down for good."

"Belle's family were big slavers...they even breed slaves for sale." "How about some tea, Belle? Have some special from Deersville my niece brought over. I'll make a

The horse and buggy take May and Jo to a large stone house set at the end of a shaded lane. A pot."

small thin woman with short white hair sits on the porch in a rocker smoking a pipe. She wears a Belle has a strong liking for the look of this small independent girl, Jo."

heavy coat, dress and long johns and field hat to shield her from the autumn breeze. We'll have a very fine English tea with my formal porcelain cups, and saucers." Belle announces as

"Expected ya May! Apple butter about gone. Keeps me regular like a rooster." The old woman May enters the house.

laughs." Belle's uses her own great grandmother's linen for setting the table. Fresh fruit tarts and homemade

"Belle this is my daughter Missy's girl, Jo. She's come to live with me and Seth." cake donuts were made ready for the May's arrival. Belle herself puts on a bit of a finer dress for

"I remember going out on a stormy night to deliver Missy. That baby was a struggling to get out of showing as the tea is being prepared.

that womb and go. You show the look of your mother in the eyes, special like." Belle responds. The tea is a grand fete for the three ladies. Belle delights at the impish nature of the small girl and

"Belle is the local historian and knows everyone and everyone's parents, grandparents and great her strong confident way of speaking." Tell me Jo how's the Ohio River...I haven't seen it since

grandparents alive or otherwise. She's midwife, nurse and surgeon." May introduces Belle's before I was wed?"

reputation to Jo.

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"It's an awful strong river Mrs. Hobbes. Lot's boats working on her." Jo answers." You don't you "My family came from Europe back many generations ago. There was always a war somewhere

have any slaves here any more?" there. The armies in Europe would go through the fields and take the young boys from their

"Why Jo you sound as if you want to see a bunch of darkies at work? There must be darkies in mothers to fight whether they wanted to go or not. So we left Europe." Belle tells her family story.

Ohio!" Belle knows the Ohio is no slave state. "Seven families came to this part of the Virginia territory when only the natives where about."

"I've seen darkies but not as slaves in the field." Jo explains. "They fought the Indians?" Jo wants to hear these tales.

"Yes I had a lot of slaves back at one time. If you had come a calling then you would have seen so "Indian fighting is unlike anything the Europeans had ever experienced. The Indians used every

many you wouldn't be able to count them all. Whole families of Negroes talking and singing means to win. They sneak at night. They hide is the bushes."

African gibberish while they worked." Belle is delighted to have the complete attention of this child.

"You let them all go?" Jo asks. "They used the weather to their advantage. Their weapons were weak compared to ours but they

"Set then all free. When Mr. Hobbes passed I came to realize the first great sadness in my life. I used them very efficiently. Their warriors were better than our own."

saw the sadness of the Negroes for the first time. Just started to let them go. Gave them papers! "How's come we won?" Jo is confounded.

Most went north I suppose." Belle eyes the girl. "What would you do with a bunch of slaves you "Well one tribe hated the other tribes more than us. We made friends with one and used them to

didn't want?" help fight the others. We just out numbered them to death."

"First I'd get them baptized so they wouldn't eat one another then..." Belle sips her tea.

Belle interrupts with her laughter. "My sides ache from laughing so hard." "Were did all these Indians go? I haven't seen any!"

"Listen Mrs. Hobbes!" Jo recovers. "Then I'd teach them to wash and make cloths..." "There's the sad part, Jo. Most died of disease brought from Europe! Those left are too few to

More interruptions arrive from Belle due to delightful hysteria. count. We treated our slaves better than the Indians." Belle pauses for thought. "We learned to build

"...Then I'd find them jobs on ships if they want to go back to their home in Africa. Otherwise they efficient local militias by fighting the Indians, otherwise we would not have survived."

can get work with the army cause my dad said they always want men to fight." Jo is assured that "Were you alive when we fought the British for independence?"

this course would be good for all. Belle smiles. "Almost! I was born before the war of 1812. Now there's a time when the people were

The ladies talk on many topics through tea. Jo is amazed by Belle's knowledge. Belle discourses on really arguing. Some wanted to be back as a part of England and others didn't. People were fighting

any subject from flowers to trees to birds. Belle’s recollections of persons in these parts exceed her mad over the issue."

grand mother. "Which side was your family on?" Jo questions.

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"Believe it or not we wanted to be part of England, but we would have no part of shooting at our "How's the cow Seth? Belle has a poultice for her." May looks at Seth.

neighbors. We staid out of the fight altogether. We were wrong again! Had we taken sides with our "She's gone May. She's lying in the field with her four legs stiff and pointing to he sky. I want to go

neighbors, then we made have saved lives by shortening the war. My father always regretted his butcher her if you'll help?" Seth has no choice.

decision." Belle sighs at the recollection of her dad. "Let's go at once. Jo will be back before dark. Supper must wait." May tells the girl.

"You were wrong about the Indians, the slaves and the English." Jo accounts "We'll have steak Jo girl!" Seth smiles.

"We all made mistakes and were wrong in some way...all but the slaves cause they had no choice. I May sees the whole lot of Crawford children heading down the main road.

suspect we shall make mistakes again, but perhaps not the same ones." Belle says apologetically. "The Crawfords are headed over to Mr. Schlotter's" She guesses.

"Mrs. Hobbes did you travel much when you where young?" "Where?" Jo asks.

"I used to dream of going places like back to England to look up my kin folk, seeing Rome, or "Schlotter's farm is to south of here. They go over there and ride the man's mules." Seth says

taking a train out to the Rocky Mountains. My husband and I shared a great many dreams." Belle is confidently.

smiling warmly at her recollections. "Can I go watch?" Jo had no idea what the Crawfords were going to do.

"Jo I had real fine dreams. Beautiful dreams that gave me pleasure when times were hard. After "Don't play with them cause they have lice, fleas, chiggers, ticks and what all. Stay off from them!"

Danny passed I still had those same dreams." May warns.

"Any of those dreams ever come true?" Jo asks. "I'll stay away from them grand ma." Jo is a good child.

"Nary a one! I'm plum grateful I never did get out traveling. Why I would have lost the finest "Mr. Schlotter is a kindly man. He is always heart sick and rests a lot after a day in the field." May

dreams ever! I don't imagine I would have been able to replace them with ones near as good. For adds.

sure I'd be left dreaming with second best. Nope! I kept my dreams and was happier for it!" "He doesn't care too for his mules to be chased but he thinks better of making trouble with all those

"Do you still dream?" Crawfords growing up nearby." Seth comments.

"That's what I do mostly. Dream of my family gone on. Dream of the next life. Dream of the "Girl there's going to be trouble between those mules and those Crawfords one day." May issues a

past...some 'er good...some 'er bad!" second warning.

Jo wishes to grow up to be wise and self sufficient like Belle. She will visit Belle often. "Hell's fire! Those Crawfords are to ignorant to know they could get hurt let alone kilt entirely by

~~~~~ one kick of a mule." Seth is irritated.

The ladies arrive at the house. Seth is waiting on the porch.

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"Don't use that language in front of Jo." May says sternly. "Let's get to this sawing and have done ~~~~~

with it." Early Sunday, May has a special breakfast with Chadwell's baked cinnamon honey roles, toasted

As her grand parents leave Jo follows in the direction of the Crawfords. She stays clear off from cheese bread from the griddle, eggs scrambled with a mix of onions and green peppers, served with

meeting the Crawfords but watches their activity. hot tea.

The Crawfords walk quietly up to a nearby meadow, which contains Mr. Schlotter's three mules. "Jo we are going to the Chadwell's church this morning. We are going to keep company with Mrs.

Several older Crawford boys sneak under the fence. They want to get on the back of those mules. Baxter and her son Jerry. He's such a handsome boy. He'll inherit all the Baxter's orchards one

The mules act as if they don't care much for the Crawfords. The mules kick up their heels and go to day." May makes this point to Jo.

hee-hawing while running about in circles. The boys give chase after the mules while trying to "I don't understand why Dean has to own his own church. Those Chadwells have a hand in every

jump on and ride. The mules kick and bit. One mule moves to stay next to the other while avoiding business as it is. Why in thunder does he have to mess with preaching?” Seth asks.

a pursuing boy. "He's God fearing." May answers.

The boys have their shirts off waving, and distracting the mules' vision. The whole collection of "He's afraid he might have to make a donation at some other church if he goes anywhere else is

mules and boys ends as a swirl. Mules are coming and boys are going. As soon as a boy mounts more like it." Seth feels that Dean is only a businessman.

one mule he falls after being knocked about." "Well pray to the lord and forget Dean!" May answers sharply.

Soon one of the older boys gets seated onboard then it seems all the boys are on top of one then the Seth's neighbors, the Baxters are strictly orchard people. The family runs one of the purest stills in

other mules. They race off over the meadow a whooping and hollering and a laughing. They return this part of the state. The family is plenty smart and has plenty of money. The older Baxter boy was

and pull the younger Crawfords up to share the mount. The mules race with three of more sent off to University of Virginia to study law. The younger boy, Jerry lives at home and tends the

Crawfords kicking at an animal’s side. orchards with his dad.

Jo has never chased a mule but she shares the thrills she witnesses. It is sheer delight for her to see Siadh's horse and wagon pull up in front of a lovely white two-story wood home crowded with

those pitiful boys having as much fun as a body can hold. Otherwise they seem awful sad to her. bushes of roses. The entrance promenade is white stone path with overhead tresses covered by rose

After this day, Jo is respectful of the Crawford's courage. vines.

She regularly begins to carry bacon fat and baked goods over to the Crawford shack. She gets to Mrs. Baxter joins May in the front. Jerry jumps in the back of the wagon with Jo. Jerry is thinner

know all the faces. She calls out to Mrs. Crawford from out side the door of the shack. She never and taller than he looks on a horse's back. His fair complexion shows many more freckles upon

goes inside. The place smells fowl. All the Crawfords smell kind of sour like.

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closer inspection. He is a very handsome lad. Jo thinks that his dark eyes, high cheekbones and thin Jo sees the boy as much of a man with reason for his arrogance...maybe he will grow out of this

lips must make him a favorite of the young girls about the county. mannerism. She understands why her grand mother is fond of the boy. "You like to go churching?"

"Morning Jo! You'll get a chance to see our orchards as we head to church." Jerry says proudly as Jo tests the boy.

he points to the rows of trees that bound the roadway. "I have too! I take orders for moon shine from the congregation...We will deliver." Jerry says

The farm is prosperous but Jo sees no sign of any workers about the land. "Who tends your trees? business like.

Slaves? She asks. Jo laughs at the idea. "Is that why you have that beautiful pinto?"

"Our family has never had need for a slave. Slave owning is just a luxury. A slaver is a lazy man's "Yes'em! He a fine animal and can just about make the rounds on his own." They both laugh.

way of getting rich...my father always says." Jerry replies. Jo likes the humor of the boy. "All your business comes from church groups?"

"I thought trees took a lot of work trimming and picking and all?" Jo inquires. "Some! My dad takes a wagon full of whiskey around the mines each Friday afternoon. He usually

"My dad and I do much of the work. We hire help when we need it. We pay good wages too!" The has a helper go with him."

young Baxter boy understands how to make the farm profitable. "Why Friday? Don't you go with your dad?"

"What do you do with all those apples? Just make whiskey?" Jo wonders as she views the wide "Cause its payday at the mines! Too dangerous for me...dad takes a fellow with a second rifle for

fields of apple trees. protection."

"Oh we make some regular cider with the extra. We grow about twice the number trees we may Jo's eyes widen. "You mean you could get robbed?"

need just in case of a bad growing season. But our profit comes from the whiskey still. We sell pure "Couple a times a year some one starts trouble...dad's never had to shoot anyone as yet. Some day

whiskey all over the state." he will!" Again Jerry speaks casual like.

"Where did you learn to make whiskey?" Jo has no idea. "So you see much of the county?"

"My grand father read about how it's made in a paper. He and my dad tried many ways till they got "Regular like! Besides my mom is always toting me off on errands. She likes to show me off in the

it real good." Jerry shrugs his shoulders as if it were natural. best places. My parents have intentions to arrange a suitable marriage." Jerry shrugs his shoulder

"Does your dad drink?" with indifference.

"Only to taste the brew! I taste the stuff too." Jerry wishes to impress. The ride is a bit bumpy in the wagon but Jo learns much from Jerry and his family's whiskey

business.

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The wagon turns off the main lane onto a broad road the runs straight through fields that are now "I hate sisters!" Whitey has been overly mothered. "One day I'll live with all boys so I can have

ploughed over for winter. This lane ends in the midst of a large agricultural complex. Tall silos and some fun."

wide barns stand neat and well maintained. More than one home is standing back to the side. One Whitey's family is built around a strong religious community. Reverend Dean Chadwell is the

old stone home, and several newer houses of painted wood glisten clean and bright. Several dogs patriarch. Most of the siblings are hearty woman. They are a large extended family of prosperous

move quietly among a throng of wagons, carriages and tethered horses. farmers.

The largest barn stands with wide doors open and rows of well constructed benches. People are "What do you all farm here?" Asks Jo.

gathering, visiting and there is much gossip. Jo has never seen so many people out in the daytime "We sell produce, hay, chickens and eggs mostly." Whitey answers.

since she crossed the Ohio with her grand dad. "There are so many Chadwells that the Reverend's church consists mostly of his own kin." Jerry

A small young boy of 15 approaches the wagon. He is muscular but short of stature. His hair is cut adds.

bowl shaped and is white in the sunshine. "Is your real name Whitey?

"Hay ya Jer!" The boy greets the Siadh's wagon. "Na, Jo! My Christian name is Ebenezer. I hate it!" Whitey reveals before Jerry can answer.

"Yoh Whitey! Jerry answers as he plops down over the wagon's edge. "The entire family is hardworking and successful." Jerry is quick to whisper to Jo.

"Who is your new sweetie?" Whitey asks in mockery. Jo sees rows of large narrow chicken coops. "How many chickens Whitey?"

Jerry very much likes the association. "This is my girl Jo!" Jerry hastens to confirm his desire. "Over two thousand not counting peeps."

"I'm his new neighbor!" Jo's look of independence sobers Whitey. Jo observes a number of fenced in small sheds further out. "What's in the sheds?"

"I'm Whitey Chadwell. Pleased to make your acquaintance." "Pigs! We have more than three hundred. More than that doesn't pay pa says."

"He's Reverend Chadwells son...the baby of the family!" Jerry teases. "You don't call your pa, Reverend?" Jo smiles.

"I'm near a man now! Soon to be going off." Whitey is a bit puffy about being treated as a baby. "He's always being bossed by his sisters...his dad never talks to him." Jerry laughs.

"How many brothers and sisters do you have Whitey?" Jo asks. Jo notices that all the Chadwell men are not tall but strong in appearance with round chests and

"Just two brothers...they're older and married. Those two new houses yonder are their homes. I abdomens. The Chadwell women are short and buxom with the older ladies quite heavy in girth.

have eight sisters." Any Chadwell is soon recognized by the trait in the family smile. The smile seems to pass up each

"Ya none of his sisters are married and he lives with every one of them." Jerry confides. side of the face so the whole visage is pleasant. Shortness and roundness helps to mark a body as

belonging to the Chadwell clan as well.

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Services are a bit long with the Reverend preaching against the favorite sins of the county. His "I don't see her grand ma! Where did Lady go?" The young girl scans about the yard in search.

regular topics include the evil of slavery, wastefulness of drink, and the loss of health and wealth "Lady has never acted like that before!" May is concerned and bewildered.

from the deadly sins. What Dean Chadwell gave up in eloquence of speech he gained in fiery Jo notices a small pool of blood. Small droplets of blood lead off. "Something's happened to Lady!"

rhetoric? Services lasted from brunch to lunch. Meals are included. No collection is ever taken. Jo cries out."

Upon leaving Jo tells Whitey. "This place is like a fort or some kind of city!" May inspects the scene. She notices large animal tracts. "Panther marks! Lady's been toke by a wild

"We do all the work our selves; carpentry, masonry, farming, shoeing. panther." May looks at the blood trail and points up to the black rocks on the hill behind the

Dad will send one of us off to be schooled in any trade needed. My brother Jeb just spent a week up farmhouse. "Lady's up in those rocks!"

to the college at Richmond learning to tend sick cows." Jo rushes into the house and returns with her musket. "I'll get her back!" Her words are fearless and

"So anything you need you make for yourself!" Jo states. full of anger.

"Not everything but anything that costs a great deal. Dad is going to send me to learn how to run a "No Jo! It's too dangerous. A large panther will can kill a man full grode." May reaches to stop the

lumber mill so we can build our own. We buy from Freshwaters now." Whitey is anxious to get out girl. Jo is already at a sprint towards the hill. "Jo wait! Wait for Seth!"

on his own for a while. Jo has no reserve. The blood trail is wet. She knows that lady is only moments ahead. The spry girl

~~~~~ has no problem to follow up around the large boulders. Atop of the hill, along a deer path the

Early morning at the Siadh's farm is usually quiet. Seth has gone to the barn milking. May is busy panther's markings are east to follow. Jo does not waste time as she moves quickly onwards.

in the kitchen. Jo is just coming to the table. May runs to the cow barn and informs her husband Seth. "Jo's after a panther what's come down

"Good morning darling." May sings happily. and got Lady! I couldn't stop that child." May is distraught.

"Morning grand ma!" Jo is slow to wake. "Panther? Hell's fire! It's probably come up from Georgia!" Seth knows that the cat's trail will go up

"Cakes are warming on the griddle...be ready in a minute." May announces as she pours a cup of to the hills. He grabs a pitchfork from the barn and races out after Jo. "Go get the Baxters, May.

fresh tea for her grand daughter. Tell'm we need dogs here right away! They'll know what to do."

It is first light. The sun is not yet over the horizon. The sky is clear. Seth is not as quick at the climb as Jo but he is spry. Jo is not too far ahead. "Jo, wait for me!" He

The early spring night is yet cool. Lady begins to bark hysterically. The women are alarmed by the calls loudly. Little does Seth realize how fast a foot Jo is in the chase.

dog's conduct. There is a series of loud yips then silence.

Jo is first out the door with May soon to follow. Lady is gone.

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The cat becomes aware of his pursuer. He pauses on a point with an overview of his trail. Jo gains ~~~~~

much distance. The cat is alarmed by the girl's speed in closing. He holds Lady in his mouth and The winter has passed and spring has arrived. Mrs. Ferris collects the post from the box at the

sprints across a valley toward a rocky out ledge aside the far rise. yard's front. A large envelope catches her eye. She is frozen at its sight. She turns toward her house.

From the distance, Jo sees the cat's maneuver. Her pace quickens as the chase is ending. Her face is blanched. Her breath is short and fast. Mrs. Ferris enters the house unable to speak.

The panther's lair is near. At the outcrop of rocks, he settles to watch Jo. The wind has brought her She prances from room to room waving the envelope frantically trying to get anyone's attention.

scent. He knows his follower to be a young girl and a suitable prey. For loss of words, Mrs. Ferris jumps up and down with her feet beating the floor as if it were a

There is no sight of the cat moving out from the rocks across the valley floor. Jo makes straight her signal drum. There is no response.

approach. She has no fear of the panther. Her eyes are wet with fear for her Lady. The cat will not She ponders racing to her husband's office but realizes that he is due home for lunch. Perhaps the

go free for his cruel act. Jo is determined. neighbor's children might run and search for Emmy Lou. No! This would cause concern and she

At the approach to the lair, Jo sees only jagged rocks amidst patches of bracken. Her pace comes to would have to divulge the news prematurely.

the step of an aggressive military march. The musket is raised level to her cheek. She follows the Absurd ideas come to her mind. She must hide the envelope and take the horse to the street.

blood left by her dog. Confrontation with the big cat is imminent. Someone might find the letter! She'll ride with the letter in her father's old satchel. Where's that bag

The cat is too hungry to leave Lady's body. He sits poised over the dog and facing his pursuer. when she has need of it!

Jo marches up the bank. Her steps move into the rock formation. With out a change in stride, she Mrs. Ferris starts to search through the closet in the down stair hallway. The letter is held tightly in

turns into the rocky den. She sees the panther perched over Lady. A cool rage swells within her her right hand. Her left hand struggles to move box and coat aside. The effort forces Mrs. Ferris

breast. She will not leave her dog. into a cold sweat with her hair falling out of place just as Mr. Ferris enters.

The panther rears to attack. His jaws are open, and his ears are back. There is a crack of thunder. A Mrs. Ferris is startled. She looks at her husband. She holds out the envelope and crumbles to the

musket ball enters the panther's forehead. The force of the shot flips the cat on his back. The cat’s floor unconscious.

four legs race in the air. Uncoordinated strides of escape end as the animal goes limp. Mrs. Ferris awakens on the couch with her husband at her side. He is frightened by his wife's

Jo has killed the panther with one shot. She takes Lady in her arms. Blood oozes from the dog's physical state. Mrs. Ferris yet holds a grip on the envelope.

fore shoulder. Lady is not dead! Jo takes the dog to Aunt May. Lady lives but the injuries from the "It's here!" She whispers in a weakened voice.

encounter with the cat leave her with a permanently damaged leg. "Here is some water." Mr. Ferris gently holds a glass to her lips.

Jo receives the large bounty paid by the state for haven taken the hide of a major predator. "No not that! This!" She pokes her husband in the face as she shows him the letter.

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"It's a card from the Freshwaters for Emmy Lou." He speaks casually. "Mother you have always wanted to go!" Emmy Lou interrupts for fear of change in plans. "Why

Rage awakes Mrs. Ferris strength. She sits up ready to bit her husband. "It's the invitation!" She shouldn't we go?" Tears begin to swell in the girl's eyes.

screams. "Nora Freshwater's coming out gala! It's Emmy Lou's invitation to the Freshwater's ball." Mr. Ferris produces the envelope of contention. "It depends on this!"

Mr. Ferris joins in the excitement. "No one from our families has ever attended a coming out at the Emmy Lou looks at the letter. "It's from Nora." She opens the letter casually. "This is some kind of

Freshwater's. They'll be people from Europe coming here just for this affair. The governor, invitation. The writing is all fancy yellow like."

senators, the richest people of the state will be there. Do you know what this means?" Emmy Lou does not understand the letter's intent. "I've never seen anything like this daddy! What

Mr. Ferris' breath begins to shorten. He drinks the glass of water. does it mean?" Emmy Lou returns the letter to her father.

"Yes! Our daughter is going into high society!" They both scream for joy and hug each other. Mrs. Ferris forces her husband to bend his head sideways in order to share the reading.

"Open it and make sure!" Mr. Ferris commands. "This writing is in gold leaflet! I've never seen the like myself." He holds the letter up for his wife

"Certainly not! We'll ruin Emmy Lou's surprise. Will hand it to her as if we know nothing of it's to closely inspect.

content." She hugs her husband and kisses him full on the lips. "We will have to buy the best "This letter must cost a day’s wag to make!"

material for her gown. I want to take the train to Richmond!" "A week is more like it for my salary." Adds Mr. Ferris.

"We'll all go together and make a holiday. Hang the expense!" Mr. Ferris vows. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris stare at one another with a mutual look of fear and apprehension for the

Later that evening, Mrs. Ferris is too nervous to take a seat at the super table. She fusses over the expense that is to come.

table. Emmy Lou observes her mother looking at her and smiling in delight. Mrs. Ferris stops to "Daddy what does Nora say?" Suspense is gripping the girl.

hug her husband each time she bustles round the table. "It's from Mr. Dale Evens Freshwater, Esquire." Mrs. Ferris says with a royal curtsy.

"What's going on mother? You haven't fussed like this since grand father won money on the horse Mr. Ferris reads. "Your company is requested on the evening of the 21st day of May, 1859 at the

race over to the county fair." Emmy Lou is apprehensive. home of Miss Nora Freshwater for the celebration of her 16th birthday."

"Sometimes a body just feels especially fine, and that body just happens to love her husband very The two women scream long and shrill. They charge at each other. Their embrace turns to a dance

much." Mrs. Ferris curtsies with her response. with more screams following.

"I am taking you and your mother to Richmond shopping." Mr. Ferris' patience is breaking down. Never has Mr. Ferris seen his family more excited or flowing with unbridled joy. "We go madam!

"Oh! Daddy when?" Emmy Lou is sprung from her seat with anticipation. At once! This weekend we are to Richmond. We have just four weeks to prepare."

"Wait a minute! It's not definite yet. I haven't..."

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"Four weeks! That is only one week to shop. Shoes! With two weeks to fit and sow. My goodness While the girls nap Mrs. Ferris and her Aunt May give the last preparations to the girl's gowns.

we have not one moment to spare!" Mrs. Ferris runs to gather her sowing box with measuring tape. Mrs. Ferris has finished her own late last night. It is constructed from several sections of material

"Mother it says that parents are invited and a second juvenile of appropriate age may accompany taken from her best wardrobe. These were her finest dresses and they are sacrificed in order to save

the guest." Mr. Ferris reads loudly after his wife. money. Her shoes are not new but dyed to match her ensemble.

"Jo, please mother? I want Jo to go with me!" Emmy Lou begs. Presently, they girls are nearly ready.

"That's two dresses, shoes plus all the high fashion accessories! Aunt May can't afford this Jo has a gown of light orchard accentuated with orange blossom bows, and silken pearl colored

expense." Mrs. Ferris is overcome with the cost and the work needed. borders. Her shoes are new and white. Her hat is a broad white mesh with a long white ribbon. The

"Dear, don't worry about the cost. We'll cover Jo's expense." rim is a wreath of tiny orange blossoms. Her short blond hair disappears beneath her hat. She is

"She'll have to go with us to Richmond! She'll have to spend the next four weeks with us right here. very attractive and for the first time her grand mother sees the womanly side of Jo. Her gloves are

Where will we get all this money?" Mrs. Ferris despairs. white.

"I'll have the bank give us a draft against the house tomorrow equal to one year's salary." Mr. Ferris Emmy Lou's silken gown is made pure white sectioned by small panels of dark lavender. Her hat is

assures the woman of success. modest in size. It is matching in material and color and is mostly white with one thin lavender

They two girls pin him in a tight hug and shower him with kisses. ribbon. The long full curls of her dark hair and her pure white skin are not hidden. Her shoes are

~~~~~ new and a matching lavender color. Her gloves are also lavender. She is stunningly beautiful. Her

The afternoon of May 21st has arrived. The Ferris house is enormously busy. Aunt May is helping figure is divine. The warmth and goodness of her soul pours forth to enshroud her with a heavenly

her niece prepare. The woman will not eat this day for fear that they may turn ill and miss the grace.

extravaganza. Mr. Ferris has given each of the three a corsage of white roses.

Seth keeps company with Mr. Ferris. They sip a delicious white wine from the Siadh's vineyard. At dusk a handsome carriage with coachmen arrives to carry the foursome to their destiny.

“It's best to escape the women who are busy at the miracles of creating beauty.” The grandfather During the ride, Mrs. Ferris is short with breath. Her anxiety has never been greater. Mr. Ferris is

quips. composed and proud of the three beautiful women he is escorting.

Both ladies are required to assist in the dressing of each girl. Each task requires numerous details The girls look at one another as dream as if in a fairy world. Neither has ever felt as special as they

to be put to right. Preparation of the girl's hair alone begins at first light. The baths are taken just both do now.

after a midday nap. This rest is needed to ensure boundless energy for the activities at the ball.

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"You girls be sure to leave plenty of room between yourself and the gentleman when you are Mr. and Mrs. Freshwater arrive at the entrance. The music ends and the crowd quiets. Mr.

dancing." A nervous Mrs. Ferris sputters. Freshwater steps forward. "Mesdames et Messuers! A presentee! Mme Nora!"

Jo's eyes widen and her mouth drops open as she studies Emmy's face. A young Nora Freshwater descends the stairs in the arms of her cousin Beau John Reiter. He is a

"What's wrong Jo?" Emmy asks. student at Virginia Military and he is dressed in a formal military uniform.

"I never danced with a boy! I never danced with a partner of no kind!" Jo is frightened at the As the couple enters the hall, the band plays while a large layer cake with sixteen huge candles is

prospect. wheeled to center stage. The crowd applauds politely.

"You don't know how to dance!" Mrs. Ferris had never thought to ask. "This won't due at all!" The Nora is a girl of tall thin stature. Her long neck and large feet distract from an otherwise pleasant

nervous Mrs. Ferris begins to fidget. form. Her hair is long and brown. The gown she wears is extravagantly expensive. Her royal blue

"I'll teach her quick like. The first few dances are yours and mine." Mr. Ferris tells Jo. "Most times satin dress is studded with real white pearls. She is sweet and womanly in appearance. Her parents

one lady dances with another. You'll get plenty of practice before the boys get enough courage. are immensely proud.

Guaranteed!" After she extinguishes the candles, Nora invites all to dinner as the large doors of the dining hall

Jo is relieved. Mrs. Ferris is saved! are opened. Several hundred guests are seated in opulence. Slaves dressed in finery serve wines and

The road to the door of the Freshwater's home is made from heavy laid stone, upon which the fresh spring water.

horse's hoof beat a distinct sound at the approach. Negroes dressed in black tails and white ties and Artichoke and salmon salads begin the dinning. Entrees of white pork, sirloin steak, pheasant, and

gloves greet the guests. Throngs of people arrayed in splendid garment move through the front hall roast lamb are offered. Soups made from onions, potatoes, boiled cabbage, split pea, and beef broth

where they are greeted by their host, Mr. Freshwater. are passed among the guests. Every vegetable that can be fried, boiled, baked, or roasted is present.

All assemble in the main ballroom where slaves carry trays of hard drinks for the adults and Fruits from every tree, and bush that grow in the south are carried on platters. Nuts of every variety

delightful appetizers. There is a long punch table with large silver serving bowls and crystal cups. are to be considered. The continuous sound of gorgeous chamber music is included.

"Emmy we could take a bath in one of those punch bowls. They're the size of a horse trough." Jo The Ferris' have never dinned so! The gold embossed porcelain plates, crystal goblets, and true

whispers. silverware will make Mrs. Ferris' dinning experience a most special memory.

A string quartet plays sweet soft classical music. They have been hired from Richmond. The guests After dinner, the guests return to the ballroom and dance with orchestral music.

move from one to another speaking in quiet polite voices.

The ballroom swells with guests.

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The mood is festive. Mrs. Ferris is most jovial. Jo has danced many times. She is a quick learner. Jo Nora turns with her eyes to the ground. She raises them slowly to look at her friend's cousin. In a

and Emmy Lou watch the handsome couples upon the dance floor. Nora makes her way through long gray uniform stands a tall man with golden wavy hair and blues eyes. His thin face is cut in

her guests to see Emmy. the manner of a Greek statue. Emmy is lost in his presence. He is soldier, Greek God, and lord it

"Emmy!" The girls hug and kiss. "My cousin B J wants to meet you." Nora adds. seems to her. His voice fills her with a sensuous appeal. His broad shoulders and large hands are

"Nora you're gown is so pretty and your ball is magnificent." Emmy responds. "Who is B J?" inviting. She longs to be in his arms.

"The one in the uniform! He's my cousin but he's divine and he has noticed you!" "Why don't you ask Emmy to dance?" Nora proposes.

The girls look out on to the floor where the handsome soldier is dancing. "Yes! Fine idea! Shall we?" B J offers his hand.

Emmy Lou is smitten by the manliness of the young man. She is confused by the request. "What Emmy Lou does not hear one of their words. She is simply taken. She cannot understand his words

does he want with me?" against the music. His arms hold tight about her as they dance.

"He thinks you are a beautiful woman and he wants to ask you to dance!" Nora instructs. Her body is fluid in his grip. She smiles. She looks deep into his eyes. He talks. She answers but

"Woman?" Emmy for the first time feels the desire of a man for her. She blushes. she forgets the words they exchange.

"I can't dance with him he is too old!" Mrs. Ferris notices the man with her daughter on the dance floor. She notices the women are

"You're sixteen next month! He's nineteen." watching Emmy Lou as well. Mr. Ferris joins his wife.

Emmy experiences the urge of woman for the first time. "What do I say?" "Our little girl is the bell of this ball!" He says proudly.

"Let him talk! You are the most desirable creature in my home. You are more beautiful than one "She's a grown woman! This year she comes of age!" Mrs. Ferris cries.

cam imagine a girl to be." Nora is very fond of Emmy. "That officer from the military academy has not taken his eyes from her this night. If I don't miss

Emmy sees the soldier moving her way. She seizes and turns her back to his direction. "He's my guess we shall hear much from him and soon."

coming for me! Help me Nora!" "Don't rush her! All these wealthy ladies envy her." Mrs. Ferris says proudly.

Nora puts her arm about Emmy and waits. "You made her beautiful tonight." Mr. Ferris compliments.

"Nora! The music is the best since I was at the president's ball last year in Washington." B J makes Jo sees her cousin in company with the soldier dance after dance. She watches Emmy laugh. Jo

conversation but his eyes devour Emmy. notices that Emmy and B J never take their eyes from one another.

"Oh, B J. I want you to meet my friend Emmy. She's the one who lets me pull taffy." "Come on Jo I'll dance with you. Emmy is busy with being a grown woman at work tonight."

Mr. Ferris helps Jo to the dance floor.

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Chapter 3 Jo helps the woman. She sets about cleaning and making the home warm. Hot tea and broth are

Culpepper prepared.

"Belle can you hold this tea cup?" Jo asks.

"I can't see the ends of my arms." Belle is not capable of helping herself.

"Have you been coughing?" Jo asks.

"Too many cats in the house! They’re making a mess all over the place." Belle mutters weakly.

Jo has seen no cat. Belle is delusional. Cool cloths freshened by well water are used by Jo to

constantly wipe the old woman's body. Jo is successful in reducing the strength of the fever.

Belle's words at times make no sense, at other times her words ware clear and helpful. Belle is able

to make Jo understand that she has lung fever. Jo keeps Belle sipping hot tea or cool water.

Belle is able to make the young girl understand that if the fever does not break she wants to be

buried out under the oak next to her husband. She tells Jo that he farm is be hers. Belle informs her

that everyone already knows that is her final wish.

Jo isn't always sure which of Belle' words are intended or what meaning is intended. Jo is too
It is several months since Jo was in Deersville. The winter has been mild. Jo has been to visit Belle
young to understand what inheriting property implies.
on several occasions. Today Jo brings some apple tarts to Belle. Jo has been learning to cook and
After a few days absence, Jo's grandfather comes over to find the girl.
has made these to be served with tea. She hopes to surprise Belle.
Jo has never left Belle's side. Seth arrives just as Belle's fever has gone off. The old woman is too
As the horse pulls the carriage in front of Belle's house, Jo notices there is no smoke in the
weak to leave. Jo will stay until proper assistance arrives.
chimney. The house is dark. Jo hurries into the house expecting to see Belle puffing on a pipe as
~~~~~
she rocks in a chair. Instead Jo finds Belle lying in her bed unable to move. The elderly woman is
Freda May Varny is loud tough woman who has done most of the doctoring in the back woods of
suffering from a high fever.
the county. She was old Doc Follansbee's assistant for many a year. She sows, cuts and delivers
"Belle how long have you been sick?" Jo asks with concern.
babies where no doctor is to be found. She has helped take out many a bullet on a Saturday night.
"I'm too weak too walk." Belle answers in a horse voice. "I need water!"

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She lives comfortable like in small home. Her husband had been a miner. He passed from heavy "Belle that's the most caring most gentle man, black or white I ever node. And I node them all in

drink many years ago. Her children are long grown. Seth has asked Freda to come and stay with these parts...He don't mind my mean ways."

Belle and relieve his young granddaughter. "So why did you not marry him?" Belle looks at her friend. "No one would be surprised."

"Belle! Your ain't going into the ground on this one." The rough hard voice of Freda May greets the "Cause I didn't want some mean drunk after him one night." Freda's voice is cracking. This is as

old woman. "Take this! It's got juice of some roots Henry has dug for you. It'll build you strength soft a sound as her voice can turn.

up." Fredda May hands he woman a cup of a dark bitter liquid." "You wouldn't be the first widow to want a darkie for her man."

"My minds not right from the fever." Belle informs her nurse. "I can't understand all your words as "The hell you say." Freda is surprised.

yet." "Some women get powerful lonely. There are lots of places in the poor south where color makes no

"Drink you old woman! Hell's fire if I gave you some corn liquor you'd sure node what's to be done matter."

with it." "That would bee a mistake for me. Least ways, Henry and I will die together. We are dam near as

"I could use a bit of the pure stuff." Belle answers. ancient as you Belle."

"Henry get your slow ass in here!" Freda bellows. "My last days are now Freda. That young grand daughter of May Siadh saved my life for a spell."

A small black man neatly dressed enters the room. His hair and beard are neat with much white "Belle, I going to leave Henry here with you for a few months until you can find some one to come

color. He is thin. His eyes are a soft light brown. "Yes'em! What do you need Mrs. Varny?" He and stay. That child can't keep you and this place."

says in a quiet slow voice. "If'n I get to walking full time again I'll be alright! I don't mind the quiet."

"Fetch some corn whiskey and two cigars...make that three cigars." Freda insists. "Henry our Henry returns with the bottle and cigars. All three begin to sip whiskey and smoke.

patient is back to life. We are all going to have an old fashioned visit." "Henry! Belle needs you for a time to keep the place till she's back on her feet."

As Henry disappears, Belle asks. "Freda why don't you set that old boy free or marry him?" "That be fine! There's lot's to do to keep a body busy round here." Old Henry smiles.

Freda laughs in loud vulgar way. "Belle you take the cat's meow. That man was Doc Follansbee's "Where's you people from Henry?" Belle asks.

boy. The Doc set him free years ago. He's been my only helper since. He don't care to move away. "I was born on a plantation in Georgia. Pecans was growing everywhere. The best you ever tasted.

He's as happy as a pig in a garden just as he is." That was the family home of old Doc Follansbee's wife. I came with the bride as her valet." Henry's

"There's been talk for years about you and your Henry." words are spoken in a soothing voice.

"How did you get stuck with this old mare of a white woman?"

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"Doc took a shine to me. He was teaching me some medicine. I would go with him to tend the "No mam! She taught me how to read the bible! It gave me freedom long before old Doc." Henry

Negroes when they was ailing. Mrs. Varny came to work for the Doc as a young girl. Sure fine sakes his head favorably.

looking woman back then. All the mens where eyeing Freda May." Henry slaps his thigh for "Well let's have a bit more corn squeezing!" Freda May barks.

emphasis and smiles broadly. ~~~~~

"I've been a mean ugly old woman for most of my life. Any man what's looking after that be blind Several weeks pass since Jo has been to Belle's.

as a bat!" Freda laughs loudly. She has been busy helping her grandparents with the late summer gathering from the hay fields. It

"Henry, sounds like we couldn't live with out her?" Belle asks. "Freda you're a small woman to is time to get lunch prepared. May is in bed with the miseries in her back. Seth has long left for the

have such a fearsome temper. Non is the man who would face your anger the second time." fields.

"Mrs. Varny did all the doctoring while the Doc was passing on. There's no one else but Freda May Jo is not an accomplished cook. May is fond of her baked steak and tomatoes. Dumplings are easy

what will go to tend those poor Negroes. I figured I was in the best place I could be. No need to for her to prepare. Jo will fry apple slices, and heat a pie's crust to be served with cinnamon spice,

look for more somewheres else." sugar, and butter for desert.

"What about your kin? Where you going to be buried?" Lady's bark tells Jo that a neighbor is approaching. Most it's likely the Baxter boy. He has been

"Most my kin are dead! Freda's the only kin I have." Henry answers. passing by quite often this summer. He shows up all the way out there in the hay field on that pinto

"We'll be buried back of the house. Just like country folk should be." Freda interrupts. "My sons of his. She is too busy and May is to poorly to be entertaining. Jo prepares the table for May's

won't sell my land. They'll share crop it most likely. Maybe one of the grand children will want it lunch.

later on. Our graves will be tended proper." "Hello in the house!" Jerry Baxter calls out.

"What about you Belle?" Henry asks. From the door Jo responds. "Jerry, my grandma's laid up! You'll have to pass and visit next week."

"I'll be out back with my Danny whether he wants me there or not." Belle laughs. "No visit Jo! I'm come to give out warning. There's a chicken thief on the loose here abouts. The

"We all get one good go around life Henry and we've had ours. Just want to leave some good out of sheriff was just over to our place. They're a tracing the no account now."

my dying is all." "One of the Crawfords?" Jo asks.

"I hear ya Belle." Henry applauds. "Amen!" "Not sure Jo. Seems the thief is pretty clever and has been a working all the farms here since

"Freda May get you religion Henry?" spring." Jerry answers as he scratches his head.

"That don't sound like no Crawford! Is there a darkie on the loose?"

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"None has been reported to the sheriff. Folks are carrying their muskets." Jerry warns. "Now Gary, it ain't no use blaming any Crawford cause they aren't thieves. Most likely some poor

"We haven't had any extra loss of hens." Jo replies. folk moved in here's about, that's all."

"I guess eggs are being taken as well. Schlotter's didn't have one egg in their hen house yesterday "This work ain't by the Crawfords. Sign don't show that way." The sheriff is not at all fond of

morning." chasing a petty chicken thief. "Too many complaints Seth! Election time is a coming soon. Can't

"Hmm! Our egg picking has been kinda low every now and then! What's the sheriff going to do?" afford to have folks upset. Beside this thief might get onto horses or cattle."

Jo asks. "I haven't had any sign of a real thief!" Seth answers. "Help yourself if it'll do you any good.

"He's tying to pick up sign. He's got a tracker with him. Sheriff Young says he'll catch the thief in a Welcome to some wine if you boys want to sit a spell."

couple of days. Once folk learns that it's a person what's doing all the taking, then they find sign "Mighty fine of you Seth! Give my regards to May. We'll, look about some then we're going over

sooner than not." Jerry nods his head in emphasis. to the Baxters for to camp over." The sheriff comments as he rides away.

"What will the sheriff do with him when he gets him?" Jo asks "Those boys will be mighty late getting to work tomorrow." Seth whispers to Jo. "If I don't miss my

"Pa says that the county will work him on some farm till he pays his debts. If'n he gives the sheriff bet, the tracking will be going on near the Baxter's whiskey still for the next couple of days."

any trouble they may whip him some with a strap." "Take a real fool to go about stealing where the sheriff is a waiting." Jo replies.

"Any other things disappearing unnatural like?" On the following morning, Jo is busy in the kitchen. May is starting to get about and she is feeling a

"Sheriff's checking all the farms now, Jo. Be sure to tell your grand parents to keep an eye out. If'n I good bit better. Seth has finished the milking and has returned to the fields for haying. Lady starts

hear any thing I'll be sure to let you know." Jerry turns his pony toward the main road. "You look to bark in alarm. The dog has never been so aggravated since the time she was taken by the panther.

mighty pretty today Jo!" Jo recognizes the dog's sound as one of danger. With musket in hand Jo crosses the yard toward the

"I'm covered with flour, sugar, and oil from all the fixing's." Jo is pleased for some reason by the barn where Lady is fussing.

boy's comment and she smiles as he rides off. At this time of the morning all creatures are forging after a night's rest. Fearing the presence of a

Later that evening and just before dusk the Sheriff Young and Deputy Osetek arrive to the Siadh's major predator, Jo walks with rifle at the ready. She moves only a few feet inside the barn. Here she

farm. Seth greets them warmly. stops. She stills her breath. Any rustle about the hay, or scratch in a corner is to be heard. Her eyes

"Howdy Gary! You boys lost?' Seth chuckles. adapt to the dim light. She scans the floor and walls for flash or flicker. Any shadow that may

"Seth we want to have a good look around you chicken house. There's a boy making off with eggs glance will be seen. Her sense of smell sharpens.

and a hen or two. Seems everyone along the main road has lost something."

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Familiar odors of her barn are reviewed. Any stray sent will give alarm. Jo does not move. No "My pa died this past spring! No one would give me work that would pay enough for our living so I

object is unfamiliar. No smell disturbs. No vibration is unwelcome. Yet the sense of presence is took some help." The boy pleads.

felt. A spirit foreign in purpose is now occupying the barn. There is an irregularity. Only her feeling The fright of his capture eases. For the first time she sees the youth in full light He is very well

betrays the hiding. formed as a man not yet twenty years of age. His hair is thick with large curls. His face is long with

Jo measure's her response to the unseen by supposing where a presence might lurk. Only a large a hard jaw and his eyes are the purest green color that she has ever seen. His hands are lean and

form would shelter in a barn. She takes a spare musket ball and she flings it across the barn. The strong.

sound of it’s crash against a far wall echoes. A mourning dove takes flight from a perch aloft. There "Put your hands down!" She says softly.

is no further commotion but tension fills the room. Jo turns to ward the furthermost back corner. I don't know what my mother will do if they put me in jail. We don't have enough land but for a

"Come out! I'm a going to fire this here musket!" The girl announces. small garden." The sound of boy's voice is comforting to Jo.

Two hands rise timidly from the corner haystack. The long form of a young man follows. His mood The girl's knees seem to grow weak. Her stomach has a sickly feeling and her arms grow numb. Jo

is dejected as he moves forward into the light. He stands captive before Jo. "I don't mean no harm! I is jolted. The sad look and great sensitivity of the young man is overwhelming. Her feelings are

was just a hiding from some one who is a chasing me is all." powerful strong. Never has Jo felt such emotion. For the first time she has womanly feelings for a

"What's your name?" Jo commands. man.

"Parnell Kooter...folks call me Ty mostly." The boy is shy and does not look directly at his captor. Jo stares into the green of his eyes. The sparkle of youth radiates from the boy's face. Jo sees

"Parnell are you avoiding the pursuit of the sheriff?" The boy does not respond. visions of spring and early life. Her spirit soars free as Ty looks at her. His soul merges with hers.

"You are the chicken thief? You've been stealing." Jo accuses. There is no response from Parnell. An unknown force binds her. The sensation of being free and belonging is very compelling. Tears

"Well we'll wait for the sheriff!" form in her eyes with joy and love. Jo wants to hold this man and take away his pain. She shares

"I ain't done nothing really bad!" The boy is up set with the prospect of being arrested. the soul and heart of this boy. Jo drops the butt of her musket to the floor at her side.

Instinctively Jo raises her musket, pulls the trigger hammer back just as she did when confronting The young man senses her compassion. "Let me go! I won't come back I promise."

the panther. The boy senses his life is at risk. "I've been taking some eggs and chickens to feed my Jo recalls the sheriff and his deputy. "Where were you earlier this morning?"

ma and little sister who’s poorly." He confesses at once." "I was over to the chicken house that belongs to the folks that run the still yonder... there were

"Why didn't you ask for help?" horses and men asleep nearby so I left."

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"With a fresh trail the sheriff will be tracking you at full light." Jo knows the sheriff will capture the "My mom calls me Parnell but my friends call me Ty." The man informs May. "We have a small

man by lunch. She also knows the sheriff will use any means necessary in order to gain his arrest. place back up to the top of Buffalo creek. My dad's from the Blue Ridge originally. My mom's a

"My ma will be mad as a hornet if she knew I was a stealing." Ty's words are apprehensive. Curry from the county up north of here."

Jo is torn between having the man in jail and having him hurt somehow in making an escape. "Will "Never heard of them at all!" May tells Jo. "How did you come to these parts?"

you trust me?" Jo asks. "I can help." "My dad come down two years ago to work in the coal fields. We followed. Dad was caught by a

"I can help myself if you'll let me go!" Ty makes to the door. train moving and was crushed to death this past spring." His tear swell.

Jo raises her musket. "Wait! What makes you think you'll get away from the sheriff? He's got the "There's always a man or two kilt by the trains over there each year." May shakes her head in grief.

best tracker in the state. Beside where in the heck are you headed for?" "Been that way since they brung them trains in. It's a dangerous work! Mining!"

The man puzzles for a moment. "I don't rightly know...ma always says I wasn't made for doing a lot "What's your ma going to do now Ty?" Jo asks.

of thinking. But I do all my chores like a man!" "The company says they'll give me a man's wage when the work picks up this fall. I guess we'll

Feelings of mother, wife, and sweetheart fill Jo when she hears these words. "Come on! I'm going hang on till then?"

to get you breakfast. Then we talk with the sheriff." Jo places a large plate of hot food in front of Ty.

They walk side by side to the cabin where May is making tea. Grandma this here's Parnell. He's a Ty looks with great hunger. He hesitates. "I can't eat this! My ma's and sister haven't eaten this well

visiting and I'm going to make him breakfast." for a long time. It don't seem right." He pushes the food away.

"Glad to know you Parnell! I'm May Siadh my husband is Seth. He's out to the farm presently. He'll Jo looks in disbelief at his hunger and the untouched food she has just prepared.

be back for lunch I expect. Where do you live? What's your folks name?" May is delighted. May stands and puts her arm around Ty. "Eat child I'll have Seth take a fine supper up to you ma

"You've met my grand daughter Cathy Jo Goodall. when he comes for lunch. Jo, you sit with Ty and I'll fix his family something extra special."

Jo takes to frying ham slices, and mixing a quick bread dough form the griddle. Jo watches as the man devours several helpings of her cooking. She is delighted. "You like my

Apple butter is to be served with hot bread and tea. "You're probably tired of eggs!" She tells the cooking?"

boy as she interrupts. "How about some potato slices fried real good?" Jo wants to satisfy his The boy nods agreeably as he continues to chew.

hunger. "What brings you our way this morning Ty?" May asks.

"He's been to the Baxters tying to steal chickens." Jo answers.

"Oh my goodness! What will you mother say when she finds out?" May is concerned for the boy.

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"He's going to make things right grand ma!" "Got to as long as he's a thieving and the folks what have lost have not settled their accounts."

Ty stares blankly at Jo with total confusion as to the meaning of her words. "So if'n this thief stops his taking chickens and eggs and pays what he owes then you won't have to

"You just listen to me Ty and it'll be all right. You'll see!" Jo's smile at Ty is all womanly. be a tracking him." May speaks.

"Yes Ty, best to wait here where we can talk with the sheriff!" May adds. "Well May that's the truth." Sheriff would be relived of this task.

The ladies and Ty take their tea to the porch. Here they watch the main road. "How do you know that the culprit hasn't already changed his ways?" Jo questions. "Perhaps he is

It's not a very long time before the sheriff and his deputy show on the horizon. out making amends right about now?"

Jo steps out in front to meet the sheriff. "I guess I don't really node whether he be or not!" The sheriff is beginning to follow the women's

"Miss Jo we've been following the trail of that chicken thief and it comes directly you way." The logic. "Sure would be helpful for a young man to make right his mistakes and avoid the penalties of

sheriff announces at his approach. the law."

"What you all going to do with the thief once you get him?" Jo asks. "Gary, you can always come back past the Baxters in a week or so and check on the situation.

The sheriff looks around at the boy and nods to May. "Twenty dollar fine or twenty days at hard Seems that folks will account to your presence as the inspiration for making things right here.

labor for first offense. Second offense is $100 or year served." Sheriff looks slowly at the boy. They'll be sure to remember come election time!" May surmises.

"What's your name son?" "May, I'll be back in about a week. If'n there is one new complaint, then I'll be taking back my thief

This here's the Kooter boy. May answers. "His pa was killed over at the mine past spring." quick and proper."

"Yes! Arnold Kooter! I was over there to investigate for the coroner's office. "Won't be no need for to worry! You've done a fair piece of sheriffing." Jo comments.

He left a widow and some young one's." The sheriff is curious. "Your folks are new here's about "I'll be obliged if you folks can help that widow woman some." The sheriff tips his hat as he rides

boy!" The sheriff waits for a reply. back towards Deersville.

"They're more or less neighbor's up the creek a ways." Answers Jo. The ladies hold each other's arms and stand side by side. They shake in ecstasy as they celebrate the

"County won't tolerate thieves...chicken or otherwise!" The sheriff's response is made in the boy's reprieve from jail.

direction of the boy. " No reason for taking to crime!" "Jo where's that boy going to get money to pay back those he stole from?" May asks.

"The sheriff looks mighty drunk." May whispers to Jo. "Ty I've money collected from my panther's hide. You and I are going to visit all the places you

The eyes of the sheriff's show only blood red. owe people. We'll have a settling for next week for sure." Jo is determined.

"What happens if you don't catch him?" Jo asks.

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"There's no way I can pay you back. Besides my ma's still in need. I can't make any real money till "Yes her mother is telling everyone. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the State of Virginia,

the mines get busy." The boy questions Jo's solution to his problem. Mr. Loyd Hostil is visiting in the region. Mr. Cardel is a friend of his and has invited the Hostil

"Grand ma, I'm going to ask Belle to take Mrs. Kooter on as a housekeeper. There's plenty of room family down for the autumn celebration."

for all your family...Ty you pay off some the debt helping out and there's no rush to pay it all right "Is that a big job?"

off." Jo has no doubt that she can save this boy. "Secretary of Commerce is second in the state to the governor. Mr. Hostil could become a governor

~~~~~ some day. Mrs. Cardel would love that I'm sure." Mrs. Ferris is a bit jealous.

The time approaches for 1860 Autumn Ball in Deersille. "What does a commerce secretary do?" Emmy wonders.

Emmy races to collect the post. She waits for yet another letter from Beau who is in the final year "One man is in charge of all the banks and all the money in a state. That is the Secretary of

at the Virginia Military Academy. She is disappointed. He has not replied to her last letter. Commerce. He can have more powerful then the governor."

"Mother!" Emmy Lou calls out as she enters. "I'm not missing a letter from Beau some how? He "What this son of the secretary look like?"

always answers promptly!" "No one knows for sure. Those Cardel's will be only looking after his money. They'd love a baboon

"No dear! I've seen no letter from him recently...unless your father has put one a side an forgotten." if it were rich."

Mrs. Ferris muses. "Well if Lisa can have an escort why can't I?" Emmy is quite jealous. "I'm old enough to marry!

"Forgotten! How could he?” Emmy looks about the places in the home used by her father. "Doesn't Why can't I walk out with a man?"

he know how import Beau's communiqués are to me?" "Well first of all any walking out is your father's business. I have nothing to say about that." Mrs.

"He does indeed and very much so. Your father has many projects that occupy his mind. He can be Ferris is quick to have her husband shoulder this issue.

forgetful on occasion. If there's a letter here, it'll turn up." "Secondly, Mrs. Cardel is match making for Lisa!" Mrs. Ferris knows that Mr. Cardel's position

"Mother! The Autumn Ball is only coming soon. I have to make plans!" Emmy says frantically. with the bank is very useful in such matters.

"I'm going to cut and dye you ball gown. We'll get you new shoes. You'll love my ideas...you'll "Daddy always listens to you mother! Ask him to let me walk out with an escort to the ball.

see." Please?" Emmy begs.

"Lisa Cardel is being escorted to the dance by some big wig's son." Emmy announces. "Just who do you have in mind for an escort?" Mrs. Ferris ponders a suitable choice. The Reverend

Moore's boy is of age. Although being the wife of a minister can be a life of poverty if the man

lacks ambition."

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"All the Moore children are goofy or just plain obnoxious. I'd rather not go at all if I have to go Mrs. Ferris struggles to end her seizure. Her eyes are bulging in an effort to preserve her

with one of them." Emmy has a look of disgust on her face. consciousness.

"Well there's Doctor Lewis's son?" "Beau said her mother and father moved immediately to Richmond after their honey moon. Beau's

"Mother! He's three year younger and half my size. Everyone will all laugh at me when I'm dancing father was appointed to be an aide at the state house. The government gave them their own town

with a runt." Emmy is now angry. "There's no real choice here mother." house free of charge." Emmy recounts.

"So who is going to take you to the ball?" Mrs. Ferris is out of notions. This is too much! Mrs. Ferris eyes turn upward in their sockets. Her face blanches. The woman

"I asked Beau to escort me!" Emmy says coyly. "He wants to come down and see me. It'll be the begins a slow decent to the floor just as Mr. Ferris arrives for lunch.

perfect time for a visit." The matter of Mrs. Ferris' revival has become ritualized. She is gently laid out on the sofa. Smelling

"You should ask your father's permission first be fore you extend an invitation." Mrs. Ferris salts and fresh water are provided. Her care is tender, considerate and effective.

corrects her daughter. "Where will he stay?" Upon consciousness, Mrs. Ferris sends her husband to the town dinner for his lunch. She collects

"Nora says he can stay with her. Mother I think Beau wants to ask me to marry him!" Emmy blurts Emmy Lou and begins serious preparations for her husband's supper. Welsh Rarebit, mixed meat

out. pie, baked sweet potato, and greens are to be made. Emmy Lou is to be sent for a pale of the finest

Mrs. Ferris begins to hyperventilate. She tires to speak but can not manage the breath. stout from the tavern. Mrs. Ferris will ask for a cigar from her neighbor that is a particular brand of

Emmy notices her mother's state of panic. "He has not said so in his letters but he keeps telling me which Mr. Ferris is partial. Apple cobbler will be served as desert.

that after he graduates he wants to settle down and build his career. Married officers get the best The women work at a furious pace. "Why didn't you say so sooner! I could have planned this

assignments...so he says." Emmy smiles as she dreams of a home on a large military base. evening much better." Mrs. Ferris comments as she prepares her scented bath.

Mrs. Ferris envisions her daughter attending state dinners with the governor and rich Virginian "Mother! Beau hasn't said he can come as yet."

families. She knows that if the boy is willing to leave college and make a trip down here then he When Mr. Ferris arrives that evening for his supper, Mrs. Ferris is wearing the dress of which her

must have serious business with her daughter. This can only mean wealthy grand children in the not husband is most fond. Emmy sits quietly through dinner. She watches her mother's attention to her

too distant future. father's comforts. Mr. Ferris has a fine dinner and as glorious evening.

"He told me his father married his mother right after graduating from the University of Virginia." The next morning, favorite dishes await Mr. Ferris. Hot cakes from the griddle are to be served

Emmy says casually. with Montgomery Cherry preserve. The aroma of hot coffee with fresh cream fills the home. Strips

of pork belly are fried crisply. Hot oak meal with brown sugar is served.

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Mr. Ferris comes to the table awake and full of energy. His gives his wife a large hug and kisses her Mrs. Ferris accompanies her husband to the door to bid him a good day. Mr. Ferris enjoys a pat of

passionately full and long on the lips. The lady playfully avoids his hands as they fall below Mrs. his wife's bottom as he departs.

Ferris waist. "Mother! Why must I walk out with Jo? I need to be alone with Beau so he can propose!" The girl

"All the men are letting their daughters walk out to the ball with a male escort this year, dear." Mrs. is desperate.

Ferris sings as she heaps food onto her husband's plate. "Look here Emmy, Jo can walk out at the same time. Once you're at the ball there will be plenty of

"That be so! I hadn't heard." His eyes are on the gorgeous breakfast. His appetite is large this chances for your Beau to speak with you alone. All you and Jo have to do is sit together. Jo won't

morning. mind and she may even help you and Beau."

"Beau Reiter is coming to town for the ball this year. It's his last chance before he graduates from The two women hug in a tight embrace of pending marriage and fortune.

his college." Mrs. Ferris adds. "That Mrs. Cardel and her pushing that daughter of hers all over society may have done you one of

"That's nice." Mr. Ferris surges into his meal. the best favors of our lives." Mrs. Ferris holds her little girl's head in her hand.

"Emmy Lou will be the only girl there without an escort. She doesn't want to go to the ball. I'm ~~~~~

afraid." The night of the ball has arrived. Jo has instructed Parnell to be her escort. He is handsomely

"Doesn't want to go? Emmy you have to go it's a tradition. The town folk will shun us for being dressed in old suit of Mr. Ferris suitably tailored. Beau indeed arrives to be with Emmy and he

inhospitable. You must go!" Mr. Ferris is firm but gentle in his words to Emmy. wears his dress uniform of gray accentuated with strips of maroon and gold buttons.

"Daddy I can't go without an escort...all the good boys are taken!" Emmy is quick to her mother's Emmy's gown has been dyed crimson and set with black trim. She is mature, elegant and the most

tactics. beautiful woman to be attending the ball. Jo's dress is saffron with white trim. She has yet the figure

"Take that Reiter boy he was sweet on you since Nora's affair last year." Mr. Ferris sees no of a girl but her blond hair and fluid movements make her attractive.

problem. Most of the young women that have just come of age are walking out for the first time. Jo and

Mrs. Ferris stands behind her husband frozen at his words. Emmy will share a table. They shall share the evening with their escorts in dance and games. The

"That boy will take you, and you can walk out...as long as your cousin Cathy Jo and her escort walk music is lively.

out with you two." Simple Mr. Ferris thinks. Jo is teaching Parnell how to dance. "Ty relax! It's easier than stealing chickens." Jo loves his social

Emmy is about to respond but her mother signals her to silence. backwardness.

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"I don't know why I let you talk me into this, Jo." Ty is in anguish and his face is red with Mrs. Ferris notices her daughter's intensity. She begins to seize and lose her breath. She is near to

embarrassment. passing unconscious.

"Look at Emmy. She's in love!" As Jo dances with Ty she shares Emmy's feelings. "It's not right for me to ask you to wait if there is a war. I don't want to wait if there is no war."

"Don't you feel anything being here with me?" More struggle for Beau.

"I ain't no good at socials. You are the prettiest girl here, Jo." Ty smiles at her. "I'd rather be a Emmy watches Beau's lips forming words with great effort. She notices her mother near to

hunting raccoon up on the Buffalo with you than fussed up with here all those folks staring at me." collapsing. She knows that there is no time left before Beau will lose his courage. She seizes Beau

"They are all jealous!" Jo is warmed by his honest sentiment, and he has told her for the first time by his shoulder looks into his blue eyes. "Beau if you want me for your wife you must ask right this

that he thinks she's pretty. moment!"

Emmy and Beau sit at the table quietly. Beau fidgets. He stares passed Emmy as if he has "Yes Emmy I want to ask but..."

something on his mind. Emmy sits patiently. She is nervous for Beau but desperately hopeful. Her "Ask!' Emmy commands as she gages her mother's droop.

mother appears regularly in Emmy's view at a safe distance. Mrs. Ferris casts glances that question "Will you marry me, please...I love you and need you for my woman!" Beau is sweating.

Jo on Beau's progress. Jo jumps into his arms. Mrs. Ferris falls. Jo is also watching and realizes her cousin is engaged to

"Beau! Is something bothering you?" Emmy asks. the man of her dreams and kisses Ty full on his lips. Mr. Ferris has been watching his wife and has

"Jo! I graduate this spring. I'll be serving in the army but if Lincoln is elected president then guessed all.

Virginia will succeed from the union. I will serve in the army of the Virginia. There may be a war The body of Mrs. Ferris cooling on the edge of the dance floor attracts much haste from bystanders

with the north." Beau chokes. to her aide. Emmy as concerned as always seeks out her cousin Jo. She and Beau confess to her

"A war? What will happen to us?" Emmy is afraid she may lose him. their intentions.

"I have very deep feelings for you and I don't want to lose you, Emmy." Beau looks longingly into "So when is the wedding to be?" Jo asks Beau.

her eyes. He is sure that there is no woman in Virginia more beautiful or more desirable. "We have no date yet after I graduate of course!" Answers Beau.

"I have strong feelings for you Beau." Her anxiety is at a maximum. She knows that he is going to "My father! Beau you must speak to my father and have his permission! Tonight after the ball at

ask her to be his wife. my home is your chance." She kisses Beau.

"Even if there is a war...I am hoping there isn't to be one. I must move to Richmond." Beau Mr. Ferris has revived his own bride. Mrs. Ferris remains in a daze. She does not speak or answer.

searches for words. Her mind is on her daughter's happiness and the fear that her words may ruin the evening.

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The night is very young. Some attendees are not yet arrived. Mrs. and Mrs. Cardel are late to make "Beau! What a surprise to see you’re here? May I introduce Miss Lisa my hostess for the affair."

their presence. By and by they do so in the company of daughter Lisa Sue and her escort young Ute Ute speaks with intelligence and great eloquence.

Hostil. "Charmed! This is my...uh...friend Emmy Lou. You recall my mentioning of her to you on

Lisa is arrayed in finest fashion. She is well proportioned and her body is mature for here age. All occasion." Beau smiles at Emmy and kisses her hand.

the men folk look long at the beautiful young girl as she enters. "Any occasion one might add." Beau bows slightly to Emmy. "Yes Beau! Emmy is as beautiful a

Lisa struggles to smile. Her eyes are red with rage. She enters in the arm of Ute who stands a full girl as Virginia has to offer her sons."

hand shorter in height. His girth is wider than most his age. His walk is awkward and lacks Lisa is furious. She is anxious to quite the encounter. Emmy is just as anxious to end it. The music

coordination. His feet are large and his limbs short. His head and face are covered with short brown starts. "Let us dance Ute. You are divine at the waltz." Lisa pushes Ute far away.

hair. His dress is of the finest apparel. Ty has never been kissed and liked Jo's very much. He has intentions to have another. "Let's you

Lisa spies Jo and Emmy in the company of their two handsome companions. Her envy of the girls and I have a slow dance, Jo."

and her embarrassment for her own escort gives rise to a murderous look. Daggers are no less Jo is overwhelmed. She loves to be in his arms and is soon lost in the rapture of the music and the

deadly than the glances she gives Jo and Emmy. good looks of her Ty.

Jo is offended and Emmy is intimidated by Lisa's stare. "They look like a cow walking next to baby The night is a wonderful event all the girls have enjoyed much romance. The ball is again a

bear." Jo retorts to her companions. Jo returns a defiant gaze. success. Later at the home of the Ferris, Beau asks to speak privately with Emmy's father. The two

"That little bear is one of the richest in Virginia. My father would love to have a daughter to marry men enter the living room with the doors closed. Mrs. Ferris listens at the door. Emmy waits beside

into the Hostil fortune." Beau knows Ute very well. her.

"He seems like a very fine gentleman." Adds Emmy. "Mother! You ease dropping on dad's conversation." Emmy is shocked.

"You will meet him at our wedding." Beau informs. "I'm not robbing a bank! If your dad starts to make a mistake I'll go in and interrupt him." Mrs.

"Does that cow Lisa have a chance?" Jo asks. Ferris positions her self.

"She's very pretty. Ute can just about name his bride." Beau is certain. "I can't listen mother. I'm too nervous. All daddy has to say is yes." Emmy paces.

Ute exchanges introductions with the people of Deersville. He sees Beau and promenades with Lisa Jo sits on the front porch with Ty. "I'm glad you made me come. I have never been kissed before."

in this direction. Ty remarks.

Jo blushes. "I never kissed no one before. Did you kind of like it?"

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"I can't wait till next year!" ~~~~~

"What's next year?" Jo asks. In the spring 1861, Fort Sumter is attacked by confederate troops on April 12. The news spread

"The next ball! We'll go together again won't we? Then we can have another kiss." rapidly and by early May, the lives of all were being transformed.

Jo reaches over. She kisses Ty long and sweet on the lips. "This night isn't over yet." Emmy Lou receives a letter from Beau announcing that his graduation date from Virginia Military

Mr. Ferris is sure of the reason for Beau's meeting. Academy is being advanced. His class will be mustered into active service with the army of the

"Beau the war's coming!" Confederacy almost immediately. He asks Emmy to visit the academy so that he may see her

Beau is much a man among men and not easily put off. "I wish to marry Emmy Lou as soon as I before he starts his commission.

graduate." "Mother! I am going to visit Beau at his college. He is going to enter active military duty at once."

Mrs. Ferris' eyes bulge. Emmy holds the letter to her breast.

"You have discussed this with Emmy?" Her father asks. Mrs. Ferris looks compassionately toward her daughter. Emmy is struck with fear and uncertainty.

"Yes and she is agreeable." Beau pauses. "Mr. Ferris my family own over 10000 acres of the finest They embrace.

land in Virginia. We have 2200 slaves, 150 horses, and 300 head of cattle. We produce cotton, "Nora will go with me mother. I'll stay with relations of the Freshwaters." Emmy's words are

tobacco, and meal. I shall inherit all when my father passes. We have much accumulated wealth. spoken in great need. "I must see him before he goes to fight."

Emmy Lou and you and Mrs. Ferris will want for nothing." "No one knows what will happen in the coming days dear girl. We are all scared. Perhaps your

Mrs. Ferris sinks to one knee. "Mother don't faint!" Emmy holds her and begins to listen. father will be able to accompany you and Nora."

"I have no doubt! I know that Emmy loves you and will make you a happy man." Mr. Ferris "I shall take the next train after Nora arrives."

hesitates. "You are a soldier and duty bound for war. I am concerned what this will do to your The evening meal at the Ferris residence is most sober. Mrs. Ferris has not prepared with

plans." enthusiasm. Fried pork and potatoes, sauerkraut, and baked apples, and are served. The food is

"Mr. Ferris, if war comes you may be asked to serve with the army engineers. What does that mean fresh and tasty but the Ferris family finds no appetite.

to you and Mrs. Ferris? I shall live with Emmy as my own. I prefer to die as her husband then to Emmy sits with food untouched. She longs to her some explanation from her father of what will

live without her." happen to her life and her marriage to come.

"Then my answer to you is yes! Yes!" Mr. Ferris shouts. Mrs. Ferris also shares the need to her from her husband of the war. She also waits.

Emmy faints. Mr. Ferris is unusually silent. He does not notice the ladies' attention.

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His appetite is insufficient. He cannot finish dinner. "I shall most likely be fine. I'll be building forts and bridges far away from the real fighting. I won't

"I think that we all three shall have a glass of sherry." Mr. Ferris fetches the decanter. He pours even need a fire arm!"

three glasses. "Here is to Colonel Ferris of the Corp of Engineers of the Confederate Army of This relieves much of the fear of Mrs. Ferris for her husband's fate. She finds the strength of a

Virginia." woman in deep pain. "We all shall get through this time. Do you hear? We shall be a family again

"You were called up!" Mrs. Ferris screams in hysteria. when the men return."

Mr. Ferris takes his wife in his arms. "I received a telegram today at the office." He whispers ~~~~~

apologetically in his wife's ears. The Siadh's are busy with spring planting. Word of Virginia's split with the union has had no

"How soon do you go daddy?" Emmy is also near hysteria. impact along Buffalo creek. Seth, May and Jo are just finishing their lunch of ribs baked in a spicy

"The entire office is closed. We have twenty-four hours in which to report to Richmond. Every red sauce, hot soda bread, egg salad, and butternut cake.

engineer that works for the state is being activated." He kisses his wife tenderly on the cheek. Sheriff Young is at the door. He is tired, worn and sober. "Gary what is the matter? You look like

"This may be your last night in the house." Mrs. Ferris eyes swell with tears as she holds her you need help! "His condition alarms Seth.

husband's face in her two hands. "I'm powerful tired, Seth. I've been in the saddle all week with no end in sight." The sheriff looks as

Emmy's world is ending. Her family is to separate with the chance that they may never reunite. Her if he is missing sleep.

future husband may be lost as well. "Gary have you time for bite? A glass of wine?" May asks.

"What shall mother and I do daddy?" "Too much to do, May! I haven't had a bite since last nightfall. That was just plain meal and a piece

"There will not be enough income to keep this home. The Confederate issued money has no of dried sausage. Would be grateful if you could wrap up a bit of leftovers form my supper

strength to stop the inflation that the shortages of war shall necessarily bring. We must pack the tonight."

valuables and move you at once to your aunt May's." "What work is driving you so hard?'" Seth is further alarmed.

"Daddy I'm going to see Beau before his unit leaves!" In this instant Emmy has turned from child to "I need to know where that Kooter boy is living." The sheriff answers.

full woman. "Mother I'll join you upon my return." She hugs her mother and kisses he daddy. "I "What you need him for sheriff. He's not breaking any law!" Jo is defensive.

love you both very much." "I am to sign him up for the army. All young men of age are being called to defend Virginia against

"What about you dear?" Mrs. Ferris asks her husband. an invasion from the north by the Union Army."

"He's living at Belle's farm." Seth answers.

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"He's taking care of Belle with his mother and sister." Jo adds accusingly. "They have sergeants as to watch over the men Jo!" Seth comments.

"No exceptions!" Replies the sheriff. "Every 20 or more men have one sergeant. They get trained real good before they are sent to

"His mother and sister depend on him for their living!" Jo senses the loss of Ty. fighting."

"Confederacy is paying each soldier a wage each month. He can send it on to home. They'll be fine. "How long will those men be shooting at one another?"

Lot's boys are leaving their kin behind." "The war could take months or maybe a year even." Seth answers Jo.

"When will he have to go?" Jo's heart is breaking. Jo despairs at the danger Ty will face. "There's no way that boy will live through this. Maybe he

"As soon as he is notified...he has twenty four hours to report to the rail depot in Deersville." should skip over to Ohio?"

"Where are you sending him?" Jo fights to show no tears. "They'll be taking their young men into the Union Army. He'll just end up fighting against his

"Trains are leaving each day noon to Culpeper. He'll be in camp for a late supper the same day." neighbors, Jo." Seth can't reassure her. "If you need to, its best say your goodbye soon. Ty will be

"What happens if a body decides he doesn't want to join up with the army?" on that army train day after Tomorrow."

Jo words have a defiant tone. Later that night Jo is restless. She does not sleep. Jo is disturbed by the danger Ty must face. The

I'll have to hang'm!" The sheriff's words are sobering. loss of the man she hopes to marry some day is not acceptable. She thinks of Emmy and Beau. The

"Who's signed up from the lane here?" Asks Seth. thought of the Crawfords marching with rifles is unbelievable to her. The world is gone mad she

"The Baxter boy! Whitey Chadwell! A mess of Crawfords...the old man wants to go too. I had a thinks.

heck of a time explaining to him that miners are exempt since coal is so important for the war." Lady makes a fuss outside. It reminds Jo of the time Ty came to hide. It is late. Seth and May are

"How many men will leave the county to fight?" Asks May. deep asleep. Jo takes her musket and a lantern. She finds the door to the barn left open. Jo knows

"Single men mostly for now, although lots of family men are enlisting. Every able bodied man that someone is hiding in the barn. Someone the sheriff will be after.

whatever made trouble in county is going to go. S'pose that one out of every three men will be At this time of night that person may be hungry and thirsty Jo thinks. She quietly places Lady in the

called out to start. I have to make sure the farms keep working." cold cellar where her barks will not be heard. The brightness of the moon shrouds the barnyard in

"That will leave the young girls at want." Seth tries to make a joke. weak light. Jo sits in a dark shadow where she can watch the barn door and the well. Her musket is

"It'll leave the slaves with less men to watch over them." The sheriff is ready to depart. "Best be in her lap. The night stills. The time passes. Jo is concerned for the safety of her grand parents. She

getting back to my work." does not tire.

Jo is crushed. "I know that Ty will get himself kilt for sure. He needs some one to mind!"

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The faint sound of a body rubbing against the ground calls Jo to attention. Along the line from the "The directions as to how to cross the Blue Ridge to the Ohio River are simple. You will have to

barn door to the well several dark figures move cautiously. They crawl and slide into the weak light swim across. If you can't swim you'll drown."

that shrouds the water well. Three young Negroes work the pump frantically. They end their thirst. "We shall make a raft! We shall cross!"

Jo watches as they withdraw into barn. "You must not rest till you clear the county! Once you get into the tall pines up above your will be

Jo returns to the house. She fills a sack with bread, cheese and dried meat. In front of the barn with clear. The sheriff will be after you by midday. If you make tracks trough the rest of the night you'll

lantern in hand, Jo calls out. "You boys come out and get some food. If'n you don't I fire this here be free."

rifle. The sheriff is camped on the lane. He'll hear the shot and come a running." Jo watches as the band of escaping boys make off. She is inspired. She shall not let her Ty be

The three young darkies come forth in great fear. They eye the food and Jo's musket. "Where you sacrificed to defend something as odious as slavery.

boys headed?" Jo asks. ~~~~~

The leader steps forth as Jo lowers the musket. "We are going to freedom to the far side of the One of the first ships to reach the shores of newly found America brought a small group of young

mountain." The Negro boy replies. Anglican preachers. From this group of pious men, one Reverend Abraham Moore was to begin a

"You are headed for Ohio?" lineage of preachers gifted with oratory. The descendants of this reverend would fill churches and

"Yes!" inspire many for generations.

"You need better cloths for the cool nights and food and water, else you'll get caught just like Abraham Moore began his preaching in Williamsburg and was influential with men of power in the

now!" Jo studies the boys. She wonders if her Ty will die so slavers can keep their ways. original colonial government. His inspirational rhetoric and his passionate belief in God made him

"Will you help us?" The leader asks. a favorite among all the colonial peoples.

"Do you have any weapons?" Jo asks. Abraham's influence extended far beyond his pulpit. His words were given much weight in the

"We have none! We have no need to hurt anyone. We just want to be free." houses of the wealthy as well as upon the farmlands. This preacher would travel the rural circuit

"What's your name?" about Williamsburg during the week. He was intensely devoted to bringing the word and the

"I am Tasbala. The others do not now their real names." practice of the faith to all.

"I'll get you cloths. Let my dog out of the cellar. There are sacks for food and bottles for water. Can His plain sense brought understanding of God's commandments to all. His rhetoric filled the souls

you read a map?" who listened with the fire of conviction and purpose. Abraham's' advice was widely sought on

"No we have no learning." moral and social matters.

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Young Abraham was not long in taking a wife who shared his ardor for people, society and politicians on the issue of slavery would be the first step in the loss of the state's freedom. Such an

government. Miss Abigail Evans was the only daughter a rich influential Williamsburg family. attack on an individual's free will could only be anti Christian work conceived and disguised by the

Unlike the diminutive Reverend Moore, Abigail was a horse of a woman. The two made a couple devil.

formed from opposites. Abraham was small, thin in stature while Abigail was tall, large in frame. Now it turns out that the good reverend's nephew is appointed a commission of colonel in the

Abraham was a solon, quiet man with much intelligence and power in his words. Abigail was a confederate army of Virginia. This is contingent on the conscription of enough men to form a

loud boisterous incessant talker with little need for sense as she laughed and smiled all her waking command.

moments. With a resolute conviction, the reverend Moore has begun a campaign of conscription from the

The couple was little matched in size and personality. They were well suited for each other and pulpit. Many boys that lack pedagogical conviction for the coming war of rebellion are eager for

deeply devoted. Each Spring Abigail would deliver a newborn Moore. Soon the sight of the bean regular meals, paydays and adventure. In a matter of weeks the roaster of names conscripted and

sprout reverend and his pumpkin wife was lost in a parade of children. enlisted for a local regiment of the confederate army is full. The Reverend Aaron Moore has

The gift of preaching was never lost from Abraham's descendants. The name of Reverend Moore volunteered as field chaplain. The elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Moore has enlisted as well.

was in much demand to have upon a church's door over all of Virginia. The day has come for Ty and his fellow enlistees to mount the train to Culpeper for induction into

Reverend Harold F Moore directs the Anglican Church of Deersville. Harold is a direct descendant the Confederate Army of Virginia. The men who are soon to depart are separating from their family

of Abraham Moore and is no less a gifted speaker. Harold did however inherit Abigail's size. The members and as set to broad.

reverend is a man of large girth. Like the original Moore, Harold spends much of his time riding a Reverend Moore steps upon a make shift pulpit to offer a prayer before departure. In a stentorian

circuit bringing religion to backwaters of the county. Indeed, he is the most recognized and quoted voice he speaks.

preacher in the county. "Oh God! Hezr the prayers of thy faithful assembled before you. You have given us the will to be

Now most folks are to poor to keep a slave let alone acquire one. The Reverend Moore is most free...to choose you over all else...to choose your way over the ways of the evil one. Let us not be

outspoken against the practice of slavery in his native state. Indeed it is said that he has convinced judged as Cain against Able. We choose to be the good brother in your sight but armed against the

some to set their slaves free long before emancipation was the talk of the politicians. Cains from the north who are jealous of the love you have showered upon your children of

Reverend Moore believes in free will as the way to follow the word of God. He is greatly upset by Virginia."

the apparent intent of the federal government to supplant the free will of the citizens. He sees the "If there is a way for us to avoid this conflict, then show us the way. If it is your intention for us to

federal government's method of ending slavery as troublesome. Any dictate formed by remote march forth in your righteousness with arms, then bless us. Lead us! Let not our sins keep you from

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our protection. As you protected David against the wickedness of his brothers protect us from the Chapter 4

wickedness of our brothers from the north." Manassas

"We know that we are week and given to sins of flesh and drink and greed. Guide us from these

desires of the devil. Fill us with your strength. Desert us not in battle! Let us not fall as Samson

under his sins with Jezebel. Let us be as young Samson who slew your enemies by the hundreds

with but the bone of an ass. Let this army from Virginia be as an army of Samson; pure in

following your law."

"Just as you asked Abraham of the bible to walk out into the wilderness and slay his son at your

command. Give us the same strength to kill our brothers from the north at you will. Just as

Abraham understood that your will must be done so we accept your will to fight in this war."

"Finally lord we ask forgiveness for the sins of those who must die in the name of your

righteousness. Just as Noah built the arch to save the good from the wicked, we build an army to

spare the good south from the wicked north. Let our victories in battle be offering of sacrifice for

sins committed against you."

"We ask you to guide our commanders in battle. Let them speak in you name when they
A stop for the rail line outside of Culpeper, Virginia has been converted to a military depot. Here
command."
military trains arrive daily. Many of the young men transported here have never slept elsewhere but
"Amen!!!!"
near their mother's side. Few have ever traveled by rail let alone gone so far a distance.
The train is filled and departs to Culpeper.
The receiving depot for the Confederate Army inductees is a large sprawling complex of tents and

temporary housing. Many hundreds of acres of farmland are know isolated by military guard.

The recruits number in the thousands and they arrive amid total confusion. The organization is most

efficient. A long line of uniformed instructors wearing strips upon their uniform greets the massive

number of young men off loading a train.

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Each instructor will gather 15-20 recruits into a squad. This band will march a mile or so into an Sonny is different from his other brothers. He is not good with figuring numbers but he has

assigned bivouac. Here the solders are issued cross belts and muskets. Some preferred to carry their enormous physical strength. He does not mind working at mixing mortar and carrying loads of

own muskets but most accept the 1842 model musket provided by the Confederacy. material up scaffolding. Sonny never complains and he is very mild in disposition. He is just plain

Personal gear is laid inside a wrapped blanket. This is to be slung over one shoulder and across the unsociable. The ladies do not find Sonny attractive and he has never married. Sonny lives in a shed

chest with the two ends tied at the waist. Gear for carrying water, munitions and dagger are carried behind his family's home. He has no sensitivity towards animals and has never kept a pet. His two

on an exterior waist belt. pleasures in life are food and sleep. Sonny does just as he is told.

Arms, clothing, and supplies are paid through the issue of state bonds. These guarantee a 6-8% When the war became real in Virginia, Sonny is 37 years old. Most of his brothers are married with

return on investment. The local banks are large consumers of such issues. family. Sonny's is sent to war by his father. He is chosen to fulfill the family's obligation to

The local brigades are to be dressed in gray sack coats that go half way down the thigh. Loose Virginia.

collars are worn up or down. Cloth trousers have also been provided but not necessary of matching Now Sonny has no place in a cultured society, as his manners are too lacking. In fact civil society

colors. The uniforms are not necessarily well fitted either. On the solders are worn strips of blue finds him dull of whit. Mules are considered less stubborn and more gregarious then he.

indicating they belong to the infantry. This man has no sense of humor and his conversation is in the form of a simple phrase or a grunt.

The officers are dressed in gray broad cloth with gilt buttons, and gold lace on the collar and sleeve. The military life is a different world. War is life reduced to the uncivil, uncultured, and antisocial.

Trousers match but are of a darker color. The belt buckle is a gold wreath with the letters CSA Army life fits Sonny. His bulbous body stretches his uniform tight and makes his appearance

inscribed. The rank of a Confederate officer is placed upon the shoulder and not on the collar as for slightly comical.

a Federal officer. Their weapons are saber and a Colt handgun with holster. Officers must purchase As the train stops the recruits are made to stand beside the rail cars and face the line of instructors.

all their own clothing and weapons. Most infantry officer will use no horse. Sonny approaches a group of young men. He points to one man. "Name?"

In the receiving line is a Sargent Sonny Jain. His stature is short. His body is round upon which a "Harry Osetek!"

swollen head sits without a visible neck. In order for Sonny to look sideways, his entire torso has to "Behind me!" He points to his rear. "Next!"

rotate. His skin is course as are his facial features. Two small eyes look out of narrow slits above a “James Calloway!"

large protruding jaw. His sandy colored hair is thin and short. Sonny is an emigrant. He was born in Sonny points to his rear. "Next!"

Europe as where all his siblings. His father is a stone mason. Father and sons operate a very nice "Harold Walker Burnett"

business in Winchester. "Next!"

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Sgt. Jains pauses. "Your four look alike! Names?" and wagons. Rows of large tents form perimeters about large fields. These fields are busy with men

The four Crawford boys are frozen for lack of knowing what to say or do. Sonny waits for their in forced march. There is silence but for the barking of an order and the crush of many feet upon

response. He is not prepared for hesitancy. He grabs the first Crawford boy by the shirt and pulls the grass.

him into place. The other three Crawfords follow along. The immensity of the compound, the huge size of the military force disposed before the recruit is a

"There are all Crawfords!" Comments a fellow from the train side. sight that continually distracts them. They are lost but for the moving figure of the diminutive

"Your name!" Sonny Jain preceding their column. Somewhere near a circle of trees the squad stops before a row

"Jerry Baxter!" of large tents.

Sonny motions for Jerry to join the Crawfords. "Five men to a tent. Your belongings are to be put inside." Sonny commands. “There'll be a mess

"Next!" wagon here for your supper. Y'all answer to the call 1st Squad, Company A of the 3rd Regiment.

"Whitey Chadwell" Dismissed."

"Next!" Kooter, Baxter, Osetek, Goodall, and Calloway enter the first tent.

"Parnell Ty Kooter!" "What in devil are you doing here?" Ty asks Jo.

"Next!" "I'm a come to fight with you and see to it you come home alive." The girl answers confidently.

"Take me next, Mr. Soldier!" A figure moves forward in a hurry to be recognized. "Woman can't fight in this army!" Jerry Baxter declares.

"Name?" "They'll throw you out, Jo." Ty insists.

"Jo Goodall!" "There's no one but you boys to say I'm a girl! If'n you turn me in I'll just follow y’all and join in

As Jo moves to join the chosen band, Ty and the others are confused and gesture questioningly to the fighting when no one's a watching."

one another. "Those Crawfords will tell!" Baxter assures her.

"Quiet in rank!" Commands Sgt. Jains before any one could speak to Jo. "Those Crawfords don't know a dam thing. They never once asked me if I was a boy or a girl. They

Sonny gathers his required number of recruits. He orders the squad into columns of two. "Follow just plum don't know otherwise." Jo answers.

me!" "Y'all can't stay with us men when we are a fighting!" James Calloway responds.

The group marches quietly along a road filled with countless men in closed formations moving in "James I can out shoot almost as good as any and you know it!" Jo is defiant.

all directions. Sgt. Jain's squad continues past rows of tents, corrals for horses, clusters of cannons

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Harry Osetek is a man of few words. He is older than the boys and a respected deputy sheriff. "Le- and delivers his words in the form of a laugh. His parents died when he was 3 years of age. His

le-let her b-b-be!" He stutters. "W-w-when the sh-shells fall...sh-she'll a-a-ago home!" great aunt Katie and her husband Ralf became his family.

"Give me a chance?" Jo begs. "If I don't do as well as any man then I'll leave." Katie wass always sick with the gripe and rested in bed most of the time. Ralph has been loosing

She is determined not to abandon Ty. his eyesight with advancing age and he walks with great difficulty.

The sound of clanging irons brings attention to the camp. Two large wagons have arrived to feed James childhood has been carrying for his elderly sponsors Katie and Ralph Shutz. There was no

the 3rd regiment. Sgt. Jain awaits the presence of his recruits. "1st squad line up in front of me." time for schooling. Doing odd jobs to help with expenses at home consumed much of his time until

The squad arranges them selves just as they had at the train side. "Anyone here been in the army hunting brought food, cash and pleasure. Once James learned that hides are found to be abundant in

before?" Ask Sonny. There is only silence for a response. the hills, the boy pretty much spent all his time there. Some say he is as wild of nature as the game

"Anyone been in jail before?" he stalks.

James Calloway raises his hand. His reputation was earned early as one of the best shots and hunters ever born in these parts. His

"What were you in jail for?" asks the Sargent. independence was near total as a young boy. The only beholding by James that is not purely to

"Shot a fellow what was bulling me. Just nicked him some?" James answers. nature was to the elderly Mr. and Mrs. Shutz. His loss of beholding to other folks makes him down

"Good you're acting corporal. Take half the men and get over to the second wagon and make sure right intemperate.

everyone eats full up. There won't be but one more wagon tomorrow late." Sonny commands. Excepting for seeing James about the Shutz farm on occasion, most folks shave seen only his form

"Make sure y'all save a piece of corn bread for your breakfast." passing at a distance through the woods. Those who accidentally came into close encounter with

The supper was for some the only meal of this day. Hot beans with hunks of pork fat and corn James found him short on words but quick to anger.

bread were served. Coffee would be made at the camp's fire. When James was fifteen, he had an encounter with a young bully named Jack Himple. Jack was a

The squad sits around a large fire as night falls. The day is ended and they wait for their first full large youth with intimidating manners and stronger than the other juveniles. Seems Jack was keen

day of training tomorrow. The recruits have much interest in the boy that has been promoted to for making up lost time with the Calloway boy. He went straight into his practice of name-calling,

Corporal. family degrading, and physical abuse. James was accustomed to human contact as short and polite.

Cpl. James Calloway is a thin nervous man. He is about 17 years of age and an avid gun enthusiast. His response to taunts was not to Jack's liking. This served to make Jack work all the harder at his

James is a fearless soul who is lacking in social skills. His conversation is much like that of a boy bullying.

of eight years. His expressions are exaggerated and full of fancy. He always speaks with a smile

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James was unimpressed by the boorish youth and decidedly not intimidated. He realized that Jack If the squad does not march then it performs the menial tasks of camp life. Only when rumors start

would not be satisfied without a fight. James knew that he could not win such a contest. James shot about the new regiment marching north to see action, does training in the loading and firing

the bully in fleshy part of the upper arm. The wound was grazing. Jack and the other boys were muskets begin.

turned to mortal fear and ran off full speed. James could only shake his head and smile at the Before mess on the day of the shooting competition the squad is assembled. "The results of the

dumbness of the bully's actions. marksmanship for the squad are posted." Sgt. Jains reports.

Needless to say the county sheriff was called to arrest the Calloway lad. If not for the advice of Calloway, and Goodall are tied for first place."

Ralph Shutz, the Calloway boy would never have let himself be captured. Any way, James There are cheers from the squad.

presented himself at the sheriff's office. The magistrate remanded James' back to the Shutz home "You dam near bet him Jo!" Ty shouts.

with a restriction on James' access to fire arms. This matter served to further isolate society from "Goodall! You're now a Corporal and appointed to squad's sniper duty with Calloway."

James. Many troublesome happenings in the county were to be blamed on James whenever they "I g-g-guess that me-means Jo's sta-staying." Osetek says to his tent mates.

were otherwise unexplainable. "Hell! Jo we could use all the shooters like you we can get!" Baxter congratulates Jo.

James signing up to fight in the confederacy was at the suggestion of the magistrate. It was hopped "Jo! You shoot good." Cpl. Calloway says in a laughing way to Jo.

that the army might civilize the boy. Perhaps he might move on to elsewhere after the war. James "After mess we march to picket duty!" Sonny announces.

took to the notion as Katie had just passed and Ralph was going to living with a daughter. The squad groans at the all night sentry duty. They will fill with coffee to help keep awake.

Sgt. Sonny Jain and Cpl. James Calloway understood one another in an unexplainable way. The "Last time we were on that detail Calloway shot a spy!" Someone yells.

Corporal and the Sargent formed a bond based on mutual unsociability. Neither ever made friends. "Those Yankees are training wild boars to count us rebels." Calls another amid laughs from the

The first days of training are dedicated to marching in a small formation about the parade ground. troops.

Gradually squads join to march as a company and several companies to from a moving regiment. Cpl. Calloway had shot and killed a boar that approached his picket line one night. His is still

The regiment marches in narrow formation along roads and wide formations across meadows. They embarrassed by his over reaction. "We ate real pork for a week. Maybe we'll get another tonight."

march through brush and woods, up through creeks and across shallow fords of water. They march James laughs.

in the rain and at night. The squad cheers him on. "Yah, that last one was only two hundred pounds of pig, Calloway. You

need to do better or y'all lose them Corporal stripes." More cheers rise.

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"Maybe them Yankees will send a whole squad of terrapins tonight." The banter continues through "I think there's some men moving this way up the road." Jo responds.

mess and along the march to the southern perimeter of the camp. "How many?"

Duty on the camp’s perimeter consists of round the clock vigil. Posted sentries stand at the most "Several like, Sgt." Jo confirms.

sensitive places. Walking sentries move between posts continuously day and night. The pickets “Anyone out there tonight?" Asks Jain.

keep a look out for persons trying to enter the camp presumably for the reason of spying. They also “Nerry a soul all night!" Ty answers.

discouraged recruits from desertion. Sgt. Jain ponders. "Calloway! Take charge of the perimeter. Goodall, Baxter, Kooter, and Osetek

Most days and nights are uneventful. Only the occasional wandering animal attracts a sentry's come with me."

attention. There have been gentle rain showers for the last day or so. Tonight is a full moon. The The small group of sentries moves off with their Sargent down the road. As they move along they

sentry will have a clear view from his post. hear several shrill voices ahead. Sgt. Jain divides his band on either side of the road just into the

A road moves north to the camp. It connects with Charlottesville to the south. Many wagons and shadows. They await the coming traffic.

riders pass near the post. It is not unusual to have travelers on the road day or night. This perimeter After a time they observe a group huddled together moving quickly. The band forms one large dark

of the compound is always heavily patrolled. Sgt. Jain's squad is posted along this road this day. figure on the road. As they reach Jain's position, the sergeant steps out. "Halt who goes there!"

The night is uneventful so far. The recent rains have deterred travelers from the night. The full The other recruits follow their sergeant and step onto the road in front of the travelers. Jo and her

moon and the first light of dusk have kept the sentries alert. companions have their riffles at the ready.

"I hear something coming from down the road." Jo mentions to Ty. The darkened figures come to a stop. "Don't shoot!" A woman's voice cries out.

"It's deer most likely moving back to cover for the day." Ty answers. "There are children with me." The voice is swelled with panic.

Both bring their muskets to shoulder. Sgt. Jain steps closer. He finds one woman and seven children from baby to adolescent cowering

"I hear voices!" Jo insists. together. "What brings you to this camp?"

"I’ll get Sgt. Jain!" Ty moves off. "My husband was killed last night! Shot Dead!" The woman is in tears. "They took my eldest child,

There are no figures to be seen. The sounds could be a distant call of a screech owl. Jo knows that Genie. They locked us in the cold cellar but we got loose and ran." Her words are hysterical.

caution must come first. Jo steps forward and puts her arm about the woman. "Y'all are safe now ya hear...Put those guns

Sgt. Jain and Cpl. Calloway arrive to Jo's post quietly. down y'all are scaring these kids." Jo orders.

"What y'all got?" Sonny asks. "You have to keep moving!" Sgt. Jain orders the woman.

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"Just a moment Sargent! Who shot your husband?" Jo asks. Jo sneaks quietly up to a point from the tree line that views the two men pointing at opposing

"Two of your soldiers came last evening to the house." The woman is exhausted from the ordeal directions as they argue on how to proceed beyond the raging stream.

and the night's march. "They have my Genie...I had to leave her. They were going to kill us all! Jo has never aimed at a human body before. She slowly moves her musket's sight from one man to

"Deserters!" Sgt. Jain says with disgust. "Where is your home?" the next. The heavier man is a larger target. The thinner man moves about less. Jo cannot decide

"A couple miles down the road. Second fork to the right y'all come to a log cabin with a big hickory whom to shoot. Neither of these deserters is young. Both are men full grown. Jo thinks of the

in the front." young girl left in the cabin. That girl must be near to Emmy Lou's age. So young to have one's life

"Kooter! Take these here small one's and this here woman back to the post. Have a fire and get destroyed. Jo decides to shot the thin stationary man.

them some eats. Tell Calloway to send for the colonel straight off!" Sgt. Jain is rigid with rage. Just as she set her sights on the hindquarter of one man, the pair places their weapons to the side

"Osetek pick up the tracks of these two brigands." and begins to carry a large log to the water's edge. Jo rushed from hiding. "Don't move, or I'll shoot.

The remainder of the sentries and Sgt. Jain follow Osetek. The tracker finds a trail that's leads to the Just keep hold of that log."

woman's home. There they find the father dead at the door. A young woman lies dying on the floor. The pair of deserters freeze in their tracks still holding onto the heavy log. The rest of the patrol

She has been brutally ravaged. Her skull has been crushed. "Baxter! See to this girl. Wait here for arrives to find Jo holding captive two men in Confederate uniforms embracing an old tree trunk.

the colonel!" "What regiment are you two with?" Asks Sgt. Jain.

Jain, Jo and Osetek move off after the deserters. "There's go-good sign! Th-th-they are a-a-avoiding The thin man answers. "Company B of the 7th regiment!"

us." Osetek leads the patrol off the road into the woods. "They mo-move south." "Where you boys hail from?"

Through tree stands, across meadow, along hill sides the pursuing follow with ease. "Th-they'll be "Down Gladesville way!" The large man answers.

be stopped at the-the river." The rains have swollen the small river into high fast water. Crossings "Seem to me there's a state penitentiary down there as well. You boys get pardon's for signing up?"

are few now. Jain recalls.

As the trail leads to the river's edge, the sound of men's voices arguing is heard. "Jo get up ahead The two look away and give no answer.

and shoot one of them in the leg." Orders Jain. "What are you two doing so far from the fort?" Sonny persists.

"What if they're the wrong men?" Jo asks. "This here logs heavy!" Says the heavy man with disdain.

Sgt. Jain looks to Osetek. "Th-th-they're the ones from the ca-ca-cabin." "What's the log for?"

"To cross the river!" The little one answers.

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"Put down the log! Now tell me what you are doing here!" The expression of Sgt. Jain never changed. Jo is now chilled by his expressionless façade. Jo is

Then two drop the log and turn to face the Sargent. They look at one another. confused by the execution of the criminals wearing the same uniform as her, and the attack upon

"The large man answers. "Scouting for our regiment!" the poor civilians by members of the army sworn to protect them. She wonders what other horrors

"You boys pass that cabin back up the road a piece?" Jain's words are spoken with out emotion. may have already occurred due to the start of this war.

"Don't remember!" The big one says. The story of the deserters and their execution ran quickly thorough the camp. The closeness of such

"These tracks be the same as at the cabin?' Jain asks Osetek. brutal reality depresses the mood of the camp.

Harry is nervous and fidgets with his gun that he points at the two deserters. "Th-the same!" One morning at dawn the squad falls into formation.

"You both were there! A man and a young woman were kilt early night at that cabin." "Get your gear together!" Orders Sgt. Jain. "Cpls. Goodall, and Calloway to the front."

"They were dead when we passed there. That's the truth." The thin man yells excitedly. Jo and James step in front of the squad.

"Any sign of others at the cabin?" Jain again asks Osetek. "Split the squad into two patrols. Cpl. Goodall take your patrol to munitions and draw 2000 musket

"Na-na-none! Ju-ju-just these to-to-two boys!" cartridges. Cpl. Calloway get your people to fill double canteens with water." Sonny pauses then he

"Hang'em!" Orders Jain. whispers. "We are moving north to engage the Union Army!"

"It wasn't me! He wanted to stop after he saw that pretty girl. I wanted to keep going." The thin Jo and her fellow Corporal are stunned. They stare at the Sargent and one another.

man shouts as he points to the larger prisoner. "Get moving! Get back here directly for mess." Sgt. Jain turns and heads to the company

"We ain't got any rope Sargent." Retorts Jo. commander's tent.

Sgt. Jain ties the two men's hands at their back with their own bootlaces. "You boys have to serve Jo yells to the squad. "All cartridge belts to be left here! Move lively!"

as a lesson so the rest of your kind will think twice." His eyes have grown wild. James grins and giggles. "I'll take all canteens!"

He leads the thin man to the river's bank. Sonny removes a large thick bladed knife from his belt. The squad gather's belongings and disperses to carry out their orders.

He in one motion he castrates the thin deserter, slices open his abdomen, and pushes the man into At the commander's tent the staff of noncommissioned officers are being briefed. "The union army

the rushing water. Only the swollen water about the dying man ends his screams. is moving south across the Potomac River into Virginia." Announces the company commander.

The larger man is trembling with fear. Sonny exacts the same end for him as well. Jo is sickened by "We shall spit our forces into half. One half is to wait at Manassas east of the Blue Ridge. The

the horror she has just seen. Never has she witnessed such cruelty. She turns away from the sight of second half to wait at Winchester and protect the Shenandoah Valley." The officer pauses. "The 3rd

the two men drowning in the river. Jo is physically sick. Regiment will advance by rail to Winchester."

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"When do we expect to engage?" Asks Sgt. Jain. regiment among the trees. The Confederate Calvary will ride far and wide in front to scout the

"With in 24 hours! You will feed you men and board the designated train by midday. Upon arrival Union advance.

we will disperse into the field and prepare defensive ramparts. There will be no rest until we secure Sgt. Jain's strength is in indefatigable. Even at the end of the most grueling day his energy is

a full defensive deployment." undiminished. His small stature and round frame will make him a lesser target to federal riflemen.

The men study the maps of the surrounding area of Winchester. The order of deployment is Jo knows that wherever Sgt. Jain stands fewer rounds of the enemy's bullets are likely to fall. His

instructed down to the squad level. demure human form is exaggerated by the size of the other troops.

~~~~~ Sonny is more at home in the ruff of nature. He is never lost in the field. He cannot explain to any

The Shenandoah Valley lies between the Allegheny Mountains to the east and the Blue Ridge one how he is able to keep his bearing and navigate upon unfamiliar terrain in day or night, under

Mountains to the west. This wide luscious land runs deep into the heart of Virginia. The city of any conditions. The squad relies upon Sonny for their survival.

Winchester sits at Shenandoah's northern most point. Half of the army of Virginia is to set here to The troops prepare for the coming battle. There is much fear and anxiety. Sonny's presence is a

begin the civil war. reassurance to the others. For the first time, Sonny is genuinely esteemed and respected even

The rail depot at Manassas is at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge and is the rail junction for lines though he has no awareness of it. The young men have taken to watching Sgt. Jain. They seem lost

running south along both sides of the Blue Ridge. This point protects Richmond form invasion by even while doing the most menial of tasks when he is not present. Some recruits follow him around

the Northern Army of the Potomac. at a distance for the want of security.

The Jo and the rest of the 3rd Regiment move by rail northwest to the eastern side of Winchester. Sgt. Jain approaches the tent of the commanding officer. "Sir! The position of the squad is ready as

Here half the Confederate Army of Virginia under the command of General Johnson takes a ordered." The Sargent announces as he salutes.

defensive position to repel an invasion from the north. Rumors abound that a 40,000 man union "How is the mood of the men, Sargent?"

force commanded by General McDowell is on the march and headed into Virginia. Sargent Jain has no understanding of the feelings of others. He offers no response.

Johnson's force will occupy the high ground that guards the entrance to the Shenandoah. "The Union Army is advancing very slowly!" The officer informs. "Tonight after mess your squad

Immediately, Sgt. Jain's squad takes a position behind a farmer's stonewall. Separating the wall will get 12 hours leave. They are free to enter Winchester. They must be at their posts by sunrise

from and a tree line of oak and hickory is a small country lane. The squad will dig a trench behind tomorrow!"

the wall along this road in which to form their firing line. Cannons will be hidden behind the "Shall they take weapons with them sir?" Jain asks.

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"No! Take a side arm with you to ensure there is no trouble. Keep the man in order! They'll have blond haired girl attracts much attention. She stands in a loose fitting dress that is bare about her

their hands full of fighting soon enough." The officer salutes to dismiss. shoulders.

That late afternoon the squad walks together on the way to Winchester. A few miles walk from the "The power to fight the Devil is given unto those who believe, ah." The sound of the preaching

Confederate position, the men encounter a wagon pulled to a stop along the side of the road. annoys Jo.

Several hours of dusk are yet to pass but the wagon is rimmed in flaming torches atop long poles. A "The whole of Virginia is being made to fight the wicked one, ah. Only those who walk in the truth

sign on the wagon proclaims the presence of Rev. Dr. Marcus Beason. will survive the coming holocaust, ah. Are you prepared, ah?"

There are many young soldiers standing about the wagon. Ty and several men from Jo's squad stop Many soldiers shout and raise their fists in mocked anger. "Let him show his ugly head and will

to investigate. On a small stage stands a small man dressed as a country preacher with a comely shoot it off!" Yells one recruit to the cheers of the others.

woman at his side. "Did you now that Samson killed thousands of Philistines with the jaw bone of a simple mule, ah?

"Amen! Amen! Heaven is with you, ah!" Booms a loud haunting voice from out of the small David killed a giant with a simple stone thrown from his puny hand, ah!" These heroic reminders

preacher. enthrall the young who are soon to face mortal conflict. The soldiers begin to cheer the preacher's

"If there is one man here, ah that fears the wrath of God, ah. Let him come forward, ah!" The words.

preacher moves about the small stage pointing from one lad to the next. "Moses with his staff of wood commanded the field over the mighty army of the pharaoh, ah."

Many youths have never seen or heard such a sight. The wagon and its owner provide a sparkling The gathering shouts. "Harrah!" Jo finds herself excited by the harmony of the male voices.

diversion to the rough life of the infantry. They are eager for entertainment. "Joshua with his trumpet brought to the ground the walls of the fort at Jericho, ah."

"It is the will of God that I am here, ah. To provide you the last chance to repent your sins, ah." The "Harrah!"

small spokesman begins to prance rhythmically. "Daniel with his father's scarf walked into a den of starving lions, ah."

Ty is mesmerized. Jo looks about at the sight of the small man talking above the gathered troops. "Harrah!"

She wonders at Ty's interest. Jo has no idea of what is keeping these boys from going directly into Jo did not recall anything about a scarf in that story.

Winchester. "Joseph went into slavery among the most ferocious pagans in the bible wearing a plain colored

"The Devil is a coming, ah. He brings his band to claim the wicked among you, ah." While the coat, ah."

small man is speaking, his stage partner waves to those young solders that catch her eye. The pretty "Harrah!"

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Jo knows this little man is changing the stories but she is surprised that none of her fellow soldiers "What do you have in your possession to face the devil, ah?"

seem to care. Ty is vividly captivated. They strain to cheer, but the mood is crushed. They sweat and their temples pulse. All are anxious

The little preacher is hopping in time with his ahs. His cadence has begun to inspire orchestrated for the preacher to raise their spirits once again.

cheers from his listeners. "Lady Lucy here was once the prisoner of a band of thugs, thieves, murders and outlaws of the

"Abraham at the age of one hundred years slew the infidels that stole his sheep, ah" More hopping worse kind, ah." The crowd focuses their attention on the slim blond who now sheds tears.

brings louder cheers. "She had access to guns but that was not enough to save her, ah. When I came with my church

"Merriam saved her family from death by the Syrians by poisoning her enemies, ah!" The men upon these wheels to preach in that town which held her prisoner I carried no weapon, ah!" The

begin to hop with the reverend as they cheer. Jo is appalled by Ty's loss of control. Her man's preacher holds up his empty hands.

attention is lost in the crowd's collective response. "I was without means, ah. I was totally in the care of righteousness, ah. I had fashioned that very

"Jona killed the whale that swallowed him. He choked the beast with his sandal, ah!" day a cross made from simple straw, ah." The preacher pulls from his long black coat a small cross

The girl on the stage begins to hop as well. Her skirt lifts above the knees to reveal her slender bare of dried grass weave. "I gave this very cross to Lady Lucy, ah. I said go without fear no man shall

legs. The crowed is now absolutely spell bound. harm you, ah" The girl upon the stage smiles in affirmation. "Lady Lucy left with me at once, ah.

"Malachi with one burning ember set fire to the wicked city of Sodom, ah." Those brigands were held off by fear of the Lord, ah." The preacher points to Lucy in confirmation

The stage girl begins to wave her hands rhythmically in the air over her head and all the soldiers in of his tale.

the crowd follow. Their passion is unbridled. "We have for each man here one such cross for him to take into battle, ah." The men lean to see the

Jo is the lone person not cheering or bouncing. The words of the preacher alarm her only. talisman that the preacher displays. "This is provided absolutely free, ah." The men compress with

"If you are righteous what weapon do you carry that will protect you from the Devil, ah?" The hands held out to receive.

preacher and his companion stop the dancing abruptly. "Lady Lucy will be glad to present to each man a gift of one absolutely free amulet, ah. All you

The soldiers are confused at the loss of pace. have to do is to wait at the back of the wagon, ah. Upon presenting Lady Lucy with one dollar, she

The crowd's voice is frozen in a convulsion of heavy breathing. Only the preacher's words can will give each man one full kiss on his lips in thanksgiving for rejecting Satan, ah. Then she will

move them. present each man absolutely free a genuine reproduction of her charm guaranteed to ward of Satan's

"The Devil's band comes with the same guns that your army carries, ah. What do you have to defeat evil, ah." The men are thrilled and dig into their pockets as they move to await the good fortune at

them, ah?" The preacher pauses as if to hear a response. None is to come. the hands and lips of Lady Lucy.

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Ty begins to follow to the aft of the wagon. Jo stands dazed as her love abandons her for the "Thanks for the idea, H R" Jo gives Osetek a hug.

attention of Lady Lucy. "Yeah! H R fits you just fine." Adds Ty.

"Let-let's get out of her-here!" Pvt. Osetek grabs Ty by his coat's tail and pulls the soldier from his This evening the party of three Jo, Ty and H R become inseparable friends. They sample the foods

trance. Jo is relieved by the manly act of the former deputy sheriff. from the street together. They taste wine, beer and whiskey.

It is dark when Jo and her companions reach Winchester. Most of the town is bathed in darkness. Big Osetek likes to gamble. The Jo and Ty watch as he tries his luck at his favorite game of dice.

The main streets however are aglow in a carnival atmosphere. Ty has a keen sense of humor and makes boyish jokes over the sights of the town and the occupants

Vendors line the fairway. Stands sell delectable things to eat. Sweet cakes and deserts of all kinds to delight his two companions. It is a wonderful time.

are to be had. Store's fronts are converted to open-air kitchens with meats and eggs cooking on Too soon the three become members of a long tired line returning to the Confederate Camp. It is

grills. near to dawn and most ending leave will share just a few hours rest.

Barber's shops are busy trimming and shaving young men in uniform. Dry goods stores swell with Sargent Jain has not slept all night. He and several noncommissioned officers from the regiment

men in need of personal items. Shoe stores offer sales on any shoe of military design. Musicians patrolled the streets of Winchester through the night. They protected the young soldiers from each

play on street corners. other and the town's people.

Groups of young soldiers walk up and down looking at the offerings of the city. The sounds and Duty at the camp remains the same for several days. Patrols are made in advance of the

laughs of the boys mingle with the barking of the vendors. Dance halls and beer parlors brim with Confederate position to look for scouts and spies sent from the north. Long hours at the wait make

patrons. time pass slowly. One day on the 18th of July, Confederate Calvary pass in front of the squad. They

Jo, Ty and Osetek pass one store with the sign 'Beluah's Babes'. "What's in there?" Asks Ty. were moving quickly east toward Manassas.

"Woman with accommodating virtues." Jo answers. "What's it mean Jo?" Ty asks.

They pass a stand selling Chinese dolls with porcelain heads and satin dress. "Dang if I know!" Responds Jo.

"Oh how cute!" Jo stops. "I must have one of these to bring to Emmy Lou." "It-it's star-rted! They be-be-be headed to Manass-ass-as..."

"It'll get ruined in the fighting, Jo." Warns Ty. "Mansassas!" Jo ends Osetek's sentence. "They must be a fighting over there!"

"I want Emmy to have something nice to make her smile while she waits for Beau's return." "We wi-willl follow the cal-calvary soon."

Answers Jo as her own feeling swell. "I have to write mom a good by letter. Jo will you help me?" Ty asks.

"Yo-you can wra-wrap it in but-butcher's paper. It-it'll ke-keep real go-good."

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"Sure Ty...I'll write down what you say. We'll pin our letters on our coats when we head to the Campfires are set into the creek bed. All along the southern side of Bull Run fires burn bright. The

battle." Jo takes a piece of paper and writes. squad will sleep along this creek to night.

"Dear ma, I go to fight soon. The armies are to meet for the first time at Manassas. I will fight just "We'll be a killing them Yankees soon!" Yells Whitey Chadwell with a boyish excitement.

as pa would do. I'm scared but together the squad keeps up my courage. If I should be kilt don't be "If'n we do-do then we-we are in bi-big trouble!" Answers Osetek.

sad cause I did my duty good, ma. Manassas is a beautiful place. You and sis will love it if have to "Were at the very end of the Confederate line." Calloway says with a grin that has no meaning. "If

you come to see my grave. I love you and sis and Jo. Your son, Pvt. Ty Kooter" we see Yankees then our army is in the wrong place!" Calloway giggles after his words.

Jo's tears stain the paper. "You mean we won't be a fighting none?" Whitey is disappointed.

~~~~~ "Later on if'n not sooner you be shooting all you can stand." Answers Sgt. Jain dryly.

The next morning Sgt. Jain orders his squad to fall-in with the rest of the company as the entire "Y'all be shot at just as much as y'all will be giving out with your muskets." Insists Baxter. Jerry is

brigade assembles in order to begin a hasty march to Manassas. The Confederacy's main reserves at cleaning his musket and sharpening his bayonet.

Winchester are already at the rail station preparing to move at full steam. All shall reinforce the Jo looks at the clear night sky and wonders what a battle will be like. She wonders if any one from

Confederate positions south of a river called Bull Run near the Manassas rail junction. Jo's brigade the squad will get killed in the fighting to come. Maybe all the squad will perish. "Sgt. Jain what's

will arrive late to the extreme west of the Confederate defenses there. the chance of anyone of our squad getting shot?" Jo asks.

The march of some 40 miles is made at a forced pace. For two days the squad marches through the "If the Yanks over run our position then 50% of us will get shot and most likely killed. If we just

summer heat with little shade. Stops are brief and food is made available only at the night's camp. get hit with cannon maybe 25% casualties. There's a 10% chance of getting shot by our own

On the evening of July 20th, the squad is moving along the Warrington Turnpike. Sgt. Jain is soldiers!" Jain again speaks without emotion.

ordered to take his squad into a dried creek bed. This tree lined sunken ditch runs between the outer "I ain't going to shoo no one but Yankees!" Insists Ty. "Why would any one shoot one of their own

meadows of Henry's Farm. Behind the squad is a set of hills that over look the meadows and tree kind for?"

stands that lie before the Confederate's line that faces Bull Run. "You get lost in the dark then y'all find out." Grins Calloway.

"Dig deep!" Yells Sgt. Jain. "So tonight maybe the last time all of us will be together." Jo fights back her tears. She looks over

As a barrier of wood and stone is set atop the ravine, debris from the bed itself is cleared away. at Ty whose is busy cleaning his weapons. She wonders if he'll miss her if she dies in the coming

Shallow areas are made deep to provide cover for a soldier's firing position. By nightfall all is made battle.

ready.

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Ty looks over and sees the concern on Jo's face. "I'll not leave you Jo unless God calls me, and if Osetek is red with shyness. He has never been wanted for speaking out before by anyone let alone a

God calls us both we'll be together forever." large number like a squad of infantry. He stands slowly. He is unsure of his expected duty. The

"What if God calls me only?" Jo asks. men and Jo of the squad watch with enthusiasm as none have ever been toasted.

Ty had never considered this possibility. "Oh Jo! Don't ever say that again. I wouldn't want to live Osetek holds up his drink and shakes his head in gratitude toward Jerry Baxter." To-to us. We-we

without you." shares this drin-drink together. Ma-may we fight to-to-together bra-bravely. May we-we die to-

Jo now understands that Ty would soon forget her. His need for another woman will let her together bra-bravely!"

memory fade right off. "Just get my body back to Buffalo Creek and bury me near Lady." Jo picks Jo has never consumed moonshine before. She is surprised at how smooth it's taste and how strong

up her musket. It shins with readiness. She is determined to help Ty survive. She is also determined the fire is made in her breast.

to marry Ty as soon as possible. ~~~~~

"I would like one more drink of whiskey before I die!" Sighs Calloway. The next morning an officer rides down the line. He is young and wearing a major's uniform. His

Jerry Baxter stands up and removes a long slender bottle from his sack. "My dad gave me this here horse comes to the stop in front of Sgt. Jain. "Is your position secured?" He asks as he returns a

for to toast before our first engagement." He holds a clear flask of liquid up near the campfire for salute to Jain.

all to see. "Ready, Sir!" Responds Jain. His voice is loud.

"That ain't none of your dad's cheap moonshine?" Sneers Whitey Chadwell. "Good Sargent. The Yankees army is on the move. They will arrive at any time and attack to your

"This is dad's finest. It isn't ever for sell." Jerry smiles as he pulls the cork and asks for Whitey's extreme right. You must hold this position! Do not move off when the firing commences. Do you

canteen. He begins pouring a sip for each member of the squad. "This is our first and hopefully not understand?"

our last drink together." "Yes sir. We don't move till ordered."

"We need someone to speak for us before we drink." Yells Ty. The officer nods in agreement as his horse thunders back along the line towards Henry's Hill and

The humor of the squad is now one of celebration. the main body of the Confederate's left flank.

"Who's going to do the honors and speak up?" Asks Calloway. "Who was that Jo?" Asks Ty. "He's not much older than ourselves!"

"Let H R talk." Cries out Jo. "Some kind of officer I guess." Answers Jo with uncertainty.

"Yeah H R!" Yelps Ty among cheers and calls for Osetek to speak. "Cor-core co-co-commander!" Osetek responds. "He's just from Wes-West Point."

"What's a West Point?" Asks Jo.

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"It-it-it's a p-p-place were all of the officer's go-go to-to school, up-up north." "We live right here in this creek bed till told otherwise, even if each one of us dies!" Sonny Jain

"You mean our officers were trained by the Yankees?" Jo is surprised. gives the final order of the day. "Calloway! You're second in command. If I die take

"Mo-most off the officers are from West Po-po-point...North and South." charge...Goodall! You assume command if Calloway falls...Any man standing takes over if Jo's

"You mean our officers and there's went to school together?" Ty is confounded. gone."

"The-there all friends of-of each o-o-other." Jo and Calloway look at one another. They search the expression of one to the other in sign of

"They are going to be trying to kill one another now." Calloway says with excitement. agreement to Jain's words. The entire squad holds tight their breath. Stiff they do not move but their

"You need to go to school to learn how to order an army of 40,000 men." Adds Baxter. eyes look from Sgt. Jain to the horizon where the Yankee army advances.

"That's the tro-trouble! They ar-are taught to be co-company lu-lieuten-na-nants. Ain't no one a- Sgt. Jain stands in front of the squad before the ravine in the open. His musket stands to his side. A

alive ever been in char-rge of 40,000 men." large pack rests at his feet. The Sargent's eyes never leave the horizon.

"No one in charge really knows what to do as yet." Says Sgt. Jain as he points to a column of dust The dust at the extreme right of the horizon dissipates. Cannons flash from the distant hilltops north

rising from a distant road north and to the right. "The Yanks are coming." of Bull Run. Delayed booms arrive after the gray white plums of smoke rise from afar. All eyes of

The sight of 40,000-armed troops coming towards them mesmerizes the squad. They are awe struck the squad look to the right as the Confederate battery answers.

with the realization that this mighty force comes with the sole intention of shoot at them. Distant roars like thunder mix with flashes of smoke. The entire vista to the far right becomes alive

"Canteens and ammunition inspection now!" Barks Jain as the squad musters into formation. with the sound of popping muskets. Like two large dragons, smoke and fire billow back and forth

"Make sure you are all well provisioned." Jain examines each man and his equipment. across Bull Run with the size of the dragons ever increasing from the east to the west.

"Any man that breaks from the line without permission, I will shoot!" Jain has never yelled at the The battle approaches. Slowly the western flanks of the two armies merge. One by one each

men before. He's eyes are wild with rage. "Any man that does not face the enemy and fire his brigade of the Yankee Army comes into action at the crossing points of the river. Sgt. Jain remains

musket, I will shoot." The squad is stiff with fear and anticipation. "Any man that does not charge unmoved.

upon command, I will shoot." There is a long pause as Jain looks into the eyes of each member of Rows of smoke and flash are establish in deadly contest between foes that are now fully engaged.

the squad For an hour or more the battle rages between the centers of the armies.

"Are you ready?" Asks Jains. The right of the horizon is now shrouded with a billowing fog from spent munitions. Sgt. Jain

"Yes Sergeant." The squad echoes loudly in unison. becomes alarmed he mounts his pack quickly to his back. He points directly ahead and sweeps his

arm to his left. He turns to his squad.

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"The Union Army is making its main thrust at our flank. They have fooled General Beauregard!" It is a glorious sight of thousands of men moving as directed by horseback. A spectacle of motion

Jain is now running at the sprint back towards the squad. "Get down into that creek bed, now!" He and arrangement of uniforms unfolds in proportions that is only to be seen a battlefield. Jo is a

shouts. The entire Confederate flank takes to the ground. witness to history just as Helen of Troy and ancient Greece. She wonders if any Greek or Roman

With a surge Jo, Ty and Osetek fall into the ravine head in first. They land rolling one atop the women fought in the great wars of the ancient world. Surely, she could not be the only woman ever

other. All the Confederate line is a scramble of limb and leg crawling into cover and laying at the to have such a want for a man.

ready. Muskets are brought to the front and all rest atop the ravine. Bayonets are hurriedly fixed to Jo relaxes as she muses of life as a woman in the time of Rome. Would she have been a slave girl

musket with many to fall loose to the ground. to some handsome Centurion? Maybe she would have lived on a shaded hilltop of Rome. How is it

"Load muskets!" This call is made over and over again by Confederate officers riding back and that she comes to a life in the south at a time of war? Does every woman face life with war? Is it

forth at the inspection. this way for every generation?

"Dam!" Shouts Calloway. "I thought we weren't going to see any Yanks." A loud crash and explosion occurs just behind the ravine where she lays. A blast of hot air, and dirt

James alarm is raised at the sight of marching Union troops that have crossed Bull Run and are pelt the squad. Boughs of trees crack loudly and pieces of branch and wood fall about them.

massing to charge the Confederate flank. Row upon row of Union squads stomp along a line "Holy spit!" Yells Ty. "Jo get your backside down here!" He pulls the stunned girl to the floor of

parallel to front of the Confederates. Union flags lead countless rows of bayonets that gleam in the the Creek bed next to him and wraps his arms about her head and shoulders.

mid morning sun. Horses bring Union caissons at the rush. Officers stride with swords drawn and Other explosions rip and shake the earth along the ravine. The sounds of passing shot fill the air.

pointing directly at Jo and her companions. Artillery shells fall all about the Confederate line as well as out into the empty meadow to their far

In front of the ravine in which the Confederates wait is a long narrow meadow that sweeps in front left.

of Jo's position and turns at the angle up toward the ravine at Jo's near right. Trees line this "Weee boy!" Laughs Calloway. "The ain't hitting a dam thing. The must be blind."

meadow, and shallow woods make cover back to the river. "The-the-ere no-no-not sure whe-where we are." Answers Osetek without lifting his head off the

Jo and her squad load muskets as they watch Union troops fill the woods. ground.

"They are priming their cannons!" Roars Jain. "Get down as low as you can." The blistering barrage continues for about an hour. Then the field grows quiet.

Jo hesitates as the rest of the squad cringes out of sight of the Union battery. She must witness all "Get up to your firing positions!" Commands Sgt. Jains.

that is to proceed. The troop rises from the floor to kneel and stand in the ditch with muskets held at the wait.

"What's happening?" Asks Baxter quivering.

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There is no answer as the sound of trumpet and voice give call to the Union charge from the confused. The mix of men without formation and disorientated adds to the chaos witnessed on the

squad’s left. Several hundred Union troops walk out of the trees and move across meadow. battle field. Those on the field in command have discovered their mistake and sound recall.

"Where in the hell are they a going?" Asks Calloway as the squad watches the Union formation The Union troops move away awkwardly. Men from one side of the field mix and withdraw in the

move in a parallel course to the ravine in a direction that leads to their own line on the other side of company soldiers from the second side. Soldiers that have just shot their muskets at each other are

the meadow. helping to direct safe retreat. Many have lost any sense of order. They race about looking for a

In but an instant, a second Union line advances from the squad’s right out from the trees at the familiar face or landmark.

angled part of the meadow. They are proceeding in a line that intersects with the advancing A few men from the field run directly toward the ravine some carry no weapon. In the lead is a

formation of Union from the left. small thin figure of a soldier. A large man with Sergeant stripes calls after this bunch. He follows

"They is a heading toward one another." One of the Crawfords points out. "They each think the but lacks the fleetness of his quarry. Lost and afraid a handful of young Union soldiers are pursued

other is a we'un." by the burley Sergeant. They follow the led of the little soldier who races ahead.

Jo is amazed to hear so much spoken at one time by a Crawford that she is held in disbelief. Jo watches as the lad leads the band of Yankees straight toward the guns of her squad. The small

The two Union formations race toward each other thinking they are about to attack the army of the lad looks to be much younger than Jo herself. He is more of a boy than a man. "Get back!" She

Confederacy. The soldiers in the ravine watch in utter amazement as the first battle they are to see calls to the youth. "Wrong way!"

is between Union forces. The men of the squad and the whole Confederate line shout warning to the boy in a blue uniform.

As soon as the advancing Union troops come within musket range of each other they stop and Still the lad comes straight on as if he is late and rushing home to his mother. There is no question

volley fire. Streams of smoke race between the two Union lines in the meadow. The crack and pop the lad will not stop till he reaches the ravine.

of musket fire brings the Confederate soldiers to attention. The union forces squeeze toward one "Do-don't shoo..." Osetek's words are never finished as a musket cracks from the squad's rear.

another under heavy musket fire. Jo watches as the small soldier's body is lifted off the ground. The boy's head explodes in a red

"They ain't shooting anybody." Whitey calls out. "None of them can shoot!" mist. The collapsed body of the boy is thrown backward in the field by the impact of a 50 caliber

As they two Union move into inescapable range, their musket shots find targets. The front bodies in musket ball.

the warring Union lines are ripped and shredded by dense musketry. The dead and wounded of the All watch as the boy's body is set motionless upon the ground. Jo turns to see Cpl. Calloway

first casualties drop to the ground. The following troops panic. Some men race toward their holding his musket raised and its barrel still smoking. "Well some one had to kill him!" Calloway

opposition and other break to run away. In the dense smoke from the musket fire, directions are says with a smile.

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Jo cannot believe this child has been shot. She stares at the grinning corporal with revulsion. Harry The meadow has been cleared of the living. Only a hundred or so Union dead lie about. The

Osetek springs to his feet. His massive body moves in a blur toward Calloway. Jo watches as Confederate battery to right assumes that the ravine is now in Union hands and begins to fire on it's

Osetek's arm reaches toward Calloway'. Harry's thick round fingers close around the corporals' own men.

neck. The corporal is seized in one huge fist that tightens. With one arm, Osetek lifts Calloway's Exploding shells land with effect. The ravine is racked by artillery barrage. The Confederate

body up in a coke hold. The corporal drops his musket and with both hands tires to free himself. commanders order an immediate withdraw to the South.

Calloway's face is pure white and distorted as Osetek's is choking him to death. Sgt. Jain stands to his feet on the southern slope of the ravine. Amid falling shell he orders. "Move

"You-you ki-killled that li-li-little boy." Harry's eyes are all but closed in rage. out toward Henry's hill." Just as he begins to step away from the ravine, a piece of shrapnel tears

Calloway tries to speak but may not. He cannot escape from Osetek's enormous strength. into his back pack sending broken glass and jelly preserve over all the squad members at the close.

"I-I'm go-going to kill you no-no-ow." Harry whispers in the corporal's ear. "That pack saved your life!" Squeals Whitey as he races out from the creek bed.

Jo knows that Osetek intends to kill Calloway...he deserves it. She knows that her every The Crawfords who always keep near Jain have been spayed with the debris from his exploding

Confederate soldier for a hundred yards is watching. "No Harry! Please let him go!" She calls out backpack. They have little sense of danger. They stop their evacuation despite the continuing

as Ty reaches around Harry's arm to free the corporal. bombardment to lick and taste the delights from Jain's store.

Jo runs to cover Harry's back with her own body so no one will shoot him. She holds Osetek softly Jo makes her way to the edge of the ravine when one shell lands in front of her retreat. A blast of

and puts her lips to his ear. Calmly she speaks. "Harry, don't do this. He is not worth you being put hot air sends her flying back into the ravine. Flying dirt and smoke fills the ravine. The escaping

before a firing squad. Please we need you too much...I need you." members of Jain's squad are not aware that Jo and other's are not able to follow.

The muscles in Harry's body begin to relax. Calloway takes meager breath. Osetek let's fall the ~~~~~

nearly unconscious Calloway. Osetek spits on the fallen corporal’s person. The left flank of the Confederacy has withdrawn under friendly fire. Leaving their wounded in the

The Union Sergeant has watched his young charge die. He recovers the others as they recoil from ravine, the Union army has regrouped for another assault on this flank.

the Confederate line. The squad cheers as the young Union soldiers are ushered safely to their own In the ravine Jo's is unable to sustain consciousness. She is able to open her eyes occasionally but

line. sees only the floor of the creek bed. Near her lays Jerry Baxter who is mortally wounded. His arm

~~~~~ is severed. He has lost much blood. He moans softly as he dies.

Jo has no feeling in her arms or legs. She has no pain. Her vision is blurred when she is able to see.

The Union troops move freely to west along Bull Run. Their lack of organization has saved the

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Confederacy from a major defeat. The army of the rebellion has time to rush troops to its left flank Chapter 5

to counter the Union threat. Seven Pines

Yankee patrols now reach the ravine. It is the same Union squad that Calloway fired upon earlier in

the day. They advance to recover their dead. The burly Union Sergeant who witnessed the unarmed

boy as he was slain approaches. The Yankees are eager to revenge their losses.

The thick Union Sergeant and his men enter the ravine. "Stick 'em all! Make sure none of this scum

lives." He bellows.

Union soldiers with fixed bayonets walk along the ravine stopping to stab the Confederates who lay

upon the ground alive or dead. They gather discarded weapons and collect souvenirs. Jo waits as

the Yankees approach. She is unable to move or speak. She may only hope that they will leave

before they find her. The large Sergeant moves close. "Yes this is from were PeeWee was shot...he

wasn't even armed. These bastards didn't give him a chance."

The Sergeant hears Baxter's moan. Jo watches as a bayonet is thrust into Baxter's chest. Jerry's

body shudders from the force. His eyes roll up to show only the white. Baxter's head slumps to the

side with mouth agape. He is dead. Jo awakes. She lays flat on her back. Her eyes search the view above and to her front. It is

Jo knows that she is next to die. Helpless, she closes her eyes. Thoughts of her dog Lady and the early in the day. The sky is blue with streams of hazy gray-white clouds. There is yet a red

panther fill her mind. She wonders if Lady waited for help as she herself does now. Had God sent glow of color to one side of the cloud mass as the sun is just newly raised. Branches of tree

her to save Lady? cover her. Time is suspended for Jo. She has no thought. Distant birds sing a melody of

Will God permit her to die now? cheer.

A peace and calm fill Jo. She believes that God will shave her if he chooses. Other wise, like the Jo is comfortable. She breathes a fresh air with aromas unfamiliar to her. She thinks of her

young boy killed by Calloway she will pass this day to the next where her mother and father wait. mother. She listens for some sound of her childhood home. Is her mother soon to call her to

Tears roll down her cheeks. the kitchen? Is this to be another day of skipping to the storefront to help her father and

back to the kitchen?

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The sky is full. The window of her parents’ home does not frame her view. No! She is not She relives the explosion that sent her reeling back into the dry creek bed. That shell burst

with her parents. They are dead she recalls. What is this view before her? Where is she? Jo hand cost Baxter his life. Their own gun hand killed Jerry and nearly her. She is overcome

knows not where she lays. by the sadness of a lost comrade, and the joy of her own survival. Jo feels the sense of guilt

Her grandparents farm in Buffalo Creek! Yes, this is her home among the woods and fields mixed with rebirth. She smiles and cries. She sobs and laughs. Mostly, she is reborn. Her

of Virginia. This seems correct, almost. She does not hear Lady barking, or the familiar life was not just extended. Jo is come into a second life.

sounds of her grandparent’s barn. No! The scents where she rests do not match. Jo lies in “Good morning!” A loud voice takes Jo’s attention. “Henry, help this girl to sit up a spell

the open. She has passed the night outside. Can she be out in the fields near her while she takes this here tea.” The rough voice of Freda Mae greets Jo.

grandparents’ house? Why would she sleep outside without grandpa? Where is he? Jo watches as Freda and her man Henry approach. Jo wants to speak but finds there is too

Jo turns her head slightly. There is a great stiffness in her neck that runs to the middle of her much pain in her neck.

back. She lies in an unknown bed. She is located in an unfamiliar place with an injury of “Don’t be trying to talk!” Barks Freda. “You’ll be stiff and sore for another day or

unknown origin. Her entire right side is also stiff and gives much discomfort when she two…Drink this tea slowly. It’ll loosen you up some.”

attempts to move. Jo strains at recollection. Jo’s eyes search Freda Mae for help.

A breeze brings the scent of stabled horses. Jo remembers the army encampment at “They brung you in last evening on a stretcher. You was found among the dead and all shell

Culpeper. Thoughts of Ty and the squad come to her mind. Jo knows she is a Confederate shocked. There’s about a hundred poor souls in the same shape as you around here.”

soldier. Where is the rest of the squad? Sgt Jain? Yes, they were sent to Winchester. She “You is in the junction here at Manassas.” Henry says in a soft soothing voice.

recalls the laughter enjoyed by all during the movement there. Jo seeps the tea. Her stomach warms and her pain dissipates.

How silly they acted on the train by making fun of the new places and strange people they “The Union is going back north across the Potomac. So they say.” Adds Freda.

passed. Can this be Winchester? Where is the squad? They are never separated. Jo whispers very weakly. “My squad?”

The stiffness in her body grows as Jo comes to full consciousness. Her mind recalls Bull “They’re about. The whole Confederate army is about regrouping. Some will be moving off

Run. She sees the child in a blue uniform shot again by Cpl. Calloway. She recalls the final back to Winchester straight away in case the Union army might try an attack over there.”

moments of Jerry Baxter’s life as he lie in the ravine. Tears stream from her eyes. Informs Henry.

Jo is aware that she did not die in the ravine next to Jerry’s body. The Union bayonets did

not find her. She is alive. Her hands search her body for wounds. There are none.

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“Most likely your Sergeant will be a checking the rosters and he’ll be here before not today then tomorrow.” He takes Jo’s empty cup. “Best get you some bittles ‘fore Freda

long…Y’all need to eat some Jo. I’ll have Henry bring you some grits with honey.” Freda gets back and has my ole black hide.”

smiles. “The more you can eat the faster you’ll recover,” Jo remains at the medical area. By the days’ end she begins to stand and move about. Sgt

Again Jo looks longingly at her nurse. Jain finds her name posted on the injured casualty list and comes to visit.

“You just been bruised up is all. Eating and drinking some fine cooking is best.” Freda Mae “Goodall, at ease!” Jain is not a sensitive man. “You will be released in two days time. You

moves off to look at the others that lie about injured and collected. will then rejoin the squad. Our company is holding ground back near the farm house while

“Who won?” Jo asks Henry. the rest of the regiment returns to Winchester.”

“You did Jo!” Henry answers. “The north retreated from the field before dusk.” Jo is fearful for Ty and the rest of the command. “Is anyone else injured?

“Many killed?” Is Baxter the only one? How is Ty?”

“A few! If’n either side could hit what they aimed at then my they’d be half dead on both Jain has no sense of the young girl’s needs. ”We were lucky! You and Baxter were the only

sides for all the shooting that was going on. Lordy, there was some noise. Cannons roaring casualties. Kooter and the rest are on duty. You’ll see them soon enough.”

every which way! Smoke and fire a blazing! Hundreds of muskets firing everywhere one “What of Jerry’s body? How did I get here? Why was I not killed beside Jerry?”

looked.” Henry shakes his lowered head. “Missy Jo. It must have been Hell on earth for “Baxter’s body is to be sent home. Don’t know who found you or toke you out of that ditch.

every body out there. Cause it sure didn’t look like no heaven!” When we retreated our own cannon’s came down on the regiment. We scattered every

“How ‘d you and Freda get here?” which way. I am told that our Calvary charged save that flank.”

“As soon as the word come down to Deersville that the Union was going to attack “Ty was not hurt?’ She asks in a womanly way.

Manassas, that old woman got us signed up to the medical section of the Confederacy. Sgt. Jain does not answer.

Freda gots grandchillen here a fighting. She don’t want no one dying due to no chance to “I’ll be there as soon as I am released.” Jo responds.

get some medical care.” ~~~~~

“What side you for?” Later that night Jo is moving about with just some deep stiffness to keep her under Freda’s

Henry’s eyes are sad. “My side is with ole Freda Mae till one or the other of us pass on. But care. She is helping the nurses with their duties. Most of the slightly wounded have been

was I a young buck then I’d be wearing blue, Jo…Some one gots to let us dark folk free. If released and have been transported by train or wagon back to their commands.

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On a hills side not far from the medical area workers are still busy at digging graves. “There’s more that all be dying tonight. Come morning the dead will lay piled up awaiting

Torchlights lead the way for the newly dead to be buried. for a hole to fill. Will save some!” Freda shows no loss of energy for her endless hours.

“Henry why are some men being buried here and some sent home?” Jo wonders. Jo has never witnessed so much compassion by one soul. She understands why Freda is

“Missy Jo some men can’t be recognized, or have no home to be sent to. Don’t seem right respected by so many back home. Jo wonders how many folks she has saved over the many

that a man would die for his home but not have one to be buried in. It’s just some of those years.

boys were dirt poor and have no land of their own to be buried on.” Henry and the other men who are able move those with fever off from the many to keep

“Jerry Baxter was sent home on account his folks own land?” Jo is surprised that poverty disease down. Their work this night is much like a game of chance. They try to improve the

follows a man into his grave. odds of survival for the most in their care. As the night continues Jo forgets her own pain

“Yes’m! No one will take a corpse onto their land if it ain’t kin…sometimes they won’t take and refuses to stop her work helping Freda and Henry.

kin cause of fear of spirits.” Among the rows of injured Jo makes her way. Suddenly she hears a call from the dark. “Jo-

“Henry, if I am…If I get…I want my body sent to my grandma’s and buried next to my dog o! J-Jo-o! It’s me-e.” Calls Osetek.

Lady. Please?” Jo hurries to him. “HR how is everyone? How is Ty?”

“Don’t talk like that Missy Jo! Never lay in a grave… yours or anyone, even in a dream. “Fi-fine, Jo! Ty is go-od.” Harry Osetek smiles to see her up and about. “Ho-how are y-

That’s an invitation to the devil for sure.” Henry is disturbed by her talk. “Freda and I’ll see you?” He asks concerned.

to you proper like.” “I’ll be fine. Freda will release me in a day or two.” What are you doing here?” Where’s

Freda calls out. “We need some help here you two. There’s boys a burning with fever and Ty?”

needs a drink.” Freda has not slept for the second night. “Henry don’t let these here “He’s go-ot guard du-duty all night. I sn-sneaked o-off. Every on-one is a-a wor-ried!”

bandages soak through and begin to puss up.” “Tell the boys I’m fine and will be back…I’m just soar is all. HR, I saw Jerry die!”

Jo helps change bandages and wash the dying. “I-I saw his bo-body when I went to get you!”

“Most will get weak and catch the fever.” Says Freda. “Keeping the place clean and the “You saved my life? Did you see that Yank who was a sticking all the boys who were down

bodies washed will keep the fever down and save some.” with his bayonet?”

“Their digging more graves, Freda.” Jo announces. “Colonel Hostil’s cal-calvary ch-ch-charged right af-after we got off that ravine. I-I didn’t

see you…so I followed the hor-horses back. They w-were no Yanks wh-when I-I got there.”

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“You carried me to get help?” “I couldn’t tell cause he did have all his parts…just pieces of him left to look at.” Whitey

“Ju-just till I saw so-some me-men with str-stretchers. Th-there was no time to see if you words are chilling.

was a-alive. I-I’m glad you li-lived J-Jo.” “You probably didn’t hit anything but trees.” Says Ty laughingly.

The thoughts of her death at a Yankee’s bayonet return to Jo. Her fears at that moment are ‘They was moving so fast and going every which way…it was harder than shooting at wild

relived. Her joy of being alive overcomes her. She puts her arms about the large man who turkeys.” Whitey answers.

saved her life. “Thank you H R for my life!” She looks up into the large round face of her “Did any body but Calloway shoot a Yank?” Asks one of the Crawfords.

friend that again blushes red. “Babies don’t count!” Says Jo. “I didn’t fire one shot the whole time.” Jo is surprised at her

Osetek has a tear in his eye for seeing Jo alive. He is afraid to hold the frail girl’s body. “I harsh words.

was a-a feared th-that I-I would not be a-able to s-s-save you.” “Me-me neither.” Adds Osetek. “Th-there was no one lo-looking right at me a want-ting to

~~~~~ sho-oot.”

The Union army withdrew straight to Washington, DC. Their commanders recognized that “Hell I figure I wounded or killed five Yanks or so.” Giggles Calloway.

their force was not sufficiently trained for such large scale maneuvers as that need to defeat “How many had weapons?” Asks Jo. She now hates this ratty thin man.

the Confederacy. They also were surprised at the strength of the resistance offered by the Calloway for the first time looks at her without a grin. He knows some day he may have to

rebel forces. shoot this girl.

After some weeks, the Confederate forces of northern Virginia deploy as before the incident Jo sees the same look on face now as when he aimed his musket at the boy child in blue

at Bull Run. Jo’s regiment is one of the last to return to Winchester. Her company proceeds running towards the ravine. She is not afraid of Calloway or whether he knows what she

by foot over the two-day march required. thinks of him.

Jo is reunited with her squad. “Don’t fire your musket without a target.” Answers Jain. Pull the trigger slow and careful.

The squad is camped for the night. Tales of the battle continue with each man offering his Then you’ll bring down your man.”

own personal view of the action at Bull Run. “All’s one has to do is hold the advance of the Yanks until our cannons blow the whole

“I ran out of ammunition right off!” says Whitey. “I picked up the pouch of a dead man and place up.” Whitey remarks. “I have never seen so much destruction as a canon ball falling

used some of his.” among a group of men.”

“Was he a Yank or a rebel?” Asks Calloway. “Most of our dead where from friendly cannon fire.” Ty responds.

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“Or fever!” Jo interrupts. carried from the ravine and imminent death, the little girl inside was left behind. Jo did not

“Seems that just about everyone was scared wild.” Ty continues. wholly survive that experience.

Sgt. Jain produces a bottle of whiskey from his new pack. “Found this on a thirsty man who ~~~~~

got himself kilt. Drinks are on him.” Near the end of the second day’s march in route to Winchester, Sgt. Jain’s squad passes a

“How’s about those men on horse back a riding and swiping with sabers?” Calloway’s eyes small stone building on the side of the road. It is a structure built from an earlier time. There

are wild with excitement. “If you can’t find a target here you just ride yonder and about till is a cross upon the entrance. It hangs above a single heavy wooden door. A sign in the front

you get yourself a bunch for the killing.” declares ‘Portiunicula Chapel’.

Jo knows she will have to kill Calloway one day for the man’s a natural murderer. “Is that there a church?” Asks Jo.

The squad shares a cup of spirits and laughs till the bugle sounds. And all retreat to slumber. The Crawfords look at the structure without recognition. Ty scratches his head. “Ain’t seen

Jo lies next to Ty and Osetek with the Crawfords near. “Ty? We are going to get married any thing like it ever before?” Ty answers.

soon.” Jo announces. “It-It’s a-a-a special p-p-place.” Osetek comments. “It’s a cha-chapel!”

“Hows come?” Answers Ty quietly. “Well is a chapel a church?” Jo is bit annoyed by the lack of information.

“Cause in one of these here battles one of us may get kilt and I don’t want to die without “Yes, b-b-but a-a special ch-church.” Osetek reiterates.

being your wife even for a short bit.” “They got a preacher in there like a regular church?’ Jo is determined to find out.

“Well okay! As long as the Sergeant agrees!” “A sp-special pre-acher called a-a friar.” Oestek answers.

“We don’t need no Sergeant’s permission…you just be ready when I say.” Orders Jo. “Is this friar like a preacher?” Jo speaks with frustration.

“Those boys dying in that hospital back in Manassas, didn’t need a Sergeant any more.” No “He-he can do-do what a p-preacher does but he-he does more.” Harry tries to explain.

one can keep anyone alive in a battle. Jo is no longer sure that she can keep Ty alive. “Can he wed two bodies an’ all?” Jo is anxious.

“Okay, but I never expected to get married while I was a fighting a war.” Ty likes it when “Su-sure…b-but he does thing in a-a s-special way.”

Jo takes charge. She makes things easy and good for him just like his mother. “Good cause I have something special for him to do tonight!” Jo gives Ty a wink of her eye.

Jo sleeps with her musket closer to her side and primed for firing and her bayonet under her The Confederate Company makes camp but a few miles from the old chapel. The union

blanket. She is no longer just a young woman. Jo is now a mature warrior. As she was army is known to be far off and making no plans to return soon. Camp is very relaxed and

the picket duty is considerably lighter than that formed at Bull Run.

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“Sgt. Jain?’ Jo calls. “Some of us want to go back to the little church.” Jo and Ty enter with Harry and the Crawfords at the follow.

Sgt. Jain is confused. “What for? Company has no orders to return?” The interior is well light. At the far end is a raised floor upon which stands a small altar. A

“We need to go to church a spell!” Jo speaks with a newfound aggressive tone much like lone figure of an aged monk kneels before the shrine in prayer.

that used by the field officers. The soldiers move forward past several rows of narrow benches that are capable of seating

Sgt. Jain is uncomfortable with Jo. Her words are spoken as a command with real authority. 20 or so worshipers. They find the chapel much like a crypt. The silence penetrates their

He is befuddled and cannot speak. souls. They process in quiet toward the monk. The priest holds a rosary in his hands. The

“We are supposed to have church time for Sunday services and such!” Again Jo confronts old man’s prayers are heard as repeated whispers. The priest is undisturbed by their

Sonny with an aggression and a confidence of a superior. “It has to be Sunday sooner or presence.

later. Some of us need to go get some religion real bad. We want Sunday now.” The band of militia comes to stop just steps from the altar and the priest. They stare at one

Jain has never had a request for church time before. He recalls orders for Sunday service. another and look in wonder at the statues and framed religious pictures that fill the walls. Jo

“Can it wait till we gets to Winchester?” His words are conciliatory. looks in puzzlement at Ty as she turns to Osetek a shrug of her shoulders.

“We near died back on the farmers field back at Bull Run.” Jo stands eye to eye with Jain Harry stands with his hat in his hands and responds to Jo’s prodding. “Ex-xcuse us pa-

for the first time. “It ain’t much to ask now for an hour or so to get prayed over by a regular padre.” Harry says quietly.

preacher.” Jo’s explanation is soft and powerful. The monk makes the sign of the cross, folds his beads into one hand and deposits them after

“Who’s all in need of going to church?” Sgt. Jain asks loudly to his squad. He cannot a pious kiss into a pocket of his frock. He stands slightly bent and turns to face his audience.

believe he is asking this question let alone going to permit the men go off. The band watches a long form of a man turn. Now old and frail of limb, the priest’s large

Jo. Ty, Osetek raise their hand. All four Crawfords do likewise. hands raise to give blessing to those who appear before him.

Jain shakes his head in uncertainty. “Okay but y’all have the duty for the night when you The soldiers have never heard words spoken in Latin. The strength of the priest’s voice has

return.” not failed. A pure light pours forth from his steal gray eyes. Even though bent he stands

The others of the squad cheer for relief for not losing sleep while keeping guard tonight. above all even the burly Osetek.

It is just past dusk when the group of Confederate soldiers reaches the chapel. Torches “Fr. George Sussex at your service. How may I help you?”

flame along the chapel’s exterior show the pathway to the door. Small shuttered windows “You a preacher?” Asks Jo.

emit rays of flickering light from the light candles on the inside.

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“I am a friar of the Order of St. Francis of Assisi.” The priest voice is soft but his words fill shoulders. “And we have a few stop on their return to Winchester to give their thanks for

the small chapel. His tones are rich and he speaks with a pronounced English accent. God’s mercy.”

“This is a church!” Jo states. Jo looks at Harry for understanding of what is happening. Harry shrugs his shoulders back

“This is a chapel named after the Portiunicula to be found in Italy.” at Jo in uncertainty.

Jo has no idea of what the priest’s answers mean. “Can a person get married here... and can “Can you hitch us preacher? We have to get back to the company right off for night duty.”

you marry ’em?” Jo tries to explain.

“Yes indeed! I have married many souls here over the past sixty some years.” “Never married two soldiers before...least ways one soldier to another. No reason it can’t be

Jo smiles at Ty and Harry. “We want to get hitched right off!” Jo tells the friar. done.“ The priest reaches into a tall standing closet on the altar’s side. “Who among you can

The old priest‘s expression turns to bewilderment as his eye searches among the band of read?”

soldiers. Jo and Harry raise their hands. Ty and the Crawfords make no response.

Osetek understands the priest’s confusion. He reaches over and pulls Jo’s cap from her The priest removes from his closet a small stack of prayer cards. “This is the prayer to Saint

head. George...the patron saint of all of England” The old man passes out one card to each visitor.

Jo realizes the confusion as well. She shakes her hair free and rubs her cheeks clean with the “You’ll have to read the words to the others.” He says as Harry receives one.

sleeve of her uniform. Her added smile identifies her as the intended bride. “Does this here card make us married?” Jo asks confused.

“I see! Joan of Arch has come to the Confederacy.” The old man muses. “The priest laughs. No! My goodness no! St. George is also the patron saint of the soldier

The remainder of the soldiers removes their hats. and has the power from God to defend you in battle. Carry this holy card with you when

“You big fellow are the groom?’ Father asks Osetek. you face the enemy.”

Harry round face and his thick neck flush red and he points to Ty who stands senseless and They all are happy to comply with this wish.

confused. “H-How a-about the Yanks? Do-don’t they ca-carry theses same ca-cards?” Harry asks.

The old priest counts the number of visitors. “Seven...that’s a fair number of souls.” He “If every soldier carried this card, then God would see to it that no battle would again ever

moves toward the side of the altar. “Had quite a few visitors in the chapel by your fellow be fought. There’s no magic and no favorite side in war for prayer.” The voice of the old

Confederates as they were marching to Manassas before the battle. They wanted their last priest is filled with an eternal fire and spiritual conviction.

anointing.” The priest bows his head and makes the sign of the cross on his head and “Th-thank you father!” Harry’s doubt is removed and he places the card in a chest pocket.

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“Recite this prayer before every armed action. We English would not waste our time with “Are we married now?” Asks Jo.

such if it never did any known good. “Not yet!” The priest announces. “Witness?”

“Ain’t you American?” Asks Ty. “We want to be married as Americans.” “Harry Osetek!” Jo says with a large warm grin.

“My family came here to America when I was a small child. We moved into this part of “What of these four other fellows?” The monk asks.

Virginia where the Indians still lived in powerful nations.“ The priest smiles.” When I “They just follow me around preacher. We’re neighbors back home and they don’t want to

marry you’ll be husband and wife in America as well as England” get lost! They mean no harm.” Jo says

Ty is thrilled at the impending notoriety. “Lets’ get to it!” He yells. “Do you wish them in the marriage record?”

The priest removes a large book of registry form the closet. He carries the book to the altar “Just say the Crawford boys were here. They’ll like to share some part! I guess.”

and places it flat. There are many used pages and moments pass as the monk searches for Jo turns to see the Crawfords smiling all together. This is something she is not accustomed

the place of current listings. “All births, deaths, and marriages have to be listed with the to witnessing.

diocesan office and with the county seat. We do that for you at no charge.” The priest continues. “Place of baptism?”

Harry pushes Ty and Jo a step ahead. Jo and Ty look at one another and have no words with which to answer.

Jo sense the real business is at hand. “You are baptized I assume?” The old monk waits for understanding.

“Bride’s name?” The priest asks with pen in hand. “I think I was preacher and Ty ‘s mom takes him to church so I guess he was.” Jo responds

“Cathy Jo Goodall!” as best that she is able.

“The groom?” “We can have a quick baptism as part of the ceremony!” The friar responds.

“Parnell Ty Kooter!” Jo responds. She wants to insure things are done well. “Sure preacher.” Jo figures this will hurry the whole thing along.

“Army unit?” Anyone else not baptized here?” The priest searches the faces of Harry and the Crawfords.

“Co-company A, Th-third regiment, Nor-northern Virginia Ar-army of the Con- “I-I was bu-but them Crawfords do-don’t know nothing a-about churching.” Harry

confederacy.” Harry is also anxious. responds.

“Your record of marriage will be listed in the Winchester Court House. Your home address “I wish to baptize all before the marriage vows. It is best to enter this union in God’s grace.”

is to be listed as that of your military unit.” The priest looks at Jo and Harry for their The priest announces.

understanding. “What do they need baptized for if Jo and I want to get married.” Ty sounds a bit jealous.

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“When my family was surrounded in our home by angry savages, my grandmother would The priest commands. “Before the Lord this night, you ask to be joined into one. Man and

pray using the same rosary beads that I now carry. Her prayers were for our deliverance woman together bound as husband and wife. Do you promise to love and honor one another

from harm and that God forgive us for taking the lives of any heathens before the had a all your days until death do you part?”

change to be baptized.” The priest responds. Jo heart swells with joy and love as her dream is realized “I do preacher!”

“When we are baptized, we come unto the Lord and we are made his disciple. The Lord has Ty is numb with all this official business he is undertaking. He stammers but no words

promised to call his disciples to his kingdom and eternal life. If you die and are not baptized come forth. He is stricken with panic.

then your soul is lost. It is better to die a Christian then to live a long life as a pagan and “He-he does father.” Harry answers for Ty.

never know God for his love is forever.” Do you Harry Osetek declare these two free to wed?”

We have to get baptized to get married?” Jo surmises. “I-I do!” Harry answers solemnly.

“Correct. I want those Crawford boys to have a chance for an eternal life of joy and peace The priest makes the sign of the cross over the couple. “I pronounce you husband and

and happiness.” Father Sussex answers. wife!” He declares. “What God has joined let no man separate.”

“I do as well preacher. Lord knows that their lives have been hard since they was born and Jo stands coyly looking up to read Ty’s countenance.

not much hope for anything else.” Jo wants the boys to share the happiness she now feels. Ty is still confused but he senses discomfort is at an end. He smiles from relief and looks

“Heyboy you and your brothers get them hats off and get yourselves made Christens.” into Jo eyes. He sees her happy and some how changed. He hopes this marriage business

“Yes’m Miss Jo.” Davey is the oldest Crawford and answers respectfully to his betters. will not change his life. Ty wonders if his mother will be mad when she finds out.

The seven soldiers kneel in one row at the altar with head bared. Harry shakes the priest’s hands vigorously and the Crawfords cheer.

The monk passes across the front of each individual pouring a few drops of water on to each The priest moves to the closet and removes a small bottle of sherry.

forehead. “Be baptized into the Lord. All your sins are forgiven you!” This is recited by the “The English say that a spot of sherry before bed each night in a marriage will help to keep

priest for each. the troubles away. Take this with my blessings and wishes for a long, happy life together.

They are directed to stand. The soldiers move quickly out of the chapel. They are glad to be released from the presence

Jo and Ty step up to the altar. Jo’s hands are warm and moist. She takes hold of Ty’s hand of piety and faith. They hurry back into another world from which they came.

with a Herculean grip. Ty’s hand is limp and cool. ~~ ~~~

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The returning Confederate companies and regiments are soon bivouacked near Winchester. Most of the men smile and shake hands with one another. The Crawfords are not happy for

The troops are massed in same formation as before their departure to engage the Union their future is uncertain at home.

forces at Bull Run. Many days pass and summer nears its end. The days are long. The threat Jo realizes the Crawfords will not eat well if sent home. “Can some volunteer to stay

from the north has disappeared. The Union army is training and growing in numbers. behind?” She asks for them.

“Why don’t we just go up north and have one battle and end the war?” Asks Whitey. “Yes, they are asking for volunteers but you have to see the Lieutenant.”

“Cause t-they out number u-us 5 to 1.” Osetek answers. Jain responds.

“So we whopped them at Bull Run didn’t we? Will whop them up north!” Whitey retorts. “When w-we returns...who-whose go-going to be our Ser-sergeant?” Osetek asks.

“It-its not the sa-same. They mar-marched into o-our guns here. U-up there we will ha-have “Sgt. Goodall will be in charge.” Jain answers with something of a smile on his lips.

to walk into theirs.” ~~~~~

Sgt. Jain assembles the squad. “Cpl. Calloway!” Deersville has not been aware of the war outside the newspapers. There are some family

“Yes Sergeant!’ The hallowed cheek thin man steps forward. members gone off to fight but the size of the Confederate Army of Virginia was less than

“You are being promoted to Sergeant and will have your own squad. Report to company 20,000 men before Bull Run. The coal production in the county has been steadily increasing

headquarters at once. Take all your belongings. You are dismissed.” since the war’s start. The miners have much work.

James Calloway hops to get his gear. He gives Jo a sneer and offers no word or expression The weather has been extraordinarily fine for the crops and the farm yields are high.

to the rest of the men as he departs. Virginia continues to be an agricultural leader of the south. The animals have been healthy

This unsettles Jo. “What’s going on Sgt. Jain” She commands. and the livestock numbers are swelling with the demand for meat increasing. Times are

The small round man is unaccustomed to be being questioned. He ponders his response to good. The economy has never been better in Deersville and for the whole state of Virginia.

Jo. “Cpl. Goodall...the Third Regiment is expanding. Calloway and I will acquire and train Jo arrives to the Siadh farm. Her grand parents are happy to see her returned. Seth and May

new squads this here this winter.” This squad is to be placed on indefinite leave! have planned a special welcome for her. Her favorite dishes are prepared for eating Her

The men glance at one another. “W-we are be-being sent home?” Asks Harry. room is fresh and decorated with late summer flowers.

“You are being sent home!” Jain declares. “Until the spring when y’all will be called back May is busy preparing a special gown for Jo to wear to the harvest ball. Seth has made a

to active duty at this here same post.” fine profit on his beef cattle. He is awaiting the arrival of matching shoes and accessories

for Jo’s ensemble, which was purchased from a display at the dry goods store.

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“I don’t never agree with what Jo did...running off to the army like she done.” May is “Jo was blessed cause she could be in the ground with young Jerry. Those poor parents are

agitated. beside themselves with grief.”

“The girl has a fire storm of disposition. Serving our state by defending us from them “How the boy’s mother getting on, May?”

meddling Yankees is the right thing to do. She won’t let being a girl stop her no how...I’m “She’s doing no good Seth. She’s not eating and stays in the house. No one has seen her in

proud Jo is related to us Siadh’s. I just wish I were young a plenty to be a going with her.” public since the boy’s funeral.”

“She’s after keeping hold of that Kooter boy is all. She don’t hold with slavery. Jo is just as “Some does it that way, May. A body can get to a grieving so much that they don’t fit in life

possessed by a man, as was her mother. I ain’t sure those Kooter men have anything worth no more. She’ll likely not to be seen until she passes.” Seth lowers his head in respect for

the fussing let alone being kilt over.” May sees much of her daughter’s way in Jo. “I’m a the woman’s loss. “How about the old man?”

feared that Jo will run off to some far place and leave us.” “He’s pushing his whiskey about the county just like before. Folks are saying he has woman

“Well she’s coming home. Perhaps she’s got that man stuff out of her now. May, I’m friends about now.”

sticking with Jo’s wishes just as I did her ma’s. We can only live the one life the God Lord “May don’t believe any what you hear and only half of what you see. That man loved his

give each of us. Best Jo lives out her own as intended. Besides what are we to do if she does son as deer as any man what held his own child, and he never talked about another woman

up and marries that Kooter boy?” long as I node him!”

“Don’t say that else it might just happen and it’ll be your doing!” May scolds. “Still some don’t hold with selling whiskey when you child has been killed like that!” May

“She might just do worse, May. Don’t make your mind up about that boy to quick like, else fusses.

you make trouble where there is none.” “Best the man do something to stay alive. He has a lot of money to leave behind to hardly

“Seth, should we ask her about the doings she was put through in the army?” no kin. I don’t believe that gives him any pleasure to think on.” Seth shakes his head in

“Let her talk as she feels but no sense in making her suffer any more. We don’t ask disbelief.

questions on soldiering...it ain’t polite!” ~~~~~

“That poor Baxter boy! So young and so good looking with all the wants he could have Seth is stepping from the barn with a full pail of milk when he sees the stranger

satisfied for him right off.” approaching. “May! There a man a coming wearing a Confederate uniform with sergeant

“He’s dead May! No one can make that up to him. No matter how much whiskey one can stripes.” Seth is anxious.

sell.”

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“What!” Yells May as she races out from the kitchen. “Lordy don’t let that man bring us Jo is weary from the fighting and marching and waiting to be home. Her eyes show fatigue,

bad news about our Jo.” May shivers and holds her arms folded on her chest as she watches and her elation does not show forth in a smile. As Jo stands before her grandparents’

the soldier approach. inspection, large tears role down her face leaving dirty streak marks on her cheeks from the

Jo has turns down the lane to her grandparents. Ty continues on to Maybelle Hobes’ place dust collected on her skin.

to spend time with his mother and sister. May recognizes the child’s tears at once. “My God Jo it’s you come home!” May shrieks.

Jo’s pace down the lane toward the farm is slow and melancholy. The farm is not as large as “What?” Seth rushes to the girl and looks deep into her eyes where he sees the fairy’s light

her child’s memory recalls. “Couldn’t set more than a few regiments in grandpa’s fields. that sent a small girl into the hills after a killer panther. “Honey child!” Seth cries as his

Cannon balls could cross over any pair of opposing boundaries on his land. Got some fair tears flow freely.

high ground though.” She muses. Jo drops her gear at her side. Her hands move to her face to hold the flow of her tears.

Jo’s stride has changed over the many months of marching. She has grown an inch or better. May’s face is convulsed and puckered. She cannot move but only stares at her little girl

She was always thin but her muscle mass now gives her an outline that is true military style. child. She has wrinkled her eyes so tight that no fluid is free to be released. May needs to

Her first thoughts of being home are the memory of her dog Lady nosing about the wagon see the girl until her heart is no longer empty.

on the day of her arrival from Ohio. The love of her grandparents and the soft childhood she The trio is motionless. Words are held back. Only when May’s eyes melt with her tears do

lived in Buffalo Creek revives the little girl in her. She feels the old skip return in her the three embrace.

saunter. ~~~~~

“That fellow reminds me of Jo some how.” Barks Seth. Mr. Ferris is on short leave and his wife and Emmy Lou have reoccupied their home in

“Too big and lean for our Jo. There is something familiar with the walk though.” May Deersville. The Siadhs and Kooters will stay at the Ferris. The harvest ball is to be made

strains to look with her arm over her eyes. especially grand this year on account of the war. The ball will be used as a commemorative

Jo walks right up to with a few feet of the old folks. Her eyes devour the sight of her celebration for all the citizens that serve the Confederacy and especially for those killed or

grandparents frozen in suspense, as they do not recognize her. Jo’s hat covers her hair and wounded.

she does not speak as she comes to a stop in front of the house. Jo and Ty will announce their marriage to community after the ball in respect for the

The old couple looks over the sergeant with distrust and anxiety. families who have had sons lost or injured at Bull Run. Ty’s little sister Corry is now eleven

and will attend the ball for the first time.

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Emmy Lou has received word that Beau Reiter and Ute Hostil will arrive together. Beau “He says that he may not be able to wait much longer. He’s a hoping the war will be over

will escort Emmy to the ball. by this coming summer’s end. I told him I’ll wait no matter how long and I will Jo cause I

The days before the ball are full of family and celebration Mrs. Ferris and May have done love him.” Emmy pauses in thought. “Have you and Ty made plans for after the war?”

much work over the summer in preparation for the woman’s dresses for the ball. Jo and “Just to come back and start a family. I don’t know if will live at Maybelle’s or my

Emmy help with alterations and are busy putting together Corry’s ensemble. grandparents. As long as we are together that all I want.”

“I want little Corry to remember this ball as perfect. She will see her brother Ty in his clean “Jo what’s it like fighting and all in the war?” Emmy has wondered this since Jo had first

uniform and all the folks thanking him.” Jo adopts motherly feelings toward Corry. left to the army.

“Are you wearing you uniform Sergeant Kooter?” Emmy asks. “Emmy, pray that you never have to learn. War is all the bad things about people on a scale

“It’ll stay Sergeant Jo until after the war. Thank you!” Jo replies. that harms everyone. Just pray the war ends as soon as possible else everyone will be

“Jo are you really going back to the army? You’re married now! Don’t you think Ty wants hurting like the Baxters.”

you safe back here with us?” Little Corry’s dress is made of a white and yellow large checkered pattern. Her shoes and

“Emmy, I got to go back. The whole squad depends on me. I can’t let them down. Staying hat are white. Her waist is tied with a bright yellow ribbon to match her long golden locks.

here a worrying about Ty and the boys will be too hard on me. Ty needs me Emmy. Ty will She appears as a promise of a southern beauty soon to bud.

always need some woman.” Emmy’s gown is a crushed velvet material in dark crimson color. The back of the dress is

“What’s it like to be married?” Emmy asks. cut low and her shoulders are bare. Long white gloves that reach above her elbows

“It’s wonderful. You share everything. Your man is a part of your whole life. He’s there accentuate the flow of her gown to the floor. Her thin waist is wrapped in black satin. A

when you need him. You can talk about feelings with your husband that you can’t say to black cotton choker with a white medallion adorns her long thin delicate neck Her hair is

another body. It’s like seeing your own soul...sometimes anyway.” pulled up and tied with crimson ribbons. Emmy is a stunningly beautiful and mature

“I can’t wait till Beau and I can marry. I dream about that every minute of every day. I just woman.

want to be good to him and love him as full as I can as a woman.” Emmy adds. Jo is to be escorted by her husband Ty. She does not want to detract from his presence at the

“Has Beau said anything about marrying you?” ball. She wears a simple black gown. Here short sandy hair returns to her an adolescent

appearance. She is a lovely and demure young woman.

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The town is decorated as in years past. An extra effort is made to heighten the gaiety and her choice as proper. The town’s admiration for Ty and all that wear the uniform of the

dispel the tones of the war. It seems that every home and building displays a sign of the south are touted as true heroes. Emmy and Beau are warmly admired but their privacy is not

harvest season with wreaths made from leaves turned to fall colors, stacks of dried corn disturbed. Southern manners are not to be abandoned.

stocks, and assembled pumpkins, squash, and gourds of all sizes. Ribbons of fall colors Ty takes pride in his accomplishment as a soldier and relishes in the respect offered by the

decorate doors and windows. Horse bridles are adorned with sprigs of ivy and cluster of community. “Jo, I never dreamed that a man could have so much. To be here with you and

acorns. be recognized for soldiering… makes me happy…I wish this night would never end.”

Many extra torches are light this night. They stand along the avenues of Deersville to “No matter what happens in the future, we shall always have this night to remember.”

brighten the celebration. The main town hall has added several candelabra suspended from Jo squeezes his arm against her chest and kisses him warmly on the lips. “Let’s dance. You

the ceiling. The dance floor will be illuminated with suspended soft lights for the first time. promised!”

Those who dance will bath in romantic glow white their steps will be witnessed by all. This “Jo I ain’t no good at this prancing while holding a woman.”

night the town hall is filled with all who can walk. From the young to the old to the infirmed “You’ll be fine just. Just do like me and listen to the music. Don’t think over what your feet

the town hall swells with festivity. need to be doing.” Jo is aglow when she is in Ty’s arms and the sweet music fills her heart.

Jo and Ty make a handsome couple. Jo worries that her service in the Confederacy has Ty is not much of a dancer but Jo takes great pleasure in her husband’s devotion in trying.

made her a topic of gossip. She wants her husband’s courage and valor to be appreciated by They dance every waltz.

the town’s folk. Beau is a marvelous dancer as is Emmy and their presence on the dance floor is right out of

Emmy is worried that supporters of the Confederacy will distract Beau. She fears that those a fairy tale. They are the envy of all. “Beau, I love being in your arms.” Emmy says as they

anxious for news of the war will keep Beau from her attention. Beau and Emmy are the dance. Her cheek rests upon his strong shoulder.

most attractive couple attending the ball. Beau in an officer’s dress uniform represents the “Emmy when the war is over we shall have many such occasions to cherish. I love being

finest in manhood to be found in the south. Emmy is by far the most beautiful woman to be with you.”

found in county. Her presence is truly regal. Her heart warms but she fears for their future. “I wish you did not have to go back to the

The main hall is loud with laughter and greetings. In respect to those who serve the war. Why can’t we just live our lives together and forget about slavery and all?”

Confederacy the music opens with a rendition of ‘Dixie’. Much to Jo’s surprise, she

discovers that several other women have taken up arms and the populace of Deersville takes

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Beau knows her words are just her sentiment and not for answering. He worries that he may “He came to work in her step father’s bank. He is the new teller, Zeek Bennedict. He come

not return to her arms. “I shall always love you and need you Emmy.” His hands pull her up from Atlanta.”

body a bit closer to his as they slowly dance. “Is that boy related to Ira and Pansy Bennedict who live over by the big Ash?” Jo asks.

Emmy understands this is the man of her devotion. “I don’t know how I can live without “He’s their grandson.” Emmy replies.

you.” She grows weak in his arms. “I was born to be your wife.” “That must be Alan’s son. He moved away years ago.” Jo recalls her grandmother’s

“We belong tighter Emmy.” comments. “What’s he back for to a small town like this?” Jo wonders.

“I will always be good to you, Beau.” “His father is in jail for embezzling a tobacco company down there.” Emmy whispers.

A loud voice disturbs the dancers. Lisa Sue Cardel and a tall thin man saunter onto the The two girls laugh hysterically. “So he’s come to ply his father’s trade in Deersville?”

dance floor. Lisa is always loud and her actions exaggerated in an effort to have as much Jokes Cathy Jo.

attention as possible. “He’s already stolen the bank president’s prized stepdaughter.” Emmy barbs.

Lisa is more radiant and beautiful than Jo remembers. Lisa wears a gorgeous gown made The girl’s banter draws Lisa’s attention and evil her eye.

from a large plaid pattern of dark blues and dark greens with lines of red and yellow. Her Sobering, Jo asks. “What about the baby? Won’t everyone know?”

wide collar and rolled cuffs are black silk with matching buttons. Her hair is done up with “Premature birth!” Answers Emmy. “Follows from a premature marriage!” The girl’s

thin ribbons. Her escort’s dress is untidy. His complexion is pale and his limbs long and resume their hysteria.

thin. They give the appearance of beauty and the beast. ~~~~ ~

Jo’ attention is captured. There is something changed about Lisa. Her form is womanlier The winter in Deersville passes as those before. There is little action in the war. In the

and see seems to have aged in a warm beautiful way. spring Northern Virginia, General Stone Wall Jackson engages Union forces in several

“Emmy what happened to Lisa. She’s stunning...so much more womanly and less the actions in the upper Shenandoah. In the West Union forces have taken a victory a Shiloh.

witch.” Mr. Ferris is recalled to service and departs for Yorktown where Beau is also stationed.

“She’s pregnant Jo. Not everyone knows!” Emmy whispers in Jo’s ear. The union forces have swollen to a quarter of a million. The Confederacy is like wise

Jo jumps and holds her mouth closed with both hands. “That boy she is with is the father?” growing in numbers. The army of Northern Virginia is to regroup in the numbers exceeding

“Yes but they aren’t married yet!” Emmy informs Jo. “They are going to elope soon.” 100,000.

“Where did she meet him? What is his name? I don’t remember him!” Jo questions.

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Jo and Ty live with Maybelle. Emmy and her mother have returned to the Siadh’s Farm. In “What kind of foreign name is Geeda?” Jo teases. “Hell, what kind of name is Bruno?” Jo

early March, the orders for Jo’s squad to report to Culpeper are received. laughs as the man smiles.

Jo loves being a wife. She loves cooking for Ty. She will miss the home that she shares with “It’s Italian Sgt.!” The corporal declares.

her husband. On the morning they are to leave Buffalo Creek, Jo is dressed in her sergeant’s “Why aren’t you fighting in an Italian army?” Jo loves the sincerity of the little man and

uniform. She prepares Ty’s favorite meal of fried meat pie and apples baked in honey sauce. they enjoy their banter at one another.

~~~~~ “I’m here to see that the Confederacy wins, Sgt!” Bruno tries to fold his grin under a formal

In Culpeper Jo’s regiment reforms. It is late March. The Union army has reinforced at Ft salute.

Monroe at the mouth of the James and York rivers on the Virginian shore near the Jo sees the little corporal as cute in his baggy uniform and his baby face. She wants to hug

Chesapeake Bay. Over 100,000 Yankees are advancing across the peninsula toward him each time she sees him. “Get your section together! You are taking a patrol to scout this

Richmond. The Confederacy will counter with 75,000 men of the army of Northern side of the Chickahominy. You will advance as far as you can by midday and return here by

Virginia. nightfall. You are not to engage the enemy but to observe and report. Do you under stand?”

The regiment has named Sergeant Major Jain as the top noncommissioned officer. Jo will “Yes Sgt. Jo...What am I suppose to observe?” The corporal asks.

retain in her squad; Ty, Osetek, Whitey and the four Crawfords. Harold Walter Burnett has “Geeda! Try looking for men in blue uniforms with guns pointed our way. Count’em! Look

been assigned under Jo. A group of boys from Lynchburg are also assigned to Jo as well. for men on horseback...Count’em! If you see any cannons be sure and count’em.” Jo finds

They complete the company’s detachment under her command. A small middle-aged the corporal a bit difficult to take an order and she wonders just why Jain promoted him.

corporal by the name of Bruno Geeda is part of this contingent. Master Sergeant Jain has “Be careful! Part of your order is to return. Take this seriously. Please!”

promoted Burnett to corporal. Geeda smiles at the reassurance that Jo is his friend.” Sergeant if I find a store like my

The regiment moves out by train to the rail station called Fair Oaks in the York Peninsula. mother’s along the way, then ’ll bring you some fine cheese and a bottle of red wine.”

Jo’s squad is moving toward the village of Seven Pines where the main Confederate defense The rains are heavy or light but never absent for long. The patrol moves out into the wet

is being constructed. countryside. Bruno’s wide hips and short legs give his figure an unusual shape as he takes

April rains are heavy and cool in the peninsula. Yorktown is under siege. the lead.

“Geeda!” Jo calls. “Bruno? How comes that sergeant Jo gives us all the long marches.” One of the Lynchburg

A little man just barely over five feet in height answers. “Yes Sgt. Jo!” boys complains.

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“Sgt. Jo takes all the night patrols cause they are the more dangerous. I think she’s not sure Jo’s regiment is dug in the main defense to the north of the village of Seven Pines. The

of us as yet. Besides we get a chance to sleep in a warm tent at night. Save your fussing for spring rains have begun to diminish. Calvary from both sides moves in recognizance along

night duty. Sooner or later will get our share.” the whole of the peninsula. The largest as well as narrowest of roads are heavily fortified at

As Geeda’s patrol moves from sight, Jo calls Corporal Burnett. “Harold Walter! both ends. Sgt. Jo’s squad commands the approach of one small fairway approaching Seven

We shall have the night patrol. Be prepared as soon as Geeda returns. Pines. It is the time of the last light of day

“Jo the boys are a wondering why that bunch from Lynchburg is getting all the good duty? I Jo moves about the position inspecting the squad’s readiness.

ain’t complaining myself but the boys are a wondering.” Burnett is a man that performs his “Riders a coming!” The call comes from the ranks. In the distance a band of mounted riders

duty simple and complete. He does no more or no less than asked. He is expressionless in makes toward their line at great haste.

all matters. He is detached from sentiment and keeps personal affairs private. “Hold fire until I say!” Commands Jo.

“Burnett, those Lynchburg boys ain’t seen no action. I want them to get use to the land so Her order echoes along the pickets.

when the fighting starts they know which way to run if’n they have to. Those yanks can be Burnett remains clam and motionless as he studies the figures approaching. “They be

here any day.” Rebs!” He calls.

“Boys ain’t had a warm dry night’s sleeps in a week. They asked if y’all consider a Osetek and Ty step toward the narrow road’s center with muskets pointed. They expose and

switching them to one day patrol so they can ketch up on some rest?” Burnett says without identify their position as Confederate.

expression. “Who goes there?” Ty bellows toward the horsemen as they close.

“You tell your section I’m a wanting a night’s rest too. I’m a giving those Lynchburg boys “Ha-halt!” Booms Osetek’s voice.

ten days to get settled. Your section goes with me till then.” The lead riders abruptly stop. “Hostil’s Brigade! Confederate 4th Calvary shouts a mounted

Well into May, the Confederate Army continues to gather about Fair Oaks. Those soldiers sergeant. Who asks?” He replies with authority.

not busy on patrol are digging in the mud; ramparts, trenches and redoubts are showing up “Company A 3rd Regiment, Army of Northern Virginia.” Answers Jo. “Advance and be

everywhere. Long lines of man and cannon shape a defense against the huge Union Army recognized!

that advances towards Richmond. The Calvary sergeant dismounts and engages Jo. “Colonel Hostil’s Brigade is just behind

On May 3rd Yorktown surrenders to the Union Army. us. We are returning from Yorktown. Permission to pass on to Fair Oaks?”

How many riders in the field?” Jo asks.

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“Less than a hundred! We’ve been shot at ball day. We’ve got wounded!” The soldier’s Ute salutes and rides off.

reply is one of exhaustion and relief. On June 22 the Union Army is closing toward the Confederate defenses of Fair Oaks.

Within minutes the main body of riders from the east arrive. Colonel Hostil sits well upon a “Corporals Burnett, and Geeda!” Jo calls early on a bright spring day. Get the squad fed

gray mare. His men are gathered at his side. The Rebel’s standard is waving at his rear. The then extra ammunition and full canteens. We’re going to meet some Yankees.” Jo is order

horses must move single file through Jo’s barricade. to proceed along the bank of the Chickahominy River.

“Ute!” Jo shouts as horse column passes. ”Bruno! Take you section and follow at the river’s bank due east. Burnett your section will

Colonel Hostil recognizes the voice bit not the appearance of the sergeant in charge. He move parallel but keep off from Bruno and out of sight.” Jo instructs.

comes to a stop and searches for an identity. “I know just count and observe.” Banters Geeda.

“Jo Goodall...Ah! Jo Kooter from Deersville. Emmy Lou’s cousin.” Jo removes her hat. “This time shoot at whatever isn’t wearing rebel gray...and we want them to shoot back.” Jo

Ute dismounts and waves the column to continue. “Jo! By gum! I heard you were fighting replies.

in these parts. Ute grabs her hand and slaps her shoulder in a man’s greeting. “How’s comes we shoot this time?” Geeda is confused.

Jo wants to give him a kiss in welcome but restrains herself. “Beau? Where’s Beau?” “We want to know the strength as they advance. This will tell us the direction in which their

“He’s back at Fair Oaks. He’s commanding the 6th and 7th batteries. We have confiscated main force is heading.” Jo wonders how these new recruits will do under fire. “Keep you

every piece of artillery in Northern Virginia. He’s doing well. And how are you?” boys close enough to hear your command. Burnett and I will guard your flank.”

“We are ready Ute...Colonel I should say.” Jo sees Ute in a manly domineering way. The “How far do we have to march, Sgt Jo?” Bruno asks.

round soft look of the man when she first met him is gone. “Not far! The river will protect you left flank. We shall engage Yankee patrols from straight

Ute closes to Jo and whispers. “Congratulations on your marriage! Sorry to say I don’t have ahead most likely.” Jo feels the best chance for the Lunchburg boys is to be protected on

time to celebrate with you. There’s about every Yankee soldier in the Union Army behind both flanks.

us.” The squad moves out and is soon on the bank of the Chickahominy. Large willows and

“Are they a coming? locus trees are just sprouting green leaves. They line the banks on both sides. The river is

“They show no sign of movement yet but they will.” Ute remounts. Give my best to Emmy yet running fast and full with spring rainwater. There are patches of trillium flowering in the

when you see her. Should I fall here tell her my thoughts are always of her charm and shadows. The berry bushes are bare but fully budded. There is little grass or green growth

beauty...and that I have gladly given my life to preserve her future.” upon the wilderness floor.

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Jo keeps watch on Bruno’s progress. All advance with muskets loaded. They follow the Bruno turns and raises his hand to signal Jo. His small body shudders as several rounds of

trails worn by deer and bear. musket balls strike. Jo watches the dead corporal’s body as it slumps to earth awkwardly.

The lush green of mid spring has not as yet arrived. There is much visibility through the The sound of a musket volley shatters the quiet of the wood.

stands of trees. The forest is not yet dense. There is only a thin cover from sight of those Burnett’s squad opens fire at the same time. They do not return fire across the river but have

who walk in these woods. found targets ahead. The Yankees have strength on both sides of the Chickahominy. The

Jo moves from section to section in order to coordinate the squad’s advance. She knows that squad is being attacked on their side and taking musket fire from across the river.

Yankees are moving west from their own positions to do similar recognizance. Jo knows that Burnett’s section will withdraw while proving as much cover fire as possible.

The sounds of the woods are full with bees in search of early flowers and the call of birds With Bruno dead the young recruits from Lynchburg will soon break and run. They will

nesting. The swirl of life just awakened and fresh upon the wing brings the woods of spring become easy targets for the Yankee’s muskets. She calls to the section by the river’s bank.

to a busy state. Osetek ears are tuned to these sounds as he advances. “Stay low and move toward me...Return their fire! Dam it!” Jo discharges her musket

The Chickahominy is normally docile and lazy. In summer its waters are stagnant. The roars toward the smoke coming from the other bank.

of the cascading waters of spring provide a bearing of sound to the hikers. Bruno’s section is able to move off the bank and escape the river’s ambush.

The rebel’s eyes are focused ahead as they follow the gentle windings of the river. As the The squad reunites deep within the woods. As they withdraw screams of musket balls pass.

squad makes its way around a horseshoe bend, Osetek drops to the ground. The section Pieces of bough and clusters of leaves are shredding off trees all around them from the

under Burnet’s command realizes that the woods have grown still and follow Osetek into Yankee’s musket fire.

laying flat. In the next second, several rounds of cannon balls fall short of the squad’s position.

Geeda’s section at the bank’s edge is unaware of the change in the forest’s mood and “Osetek! Get this bunch out of here now!” Jo commands.

proceeds. Jo moves in a crouch to catch Bruno’s attention. Harry stands and runs in the direction of the Confederate lines at Seven Pines. He finds or

The stillness grows heavier. Bruno can no longer view the other section. His eyes scan the pushes through a trail that makes a beeline to safety. The remainder of the squad follows.

woods to his right. He wonders if Jo and the others are some how lost. Should he retrace his Jo follows at the last. As the musket fire abates, and the cannons cease, the squad survives

steps and look for them? He calls his section to a halt. He stands to gain a better look at the an encounter with the main Yankee force. Jo turns to glance in the direction where Bruno’s

horizon. body rests. She has ordered her first man to his death. She is ill and her tears will flow

Jo witnesses his predicament. “No!” She cries in alarm. through the night to come.

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Chapter 6 advance is stopped, Confederate Calvary and reserve infantry will counter attack on the division

Malvern Hill level. By the day’s end the Confederacy hopes to drive the Union Army into retreat.

St. Jo’s squad has been placed into a massive front line dense with Confederate soldiers and

cannon. They stand behind a fortified wall to view the Union’s advance. The enemy must cover

much open ground. The confederate guns are well placed.

The squad is gathered. Their task is simple. “Stand and hold!” Orders Jo. “Ty! Take charge of

Bruno’s section.” She has mixed feelings of placing her husband in charge of the Lynchburg boys

but there is none other to do the job.

Jo walks past the squad for inspection. She checks the canteens to ensure that none will suffer

unnecessarily from thirst. Members of the squad are asked to open their munitions pouch. To those

whom Jo is unfamiliar she will inspect their musket for cleanliness.

“You must point and fire you’re musket at the enemy! Your corporal will be watching you.”

“You must not retreat until ordered. Your corporal will be watching you.”

“Make sure your name and hometown is writ down and stuck on your person. Your corporal will

The soulful night is short for Sgt. Jo. Under a full moon the Union Army has massed for an attack. help you.” Jo barks.

In the early hours of July 25th, well before dawn, the Confederate forces arise. Jo’s thoughts of “If you are wounded continue to fire your weapon. Your corporal will get you aide. Above all else

Bruno are displaced by the battle that will commence at the break of day. listen and follow me! Is this clear?”

The campfires of the Union Army lie just out of reach and fill the distant horizon. So large is the The squad shouts approval and steps forward into line.

Union force that their camps appear in the night as if the stars of the firmament have descended to “Osetek!” Jo calls the man to a private audience.

earth. “Ye-yes Ser-sergeant.”

The Confederate lines are well prepared. There is to be no surprise in the course of action this day. “The officers in our rear have orders to shoot any man that breaks and runs from formation! They

The Confederates at Seven Pines will absorb and the hold the Union advance. As soon as their fear our retreat will endanger Richmond and bring to an end the rebellion. This is a stand or die

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action. I want you to remain behind the squad with me and tackle anyone who panics. There is no banners and flags unfurled, their caissons emerge. Horse teams pull cannons and wagons of shell to

need for us to be a killing our own. The Yankees will be a doing plenty of that today.” the front of the Union advance. The Union battery forms with the Confederate lines well within

“Ye-yes Ser-sergeant.” their range. A firing line of artillery runs the whole length of the Union formation. The veterans of

“Tell the same thing to Burnett and Ty…quietly of course. Those poor boys have enough to worry Bull Run have never seen such a show of might, nor has the Confederacy yet had to face such

over from the Union force let alone fear their commanding officers.” There is no way Jo will shot power.

one of her squad members. “What’s this all about?“ Ty asks.

The men assume comfortable positions in the forward line and wait. “Th-they are a go-going to po pound us be-before they char-ge.” Osetek answers.

“Ty!” Jo must say some last words to her husband. With this said, Jo orders the squad to lie to the ground. All look on as white plums of smoke bellow

The handsome acting corporal advances. “Thanks Jo…er Sgt. For the chance to lead these men.” at them from afar with resounding echoes of thunder following. The shells screech upon approach.

“Ty you’re a good soldier and will do fine.” This moment is awkward for Jo. “Ty, this will be a Rows of explosions mix among the breastworks and bunkers filled with men.

major battle. The squad is located in the center.“ One tear slips and runs down her cheek. “I love In the rear of the squad Confederate cannons answer. The roars of the Confederate’s own artillery

you and…” Her eyes swell with tears held back. She chokes on her words. She feels the need to be masks all other sound. The pungent smell of burnt power and heavy smoke dissipate over the

in his arms. squad’s placement.

“Shucks Jo! No need for telling now.” Ty is embarrassed in front of his section. “We have said Missiles race in and over the Confederates lines. The Union troops are kept just out of range of the

everything before that we need said to one another.” He looks into her eyes. His strong manly way Confederate cannons. Their artillery is dispersed and receives little damage from the Confederate

comforts her. guns.

Jo smiles and wipes her eyes. “You’re right corporal. See you on the other side of this fight.” She “It ain’t no fair.” Whitey declares. “ There mens are not getting hit any. Why is we being blown to

regains her sergeant’s composure. Ty turns and rejoins his section She wishes he would have said hell?” He turns to Jo for an answer.

that he loved her. “Whe-when they cr-ross that field, they-ll ha-have no cover and that ain’t fair e-e-either.” Osetek

Dawn’s first light is issued under the edge of a dark sky. The Confederate line is ready. answers.

For several hours with the start of day, squares of Yankee infantry form companies that merge into An hour passes. The bombardment continues unabated. The Union gun crews pour water down the

regimental columns that array in rows of armed divisions. The rigid motion of blue uniforms and hot cannon’s barrel between firings. The shells burst in and around the Confederate positions. Dead

shining bayonets captivate the onlookers. Just when the footmen from the north are set with

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horses and men now lay scattered and unattended. Wounded Confederate troops stream to the rear Jo stares at the field flag that is set straight out in her front. The Union feet step closer as the

for medical attention. Confederate shells rain upon them sending torn bodies whirling about.

“When will all this stop?” Cries a boy form Lynchburg. The Union forces know that as soon as the Confederate cannons stop the muskets of the

“When they ain’t got no more shells!” Answers another. Confederate line will roar. They bravely walk while dying to face a more certain death.

For all the shots placed by the Union field pieces none have found a direct mark on Jo’s squad. The Union casualties mount. None on the field have seen so many men die so quickly. Jo’s squad

Many have come close. Dirt and debris cover the men and Jo. Every ear hears the rush through he did not see this scale of fury at Bull Run. She continues to measure the Union’s advance.

air of hot shrapnel. “When do we fire?” Yells Ty as his anxiety peaks.

The cries of the injured in the Confederate lines begin to mount. Holes from the exploded shells “Hold! Hold!” Yells Jo to her squad above the roar of the battle. “Hold!”

mark the ground along the whole length of the Confederate position. Bugles sound from afar as the It is only yards now that separates the Union from the musket’s mark.

Union guns grow still. The main body of the Union infantry advances into field and into the range “Hold!” The squad is tuned to Jo’s voice.

of the Confederate artillery. Shells begin to hit the Union formations for the first time. The The Union’s first line of advance is only feet from the mark now.

Confederate lines cheer to see the Union Army begin to take casualties. “Raise weapons!” Jo calls.

“Why are the Union cannons silent?” Jo asks Osetek. The sound of heavy muskets being cocked to ready answers her.

“Th-hey are ch-changing eleva-ation. They’re af-after our can-nons now.” Jo’s thoughts are oblivious to all but the feet of the Union’s advance upon one field maker.

The mass of Union Blue steps forward. They march to face the Confederate muskets. “Take aim!” She calls as her voice shrills in anticipation.

The Union guns raise their elevation to reach the Confederate batteries. The dual of the cannons The squad’s muskets are held tight. Every man’s head tilted and all eyes fixed on the closing Union

resumes. targets.

“To your firing positions!” Orders Jo. The first marker is reached.

The squad stands behind its barricade. Their muskets rest at their side as the squad comes to “Fire!”

attention. Thus is the entire Confederate infantry assembs. The volley from Jo’s squad is loosed before her command is finished. The first line of the Union

The blue formation begins a quick march straight into the gun sights of the Confederate line. The reels with the impact. Many fall in front of her squad’s guns. The Union line raises their muskets.

distance between the two armies diminishes slowly. The Confederate squad leaders have marked As the Confederate defense reloads, the Union line levels their muskets and returns fire.

the field with small flags to signal the arrival of the enemy to within musket range.

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The Confederate position rattles from the Union volley. Two boys from Lynchburg are wounded. It is mid afternoon, the next assault is soon to begin. The Yankees have committed their reserves.

Whitey takes two shots to his chest and his corpse is knocked to the ground. Quickly, the squad As the Union formations begin to march on their final advance the barrage on the Confederate line

reloads and fires. The second line in the Union advance is obliterated. lifts. The Union guns again raise elevation to the rear of the Confederate line. At this time, the

The young soldiers in the Union front are easy targets. The Union lines suffer great loss. The Confederate Calvary attacks their right flank. Fresh infantry from the rear is committed by the

Confederate fire has left many of the Union command dead in the field. There is only sporadic Confederacy to the battle at Seven Pines.

musket fire from the field as the Union bugles call retreat. The field is abandoned to the wounded The Union line disperses from the attack by the Confederate Calvary. Confusion and disorder over

and confounded. take the Union command. Some Union sections advance while others retreat. The Confederate

The Union cannons shift to pour shells among the Confederate lines to aide in their retreat. After reserve regiments pour on to the field and charge coherently into the Union confusion. The entire

hours of practice their placement has grown effective and the Confederate lines are raked. The Union formation melts into a full retreat.

Confederate losses remount. As the battling armies move east away from Seven Pines, the remaining Confederate line becomes

“What’s next?” Jo asks Osetek. busy as men search for the injured. Wagons arrive to gather the wounded. Water is transported to

“If th-this is the main th-thrust a-and not a de-decoy then we’ll counter a-a-attack with our re- the front lines. Damage is being assessed.

reserves.” Harry answers. The center of the confederate line has taken extensive losses. Msgt. Jain moves along the

“How will we know?” regiment’s line taking casualty reports. “Sgt. Kooter?”

“If-if it’s a p-ploy they will not re-return.” Jo struggles among the dead and wounded. Ty has suffered a broken a leg during the impact. The

“If its not a ploy?” bodies of the dead in the squad are carried back from the perimeter and lay in a row. Jo responds.

“The-en they’ll at-tack with greater fur-ry.” ”Jain! How did we do?”

Jo ponders how that would be possible. “Heavy losses for the regiment! Calloway lost his entire squad and he is wounded himself.” Jain

The Union cannon fire has never lifted but the focus of their effort is now shifted. The Union shows emotion for the first time as he views the dead from Jo’s squad. “How many casualties, Jo?”

cannons concentrate their fire at the center of the Confederate line where Jo’s squad is placed. The He asks softly his eyes watering.

earth erupts over and over again. Man and rock are sent flying. The Confederate bulk works are “We took one direct hit by an artillery shell. All the Lynchburg men but two are dead...Whitey’s

disintegrating. dead...Ty and two from his section are wounded...that’s better than 50% loss” Jo calculates.

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“The regiment has borne the brunt of the Union assault.” Jain remarks. “We are going to be “No o-one can save a bo-body when it’s their ti-time to go, Jo. There’s de-dead here from all o-

temporarily deactivated.” over.”

“How’s come? Sonny, we can still fight!” “Ty must be holding his turn for doctoring.” Jo and Osetek move to the wounded area where the

“There’s not enough men left in the field to be an effective fighting force. We lost two thirds of our less injured wait.

officers. Jo, get the rest of your men and fall back into Seven Pines! That’s the order for the day.” Here Ty lies in the open field. Jo finds Ty with his leg set in a cast. She has not seen her husband

“What about Ty? I can’t leave him! since first fight. She is over come with joy that his life is spared this day. She bends over Ty and

“You can go with him to the surgeon’s tent. See to him and the others wounded. Be in Seven Pines hugs him softly and cradles his head in her bosom. Her soft hands pet his brow.

by dark. We be a getting special detail until the Yanks withdraw from the Peninsula.” “God spared you this day Ty.” She whimpers softly. “I’ll always be grateful.”

“No fighting!” Jo is confused. “Hell Jo my leg is sore but I’m fine. How did the squad do? How are my boys?” Ty is anxious for

“No fighting till we get ourselves healed up a bunch.” Jain nods. “Keep your powder dry. There details.

still a mess of Yanks about.” Jo is slow to respond. She does not know where or how to begin. ”We took it hard all day. You,

It is late afternoon as the last of the squad walks toward Seven Pines. The medical area is Osetek, Burnett and the Crawfords are all that’s alive sides me.”

overflowing with casualties that lie in the open. “Burnett! Take the remainder of the squad over to Ty’s enthusiasm is dismissed. “I hoped we would all get through Jo. Them was good old boys.

regiment. Find Msgt. Jain...I’ll be along.” Jo orders. Most of’em younger than us… Don’t seem right that none would live...don’t seem right.”

“Be-best I-I stay with you, se-sergeant.” Osetek suggests. Ty’s tears touch Jo’s heart. “This killing ain’t for you Ty.”

“I need some company, H R. You can stay and help me look for the boys.” “There sending me home Jo. They say I won’t walk so good but I can still farm. They don’t want

The dead lay in row upon row. Some arrived at first of day. Many are still arriving from the fields. me back…Jo, I guess I’m a going to be a bit crippled from now on. I’m sorry!” Ty feels he is

The Union dead are placed separate but given the same respect as any soldier who's live was letting his wife and his squad down.

sacrificed this day. Jo’s sorrow for her injured husband turns to joy and relief. “You’ll live Ty. There’s no more risk

The lists of the dead are posted but many names are yet to be added. Here Jo finds the names of the for you. Look at all them dead people lined up for putting under the ground. You won’t never be

two boys from Lynchburg taken wounded from the field earlier. one of them cold bodies pulled from Confederate battle field.”

“Ain’t one of them Lynchburg boys alive.” Says Jo sadly. She feels responsible for their deaths. “I “I don’t want to leave Jo! I feel cheap and cowardly like having to go off to home and leaving the

couldn’t save a one, H R.” squad.”

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“Ty, y’all save your mother and sister from having no man. You can look in on grandma and to anyone but the Yankees!” He shrugs his shoulders and turns away. “How do they expect me to

grandpa. But most importantly you’ll die at home a healthy old man.” Jo kisses him. keep this war going with part time help?” He says to himself.

Jo and Osetek stay with Ty until quite dark. Jo has never deliver materials to a battlefield and is uncertain as to her exact charge. “What do we

“Wh-what a-about you Jo? Are you le-leaving with T-Ty?” do after we deliver this load?”

Jo ponders. She wants to be with her husband more than anything. She pauses. “Come back thin lips!” Carl hesitates. “After someone signs for the stuff. Get a signature on our

“Can’t, HR. I owe too much to them boys what got kilt. Bruno could still be alive if I had given copy of the invoice.”

him other orders. I made a promise to lead this squad, and as long as you and the other’s are here so “Who is supposed to sign these invoices?” Jo has never seen an invoice before.

will I.” Her mind is set. She will never reconsider leaving again. “General Lee!” Carl smiles as he takes his seat behind a large cluttered desk. He draws long and

Osetek is proud of his squad and his sergeant. comforting on his burning cigarette.

~~~~~ “Won’t he be busy a fighting when we get there?” Jo is hesitant.

Jo and the remainder of the squad are assigned temporary duty with the Quartermaster Corp. They “He can’t fight without powder and charge for his cannons, now can he?” Carl leans back in his

are assigned to materials transportation at a Confederate supply depot just south of Richmond. seat to enhance his comfort. “There’s a lot of money invested in the materials in those wagons.

Their leader is Msgt. Carl Wiesdig. Don’t blow yourself up on the way down there…Team horses are scarce since the Calvary got

Carl was a expediting clerk for a large commercial warehouse in Richmond before the war. He is here.” Carl frowns with concern. “You can shoot anyone who tries to take them horses. They

middle aged with salt and pepper hair. He is a tall, large proportioned man. Carl is a nervous and belong to me! You understand?”

agitated personality. He chain-smokes cigarettes and always has fresh baked goods sitting about his “Yes Msgt. Wiesdig, deliver the goods to General Lee, get his signature, shot him if he wants your

office. His hair and eyebrows are thick and his face is square. His huge hands miniaturize all horses and come right back.” Jo is not too intimidated by the over sized Billy goat.

objects they possess. “Don’t be a smart ass, sergeant.” Wiesdig enjoys the girl’s comments. “Tell that horse of yours,

“Ho! Sgt. thin lips!” Carl address Jo. “Get you men together an take a load of munitions over to Osetek not to get his dirty boots all over my wagons. I want’em back as clean as when you got‘em.

Mechanicsville right away.” Else ya’ll have to police the entire compound when you return.”

Jo is a bit afraid of the grouchy man. “Who gets the stuff?” It is late afternoon on the 26th when Jo and the men head off to Mechanicsville. They carry barrels

“Listen thin lips. You take the wagons right down the Mechanicsville Road. General Lee is fighting of shot and ball and powder for cannons. Boxes of musket rounds help fill the wagons to their brim.

a whole bunch of men dressed in Union Blue.” He stoops over the shorter girl. “Give the dam stuff

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Three wagons leave the storage compound and proceed down a dirt road that has been well trodden “Le-let’s say that we’ll no-not he-hear the sho-shot that hits this wa-wagon! We’ll go up li-like a

by the Confederate troops in recent days. The pathway follows the side of a small creek a good Ro-roman candle!”

distance. They past small houses tucked along the one side of the road. Small children run from The summer sun is still high in the sky when the rumble of gunfire and cannonade ascends from the

their homes to wave frantically at the military convoy. Yelping dogs guard perimeters of farm and distance. With every stride of the horses the sounds of battle grow near. Jo instinctively brings her

home along the way. musket to the ready. The horses wither with nervousness as the air carries the first scent of burnt

Jo enjoys the view of cultivated flowerbeds in full summer’s bloom. Jo feels presence of her gunpowder.

wagons and the cargo do not belong in this pastoral beauty. Her efforts are intend to destroy life. Confederate Calvary fills the road as the wagons approach the outskirts of Mechanicsville. The

She feels her presence here as sinful and she is anxious to be freed from the reminders of civil life. columns of mounted troops abandon the road to give way the Jo’s caravan of munitions. All

Before long, the road turns off from the creek as it moves toward the heights in the horizon. The movement is at fever pitch. Each passing party is at the rush to an appointed destination.

team of horses strain with their load. The congestion of men and horse upon the road reaches saturation as Jo’s wagon nears the first

Osetek manages the reins with Jo at his side. They are in the lead wagon of the convoy. The weight intersection of roads. Osetek brings the wagon to a halt. The cross roads is heavily guarded.

on the wagon makes each dip and bump of the road felt mightily by the riders. Confederate troops afoot swell the land to every side. Officers move in packs upon horseback.

“I guess we follow this road straight to our lines?” Jo ponders. “Where you headed?” Calls the guard toward Jo.

“Th-the smoke and thun-nder of the fi-fighting will lead us to the right pl-lace, Jo.” Osetek points ”Munitions for General Lee!” Jo retorts.

to a gray cloud formation that moves agitatedly above the horizon. “The General’s gone. He be down near Beaver Dam by now. He’s got the Yanks on the run he sure

“Be that Mechanicsville yonder?” Jo asks. has.” The guard calls out with glee.

“It’s a few mi-miles off I expect…we have an hour or more tr-ravel.” “Where does the general want these munitions now?” Jo responds amid the confusion.

Jo looks behind here to see Burnett and the Crawfords struggling to keep their teams of horse and “Hell they don’t be needed in Mechanicsville. The cannons are on the move south. Best you be

wagons moving. turning right and follow the same way as the men ahead that away.” The guard points in the

“Be-best to-o keep an eye fo-for Yankee snipers as we clo-ose toward our troops.” direction of the south bound road.

“I’m more worried about this wagon exploding when we hit one of these deep ruts. Think we are Jo looks in the direction indicated. The way south is narrow and winding.

safe?” Jo looks to Osetek for assurance. “I guess we go south H R ‘till we come to Confederate cannons.”

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“Taint too far a ride.” The guard assures. “Best keep a mind that you don’t end up in a Union “Lee has been all over this field all afternoon. He doesn’t have time to spit.” The young officer

Camp. The lines have been changing over all day.” adds in condolence. “You get back to your depot and tell’em we need all the powder they can send

Harry sets the wagon south and Jo’s column heads forward. In a mile or two of travel the sound of at once!” The officer hoists a casket of powder upon his shoulder and scurries off through the pines.

fighting is very near. The homes are closed and shuttered along this road. Any child to be seen is In a matter of minutes, batteries begin to fire from the other side of the tree stand. They have long

quickly removed by an anxious mother. The land is devoid of signs of ordinary life. No dog barks been silent for want of ammunition. The battle of Beaver Dam continues and the outcome is yet

warning or is to be seen now. undetermined.

The wagon convoy approaches a stand of pines. There is a field tent set in the shade with officers As the last item is delivered off the wagons, Osetek barks. “Be-be-best we get out o-of here!” The

gathered. The wagons approach is given much notice. A young officer approaches with a squad of newly primed cannons of the Confederates invite return fire from the Union batteries. Shells begin

infantry. to land wildly about the pine trees.

“What do you carry there?” Calls a small slender officer. He wears a mustache that lacks the The wagons are ultra light when completely empty. The effort is eased and Jo’s column moves out

fullness of a man’s growth. with dispatch. The teams of horse respond with relief in departing. The wheels of the wagon skip

“Just munitions for General Lee!” Jo snaps back as the horses come to rest. “Can you direct us?” over the ruts and dips that once punished the backs and legs of the riders.

“We’ll take your cargo. Pull over to side and the boys will unload.” The boyish commander snaps. As they return to the cross roads at Mechanicsville the narrow lane surges with a long column of

“I’m supposed to give these supplies to General Lee personal and get his signature.” Jo holds out Confederate Calvary heading toward Beaver Dam. They ride at full speed and show no intent of

the invoice for him to see. yielding right of way to the wagons.

The officer calls to his squad. “Get those munitions down at once!” His squad raises their muskets Jo and the others pull to the side of a small meadow and let the column of horsemen make speed.

at Jo in response to the officer’s tone. “The field is not yet decided. Men are dying. We are running She glances to see the form of Col. Beau John Reiter passing with the formation. She stands in the

out of powder. Now I want those wagons unloaded.” wagon to call out his name. The speed of the mounts and the thundering of the hoofs afford no

The intent in the young officers voice is unmistakable. Jo knows that her invoice is in the way of chance for recognition.

men at war. She tosses the papers into the air behind her. “Where do you want them, sir?” Her The last of the column passes the wagons. A barrage of Union shells land dead center along the

response in acknowledged by the solders afoot who climb aboard the wagons and release the road in the midst of the Confederate formation of horses and men. The Unions advance from their

bindings of the cargo. left flank has brought the supply road into their artillery’s range. The first rounds of the Union

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batteries fall upon the road scattering the Calvary formation. Many horse and man lay upon the The summer days are long. The wagons reach the depot with much light left to the evening.

road dead or injured. The second rounds land upon an abandoned road. “Where the in thunder have you been, thin lips?” Msgt. Wiesdig “Them wagons are needed to be

The Calvary reforms just out of range of the Union cannons. They charge in a wide arch to sweep loaded for another trip to Mechanicsville.”

upon the Union guns from the east. The Union guns grow quiet as they turn to face the charge. “The Calvary commandeered us to haul casualties to the field surgeon’s tent.” Jo responds.

The bodies of horses torn and mutilated lie along the road. Many animals kick and shake in a last “Dam! There’s blood everywhere!” Wiesdig is upset. “They’ll never pass inspection this away.”

attempt to escape. A Confederate Calvary office runs among the injured. He fires his pistol into the The big German scratches his head. “Best to line the beds with some dry dirt and sweep the floors

heads of those horses unable to rise. “Put those horses down!” He shouts to the others. of the wagons out real good. Then you can wash with soap and water.”

Dozens of bodies of injured soldiers lie about. Many struggle furiously to recover. The mayhem The master sergeant inspects the wagons. “That’s an order thin lips. You’ll have to load the wagons

created by the first cannonade leaves the road in utter confusion. Among the dying and wounded tonight and be off a first light. You’ll be hauling powder all day tomorrow!”

walk horse and soldier left unscathed but dumbfounded. The screams of the wounded muffle the Wiesdig turns silent and offers his open hand to Jo. “Signed Invoices?” He asks.

sounds of shots administered to the dying horses. “Get those men off this road!” Jo has forgotten. She stammers for a bit. “General Lee kept them.” She blurts out. “He was so

Jo sees the unconscious body of Beau carried to safety. impressed that someone could keep the rules of the military when so much fighting was going on

“Gets those wagons over here!” The officer calls to Jo. “These men must be taken to the surgeon at that he wants to give then signed invoices back personnel.” Jo likes the story she is fabricating and

once.” it being generated at believable pace. “I told him Msgt. Wiesdig is in charge. General Lee says that

Jo’s munitions convoy becomes a medical caravan. Beau is bleeding profusely. Jo helps place a a man like you is needed at the front and he requests you to appear before him at your earliest

tourniquet on his leg. His forehead is cut and his upper arm is ripped open. She makes bandages connivance.” Jo stands at rigid attention while speaking. “Them invoices is moving around Beaver

from the cloth covers from the wagons. The dead are left. Anyone still breathing is placed upon a Dam in the General’s pockets right now.”

wagon. The medical compound is in Mechanicsville. Jo’s wagons are close and they arrive quickly “General Lee himself?” Carl is flattered. His large grin soon turns somber at the thought of front

at the field hospital. line action. “Not possible of course! No way I can be relieved here. I have lots of materials being

“We have to return to the depot...we have our orders.” Jo tells the remnants of the squad. delivered by train tomorrow. You’ll have to give my apologies to the General.” Carl is quick to

The empty wagons return toward Richmond. The floors of the wagon are still dripping the blood of change the subject.

the wounded. Jo wonders if Beau will survive and if Emmy will hear of his injuries. Jo pushes the master sergeant’s discomfort. ”What if he asks for you tomorrow when I give him the

new invoices?”

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“Just get anyone to sign the things...no need to be bothering General Lee.” Carl hesitates his large Jo’s mouth drops open. The large man’s ruff exterior has always made her uncomfortable. She

fingers twitching. “I’ll be sure to see him myself just as soon as we get more people here.” finds herself attached to the man and saddened to leave. Her eyes want to water and a small

Jo and the wagons haul powder to Lee at Gaine’s Mill south of Beaver Dam for the entire day of tightness gathers in her throat. She has been nothing but death and suffering form the past three

June 27. The battle rages through the day. Every return trip carries wounded back to days. She will not have too take the last of her squad under Union guns for the next two days.

Mechanicsville. The next day, June 28 the work is not the same for Jo’s wagon train. The wagons “Carl…I’m a girl!” She kisses him gratefully.

have been chasing Lee from one Confederate victory to the next. Today Lee rests his troops. He Carl is shocked. “Holy Moses! If I had known that I would have made you the office cook. All this

will engage the Union forces tomorrow at Savage’s Station. time I sent you off on a wagon when good eating I was missing. Hmm! Next time you come to this

The number of disenfranchised units of the Confederate army has grown with the recent conflicts. depot you stay with me and we eat fine together…and you dress like a girl.”

Confederate casualties are high. The depot under Msgt. Wiesdig is swelling with remnants of ~~~~~

squads and platoons. Jo and the squad return to Mechanicsville by foot. Their first stop is the medical tents. Jo searches

“Sgt. thin lips!” Carl calls out with a grin. He saunters among the gathered men who now crowd the out Fredda May Varny. She finds Fredda and her man Henry tending the amputees.

area. “Get your squad together!” “Fredda May! I need your help.” Jo calls.

“What’s up, Master sergeant?” Jo runs to meet him. “Jo Goodall. I hear tell you got married. Why are you still kicking up dust in this rebel army?

“You’re out of here…for good I trust.” Carl’s smile is quite warm. He has learned to appreciate the Shouldn’t you be at home tending your man?” She does not stop her work and glances only once to

toughness of Jo. “You have orders to march with your squad to Mechanicsville. They want you at see Jo’s face.

headquarters there by tomorrow night.” Carl hands the girl a package wrapped in heavy brown “Yep! Married Ty Kooter. He was wounded at Seven Pines and is home by now.” Jo answers.

paper. “Why for are you here wearing that uniform and killing folks?” Fredda is anxious to see the end of

“What’s this?” The girl is surprised. the conflict. “Seems to me everybody should have their fill of killing and dying!” Fredda is

“It’s German sausage. I want to thank you for all the help even if you did try to get me into Lee’s changing the bandage on a soldier with a missing leg.

front command.” Carl enjoyed the joke. “You and your men have a holiday and a good feast on me “I’ll go straight home as soon as my squad is dismissed. Not till then…it ain’t right my a leaving.”

tonight. You have earned it!” He hands her a tall bottle of white wine as well. “I make these myself. Jo words are said firm and hard.

Thank you thin lips…and I hope you get home safely.” Freda walks to the next bed and begins inspecting the wounds of another young soldier. “Jo, do you

know how many legs the surgeons have removed from the young boys of Virginia? There’s a shed

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out back what is stacked full of limbs awaiting to be buried. The badly wounded are left to die, Jo! “My boys…what’s left and I are going to disappear somewhere so’s we can stretch our minds and

Just left to die.” Fredda shakes her head in disgust. ”The lesser wounded and slight hurt set a rest out souls a bit. Going get us some good bittels and have a few hard drinks to our dead

waiting. Lord knows that if we had twice as many doctors we would still just be a cutting arms and comrades. Maybe when we get back I’ll be able to cry again.”

legs off these here children.” The campaign for the peninsula continues. Lee’s army is been pressing the attack. The Union Army

“How’s Henry?” has been forced to retreat from Seven Oaks with great cost to the Confederacy. Over one hundred

“The poor man hasn’t slept I think since the shooting began. He’s in with the surgeon all day and thousand Union soldiers still threaten Richmond. It is July 29th. The Union force is concentrated

with me helping these boys recover all night. He’s a saint of a man. He is sorry these boys are upon the heights at Malvern Hill.

getting hurt over the Negroes but he hopes the Union wins out and ends slavery. It’s hard for him Jo and the remaining few members of her squad await the day’s assignment at divisional

Jo. He is trying to make up for all this suffering.” headquarters in Mechanicsville.

“Fredda I brung B J Reiter here a couple of days ago. He was hurt mighty bad. I need to find out “Lee has’em just about wooped!” The stoic Cpl Burnett offers.

how he is a doing and get word to Emmy Ferris.” “I-I don’t th-think all those Yan-yankees are quite do-done fighting yet.” Osetek responds. “We’ve

“He’s alive! Least wise last time I saw him. He will live I expect if fever don’t get him.” had the ad-advantage so far.”

“Can I see him Fredda?” “I wonder what in the blazes Msgt Jain will dig up for us now?” Jo wonders out loud.

He’s gone Jo. He’s most likely in a room somewhere in Mechanicsville. I sent word to Dale “The Yanks are retreated but they is a long way from the Chesapeake Bay. Seems to me that Union

Freshwater right off. He had Emmy Lou’s father come down from Richmond with a private could push up the damn river as close to Richmond as they can get and just wait us out. Hell they

physician. They moved him straight away, yesterday maybe? out number us! There’s no way we can out last them.” Jo speculates.

“Does Emmy know of his injuries? “Washingto-ton is wo-wo-worried about being at-attacked wh-while all their men are do-down

“I recon…least ways she’ll know ‘fore long.” here.” Osetek answers.

“Thank you Fredda I best be a going. Give my hello to Henry. The way we are a dying out there it “Who is a going to lead an army all the way up there? The English?” Jo asks.

won’t be long till this fighting ends.” Jo doesn’t believe that her squad will survive another battle. “Here tell there’s a bunch of English awaiting up in Canada. All they need is the chance to join in

“Where are you headed Jo?” with us.” Burnett speaks.

“A city wi-with limited def-fenses co-could be at-attacked from two sides a-at once. B-be hard to

def-fend.”

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“Then why are we not doing that now and force the Union to terms and end all this killing.” “Koo-ooter dear boy! I’m here at the invitation of your Confederate government and piping ready

“A-ain’t got the two armies to-to-to send af-fter Lincoln.” to observe your forces in the field.”

“Well if I see and Englishman in uniform I’ll kiss a horse’s rear end.” Jo and the squad offer a smile. Jo recovers from the shock of the Englishman’s intrusion. “Mrs.

“Sgt Kooter!” Msgt Jain interrupts as he approaches. “Meet Lt. Bramwell.” Kooter, Sgt. or just plain Jo!”

A tall slender officer that is dressed extravagantly in a royal blue uniform with gold markings “My word!” The Englishman places his monocle upon his right eye and studies the girl. “Right oh!

dwarfs the small round master sergeant. He wears no weapon but his bearing is strict military from Jo it shall be!” He makes no other expression of her gender or class.

his parade hat to his shinny leather boots. “Lt Bevil Bramwell of her Majesty’s Royal Oxford “Good! We will call you Bramwell seeing that you a guest and all!”

Regiment Afoot, at you service.” He snaps and bows. “Good show Jo. We’ll make our headquarters at the Regency Hotel where I have accommodations.

Jo’s mouth hangs open at the sparkling sights of the young English officer whose words are spoken I say let’s be off for a spot of tea and will make our plans. Tomorrow Lee is to mount an assault on

most elegantly. The squad stares at the man whose finery marks him as a foreign presence. the heights south of here. It is imperative that I be there and report on the action in the field.”

“J-Jo Ko-ooter.” She stammers. Jo finds herself embarrassed by her appearance. Jo is yet to understand. “Just what is it that you expect to see and who be you anxious to tell?”

“Ah! Sgt Koo ooter.” The Englishmen mimics.” A most southern sounding name indeed.” “I wish to see the disposition of the Union defense and their efficiency when engaged. My report

“He’s yours, Jo. You and your men are to be his escort for the next few days.” Jain is goes directly to my superiors at Her Majesty’s Embassy in Richmond.”

uncomfortable and anxious to shed his guest. “You are going to give marks to the Union for their way of fighting...like a school teacher?”

“I say Msgt Jain. Why not stay on with us for a time and help put up a bit of cheer?” The “Yes Jo...in a manner of speaking, that is precisely what I shall do.”

Englishman’s teeth flush forward in a broad smile under his trim red mustache. “Do we get to see this here report?” Jo presses.

Jain has no understanding of the expressions of the English officer. He ignores the man and turns to “By agreement with her Majesty my report is for the queen’s own. One does not wish to offend!”

Jo with a look of helplessness. “It’s escort duty or burial detail. I done give you the best there is to There is not room for diplomacy in the Englishman’s words.

get. They be forming a new regiment right now that we’ll be assigned to. When you return the new “I’m a guessing y’all be marking us up as well...the Confederate troops I mean!”

regiment will be ready to moving out.” The Englishman does not answer.

Jo looks at the well-groomed Englishman. She thinks his words foolish but his manners are “Have you seen much fighting Bramwell?” Jo is anxious to discover the man’s worth.

disciplined. She takes trust in him. “Okay Jain! We take him where ever he wants to go?” “Actually I’ve just arrived. Haven’t seen your chaps in action as yet. I’m told that your General Lee

is having great success.”

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“I didn’t mean watching men die. I was wondering if you had been a fighting over there in ”Necessity I’m afraid other wise I shall appear as a combatant. Can’t have that you know.

England.” Jo studies his face. Upsetting the queen and all. No, that won’t do.” The Englishman produces a small telescope. “This

“My ancestor’s have been in service to the crown for centuries. My grandfather commanded the is all the addition I need. Just the thing to make out details.” He hands it to Jo.

same regiment against Napoleon at Waterloo. My qualifications are impeccable my dear girl.” The girl has never seen quite the piece of optics. She handles it uncomfortably.

Jo realizes that the man has been sent a far distance and must know something. “How big was “Just extend it out and place the small end in front of your eye. Point the other end off into the

Napoleon’s army back then?” Jo asks with the curiosity of a soldier. distance. That’s all there is to it.”

“As large as the Union force your government faces tomorrow.” Jo looks through the small device. Distant figures appear within. Their actions are now close but

“Any foreigners over there with the Union observing?” unaccompanied by sound. Distant trees now show branches occupied by birds. She is thrilled and

“I would at all be surprised if there would be found a French military officer or two...although beams with delight. “How does this thing work?” She hands it to Cpl. Burnett who is eager to

perhaps not in uniform. That is to say they may not have an official delegation present.” share.

“Just like ch-choosing sides, Jo.” Osetek adds. “Mus-ust be a lot of m-money from sla-lavery over “Sorry, I can’t offer an explanation. These things are awfully useful in getting around and keeping a

there.” Osetek finds the man’s presence a form of interference and he is not pleased. watch.” The Englishman responds.

“We is supposed to keep you safe while you is observing?” Burnett asks. “T-two pieces of cu-curved glass...o-one at each end.” Osetek informs.

“Protect-tion from our fel-fellow rebs most li-likely.” Osetek says with a spit of mouth tobacco. “I can’t wait to see what them Union Generals look like.” Burnett adds.

“Tha-at pret-tty uniform makes a fi-fine target.” ~~~~~

Jo is sure the man has courage. Early the next morning the squad appears at the Regency in a small horse drawn wagon. They

“See hear! Your Msgt Jain is a very competent looking sort. I’m rather sure your squad is up to the proceed southeast at first light toward Malvern Hill and the Confederate advance. The roads are

task. We shall remain away from the front lines at all times. More is the chance of a bit of lined with Confederate troops moving into reserve positions, advancing supplies and Calvary. The

cannonade, hardly worth the mention. What’s say we have a jolly good look at the day?” The Confederate batteries have just begun to pound the Union fortifications as the English officer and

Englishman is optimistic. his escorts arrive. The Confederates under Lee are massed behind their guns.

The Bramwell’s good-natured persistence makes Jo smile. “Are you a going to wear those fancy “Let’s find our way to the middle of the of the troop disposition.” Bramwell commands. ”When the

duds? She asks. formation advances we shall follow them. We shall have the whole field at our view.”

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“This will be a sight I haven’t seen.” Jo pauses. “The only thing one can really tell from there is “As soon as the entire formation is within range the Union batteries will commence firing.”

how fast the Union guns can destroy those men going up there after them.” Bramwell informs.” A blind gunner could hit these men.”

“Precisely!” Bramwell declares. Jo searches out the Union field markers. “There is a lot of ground for those good old boys to

“What good is that going to do for your queen” Jo asks. cover.” She notes.

“It-t’ll le-let her know how ma-many Englishmen will ha-have to die if they jo-join in.” Osetek The Union cannons are patient. They are well aimed. Rare has been the chance for their artillery to

states calmly. be so well disposed. The roar of the first cannonade deafens the landscape. White plums of smoke

Bramwell does not answer. pour down from the high ground. Explosions erupt simultaneously across the ground among the

The observers wait patiently with the Confederate formation as the Union’s defenses are pulverized dense human population in the field. Groups of men disappear in smoke and flash and the

by intense artillery barrage. Jo shares the desperation and fear of the Union soldier hiding among convulsion of the earth about them. The openings thus created in the formation are quickly filled.

the falling shells. There is no pleasure for any that watch. Clouds of smoke and dust cover the The subsequent cannonade renders similar impact.

Union lines. “The Union artillery is excellent” Bramwell lets slip.

An hour passes and the Confederate troops grow restless. They are anxious to have this business The Confederate formation advances. The dead and wounded come into view from the rear. The

concluded. Some stand hoping to live, others content to die if they must. All have seen much human carnage appears in clusters about back scorch marks laid in circles on the green field. With

fighting by now. They will not move in confusion this day. Their advance will be direct and each cannonade the men are destroyed in isolated domains that riddle the entire formation. Only the

unwavering. cannons recharge interrupts the mass killing and permits the Confederate troops to gain ground.

Another hour passes and the Confederate cannonade abates. The guns change elevation as the “Not one round has missed yet. Awfully fine stuff coming from that hill.” Bramwell is unaware that

bugles call the foot formations to advance. The lines of the Confederates march out. Dense sections his comments are spoken aloud.

of men are aliened. Side by side they form a thick human line the whole of the length of the fields Jo hears but her mind looks at the field markers that indicate the range of the Union muskets. They

that lie at the bottom of the heights. Several such lines form one behind the other. The land is are soon to disappear under from sight.

covered in Confederate feet just out of range of the Union cannons. “Muskets at the ready!” Bramwell announces as his telescope scans the Union line. “Soon! Soon!”

The Confederate formation strides toward the Union position. Caps and bayonets of the soldiers The Union muskets crack across the heights as they discharge into the Confederate line. The force

point to the rear as the faceless formations move past Confederate cannons. The escort team sits of the impact throws the first of the Confederates backwards into the second ranks.

perched atop their wagon.

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The second Union line fires before the dead reach the ground. Many Confederates fall without “Just you and I Jo. Eh what?” The tall officer pours Jo cup of freshly brewed tea. “Just the thing.

being shot, and are trampled over by their own men advancing. Good English tea to refresh the day.”

“Ninety percent casualties from the first rounds” Most impressive! Their defensive formations are Jo is once again uncomfortable by the officer’s fine manners. “My folks take tea.” She explains.

quite good.” Bramwell narrates. “Where just country folk and set store by things natural like.” She has never held a cup of such

The cannons loose shot that rips through the confederate ranks. So intense is the fusillade that the finery. “This cup is gorgeous!”

front sections of the Confederate line lie in heaps. The bodies of their comrades stall the “My mother’s. It’s the only bit of home I allow myself. Must have tea in one of mother’s cups.” He

Confederate line. smiles.

“They stand in front of the Union muskets. They must withdraw at once.” The Englishmen declares Jo sips he dark rich liquid. Bramwell sits back in a relaxed posture just as if he where at home. Jo

just as the Confederate bugles sound retreat. wonders how they can take pleasure in hot tea just after they have witnessed so many young men

The field is surrender to the artillery. dying. She wishes to be home with Ty.

“Bramwell? Why does our army want to take this here hill for anyway?” Jo asks. “Miss home, Jo?” Bramwell notes the distant look upon his escort’s face.

“Quite elementary actually! If one’s army is not strong enough to depose his enemy from his “I wish this war would end soon Bramwell. Most of the folks fighting here today would go home

advantage then one’s army is not going to win the battle or the war.” The Englishman studies if’n they could choose.”

intensely the Union lines as the cannonades resume. “Quite! The Union officers are withdrawing “I should think that most of these poor creatures are to be very disappointed.”

half their line to the rear. Good show!” “You don’t think the fighting will end soon do you?” Jo asks.

“How do you rate the Yankees?” Jo asks. “Officially I may not answer” Bramwell pauses. “But if Lee does not succeed in driving the Union

“Most impressive! They present a formidable opponent to your Lee. He has a tough job here, that is presence off those heights then the Confederacy will not win this war.”

for certain.” The Englishman looks over the ground behind. “Let’s move for a spot of tea shall we. “You don’t think Lee can do it!” Jo declares.

There’s not much doing here presently. I suspect those cannon’s will bombard the Union defenses The Englishman does not answer. He lowers his head and sips his tea.

until well after lunch.” “The English are not going to enter this conflict are they?”

Jo keeps the observer’s company while he prepares tea. The squad prefers to rest in the shade of “Only her Majesty the Queen can answer that question, Jo.”

some elms and to be spared the officer’s rhetoric. “You think we are going to lose this war!” Jo responds calmly.

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“Unofficially! Your side cannot match the Union’s number. The federal government will maintain “Yes! Married just a bit of a girl…lovely, quite lovely. Ann is a country girl like you. Not much

it’s the advantage in superior artillery. The contest is to be very high in casualty and cost.” He looks older I’m sure.”

earnestly into Jo’ eyes “Your best hope, I believe, is to gain a stalemate. By raising the losses of the “What makes a man become a warrior?”

Union you may force their leaders to bargain.” “Well...duty I guess to Queen and country and all that I suppose.”

“What about slavery? Isn’t this the issue? What’s the outcome going to be?” Jo demands to know. “It be the same for us women.” Jo answers.

“Only the Good Lord has that answer. I do not believe He is fond of slavery, Jo. Sooner or later The remainder of the day passes. The Confederates recharged the heights at Malvern Hill without

slavery will pass off here just as it has in Europe. The issue in America is whether the union of success. Fatigue draws the battle to a close at dusk. Bramwell and his escorts listen to the battle

sates is to perish. This I am sure England will have no affect on this outcome.” He hands to her his through the smoke and mist.

telescope and it’s leather case. This night the Union troops abandoned the height and withdrew. Heavy losses have been taken by

“What’s this?’ She asks. the Confederacy. The decision of the Union is not to resume its march to Richmond. Both reasons

“A present! It is expression of my gratitude for your companionship. Besides I’ll have no more use bring the Peninsula Campaign to an end.

for it this day. I have seen all the butchery I must witness. We shall remain close enough to see the The remains of 3rd regiment is ordered to Culpeper. Here fresh volunteers from Maryland, Ohio,

day’s outcome.” and Pennsylvania as well as from Virginia are gathered. The recruits will be given a shortened

“So long as guns be firing I’ll be seeing men die close like no matter where we stand.” Jo responds. training period.

“Jo? Since I’ve been honest with you I wish to ask one very personal question. May I?” ~~~~~

“Bramwell you are certainly due my appreciation. Ask away!” Msgt. Jain and Sgt. Kooter wait at the train depot near the Confederate camps at Culpeper.

“What makes a perfectly dear girl such as yourself pick up a musket and become a warrior? One “Jo I am giving Sgt. Burnett his own squad. I’m going to leave you, Osetek and the Crawfords. The

can’t possibly imagine as to why.” rest of your squad you get today.”

“I just had to be here to help the men folk from my home. I hoped to help keep some alive...I just “New recruits?” Jo asks.

went! They asked me to lead these men…to save them. Just help them die is all a sergeant can do. “As fresh as yourself when you showed up here for the first time. Pick yourself a pair of good

I’ll stay with them till it’s over or we ain’t a squad no more.” Jo pauses. “Bramwell are you corporals and the job of getting your squad ready will be less difficult.”

married?” “Osetek will be one the other will be the oldest Crawford.”

“Just what is that Crawfords full name?” Jain asks

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“Be damned if I know. I wrote down Davy on his jumper but we just call him HeyBoy.” “Eli Smikel, from Two Ridge.” The soldier says meekly.

“Is as good as any name…long as he answers.” Jain begins to walk away. “Make sure your squad “Next!”

can shot first thing out of the bag!” Jain barks as his small legs bounce away. “Boyce Chambers of the Wellsville Chambers.” A strong looking youth answers proudly.

Jo finds herself aside the train tracks waiting for the arrival of the new recruits. She recalls her “Next!”

worry about sneaking into the army to be with Ty. Had she waited she would be with Ty now. “Thomas McCray from Irishville, Pa.” A smart looking youth pipes loudly.

Maybe he would have been killed without her at Bull Run or Seven Pines. There’s no way of “Just a minute Thomas.” Jo commands. “Step forward. What is a Yank doing in my squad?” She

knowing if she did the right thing in joining up. Her mind wonders over all the changes since asks softly.

joining the regiment. “My ma is from Virginia. She says it’s not right what Mr. Lincoln is doing to the people down near

The first train of the day arrives with the same rush as the one that carried her here for the first Richmond. I came to help that’s all Sgt.”

time. Steam hisses loudly and covers the doors of the train as it brakes to stop. The passengers “Welcome Thomas. Next!”

discharge hurriedly. They are apprehensive and look nervously about. A sergeant at the train door “Soupy Miles, Culpeper.” A middle aged man stammers.

nearest to Jo counts a dozen and a half bodies into one bunch and sends them to Jo. “You’re a bit late for the first sign up Soupy.” Jo is surprised by the man’s age.

“Company A 3rd Regiment.” Jo shouts as they approach. “Line up side by side two deep.” She “My wife was passing. I couldn’t leave go until I buried her. I want to do my part, Sgt.”

draws a mark in the dirt with the toe of her boot. The newly arrived soldiers slowly jostle into their “Sorry Mr. Miles for your loss… my apologies. Next”

first formation. “Abe Greenberg, Moorefield.” A slender man says while avoiding Jo’s look.

Jo walks in front of the formation and inspects the recruits.“ We shall march together to the “Next!”

compound of the 3rd regiment. There you will be issued your field equipment and have a warm “Petey Martin from Milk Hollow Run up towards Shepherdstown.” The soldier answers with a soft

meal. Training begins as soon as you stow your personal items. You can call me Sgt Jo.” She calls voice.

the first soldier in line to step forward. “Name and hometown?” Jo studies the tall thin figure. The soldier’s motion catches Jo attention.

“Jed Banksby! Charlotte.” A small soldier responds. “Step forward!” The shallow built figure saunters close to Jo. The two stare one at the other. Petey

“Next!” has fine long fingers and a baby face.

“Tylar Davis, Piny Fork.” A second boy answers. The soldier is much aware of Jo’s presence and gazes at the sergeant’s every move.

“Next!” “Petey, how old are you?”

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A very young looking soldier stands several inches taller than Jo. “I ain’t quite sure. My ma died Chapter 7

some time back.” Antietam

“When’s your birthday?” Jo asks.

“I don’t know…no one ever said...I was born in the spring though.”

“Petey take off your cap.” Jo orders.

Short curly brown hair covers the top of a long thin face.

“Your beautiful!” Jo says in a low voice. “You can’t be more than 12 or 13 years old. Why would a

girl so young as you sneak into this here army?” Jo talks so none other can hear.

The young girl studies Jo. She is now aware that Jo is a woman. “I had to leave. I couldn’t stay any

longer. There was no were else to go.” Tears fall from the young soldiers eyes.

“What about your family?” Jo questions.

“Share croppers, bunch of different folks just live all together. Work all day with the men then we

work in the house. The men gets drunk and they bother us girls. Don’t make no matter how young

we is or how tired we is. I just wanted to die back there. Please don’t send me back.”

Jo wonders how the young Crawford girls fare with their drunken father. “Wipe your face and put At midday Jo calls the new squad into formation. “This first order of business is the appointment of
your cap on. This ain’t no place to get a living. I’ll keep you...until I can find you proper place for new corporals and dividing the squad into sections.” Jo pauses to sort affairs in her mind. “Cpl
you. Next!” Osetek you have first section and HeyBoy you take the other section.”

The two men step forward one to each side of Jo.

“HeyBoy I want you to take your three brothers in your section. Osetek I want you to take Petey

Martin. You corporals will divide the rest of the men.”

Osetek looks to Jo for the reasoning in her request. He looks at Private Martin and back at Jo. He

sees a want in Jo’s eye that shows special concern. He is aware that Petey must have special need.

“St-step for-wa-ard martin!” He calls.

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The young girl advances to face inspection. She is confident in Jo’s word. There is no fear shown Jo pauses. ”If you make a noise in the night you will give away our position to the enemy and we

as she answers. “Yes Cpl Osetek.” will die. You may not move! You may not swat an insect. You may not talk. You may not disturb

Osetek sees a very young recruit that is not soon to be an adult. The long thin limbs hang on a wide the ground and leave a record of our presence to alert the enemy. At first light you shall gather in to

torso. Petey’s round face is smooth and unblemished. He sees nothing out of the ordinary for Jo’s a formation in silence we shall move off several miles and secure a covered position without

concern. The regiment has always been filled with boys just come in their teens. Osetek hangs his making any noise.” Jo signals the squad to secure a perimeter.

head in thought. He notices the delicate footprints made by Martin as the soldier stepped out of This night the squad sleeps uneasy with sore feet and stiff legs. There are many mosquitoes about

formation. He turns toward Jo his face beet red. His glance informs Jo that he has recognized making a nuisance. The near full moon gives accent to darken shadows that seem to stir. Creatures

Martin as child...a girl child. “Yo-oou s-s-stay right by my s-s-ide, Petey.” of the night call and disturb the visitors to their fields.

“The squad will march in formation until the mess wagon arrives. After dinner the squad will The morning begins with faint light ascending on the horizon. The sky is yet filled with twinkling

commence training in cleaning a musket. We will march out of camp at dusk and sleep in the field. stars. They do not rest but lie in a tortured state awaiting the relief offered by day.

First thing in the morning we shall learn to fire our weapons. We shall repeat these drills until I am The calls of the nesting birds that sit upon limb and branch announce that night is ending. In slow

satisfied the squad is ready to engage the Union forces Make sure each man has ammunition, water motion they rise and pace into formation without a sound. Muskets slung over the shoulder.

and hard biscuit’s.” Jo has issued the orders for the day. Canteens held silent they hike along a farmer’s lane.

The squad forms into lines of a simple side-by-side formation and they commence to march orderly An hour passes with a word spoken. The sun’s first edge makes to the horizon. Jo signals with one

in a long wide square about the camp. Jo reckons that a pace of four miles an hour is to be motion of her arm for the squad to make to a gathering of weeping willows.

achieved. Her squad will march each day through the afternoon hours in the August heat of “Make camp. Eat! Drink! Talk! In one hour we move again.” Jo breaks silence.

northern Virginia. When they see the enemy they will be able to move and to shot. All of the squad but Jo, and Osetek fall into a deep sleep. They are wakened after one hour and

That evening as the sun begins to set the mess wagon arrives. The squad is tired, and hungry. They made ready for musket practice.

fill their stomachs with hot beans mixed with sorghum served with hot coffee and dried biscuit’s. “Have one section load at a time. The other section is to watch. Y’all can fire into that old tree

As soon as the squad has eaten they march into the countryside out of camp. Jo selects a grassy trunk over to the side. The second section is then to load and fire while the first watches. We will

knoll. Night settles. return to camp for midday’s mess after our ammunition is spent and our weapons cleaned.” Jo

“There will be no campfire. You shall lie on the ground in a circle. You will lie in a prone firing informs Osetek.

position facing outward with your head upon your musket. You shall guard the center of the circle: “I-I-I think most of them ha-have never fired a mus-musket.”

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“Each section must be able to load and fire straight ahead in less than three minutes.” Jo insists. “You must look down the riffle barrel and see that which you want to hit.” She raises her musket

“Be-best start them sho-ooting without mus-musket ba-balls.” Osetek warns. ”Else we ma-may lo- and points directly at the face of each soldier.”

oose someone by ac-accidental sho-ooting.” “Look down my musket barrel and see the eye which sights on you.” She declares as she moves her

The first efforts at handling the musket comes natural for those in squad used to the rural way of pointed musket from one recruit to the next. “You now if I pull this trigger you shall die. You have

life. To others the long rifle is heavy and awkward to handle. Many fire without a sense for aiming. no question as to where my musket ball will travel.” The squad watches Jo’s demonstration with

Many repetitions of loading and firing bring a slow unison to their task. dire seriousness.

The last firing of the morning is done with a musket ball in place. There is great excitement. The “When you aim at that old tree trunk you must see a figure pointing a musket back at you.” She

men cheer when the decaying tree trunk splinters with a penetrating musket ball. Very few balls hit pauses. “You are not shooting at a squirrel eating nuts.” She pauses again. You are not shooting a

the mark. timid deer foraging on grass.”

“Tomorrow we will be here again. You must shoot faster and straighter. Corporals , your sections The sections repeat with alternate firings. There is freshness in purpose this morning. There work

are to clean weapons, march back to camp, and prepare for mess.” Jo commands. The return march proceeds with more quickness and their aim is intentional. Their sergeant is impressed. After the

is made with all in a daze form fatigue, including Jo. Most new recruits have no appetite and first hour she orders firing with musket balls to the delight of her squad.

choose to sleep through midday mess call. The time of firing is still slowed by the beginners, but most of the rounds find the tree trunk. “We-

The afternoon sees an exact replication of the previous day. Forced marching for hours in the late ere to-oo close. The tree tru-unk is too big-g.” Osetek declares.

day heat drains the energy of all. The evening mess call is purely attended as well. Late evening Jo Jo direct the squad back 100 paces.

calls the squad. “Night pickets to the ready.” The squad assembles for the hike back to the grassy “Tomorrow we shall have a contest. As soon as each squad is able to produce 25 hits on that tree

knoll. They walk in an utter stupor. Their bodies are passed exhaustion. Tonight as soon as they lie trunk from 200 paces in ten minutes then we shall take a day and learn to swim in the old mill’s

upon their muskets the squad will sleep without disturbance. pond. Whiskey’s on me.” Jo announces over the roars of appreciation.

Jo prods the squad to their feet in strict silent as the birds begin a sweet harmony in anticipation of “I get to sho-oot with my boys.” Osetek declares, as he is partial to taste of warm straight bourbon.

the coming solar presence. Much rested but yet sore of muscle and feet the squad walks quietly to “You on, H R.” Jo laughs at the unexpected enthusiasm by her dear corporal.

their place of practice. At full light the squad is again loading and firing muskets as the prior day. The call to midday mess is now meet with disappointment. Each squad member is determined that

“There is a trick to shooting with accuracy.” Jo declares. they conquer their sergeant’s challenge, young Petey included. She yet struggles with the weight of

the gun.

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The evening finds the squad ravenous for food and intense on cleaning their weapons. They march The shooting starts just as done in prior days. Jo notices several recruits tuning their sights

tonight with anticipation of the morning’s practice. occasionally in the first half of the hour. Then something happens. A confidence spreads. Eyes

The third day finds the squad improved in firing efficiency but they can only muster 18 or 19 marks became accustomed. Arms became strong. Hands became nimble.

in the allotted time. The fourth day finds both squads with 20 or more marks but less than then that Customarily Jo keeps record of the hits and misses and time. She calls out the sections’ marks

needed. The fifth day produces the same achievement. There is concern among the troops for the afterwards. “Section one; 17 hits, section two, 18 marks.” Today the marks became good. “Section

lack of proficiency. one; 21 hits, section two, 20 marks.” Then the marks grow very good. “Section one; 23 hits, section

The night of the fifth day of basic training one of the younger Crawfords approaches Jo. two, 24 marks.” Then they became acceptable. “Section one; 25 hits, section two, 26 mark.”

“Sgt. I do believe that I can help the squad.” He says shyly. The recruits cheered their success wildly. They toss their hats in the air and hug one another in

Jo has never heard this many words from a young Crawford before. She is aware that this boy is the anticipation of the coming holiday.

best marksman in the squad. “What is your given name?” She asks. “Well, we can leave for mess early. This squad is qualified.”

“Kyle...named after my mother Kylene.” He smiles a bit embarrassed. Young Kyle steps forward. “Sgt we ain’t ready. We wants to shoot more cause we ain’t done our

Jo wonders if her grandparents even know Mrs. Crawfords given name. best.” The squad affirms the boys comment.

“I node what for the squad’s shooting is sour.” He is head is lowered to the ground He fears that Jo Jo is surprised. “You can stay till the ammunition is gone.”

might reject his notion. “I set my sights real careful like when I was give this here musket. They The practice commences with Jo silent. With attention and purpose the squad loads and fires in

just ain’t set right first off.” He pauses to feel Jo’s reaction. alternate sections without break with each tracking his best. The sections perform in unison moving

“You can teach us to set them proper like?” Jo questions. smoothly together as one. Fusillade after fusillade rents the tree trunk till it splits in half along the

“It’s simple sergeant. Takes a couple of practice rounds then slight turn on a sight tis all.” horizon.

“First light tomorrow you show us.” Jo pauses. “Kyle you tell me the names of the best five At the end, when all the powder and balls have been used, the squad remains in firing position

shooters in the squad when we get back for mess.” awaiting Jo’s order.

“Yes’m I will.” The boy is all smiles at his sergeant’s interest. Jo moves to the squad’s front. “Section one; 31 hits, section two, 33 marks. Dam fine shooting

The sixth day begins as before. Awaken before the crows fly they are moving in silence. boys!”

During morning break, Jo has each member of the squad go off with Kyle and learn to adjust the

musket sights. The practice is to be different this day.

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This time the squad is silent. Filled with pride, they assume the quiet of professionals. They know Bilbly picks up Jo’s coin avariciously. He runs to the back room and carries three jugs of liquor

that they are becoming a very dangerous military unit. They know that they are able to kill with three more to follow three more. “Martha hurry,huury!” He calls into the rear of the store.

efficiently. No longer will they march humbly. A full sized woman dressed in a heavy apron appears anxious to discover the cause for her

After midday mess the squad moves with their backpacks empty. They pass out of camp and along husband’s excitement.

the mill road. The squad moves past the edge of Culpeper. A trading store stands at the intersection “Quick dear bring the pies and bread from the kitchen.” The little man shrieks as he scurries after

of two dirt roads Bilby’s Goods and Feeds has been in business since early colonial days. The more liquor.

advertisement reads everything needed for man and horse. “What them baked goods if for the social!” She responds disapprovingly.

Jo enters the dark room filled with leather goods, guns, ammunition, farm tools, rope and food “Will bake more sweet heart!” He stops and waves Jo’s gold coin in the air in the direction of his

stores. A small thin man with little hair stands behind a mound of cloth stacked upon the counter. wife.

He is busy tallying. “A large smile covers the woman’s swollen face. “Of course darling, right away! I’ve some

“Be with you in a moment. I just need to get this last figure…1.29 plus 6.75 this is a lovely order.” sausages and hams in the cold cellar as well.”

He frees his hands. “Bill Bilby at your service…er sergeant.” The Bilby’s crams the squads’ packs full leaving no penny of Jo’s small fortune unspent. The squad

“Jo Kooter here. My boys need some supplies for an outing…some rest and recreation.” makes to the old grain mill under heavy burden.

“I see you’ll be needing the best in Virginia spirits I presume.” He reaches under the counter and The mill has been grinding since the days that settlers arrived. A large stream moves the mill’s

recovers a small brown jug, removes the cork and pours Jo a state. ”Try this local white lightening. wheel as it empties in to a long narrow pond. The banks are shaded and tree lined. The water is

I drink the stuff myself.” dark and deep. A large silver maple has a thick branch that supports a long rope. Locals use this

Jo does not drink. “H R! Get in here and bring your thirst.” rope as a swing with a large arch for getting out over the pond and diving. The shallows at the

The large corporal enters and Jo hands him the sampler. Osetek looks into the bottom of the glass. pond’s edge are fine for fishing and wadding.

“No-not enough here to-oo give a bo-body no-otion. Jo chooses a comfortable place. “No liquor till night fall after camp is set!”

Bibly pours the cup half full of a clear white liquid. Osetek swallows it all in one go. The boys seek immediate relief from the August heat. They walk fully clothed in through the

The corporal’s lips pucker, his face reddens and his breath seizes. “O-o-oh my! It do fi-ine!” water’s edge till only their heads are visible. Hollering and splashing they play as children. Jo and

Jo tosses a gold coin upon the counter. Bibly’s eyes widen and his mouth opens longingly. Petey sit upon the bank dangling their bare feet into the cool water.

“Take this and fill my boys’ sacks with enough fine eats and drink to last the next two days.”

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Soon half-naked men are lined to get aboard the swing for the excitement impacting the waters heaping over. Sometimes I’d dream that ma and I would get smaller and smaller and we would

surface from high above. come to live in that berry patch and none of the mens could ever find us no more.”

“Sgt. Jo do you have a man?” Petey asks. “My grand parents have berry patches; strawberry, blueberry, raspberry. My grandma loves to bake

“Sure do. My husband was wounded and is back home recovering. He’s hobbled up a bit but he’s them pies.” Jo’s eyes sparkle.

doing right fine.” “My ma worked all the time. It wore her down till fever took her. Then we never had a berry patch

“I wish I had a man!” Petey sighs. again. When I gets married, I‘ll have me the biggest berry patch in all of Virginia. I’ll let any girls

“You be a bit young for need of a husband.” in for free to pick all theys can eat.” Petey’s face lights up with temptation. If ever I finds me a man

“My ma was a married young. I just want someone to take care of me and make me feel good.” with a good berry patch, I’ll marry him and won’t care how old he be!” The girls laugh.

“Time enough there’s a lot men in this army. But if y’all go about showing yourself as a woman “Well Petey there’s men folk and berry patches galore in Buffalo Creek, You’re welcomed to come

y’all get sent back home.” Jo adds. and have a look. Maybe there’s a rich’n a waiting for a pretty little girl like yourself right there?”

“I know! Maybe I can find me a place to get a good start on living not having to become a Again gentle laughter is shared.

sharecropper. I needs me a man with property. I’d be a good wife and wouldn’t mind an occasional The afternoon is filled with shared pleasures of summer. Only at dusk does the collective hunger of

beating.” the men drive them from the water. “Let-ts ha-have a bon fi-ire.” Osetek calls out. The men

“Petey, get yourself a good gentleman that not bothered by the drink...one that’s a steady worker. respond by the gathering of wood in all sizes. “Ju-st big e-enough to keep it pri-ivate.”

You don’t need to worry bout being hit or beaten. Life ain’t lived like that for every folk.” Meats are heating on the fire. Coffee is brewing and Jo makes some tea left by Bramwell for Petey

“Your mans never struck you in meanness?” Petey is surprised. to share. The men walk bare footed about the make shift camp. “When’s the whiskey give out?”

No one’s ever beat me, or hit me, or been mean. They may have been mad at me for a good one Calls one lad.

reason or other but most folks is gentle.” Jo looks as Petey musses this notion. ‘Don’t you have any “After mess! And that means the Lord’s blessing is to be said.” Orders Jo.

good memories of you home? Your mama?” “Corporal!” Jo calls Osetek. “Let the men have their fun. Any man what’s getting out of hand gets

“I remember my mama sending me out in the late afternoon before the mens came out the field. throwed back in that pond till he sobers up proper! We will have good fun and do without the devil

She’d give me a pan and tell em to get it full of strawberries. I’d run as fast as I could. I’d love in our squad.”

being in that berry patch. It was clean and everything was small. Them red berries a growing under “Yes se-se-sergeant!”

that tiny bush tasted mighty good. I’d stay as long as I could in that patch filling that old pan

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It is well into the night and the men shares drinks of white lightening. They sing songs learned from “How did you live?” Jo asks.

church and school. “There is some fine voices in that bunch.” Jo informs. “Like an animal!” Petey answers.

The men restrict their conduct. They are worn down from training and have no energy to spend in “Ju-ust li-like a-a wi-wild dog!” Osetek bows his head in depression. “Ran with a-a pack of ca-

rough frolic. They tell stories of family and home. Funny stories from home are eager to be shared. canines some. They taught me ho-how to re-ead sign.”

Heart-warming episodes from the past are relived. The death of parents and births of siblings are “Where did you live? Spend the winter?” Jo is moved near to tears for the man.

announced to the squad. “O-one pl-place or t’other.”

Osetek has had his limit of hard drink. Most men have put the jug down. A few are heavily “How did you get so smart?” Petey asks. Osetek is regarded as most learned.

intoxicated. Osetek comes to sit beside Jo and Petey. “The-ey is a go-ood bunch Jo.” Osetek is “Old pa-pa-papers. Soo-oner or later every-everything is put in the pa-paper.”

neither sober nor intoxicated. “Got no family at all do ya?” Petey asks.

“Yes, H R! I hate to line them up before the Union guns to destroyed.” “No-ope!”

“No good to a wor-ry.” “Going back to sheriffing after the war.” The girl Private asks.

“Osetek here was a deputy sheriff before he enlisted.” Jo tells Petey. “Sa-aving my mo-money for so-ome land. Do some far-farming.”

“How did you come be a law man?” Petey is trilled. “Will you have strawberry patch?” Petey asks with big eyes.

“I-I was a get-ting drunk and the sher-riff was putt-ting me in jail so often...he just ti-red and o- Osetek is wild with delight. “Have me a big o-old pa-patch...ha-half an acre or more. I li-ived many

offered me a jo-ob.” Osetek smiles. a day fro-om eating in someone’s straw-berry field.”

“What did you do before that?” Jo wonders. Petey sees her corporal in a new light. They have much in common. “You a going to be a sheriff?”

“Ev-rey thing...tra-apping...hunting...mo-ostly legal. Petey asks all proud up over the idea.

“What about your folks.” Jo has never asked Osetek any personal questions. “May-maybe...I don’t rightly kno-now.”

“My dad were hung about the ti-ime I were bo-orn. Kilt some men.” No emotion is expressed. “Have you a sweet heart?” Jo asks with much attention paid by Petey.

“How about your ma?” Petey asks. “Nope ne-ver tr-tried.” Much nervousness is shown.

“Run off with a ti-tinker when I was small. Do-on’t even re-remem-ber her.” He stifles bitterness. Petey gives a look of approval to Jo.

“How did you live?” Jo had no idea of his personal life. ~~~~~

“Wo-ork ho-ouse!” Much anger is controlled. “Ran off a-a-as soon as I could.”

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That night each member of the squad sleeps as if home once again. They are free in mind to plan “We suppose to knock on someone’s door and steal whatever we need?

and hope for the future. Time is not measured in the steps marched, or the call to mess. This night Jain is vague. “Lee’s boys don’t steal. Whatever you take leave a signed invoice. It’ll be

there is no war immanent. No concerns of killing or sights of horror need be shed from redeemable after the war. Pay a fair price!”

consciousness. It is as if one returned to a mother’s care. Jo knows that the invoice is worthless. “It don’t quite look same as buying. Seems more like forced

The morning finds children not soldiers sleeping late. The last of the feast is warming. Jo had the purchase at awful good discount.”

unused whiskey disposed of in the fire last night. The jovial mood continues through breakfast. “The army is awful low on supplies. We don’t have but a few days worth of shot and powder.” The

In middle morn, the uniforms are straightened, the packs strapped, and the muskets shouldered. As ruff little man answers.

the boys resume the squad’s formation, the spirit of the military returns. Youth is put away. “Sonny what for did Lee bring us up here for?”

Fortitude and courage needed by fighting men resume. Jo looks over her content squad, she smiles “Lee is spoiling for a good fight.” Jain replies.

back at each. She knows that for some this is the to be the last pleasure before they are to be killed. Jo recalls the words of the English officer. “I guess Lee trying to win this here war.”

No gold weights better for her than the comfort of the past day. “You just make sure you fill a wagon as soon as possible. The Union army will be a coming after

The march is brisk on the way back. They arrive midday. There is much a stir in the camps. us.”

Rumors abound that the regiment is to move north of the Potomac with Lee. The first Confederate “Yes master sergeant...what about the local militia?”

invasion of the north is at hand. “If a man points a weapon at you shot him and will ask questions later. Keep you squad together.

~~~~ Jo assembles the men. There are empty canvas bags in the wagon. The squad proceeds to march

Early September Lee crosses the Potomac 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. He enters along the nearest road. They soon come to a large two-story wooden frame home that sits in a small

Frederick, Maryland on Set 6th. The 3rd regiment is bivouacked juts at the southern edge. section of flat land. Fields of harvested corn rise along hills contour by a plow. Pens of chickens

Sgt Jain approaches. This round small man has grown in confidence in Jo’s leadership. Her squad is stand to the side. Ducks and geese waddle about.

regarded as one of the finest by the officer corps. “Jo, your people have been selected to canvas the “Surround the house. Do not fire unless you see someone level a weapon.” Jo orders as her squad

immediate area and procure goods for the regiment.” moves nervously about. A large yellow dog barks angrily at the men.

“How much goods?” She asks. “Cpl Osetek, you go up and knock to that door and see’s to home.” Jo walks to the barn at the rear.

“You are to take one of the wagons and return with it full of provisions as soon as possible. When Inside she finds the storage bins full from the harvest. Corn, wheat, oats and hay gathered recently

that’s emptied y’all get another empty wagon load as soon s as possible.” are now stored.

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Osetek returns. He is in the company of a woman near to the age of May Siadh. The woman is “No H R were are not here to destroy people’s homes! Get the newborn calves separated from the

confused and fearful of the armed soldiers. “Thi-is is Lori Con-nell. Her husband is no-ot here.” herd. Those mothers what are milking will follow. Then take one out of three that’s left in the main

Harry informs. herd. No bulls! Get Crawford’s section to walk our share of the beef back to camp.” Jo writes an

“We are going to buy some of you stores!” Jo informs the woman in a soft voice. “We’ll take 20% invoice on attaches it to the front door. She signs it with appreciation of General Lee’s Army of

of you corn and grain and a third of you hay.” Jo knows that the hay fields can be cut again in late Virginia.

the fall and the farm’s animals will not be left for want this winter. “Ya know Harry, them notes may be worth something some day.” Jo remarks.

Mrs. Connell is in shock at the sight of the armed Confederate soldiers. She makes no reply. “We-e’ve be-en making his-history since we cross the Po-po-tomac, Jo.”

“How many pigs do you keep?” Jo asks politely. By now the wagon is heavy with goods. “After the next house we turn back. ”Jo orders.”

The lady stammers. ”Two-three sometimes more...I can’t remember just how many’s out there.” “We is do-oing right fi-ine.” Osetek answers.

She shakes her head and looks with fear into Jo’s eyes. A small house appears. It is more of a shed than home. Jo is reminded of Bueford Crawford’s

“No one going to be hurt, mam.” Jo places her hand on the woman’s shoulder for reassurance. place. There are no windows. The door is hung crooked. A small patch of a garden sits at the right

“Harry count the pigs. Take any but the sow. Then get the stuff in the wagon.” Jo writes the front. The fields are fallow all around. Scrub plants have taken root in meadows where once cattle

contents taken on a peace of paper and hands the signed document to Mrs. Connell. grazed.

“Cpl!” Jo whispers to Osetek. “Confiscate any powder you find. “After all these folks is the “Ain’t no dogs here Cpl. This must be poor folks.” Jo assumes.

enemy.” “Be-best be a lo-oking Jo.”

The squad continues on its mission. The next farmhouse sits upon a ridge. Stone fences line the “It looks deserted!”

fields. A long winding path makes a way up to the house past a small pond turned green with algae. “They maybe-ee hid-ding!”

Bush tail reeds line the water’s edge. Dragonflies whirl about. A male King Fisher sits in one of the “The ground is worn pretty good around the place...they be children here!” Jo announces.

pines that borders the way to the homestead. “There’s be-eef cattle here, Jo.” Osetek determines. “Hello in the house!” Jo calls. ”I’m a gone to send my troops inside with their bayonets if’n y’all

Jo and Harry walk up to the door of the one story stone house as her boys move to secure their don’t come out!”

position. She knocks. There is no answer. She knocks again. Silence is within. There is the sound of faint steps to the door from inside. The old door creaks as it parts a way. The

“Sha-all we bust-t the do-or in?” head of a young woman slides into sight. “Don’t shoot! I got children in here.”

“Set out! No harm is meant.” Jo answers.

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A thin young woman in a clean worn dress moves in small steps into full view. She wrenches her The next day Jo and the squad are on the road early collecting. The squad sits upon the empty

hands together. “What do you want with us?” wagon. “Where to-oo Jo? ”Osetek asks.

“We be buying goods for the army of Virginia.” Jo declares proudly. ”Let’s sneak up on this Coon’s place and have a look.” Jo directs the wagon to move at a good

“Nothing to sell! My husband was kilt at Bun Run. Sold all the stock last winter to feed the kids.” pace.

The woman’s response is interrupted by the appearance of a young girl with a baby in diapers just The wagon rumbles past the several sleeping homesteads that where visited yesterday.

walking and two other small children. “All we gots is kids left...and they ain’t for taking.” The widowed mother’s house appears to the right. The squad nears a fine complex of buildings and

“The mothers words touch Jo’s heart. Her husband may have died right before Jo’s eyes. homes. “Skip this place for now!” Jo commands.

“What ya got to eat?” Jo asks. Other farms and homes are passed along the road until a storefront appears to the left side with

“Enough till winter if you let us be?” The mother replies. Coon’s written of the front. “Stop a bit short here Cpl.” The wagon halts just out of view from

“How ya going to live?” inside the store “Get the boys into formation bayonets and muskets fully primed. We may have

“Don’t know! If’n I sell the land I can get passage back to Pennsylvania.” The babies pull on their some trouble here.” The wagon unloads and the squad forms as if it heading into battle.

mother’s dress for comfort. “Kyle! Get your sharp shooters on that ridge over looking the storefront. You see me raise my

“Cpl, take enough goods off the wagon so this here family can live till spring. I can’t let the man’s hands take sight on any one not in Confederate uniform. If’n I drop both hands at once shoot to kill

children go without cause we took their daddy’s life.” She says aside. and don’t stop.”

“Can’t leave any meat Mrs. Got strict orders. My husband was wounded at Fair Oaks. I’m right “Yes sergeant!” The boy hurries to motion with the best shooters in the squad.

sorry about yourn.” “Cpl Crawford! You keep your section with the wagon and close this here road down. I don’t want

The woman does not reply. anything moving along this road including General Lee himself unless I say so.”

“Is there a country store nearby?” Jo asks. Cpl Crawford nods in compliance. The wagon is pulled crossways to block the road and pickets are

The woman watches as bags of grain and corn are loaded onto her porch. While in amazement she set on either side.

answers. “Coon’s down the road. That old skin flint don’t want to pay me what the lands worth.” “Osetek!” Jo calls as she looks over the store with the field telescope Bramwell left as a gift. “H R,

“What you asking?” Jo is curious. when we gets over there have a look for any sign that ain’t right.”

“$150, just what we paid the man fur it three years ago.” A wagon path serves the stores front. It runs along the side to the sheds in the rear where lumber

and buildings needs are stacked. Grassy knolls run off to the right. The store was once the home of

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a prosperous farm. It was converted to a commercial supply center and sold off with the adjoining Jo feels the same alarm as the medicine man outside Winchester. She fears the man is not truthful

fields when the original owner constructed a new manner house. and that others are near.

Jo and a few members of the squad walk directly to the stores front. Harry Osetek accompanies Jo “Mr. Coon, the Confederate Army of Virginia is occupying this area. The whole of Fredericksburg

but he moves off to the side where he can observe freely. is under the authority of General Lee. I am here to buy goods needed and provide for you

A handsome middle-aged man steps out on the porch as the soldiers near. He is well groomed with repayment. I shall confiscate any powder or shot as contraband of war. Now I ask you once again if

silver hair and mustache. His cloths are of fine material and costly tailoring. “Good morning folks.” you are in possession of such.” Jo senses that others are watching.

He calls in the fine smooth voice of a successful salesman. “Welcome to Maryland. What may I do “You can find drink that’s all you’ll find.” Mr. Coon says undisturbed.

for you?” “Boys get in and carry out any leather goods; shoes, belts, cinches, bridles or whatever. If its

Jo does not answer as she closes the distance to the man. She stops short of the front porch. She leather take it.” Jo sends all but Harry inside.

looks up at the man who stands three steps above her. “You be Coon?” “Won’t find any powder.” Coon repeats as the boys begin to emerge with arms full.

“Yes sergeant, Darryl Coon. I own this store before you. Are you looking for directions?” “Any signs?” Jo turns to Osetek and asks aside..

Jo does not answer, She signals Osetek to circle around the place with a few boys from the squad. “They be-be hauling so-ome thing over the hill yo-onder recent like.” Osetek replies as he nods in

“You sell what in there?” Jo demands. direction off to the right.

“Hardware only...got some whiskey if you and the others have a thirst. You won’t find food or As the last soldier emerges from within three men emerge with muskets leveled. Jo and Harry are

livestock here.” caught. They raise their hands. Across the road Kyle’s group of sharp shooters take aim.

“Got any weapons, powder, shot?” “I think you can leave quietly with your leather goods.” Coon states. “If you don’t agree then some

“The man scratches his mustache for a moment. “No sold the last a week ago. Be hard to get one’s in real trouble.”

munitions with the war on. I might be able to get you some nice leather goods.” Jo hesitates. “Now Coon, you’re going to have your men lower those weapons. Then they is going

Jo looks aside. She sees Osetek emerging from his tour. “Mind if we look inside?” to take the boys here to were you hid the powder and other munitions Otherwise there is a mess of

Jo asks. the best sharp shooters in the whole Confederate army across the road there just awaiting.” Jo

“No need to rush sergeant. I suggest you boys come in for a spell a have a drink. Must be the first pauses as Coon’s eye scan the horizon in his fore ground. He blanches as he glimpses sight of

chance you have to taste local squeezing. No charge! distant muskets arrayed directly at him.

”It’s a stalemate.” Coon announces.

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“When yo-ou’re dead the go-oods will be go-one. That’s a po-oor version of sta-stalemate.” Says “Cpl Crawford! Make those in the house acquainted with our presence.”

Osetek. The Cpl advances to the house and pounds his musket’s butt against the door. In a moment an

“I’ll count three and y’all never here four dead...one...two...” Jo is interrupted by Coon’s order for attractive but angry black woman opens the door.

his men to lay down their muskets. “What you mean beating on the door like a fool. We ain’t deaf inside. Did you leave your manners

The squad discovers a dozen barrels of gunpowder and several of shot from a remote cold cellar. in Dixie?” Her eyes glare with anger.

“You get signed invoices for leather goods only.” Jo informs Coon. “One last thing...Cpl retrieve “You own this place?” Jo asks in confusion.

$150 gold from Coon’s cash box. You are buying that widow lady’s farm down the lane…I’ll be by “No black woman owns anything anywhere? How am I to own such a place? I work here is all.”

at tomorrow’s end to see her signed deed. If you don’t have it Mr. Coon I’ll have you in front of The dark lady stands dressed handsomely. Her hands rest on her hips defiantly.

those boys yonder in a firing squad.” Jo turns and leaves. “And, if I find anyone carrying a gun here “A-any more Negroes in there?” Osetek asks.

I’ll have them hanged on you front porch.” “We is all free. You’re not taking any black people back south you hear. I won’t let you! Mrs.

Mr. Coon is silent. Langley won’t here of it.”

The procession of men and wagon is redirected back toward the camp. “We’ll stop at that fancy Jo knows that some Confederate companies are rounding up Negroes for bounty money or sale

farm we passed this morning and fill the wagon up with some eatables.” Jo remarks. back in Virginia. She has no interest or will permit none of her squad to participate “Where is Mrs.

“Wa-ait till Jain here’s about this here po-owder. Yo-ou may make lieu-t-ten-nant.” Langley?” Jo asks.

The road comes to a fancy entrance of large stone pillars and a heavy iron gateway. The roadway to “She is resting. She has more to do then talk with white trash. Tell me want you want and I’ll

the house is exquisitely gardened and groomed. Small stones cover a well-cared access way that convey your message.” Lots of anger remains in the woman.

leads to a large brightly painted home. The fields are green and lush. Huge old tress shade and “You have horses! We are here to but some.” Jo is pleasant.

glorify the land all about the house. Flowering bushes of rose and lilac scent the air. They number “Mrs. Langley ain’t selling no horses.”

in profusion. Heavy pots of clay sprout with ferns and delicate flowers in diverse colors chosen for ‘The-ey have orchards Jo…I can sme-ell ‘em.”

their deep hues. “You have cold cellars?”

“Ho-orses, Jo! Plenty o-of ‘em.” Osetek announces. “There ain’t nothing for your kind here Best you get off this land, do you know whose land you is

“Dam! We need all we can get…Put a keg or two of powder against that front wall. We may need on?” Mr. Langley is the richest man in this here county he has lot’s friends in Richmond too.”

some persuading.” Jo is getting to enjoy this day.

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Jo patience is gone. “We buy horses and apples or we blow the house up.” She points to the powder “I can’t help you Jo. Seems to me that the one given the letter has to hand it to Lee himself. The

kegs. That’s my message to Mrs. Langley.” man may want to ask you for some private information.”

The black woman runs into the house. He returns with a woman of lovely form with gray hair “You mean I have to see Lee personal like?” Jo does not like the idea. “Just when should I give him

dressed in a silken day gown in the manner of the wealthy of Virginia. this thing?”

“See here I am not accustomed to threats. Remove that powder from my property at once or I’ll “Right off I expect. Won’t do to keep the commander of the army awaiting.” Jain pauses.“ Best

send word to Bobby Lee. He owes me plenty of favors, after all when he was a boy none of the take someone with you. Lee may want to send a reply and hold you over. Let us know what you got

other girls would let him dance with them. He was so awkward everybody was embarrassed except yourself into.”

me. I knew he would make something of himself. Now this how he repays me by stealing my Jo is most uncomfortable with the duty at hand. She does not like the idea of being among all those

horses and scaring my staff…most have run off into the hills. I declare they may never come back. officers. She does not like the thought of her being kept over.

How am…” Jo and Petey leave at once. They must get permission from regimental command to appear at

“Shoot the powder if the woman doesn’t stop yapping. Cpl Crawford get you kin and round me up divisional command to appear at regional command to be taken to central command. At each step

every pony, mule and horse you can find. Get some men and open any cellar door…kick them in if the pair moves away from familiar army settings into a world lacking private grade soldiers. The

you have too.” Jo is not about to listen to any more bad tempered female prattle. “You Mrs. deeper into the command structure they go the denser the office presence is to be found. Finally, a

Langley get inside and write your letter to General Lee I’ll deliver it myself! H R get an invoice colonel’s escort takes them to small home surrounded by cadres of waiting officers.

writ up and a copy for General Lee. Leave one buggy horse for the ladies. I don’t want to see these Jo is granted an audience and enters a room in which a small older man with gray heir and beard

two and I don’t want to hear these two.” Jo joins the wagon. sits at a table covered with papers and maps. His uniform is heavily embroidered. Jo realizes this to

The squad leaves with wagon filled by apples and a cache of twenty sorely needed animals, and one be Lee himself. She is surprised that he appears much as her grandfather Siadh. Jo is taken aback.

hand written letter to General Lee. The home is simple in atmosphere. So much death and destruction is to be ordered from here. Lee

Upon returning to camp Jo reports to Msgt. Jain the acquisition of gunpowder and horses. “Good appears just as another man.

work Jo. Were short on munitions. Lee done split his force. Half the army is moving against An officer in attendance invites Jo to the front of Lee’s desk. Jo presents the letter she carries to

Harper’s Ferry and the Union arsenal there.” General Lee. He accepts it. “From whom is this letter sent?” Lee asks.

“Speaking of General Robert E Lee, I was give a personal letter to him by one of his childhood

friends.” Jo hands the letter to Jain.

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Jo waits for her superiors to answer. Lee waits for Jo to answer. He stops and raises his eyes to see “Simpson!” Lee calls as a colonel enters quickly. “This sergeant has some horse flesh I want to see

if his command was heard. He looks directly at Jo. “I said who sent this letter?” His voice is down at...what is your outfit?” Lee asks.

pleasant but insistent. “3rd regiment.” Jo answers.

Jo’s knees weaken and her voice is faint. “Mrs. Langely.” “Get over to the third and bring some of those horses over for our staff. Muriel knows quality in a

Lee’s eyes reflect his mind’s search. “Langley...Langely?” he opens the letter and examines the horse by gum.” Lee commands.

handwriting. He reads the closing at the letter’s end. “Muriel! My word Cousin Muriel! I had “What else did you get out of Muriel?” Lee asks with delirious anticipation.

forgotten. She married Paul Langely.” General Lee smiles at his recollections of childhood. He “Filled the rest of my wagon with apples.” Jo states.

looks at Jo with the warmth of family as if Muriel were present beside her. “You met my cousin “She won’t need them now. ”Lee laughs heartily “She spoils her horses with them. Not good for a

then?” He asks of Jo. horses to eat you know but the beasts will eat themselves sick if they can get into an orchard.”

Jo’s anxiety is at a maximum. “Yes.” She states simply. Jo makes no comment but hopes to be released from Lee’s presence.

Lee notes Jo’s concern and he begins to reads the letter. He stops abruptly and looks at Jo. “She Lee looks over the rest of the letter. “I’ll have to reply to her at once. She was very kind to me as a

says that one of my sergeants threatened to blow up her home and stole all of her horses.” He looks child. She is really a very dear person. I must write my wife about the horses.”

at Jo with puzzling eyes. “Be you that sergeant?” Jo waits for a dismissal.

“Yes!” “Very well sergeant. We shall have tea together today. I want to hear every detail of your encounter

“How many horses?” Lee asks. with Muriel...perhaps I should here every detail about you as well.”

“Twenty?” A courier rushes into the room. “General the Union army is on the march.”

Lee bursts in delight. “Damn! I’ll be damned! That Muriel is the stingiest white woman I ever met” “Where are they?” Lee springs to his maps. “That’s sooner than I planned!”

Lee jumps to his feet and invites Jo’s to shake hands. “I declare, I don’t believe there’s an officer in The rider points the map.

the whole Confederacy could get a loose button from that gal let alone an entire horse alive or “They’ll be here by the 12th call the staff together at once.” Lee turns to the doorway. “Simpson, I

dead.” want a courier off to Harper’s Ferry at once. I must know how it goes there.”

Jo’s body shakes with the vigor of Lee’s appreciation. “Blow up her house! Damn, that’s about the Jo fears to interrupt. She coughs gently to get attention.

only way that gal would give up anything.” He laughs fully. “Yes, tea. Sergeant we will postpone our discussions to a better time. You are dismissed.”

Jo’s smile accompanies the general’s delight.

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Lee decides to move west. His force is split again as 15,000 men arrive into Sharpsburg, Maryland “Petey is sweet on you H R.” Jo turns to gage Osetek’s response. “You both share a lot in

while the other half moves north toward Hagerstown. His escape route through the Cumberland common.”

Mountains is set south through Harper’s Ferry. The Union has 85,000 men advancing to Frederick. Osetek is uncomfortable. “I-I do-on’t no wha-at to say to-to her, Jo.”

Lee is surprised at the Union’s quick response and he is trapped with a small force and limited “Think you could want here for your woman?”

supplies. He must prepare for an attack and chooses to separate his force from the Union advance “Yes’m I-I do-oo.”

by occupying the heights just east of Sharpsburg. A narrow deep creek, the Antietam runs north to “Do you want me to say something to her? I’m sure she would say yes.”

south with only a few bridges for the Union to Cross. North of Sharpsburg on Lee’s left flank there Harry is very quiet. His thoughts are long. He scratches his head. “I-I need some land for a-a ho-

are woods, fences, high grounds, and sunken roads offering excellent defenses all along the north to home.” The large man shifts his weight from side to side nervously. He doesn’t know how to

south perimeter. marry.

The Union army follows Lee and arrives across the Antietam on Sept. 15th. Both sides take days to “Ain’t nothing to getting hitched H R. Just need a preacher to say some words. Then you register at

prepare and concentrate their positions. It is night of the 16th the sixteenth. Union campfires the courthouse as Mr. and Mrs. Petey ain’t got no one but you H R. She’s a fine strong woman.”

completely dominate the eastern skyline. “Jo I ain’t never kissed a girl before and I don’t know how.”

“There’s as many Yankees over there as ever I’ve seen.” Jo comments. “Is that all! Shoot you just get with Petey alone at night for a time. Then you just let her take care

“The-ey’ll come right do-own that road.” Osetek points to the Hagerstown Pike. ”Ca-ca-cause it’s of the kissing. You’ll be romancing right fine as long as you don’t get scared and run off.”

easy marching.” “I’d like to ki-kiss her to-tonight in case I get ki-ki-killed soon.”

“We are in serious hurt.” Jo responds. “Most of the army is off some where’s else. No telling if’n “Private Martin!” Jo calls out.

they’ll get here in time.” Petey comes a running. “Yes sergeant.”

“We-e co-ould end up dead or in a Yank-kee prison by end of to-to-tomorrow.” “Cpl. Osetek is a going to escort you back to medical area. I want you to help over there

“I always thought I’d get back to Ty some ways. Don’t rightly seem like that now.” Jo sighs softly. tomorrow.”

“Anything you regret if’n you die here, H R?” “Yes sergeant.” Petey is uneasy with her orders. “Something special?”

“I al-always hoped that some day a wo-wo-woman would want to be my wi-ife. I wo-ould like to “Yes. Osetek here needs attention tonight before the fighting starts. Jo pinches Petey on the arm

no what li-ving in a family were like.” unnoticed.

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“Oh Oooh! I see.” Petey responds to the womanly hint. “I’ll see he gets what ‘s needed. It may take The squad has received little fire. They are close enough to the front lines to witness the heavy

awhile.” casualties being suffered by both sides. “Jo, if the-they gets by that sun-sunken road there’s no-

“You two be back before first light.” nothing left between them and us.”

In the predawn the troops are awakened. Jo assembles her squad. They march into field position. “Get the squad in a prone position and ready to volley fire. If that position falls the regiment will

Today they shall wait to enter the battle. need time to retreat.” Jo commands over the noise of the battle.

At first light the Union batteries initiate firing on the Confederate positions. The Confederate The sunken road is the last hold of the Confederate’s original left flank. If it falls the Union will

batteries respond. In short order Union forces arrive at Lee’s extreme left flank. The first elements advance on Sharpsburg and be able to cut Lee’s line of retreat.

engage across a cornfield. A Union brigade enters the cornfield to be annihilated within minutes by Lee commits heavily to its defense and several thousand confederate soldiers occupy the road. The

the concentrated Confederate musket fire. Union batteries pound the position isolating the regiments within the sunken road. So dense is the

The contest for the acre of land becomes most intense. Jo’s regiment advances as proceeding firepower that the charge of Unions infantry sees hundreds of solders fall wounded in a single

reserve units are called in replacement to heavy Confederate casualties at the cornfield. For hours Confederate volley. The cannonade of Union shot and shell continuously weakens the Confederate

each side shoots through the falling cornstalks at compressed formations of men. Jo watches as one defense. Reinforcements stagger through the gauntlet of Union fusillade. By noon the number of

Union brigade after another enters the field not to return. casualties in the sunken road reaches ten thousand.

“There’s a heap of dying for such a small plot of land.” She says. “We-e go in there we-e ain’t co-oming out Jo.” Osetek observes.

“One could plow that there field during lunch.” Petey comments. “There’s a lot of good boys laying out there dead and dying. There is no place to be going to be free

“Yo-ou don’t have enough gr-ground in there to bury a-a-all them bo-odies.” from sacrifice today.” Jo answers.

Several hours of unabated fighting pass. Entire divisions are slaughtered trying to march across the The regiment’s officers advance to the front. They unleash their swords and point to the sunken

field in the next few hours. Jo’s regiment is next to answer at the cornfield. Before their call up the road. The entire regiment comes to their feet. With the call to charge the regiment runs full on

field is crossed by Union troops and the Confederate’s left flank retreats. toward their destination. Union cannons rise to pound the open ground behind the sunken road.

“Fall back to the church Jo commands”. As their position takes cannon fire Jo watches anxiously as Jo ‘s squad is last in the advancing line. The recruits run through flames and billowing smoke. They

her new recruits experience near explosions for the first time. step in poodles of blood and trip over bodies of those gone before them. Musket balls whiz past. So

Jain appears. “Move your squad east of the sunken road that runs south of the pike. We are still in close is their formation that some wounded are held up by the tight compression of moving bodies.

reserve. Keep you bunch ready for our counter attack as soon as their advance stalls.”

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Burnett’s squad is the first to each the edge of the road. Union cannon shot greets their arrival. The Jain arrives. “Jo the Union has crossed at Rohrbach Bridge. Our center is collapsing. Prepare your

entire squad is shredded with many bodies torn in pieces. The whole of squad is dead from one men for retreat.”

blast. The Union infantry arrives with in a hundred feet. Their musket volleys all but empty the Jo calls Kyle and the other sharp shooters.

ranks within the sunken road. Jo realizes the line will not hold. “How many injured?” She calls.

“Back! Get back now!” She calls. “Three dead, five wo-ounded.” Osetek replies. “Petey’s hi-hit pret-ty bad.” Heavy tears flow from

The sunken road is lost. The Confederate defense’s left flank is pushed to edge of Sharpsburg. The the man’s eyes. He heaves with one sob then seizes in a restraint.

center of the Confederate line along the Antietam is holding at the Rohrbach Bridge. The right “How bad?” Jo is fearful.

flank is loosing ground where Union troops have crossed the Antietam. “Lo-ots of blo-od lost. She was hit u-up above the collar bo-one. She fo-ought as brave as any ma-

In mid afternoon Confederate guns grow silent with the shortage of munitions. There is no reserve. ma-an.”

All troops are committed to defend the town. The Union victory is at hand. The entire Confederate line is in near exhaustion of powder and ball.

“If’n them Yanks pu-pu-push hard enough they’ll o-over run us.” Late afternoon reinforcements are at the division level and check the Union advance. Lee must

“How’s the ammunition for the squad?” Jo asks. withdraw. He moves south to Harper’s Ferry. The Union does not press their advantage.

“Fi-ine for now but by dusk we-e won’t ha-ave any left.” ~~~~~

‘Tell the squads to fire on a target only. Pick and choose!” Jo commands. Osetek insists that a stretcher carry Petey. He fears that the ride upon a medical wagon is to be too

The squad is packed into a thin defensive line. Cannons roar mostly from the Union side. difficult for her in a weakened condition. Jo is concerned that her bandages will not be checked and

“Kyle! Get your snipers out in front under some cover and keep those Union officer’s heads down.” infection will develop.

The select group slips into cover and begins a campaign of terror on the immediate front of the A stretcher is fashioned. Osetek carries one end with two others at the opposite end. Harry will not

Union line. surrender his task as he watches Petey with unmeasured concerned. Jo has the squad rotate in

“Cpl Osetek, Cpl Crawford alternate sections at the wall to pick and choose targets one round each. assisting Osetek. The stretcher halted periodically so Jo may tend Petey in the fashion learned from

Keep a steady firing with effect on them Yanks. We’ll make’m think they are in front of an entire Fredda Varny.

company.” The retreating column of Lee’s army is not dispirited. The defeat at Antietam has only strengthened

The squad’s fusillade is as effective as it was against the old tree trunk back in Culpeper. The the devotion of Lee’s troops to their General.

volleys are slow and methodical. They decimate the Union line over the next several hours.

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That night Petey is feverish. Jo and Harry keep watch. They help her drink fresh water. They wipe Somehow Osetek arrives with a live chicken and some fresh fruit. The chicken is roasted over a fire

her brow and keep her cover dry. In the morning Petey sleeps without discomfort for the first time and the fruit cut into small pieces for serving.

since being wounded. The squad waits along the roadside for Petey to be fed. The army of Virginia passes nearby. A

“She’ll be fine as soon as we can get some food into her.” Jo says. group of officers on horse back proceed along the narrow mountain trail. One recognizes Jo as she

Be-best to let her sle-eep for a bit for we mo-move her.” tends the young girl lying upon the stretcher.

“We both need a bit of sleep. We’ll start out mid morning” Jo directs Osetek to sleep. “Sergeant! That girl should be on a wagon and transported to the south as quickly as possible.”

The confederate column stretches for many miles along the narrow mountain roads in the passes. General Lee interrupts Jo’s work.

They are safe from the threat of Union attack. There is time for tending the wounded and burying Jo is surprised that the general notices her. “She’s too week. She needs to lay quiet and feed when

the newly dead. she wakes. Can’t do that on one them crowded wagons.

The column moves slowly. Jo squad resumes its march before noon. By midday Petey is awake. The general turns to an aide. ”Get this sergeant one of my own wagons have it made up with

She is very weak and the squad stops again to let her take nourishment. Jo makes a hot tea from the comfortable bedding and stored with some good meat. Anything else I can oblige you by?”

very last leafs of Bramwell’s gift. “No general. I would like to go back and finish that what we started.” Jo whips back.

“Where are we?’ Petey asks faintly. “We’re not through up north yet sergeant...not by a long measure.”

“Close to Virginia.” Jo answers. “We thank you saving this here girl?” Jo salutes.

“What happened to me…my shoulder hurts.” “Very well. By the way I haven’t written Muriel, but I will see her mother in Winchester as soon as

‘A musket ball nicked you good. Now lay still. You had a fever and you are going to be fine. You we arrive there.” Lee returns a salute and ride off.

laid on the ground for a long time before help could get to you. You lost a lot of blood Petey.”

“Harry?” She sobs. “Harry!”

”He is fine Petey. He’s up the column looking for some chicken or soft beef for your lunch. You

need to eat.”

“How did we do? Did we win” Petey is white with fatigue.

“Just fine girl. They couldn’t beat us. We just ran out of powder. Now rest till we get you some

good food.

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Chapter 8 Harper’s Ferry is small town on the point of confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. It

Wilderness sits as at the foot of a major gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town’s industry is the

production of arms. Foundry and riffle manufacturing make the town of Harper’s Ferry a thriving

community. The local landscape is quite hilly. The community is served by rail and canal barge.

Most of the Confederate army has already arrived by the time Jo’s squad enters. The streets are

swollen with military horse and wagon. Formations of soldiers are constantly at the march with

units collecting and reforming. The injured, dying, and newly dead lay in rows about churches and

empty warehouses that are now used as field hospitals.

The wagon carrying Petey moves slowly through the congested streets. “We want Petey to be seen

by Fredda Varny.” Jo orders.

“I-I’ll find her, Jo. Ju-just gi-ive me an ho-our.” Osetek promises.

“Cpl we have to find our regiment by nightfall. My guess is that they’ll be moving the units out of

here as soon as they can cause we is sitting ducks” Jo finds a small side street. Here the squad parks

The travel through the mountains to Harper’s Ferry is slow for the squad. The stops are many. In to await Osetek’s return.

the early evening, the squad halts for the night’s rest. Petey is recovering slowly. Her strength is The streets of Harper’s Ferry have become as bazaar of soldiers lost and dazed. Officers stand in

renewing but she has much pain in the shoulder. Tomorrow the first elements of the Confederate street corners with maps of temporary regimental placements. They direct arriving wounded.

army will return to the safety of Virginia. Osetek makes his way to the canal area where the first Confederate troops are leaving.

“Pe-Pety’s shoulder hurts mi-mighty bad, Jo.” Osetek informs. A small barge is loading wounded that have been treated. A young officer writes down the names

“We’ll get her to Freda Varny as soon as we get to Harper’s Ferry. When she complains about the and units of those boarding.

pain give her a spoon of whiskey mixed with some sugar. How’s her appetite?” Jo inquires. “Par-pardon me sir?” Osetek salutes. “I-I’m looking for a med-medical officer named Varny. She

“She do-doesn’t want to sit up ca-cause of the pain. Other wi-wise she is a eat-eating real go-ood.” has a black ma-man named Hen-Henry?”

With no field hospital in Sharpsburg the only care possible has been by bandage and tourniquet. Jo “You wounded?” The busy officer snaps.

knows that Fredda and her man Henry are busy. “Go-ot so-ome-one in the squad needs looked at.” He answers.

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“There’s ten thousand or so dead and wounded here corporal. There’s only a few medical staff at “We may be marched off by then Henry. We don’t want to just leave her on her own.” Jo is

hand. Look up over on Church street. “The officer salutes. “Good luck, Cpl.” concerned.

A small tree line lane passes through the center of town. Here is found the largest churches of the “Goin to have to.” Henry states. “That shoulder won’t fire a musket ever again. As soon as she puts

community. They are close to the river point and transportation. The lane is choked with casualties. a musket to that shoulder and fires that shoulder will give out and be separated all over again. Her

Osetek spies Henry moving wounded in and out of a church used as the main surgical arena. army days is over.”

Jo and Osetek transport Petey as close to the church as possible. “There are too many serious “She don’t have anywheres to Go, Henry. We be all the family she have.”

wounded ahead of her, H R.” “Leave her with me and Miss Fredda, Jo. She can stay with us and help out till the war is over. I’ll

“We-we can’t ju-just leave her on the street Jo.” Osetek pleads. take her over to Freda’s quarters right off if you say so.”

Jo notices Henry emerging from the church. “Henry?” Petey and Osetek say farewell. Petey is in tears.

The black man is not accustomed to hearing his name called aloud. He turns to see a Confederate “I’ll pray you be a coming back safe.” Petey sobs.

sergeant running towards him. “I is Henry.” He answers unaware. “Y’all be in go-ood hands and safe no-ow, Petey.” Harry’s eyes water but he wishes not to show

“Henry! Henry! ”Jo is relived to have his attention. Petey his concern that they may be saying there last. “Be-be sides y’all be right be-behind us.”

“Sgt. Jo!” Henry smiles broadly as he recognizes the girl. “You will come and visit me as often as you can?” The young girl smiles, as she understands the

“I need Fredda to look at one of my squad.” medical unit follows right behind the army of northern Virginia.

“It’ll be a while. Lots of boys in line a dying inside and out here as well. Fredda can’t see’m fast “Henry, Osetek or I will be back for her at the end of the war.” Jo pauses. “If neither of us make it,

enough. This body you a carrying is hurt mighty bad?” Henry asks. then ask Fredda to see to it the girl gets to Buffalo Creek. She can take my place and see to my

“Shoulder wound, but pain ain’t a getting any better.” Jo answers. grandparents.”

“I can looks if you wish. Can’t tell everything buts there a bunch I can helps with.” Henry understands. He nods his head. His eyes are sad to see Jo leaving.

The black man stoops and inspects Petey’s wound. Jo gather’s the squad. They move toward the point. At the first intersection, Jo approaches the

“Ball has gone right through sure enough.” Henry comments. “No puss a gathering...that’s good. officer controlling traffic. “3rd regiment?” She asks.

She’ll heal right fine, Jo.” Henry adds. “Gone! They moved out yesterday. Heading to Winchester. You might catch up with them there.

“Wha-at about all the pa-pain.” Osetek asks. Y’all have to walk unless y’all wait till end of the week and go with the rest of the stragglers.”

“Shoulder separated that’s all. Freda will set it as soon by tomorrow most likely.” Henry informs. ~~~~~

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The rail line between Harper’s Ferry and Winchester was well used before the war. It runs along footfalls upon the soft ground. Together they are entertained by a sense of belonging to an Indian

the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains for some thirty miles into the mouth of the Shenandoah war party on the move. At the water’s edge, the boys pick up loose pebbles and compete in

Valley. It crosses several small rives and creeks a countless number of times. The track lies through throwing at a distance or producing the greatest number of ripples from a pebble’s splash. The

rocky ridges, along steep hillsides and narrow gorges before finding the wide meadows of the military life has no place in these moments. Memories of recent war dispel.

fertile Shenandoah. Approaching midday, the rail line crosses above a small river.

Jo and her squad decide to walk the railway into Winchester. They are anxious to leave the “Catfish!” A Crawford yells. He points down towards a small shallow pool rippling with the tailfins

inhospitable crowded streets of Harper’s Ferry. The thought of getting out into the country away of fish. “They is minnow feeding. Quick! Let’s get a mess for dinner.” The scrawny young man

from the mechanics of war invites the hardy to a late summer adventure. makes down to the bank in a hurry. He rolls up his pant’s leg. From the fringe of his sock he

The squad disappears into the hilly country within a mile walk south of Harper’s Ferry. Very soon removes red thread. He wraps the thread about a small bare metal hook attached to a few feet of

the mood of the squad is jovial. Even Osetek is relaxed. twine.

“I-It’s best for Pe-Petey. Fre-dda will e-enjoy her co-company.” The hook bobs in the water. As soon as a fish’s mouth tastes the thread, the boy jerks the line

“Fredda Mae is a wonderful person. Who knows H R? You might just get yourself a well-trained hooking the fish and pulling it to the shore. One by one the fish are dredged from their feeding

medical gal for a wife. Ole Freda will show her plenty.” frenzy in the pool up onto a roasting spit for cooking. All share a grand shore lunch.

“We-ell the way this war is a go-ooing. Petey will see ple-plenty of bodies needing help.” “That’s good eating good cooking and good fishing.” Jo says. ”Ain’t had fresh fish since my

“Two years now and no sight in end. Seems to me the more we fight the better we is at killing and granddad caught trout out of Buffalo Creek back home.”

the more what dies.” Jo thinks of Bruno and Whitey how soon they died. ”We can’t just keep “No ti-time for fis-shing in the army, Jo.” Osetek comments.

killing each other.” “Kyle, how did you and your brothers learn to fish like that?” Jo asks.

They walk atop the narrow rails while attempting to keep balance. Jo has no trouble but the men The bashful boy is smiling. “Got tired of catching by hand. If we hand some peppers and onion and

folk keep slipping off and stumbling like drunkards. Much amusement is taken at their attempts. potatoes, I showed you how our mama would done fry’em up.”

The band steps from one tie to the next in a series of shortened steps. The feet move quickly but the “Miss home, Kyle?’ Jo wonders.

small spacing between ties makes the movement comical. Weapons seem out of place as the squad “No sergeant. Just miss mama is all.” Kyle responds sadly.

assumes a juvenile form of entertainment on the railroad line. Earth has collected into loose patches The mood turns somber. Their good meal brings remembrances of home and loved ones missed.

along the edge of the ties. The squad moves single file between the sparse bracken with quiet “What you boys going to do after this war?” Jo asks.

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“Get drunk for a week?” Answers one. Osetek’s barrel is aimed. The buck turns to eat.

“Going to buy me some land and raise me some beef cattle cause I won’t eat another bean as long That evening the along a patch of woods near the rails a large fire cooks venison. Prodigious

as I live.” Answers a second. The squad roars with laughter. helpings of fresh meat are savored. Cheers and thanks are given to Osetek.

“I’m going to have me a baby.” Jo enters. “How did you know deer was ahead of us?” Jo asks.

The boys are somber. They can’t share her emotion on the subject. “Sme-melled ‘em!” Osetek answers.

“I might make me a few babies!” Uproarious laughter accompanies this reply from one of the men. “What’s a deer smell like?”

The good-natured bantering keeps the squad on their seats for an hour or more. Reluctantly they “Like cu-cut grass bu-but mild like.”

resume their hike along the railway. The pace is relaxed. No hurry is assumed. The need for war is They sleep that night content, without fear and a chance for pleasant dreams. In the morning the

to wait. walk to Winchester begins. They approach a dark tunnel. It is short for the other opening is just a

The day’s walk continues with much enjoyment for simple living. As dusk approaches the squad hundred yards ahead. The tunnel makes way through a narrow hillside.

begins to think of shelter for the night. As they round a bend, Osetek takes wind. “De-eer up “Ain’t never walked through one of these before.” Jo announces as the squad stands looking into

ahead.” He whispers as he puts one finger to his mouth to signal silence to the squad. the tunnel.

Instinctively the entire squad squats to the ground. Harry places his ear upon the rail. He listens for Most members of the squad have never looked into a tunnel. They are intimidated.

the faintest of sounds. He signals that the animals are walking towards them along the rail. He “Could be something in there.” One comments.

raises his musket. He waits. “Bear? Mountain lion?” Another asks.

A group of deer is feeding upon the berries that grow along the sunny side of the tracks. Slowly “Someone’s got to go first.” Jo replies.

they make progress towards the waiting Osetek. ‘I’ll go-oo. Sta-ay in single file bee-hind me.” Osetek announces. “Maybe-be a rattle snake a-asleep

Jo signals for one shot only to be fired and no more. Osetek is the designated shooter. in there.” Harry picks up a long branch from the ground. He proceeds into the darkness of the

First a small buck hurries into sight as he enjoys assuming the lead. Then a large doe swaggers into tunnel slowly permitting his eyes to adapt. He sweeps the ground immediately in his front to clear

view. She does not present a good profile. Osetek does not shoot. Several smaller creatures come the way of any waiting snake.

into the open. The deer move leisurely form briar patch to briar patch stooping only to smell the air The squad follows closely behind in one long compressed line. As they walk in the tunnel, only the

and listen around. A large buck follows nervously behind. He permits the others to inspect and swish of Osetek’s stick is heard. They emerge elated and eager to resume their carefree way.

show safe the course before he follows.

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In a mile or so the squad comes upon a gruesome sight. On the side of the rail line lay the naked Jo looks at the summit that overlooks the rail line. “Thee must have seen us last night! That could

bodies of five men. They have all had their throats cut. They lie in pools of blood. The sight of dead be us a lying there dead.” Jo shudders. “Those boys survived Antietam and died a thinking they

men does not disturb the soldiers. The sight before them is gruesome even for the battlefield. wouldn’t. How did we survive?”

“What happened here?” Jo asks as the squad stands before the dead men. “Maybe ca-cause we were on the o-other side of that tunnel. May be ca-cause we were too ma-

The-ey made camp here last ni-night. Fire is wa-warm yet.” Osetek says as he looks for sign. “Sta- many for’em. Mo-ost likely these boys were the first they co-ome across.”

ay back till I-I lo-ook around, Jo.” “Who did this and how many?” Jo asks angrily.

Osetek moves form one dead man to the next. He touches the ground and feels among the blades of ”Mo-ost likely hill fo-kolk...they be ca-called hoopies from back up in so-some ho-hollow.” Osetek

grass. Fingers probe. Bits here and there are tasted. The horizon is measured. looks about at the signs.

Osetek is intense and lost in his effort. He facial expressions are grim and worried. He walks up “Co-could be as many as 15...a least 10.”

away from the scene along the woods. Returning to Jo, he walks slowly back to confirm what he “You sure it ain’t Yankees run away or such hold up nearby?” Jo wonders.

has learned. Standing before her with eyes are intense, he waits. “No-oope! This bunch were kin. Go-oot small prints with no sho-shoes. They brung their children!”

Jo looks over the tragic scene. She wonders how one learns to see so much from nature. Jo is furious. “They’ll be more rebs a coming behind us. Who’s a going to warn them?” She pauses.

“Well? What happened? Who are these poor souls? Why are they dead? Who killed them?” All “Who knows how many travelers they have done in over the past days.”

listen for the answers to Jo’s questions. “Over the pa-past years mo-most likely!”

“These bo-oys camped here. Lo-ots of wo-wood bur-nt. Ate be-beans.” Osetek points to the “You is a law man back home, H R. Why doesn’t someone get up there and bring that bunch to

remains of the campfire. justice?” Jo demands.

“So-ome time la-ast night they was kilt in their sle-sleep.” Osetek pauses. “I-It all take an army!” Osetek responds. “With well tra-trained men to bo-boot.”

“They be re-rebs like us. All young ma-males, sa-same age and not re-related. Headed to Win- “We can’t let’em get away, HR. It ain’t right!” Jo ponders a moment. “That’s and order Cpl.!”

Winchester most likely.” Another pause is made. “I can tr-track ‘em at dusk. They wo-won’t see us co-coming.” Osetek assures her.

“They was ro-robbed. Not a scrap of an-anything left.” “They leave a tra-trail a blind man can fo-follow.”

Ostesk turns and points up towards a high peak in the nearby mountains. “They ca-ame from up “Dark don’t come soon. They be having look outs for camp fires latter, that’s for sure. Can we

there.” move now and surprise them?” Jo asks.

“Be-be-best to move slo-slow and quiet...under camouflage.” Osetek recommends.

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“These here boys get buried proper like first. Kyle, get a couple shooters out on perimeter where still. Her nostrils fill with the rank order of sweat, urine and filth. She recalls the first time she

they can see each other. No shooting just watching.” Jo orders. visited the Crawford’s home. Her eyes sting from the pungent scent.

The rest of the morning is given to burial detail. By mid afternoon they are ready. The squad paints Despite all the excitement of the close enchanter, there is no time for a mistake to occur as the

their faces with black sooth from the dead men’s fire. They tie large leaves atop their caps and raiders move on quickly. The sound of their movement falls. It dims quickly with the raiders

around their waists. descent.

“Set a big fire! Will bring them yahoos down here. We’ll move up a piece and wait.” Jo orders the The squad lies still through the rest of darkness. With coming light the pathway is in full view. The

squad to ascend. path rises and follows a narrow glen that leads to the thicket. Here on either side sit the

Osetek moves out after the way of the night raiders. The gentle slopping woods soon give way to Confederates.

steep dirt pathways worn by beasts through thick woods. The ascent continues until late dusk. With Birds move easily about the unseen soldiers. Nature gives no sight of the army that sits hidden in

just the last rays of light, Jo divides her squad into tow halves one on each side of the trial used by her midst. Streaks of sunlight fall to the floor of the woods as the bayonets are fixed.

the night raiders. Sounds from below alarm the wood. Loud voices argue. The rancor of a wasted night fuels dispute

“Let them pass! When they return in the morning will have them in daylight, surprised and in among the raiders as they labor in their ascent. Slowly the sounds increase in amplitude. The squad

crossfire. No prisoners!” brings their muskets to the ready. One raider appears on the path. He is dirty and his cloths are

With Jo’s order the squad melts in to heavy brush concealed with camouflage. heavily soiled but for a gray military cap. A second appears after him, then a third and a forth. The

The time for descent is rapid compared to time needed for climbing. The night is long, as the squad squad takes aim from a prone position. Jo counts the paces to the range of her guns. Several more

remains awake. The screech of owls is all that is heard through the early night. Late a lone deer raiders appear. The eleventh is the last. Their spread along the path is more than Jo wishes. The last

runs hurriedly along the path. It signals a coming. raider is in range when the first is but feet from her.

The woods are cool and very still. The brush of leaves under foot is faint from the distance. All They close now in slow motion. Each pace is many heartbeats in passing. Jo wonders how they

hear this sound repeated through the woods, as the footfalls grow nearer. As if by the beat of a cannot see any of the weapons poised at them. The raider’s gaze dulled from a sleepless nigh passes

muffled drum, the sounds of passing feet close. Osetek had read the signs correctly. The night any shimmer given from a waiting bayonet. Jo lies motionless. Her eyes pear through cluster

raiders are on their way to the fire left by the railroad. leaves. She waits till the lead man on the path closes to her position. Her attention is on his chest.

The sounds of humans grow loud. They are very near. Breathing of the passers by can be heard. She sees his sides heave with each troubled step. He moves closer. She can smell his odor and hear

They march between the hidden Confederate squad. They come close to the place where Jo’ lays his breath.

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The man steps to with in arms reach and she discharges her musket. No one misses from this range. “Y’a-a-all know what the In-Indians say? Dead men do-don’t bite.” He nods his head in

Her shot releases the squad’s fusillade. Smoke and bodies are flung about the path. All but three affirmation. “Let’s get it go-ood.”

raiders are down. These struggle to bring their weapons to the fore. The squad charges forth with “What about these hoopies here?” Asks Crawford.

bayonet. The last three raiders are over powered. Jo rushes to the fallen leader and thrusts her “Leave’em!”

bayonet into the small of his throat. The raiders bodies are pierced repeatedly. None survive. The squad immediately moves off upward along the path worn by the raiders. It is yet early

“This is all of them?” Jo asks with bated breath. morning. The path follows the way of the deer through small glades past running springs. Up

“There’s proba-ba-probably this many more u-up in the hil-hills.” around the base of an exposed rocky high wall, around and across a small barren ridge the way

“Think this is enough of a lesson?” goes. The path winds about patches of briar to step up along a stand of tall oaks. The pathway is a

“If those folks have taken up murderous ways, then they’ll be back right off…a bit more careful but tour of the countryside from the rails below to the top peak.

they is coming back down here.” Answers Cpl Crawford. The climb is laborious for the soldiers. They stop several times to catch their breath and quench

“What should we do?” their thirst.

“Follow this trail back up in those hills and finish the job…burnt them out.” Crawford replies. “Be they looks outs above? Them hoopies might be nervous up there.” Jo asks.

“Can we do it H R?” Jo asks. “Could be! Most likely they is awaiting the return of them raiders we kilt this morning.” Cpl

“It’ll be-be a ma-massacre, Jo. Th-this weren’t no re-real fight here.” Crawford answers.

“These are hoopies?” Jo asks. “I-I be a go-oing up a head so-oon. We-we is almo-ost up there.” Osetek adds.

“Dead hoopies!” Says Cpl Crawford. “Find their home and then meet us. We’ll form a plan once we rendezvous” Jo orders

“How far?” Jo asks. Osetek moves with great ease. His large bulk is pure strength and he climbs like a mountain goat.

“Back a peace off that ridge top? Be there before supper and back on the rails by dark.” He quickly disappears from view with the squad following.

Crawford answers. By late afternoon the squad no longer sees the summit but looks over the view of the narrow valley

“Be-best be sure Jo-oo.” below that contains the passing rails.

She pauses. “What if your Petey were two days behind us?” Jo looks into Harry’s soul. “What At the rim just below the top sits Osetek. He waits for Jo and the squad out of view of an upper

would make it safe for her to pass here?” meadow.

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“Them ho-oopies be ho-old up at the o-other end of this mountain me-meadow. There is a ha- “We-we is co-oming into range when we-we gets to those stu-umps.” Ostesk whispers to Jo. Half

hallow at the end with a big old sha-ack.” way through the meadow rest several stumps from a stand of Locus tress that caught fire from

“Is there any cover for our approach?’ Jo asks. lightening many years ago.

“No-oope! We ha-ave to walk stra-aight in.” As Jo passes by the remains of the trees a figure is seen looking out of a window on the upper story

Jo ponders. The sun is yet to the East. “We have the sun at out backs for a bit yet.” of the homestead. A hand waves in the distance. Jo waves back. “We is a coming to some kind of

More thought. “We go in just like Bobby Lee would and catch’em unexpected like.” welcome.” She whispers to Osetek. The troops amble undisturbed.

“They be sure to see us, sergeant.” Crawford insists. The full view of the home is now in front of the squad. There are chickens strutting about the side.

“We move in single file with our shadows pointed at them. When we get close in will form up a Ragged weather worn pens hold a few hogs and a pair of milking cows. Children run about. Several

skirmish line.” Jo replies. adults stop their work and turn to look at the approach of the column.

“Ta-aint no o-other way. We’ll be in ra-ange of their squirrel guns.” Osetek informs. Jo gauges the distance and the time to close within effective range of her muskets. She cannot make

“No bayonets...they’ll give us away...no talking going in otherwise we can make as much noise as clear the faces that are gathering in the front of the homestead. The number of persons in the yard

any coming home.” Jo is satisfied. “We move natural like to the end then quick march to firing grows. No weapons are in view.

positions. Tell the boys any hoopie carrying a gun is to be brung down at once. “We ain’t goin to be The population that awaits them looks on towards the squad with expectation. They glance to see

asking any questions till the shooting be over.” their own. They do not wave or cheer but only strain. Jo senses that the waiting hoppies are at a

The meadow slopes gently from the rim to the west to a depression. Protected by trees that hug the loss. The squad feels many eyes upon them. Jo knows that the lack of familiarity in the columns is

hollow, a large wooden structure sits facing the meadow and the approaching squad. A meadow giving concern to their hosts.

lane used over the years leads straight on to the home. “At the ready!” She calls behind. Her men stiffen. They grasp their weapons. The squad is within

The squad walks casually. Jo leads. Her eyes are fixed on to the horizon and the homestead far off. its firing range.

It is now too soon to see any figures. Jo enjoys stepping in the grass of the field. It reminds here of The change in the mood of the squad gives a measure of alarm to the crowed that waits. The

idle days spent of the Siadh’s farm. He gait is relaxed and the squad assumes her carefree attitude. hoopies withdraw a few steeps instinctively. Jo can make out the different forms before her.

They are long from any rifle’s range. No sense of alarm is given in the horizon. The invasion of the Several men are present some with rifles. Figures in dresses cover their eyes in watch.

Confederate squad continues with success. Jo is decided that as soon as the on lookers move to disperse she will attack.

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The pace of the squad quickens slightly as Jo seeks advantage. All eyes on of the squad focus an The call to advance and fire is repeated over and over again. With each fusillade the wooden home

the home and it’s occupants. The squad closes in tension that is not lost to the elder man among the shakes and spits plumes of dusk upon impact. Planks are loosed from the walls and fall to the earth.

hoopies. He turns and raises his hand to sound the alarm. Round after round penetrates through the timbers. The home is stepwise being dismantled.

“Rows of twos!” Jo yells at the top of her voice. “Fix bayonets!”

The squad instantly reassembles at the march into rows with muskets level. The women at the The Confederates come to a halt. Jo spies the scene and listens for any sound. Moans of the dying

home scream and gather children as they move away. The men scatter in front of the house. Some are mixed with the squeals of terrified animals. No motion is seen among the ruins.

move inside to collect weapons others run away. Two raise rifles The home begins to smolder. Hot muskets balls have ignited flames within. The squad stands

“Take aim.” Jo shouts as the first row lifts their musket’s sights. prepared to charge. They are within fifty paces of the door.

“Fire!” “Come out the front with your hands open and raised or burn to hell inside.” Jo orders

The advancing first row steps to a halt and unleashes a fusillade. Several men in the home’s front A small girl of aged 8-9 rushes out toward Jo with her arms open. The little tears steam down her

fall some holding rifles. face as she embraces Jo tightly.

“Advance!” “Take me home! I want my mama.” The child whimpers.

The second row of Confederates steps to the front and raises sights. Jo stoops to hug the child. “Jo be a stolen child?”

“Fire!” “They took me! They are going to sell me! They are bad men.” The child says through tears of

Another round of musket balls strike on to the old home. The last of the hoppies to stand are down relief.

and mortally wounded. Some balls riddle the wood of the home sending dusk and splinters flying “Send the children out!” Jo shouts at the house. “Now!”

about. The women and children scream. There is no movement only quiet.

“Advance.” “If we come in...we kill every adult! Man or woman!“ Jo waits.

The back row of Confederates takes to the fore. One by one, small children are loosed at the door. Some are very young, some soon to be close to

“Fire!” being adult. “We gots infants in here!” A woman screeches from inside.

Musket balls rake the door and windows after unseen peril. “Step out!” Jo calls.

Two young women one pregnant and one with an infant and tottler emerge shaken.

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“Now the rest of the women folk out.” Jo commands. She signals one section of her squad to circle ~~~~~

and check the barns and sheds behind. Jo’s entire regiment is assigned to winter quarters outside Winchester. The Union is expected to

A half dozen women huddle together at the door. They stare at the soldiers and look to Jo. They are mount another campaign on the Peninsula or at Fredericksburg in the spring to threaten Richmond

directed to walk out to the side of the home and stand. and end the rebellion.

“Now the man is charge is to come out by himself...with no weapons.” Amid stands of bare trees, the soldiers have constructed small shelters. The walls are made from

A small middle aged man dressed in filthy rags emerges. Dirt covers his face and body. He steps brick and mud mixed with stray. Wood logs are laid atop for the roofing covered with thatch. The

down to the ground. structures are crude and made without any intention of permanence beyond the distant springtime.

Jo signals Osetek to collect him. The ceilings are low, the floor space small, and unheated.

“How many men you got inside?” Jo asks. The winter is slow in leaving. The squad huddles about outside for warmth from an open fire. On

“Three or four men and handful of older boys...is all that’s left.” The chief of the raiders answers. cold nights glowing embers are gathered and taken into the shelter to provide warmth. The days are

Soon the entire host of hoopies is under Confederate arms. The raiders have found gain in stolen short in sunlight but long in effort. Wood and coal must be continuously gathered. Sentinel duty is

children. They have ventured into remote lowland areas to pilfer and murder. Some nine children harsh and punishing in the cold and wet.

are found this day with three taken from their homes below this last summer. The sanitary needs of the men are at a minimum. Many are sick. Lung fever reaches the camp by

“What now Harry?” Jo asks. March. The burial detail becomes a daily ritual. Each day at least one soldier is put to rest with

“Y’all kno-ow what the ancient Ro-omans did in sit-situation like this?” Osetek answers. military honors.

“No, I don’t.” Jo is a wonder at the man’s knowledge. “Cpl Osetek?” Jo calls.

“They didn’t le-eave any cha-chance of ha-having to co-come back a sec-second time.” “Yes se-sergeant!”

Jo ponders. She looks over the small girl child still clinging to her waist. Time passes. She looks at “The word is that the Union Army is to march south from Washington come April.”

Crawford’s response as she orders. “Hang the old man...hang him high. Kill all the animals and “Th-that would be-be their practice, Jo.”

burn everything. Leave no sign that folks was ever living here.” “I’m getting you leave to go off and marry Petey! That’s an order.” Jo is busy writing. “Get

Crawford does not blink. yourself to the dispensary in Winchester and give this to Colonel Freda May Varny.”

Sometime the next day the squad and its entourage enter a small town. The survivors are handed Harry is lost. “Ho-how can I...I need a ho-home...wo-work to ke-keep Petey.”

over to the local sheriff.

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Jo ignores the man’s words. “This here paper is a pass for you and your wife. It gives you free Harry moves slowly. He releases his hold and stops back as his sergeant requests. He cannot look at

transport back to Deersville. You are ordered to stay at the Ferris home. You will be assigned as Jo. He must divert his eyes.

temporary sheriff to the county until such time that a new sheriff is appointed.” “Gather your things. You will depart without haste. That is an order.” Jo also diverts her eyes. She

The man’s confusion is absolute. He stands before Jo frozen. He cannot speak. cannot watch Osetek’s departure. She fears that she may not survive to see him ever again.

“H R, Sheriff Gary Young passed. He was shot dead by a drunken miner. The city of Deersville has Jo promotes Kyle to corporal along aside his brother HeyBoy. The irony that the Crawfords and she

requested the Confederate Army for your services as acting sheriff.” are the last of the original squad remaining does not escape her. Osetek’s departure has left Jo

Jo hugs the large man as tightly as her small frame will permit. Hear tears share his joy. isolated. She has no close feelings and is distant to those who remain. She is disturbed that her

“You won’t have to come back, H R. Once you get home they keep you on a sheriff most likely, husband is home in Buffalo Creek while she remains at war and keeps watch. Her resolve to remain

other wise they wouldn’t have sent for you.” with the Crawfords and serve in the Confederacy is undiminished.

Osetek still has no words. He holds his sergeant as gently as any baby. His large hands cover her ~~~~~

back. He dares not release her for fear his dreams will not come true. In early spring Colonel Ute Hostil visits Jo.

“I sent word to Freda May...She’ll have Petey discharged and a preacher ready by the time you get “Jo! I have word for you from Emmy Lou.” The stout military officer says as he approaches.

to Winchester. Two days time you’ll both be in Deersville.” Her lips quiver from despair of their Jo is surprised by the visit but is anxious for words of home. She awaits her visitor’s preference.

parting. “Emmy is in Winchester. She is staying with my Aunt Elizabeth. She asks that you come for a

Harry yet does not speak. His large chest heaves with sobs of a small child hurt and seeking his visit.” Ute informs her as he dismounts.

mother’s comfort. “Winchester? Visit?” The way of civil life has long left Jo’s comprehension.

“You won’t have to worry about dying along side us, H R...I’ll miss you like no other.” Jo words “Emmy Lou needs you at this moment.” Ute responds with concern.

choke. Her eyes burn and her limbs are numb. There has been no loss so great as the parting of her “Mr. Ferris? Her mother?” Jo asks.

dear corporal. They are fine. Mrs. Ferris is with her. They have simply accepted my invitation to visit. Mr. Ferris

Harry’s tears wet her cheek. She kisses him sweetly. She wants her soul to touch his. They shall is in Fredericksburg preparing defenses there against a large scale Union attack. He is quite well

never again serve as comrades in the same way. also. I just arrived from there.”

Jo knows that Harry will not leave her unless ordered to do so. “Corporal Osetek, attention!” Jo “How can I leave here? This is my duty post!” Jo does not know how to leave her squad.

stiffens.

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“If you agree, I’ll have your commanding officer arrange leave at once. My carriage will be here The large wheels and heavy springs of the carriage are unlike anything to be seen in the military.

for you the first thing in the morning.” He observes Jo’s thoughts. “There will be no action for your They are designed for swiftness. Jo enters hesitantly. She sinks deeply into thick cushions just as

command for several more weeks I assure you...You need to take only yourself. Just board the the horses start the carriage with a jump. Smoothly and swiftly the carriage races along the country

buggy. You may not have chance to see Emmy until late summer at the earliest. lane that leads into Winchester.

Jo finds her emotions rushing to thoughts of home and family. She feels that she needs to be with Soon she is moving along a wide well groomed lane lined with willows tinted yellow from new

her cousin but worries that the squad may be called forth without her. She wishes to go with out budding. From her window she spies church towers and pieces of tall buildings passing along one

leaving the boys. She struggles to answer. side. This is the main part of Winchester. Upon the other side stately homes are aliened between

Ute recognizes her sense of abandonment of duty. “There will still be a war when you return. When huge fields. Grand fences of brightly painted wood or wrought iron cordon the avenue’s sides along

this war is over for you then you can go home for once and all… It’s just to be a short visit, Jo.” the way. Huge stone and brick homes stand with long fashionably adorned windows that face the

A spark enters Jo’s eyes. Life without dying seems possible to her again. road. The sound of the horses hoofs upon hard stone signals the carriage’s arrival into a most

Early the next day a grand carriage appears at the main gate of the Confederate Military elegant section of Winchester.

Reservation. Four large black thorough bread team horses arrive excitedly. Two drivers in formal Jo has never seen such grandeur. It is a fairy world, a place far remote from the battlefield. Jo

riding garb sit atop a shiny black leather covered carriage. Silver light posts and handles adorn the cringes to think what a sight her appearance is among such aristocratic dwellings. She recalls the

transport. A young black lad bounces from behind the buggy to open the door as Jo steps forward. grand ball at the Freshwaters home.

“Carriage for Missy Jo!” The dark lad announces. He wares a doorman’s togs of crimson coat and With a quick left turn the carriage slows past two grand stone pillars that admit the visitor’s

tan leather slacks. approach to the front of a most beautiful colonial home. A large house covered with stucco fills the

Jo recalls the fancy dress of Lt. Bramwell and she is uneasy. “What you want her for?” She blurts vista. Even in the gray morn of late winter the yellow exterior of the home brightens one’s spirit.

out in a military way. Broad white trim with gold accents adorns the residence and makes the building truly palatial in

“This here carriage is set for Miss Jo. Master Hostil wants her to come over to the big house right appearance. A red cobble stone road leads to a grand covered portico colored in gold and brown.

off.” The youth answers. Here the carriage comes to rest.

Jo looks inside the carriage at the red silken cushions and lush coverings upon the wall and floor. It A tall slender Negro dressed in white tie and tails steps from the house as Jo exits the carriage. The

seems to her that the carriage is more a fancy hotel room than a wagon. She is conscious of her aged Negro waves the young carriage man in dismissal. “Lady Emmy Lou awaits you in the

uniform and its incongruous fit among the richly adorned coachmen. library.”

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The large door opens to a grand hallway. The stately Negro leads Jo past walls covered in rich From an oversized chair, Emmy Lou stands to greet her cousin and best friend. She wears a solid

tapestry and large oil paintings. A dense collection of treasures is exhibited. The owner of the house black gown full in length with an open white collar. Her dark hair is pulled up exposing her long

has invested much time and fortune is such acquisitions. Jo passes a grand staircase heavily thin neck. Emmy Lou appears to Jo as a woman full grown.

carpeted. Huge chandeliers light the hall, and stairway. Lady Emmy is beautiful and sensuous. The woman is stunningly gorgeous. No grandiose object of

A right turn enters into an exquisite arboretum. Tall ferns and small palm tress grow in large pots. the room or house compares with her form and elegance. She radiates a softness and warmth that

Much delicate greenery thrives in planters along the floor upon tables and beside the windows. A comes only from a heart filled with love.

small glass dome admits sunlight. A small fireplace boils water continuously to warm and keep Jo has never seen such loveliness. The handsome girl is now pure and divine in looks. Emmy

humid the room. There are chairs and tables arranged among the tress so the visitor plunges deeply appears unflawed and immortal to Jo.

into another world. Several small yellow parakeets flutter from branch to branch. Emmy smiles the same smile that first greeted Jo upon her mother’s childhood bed back in Buffalo

“Don’t mind Miss Elizabeth’s parrot.” The old Negro states as he points to a many-colored large Creek. “Jo, I can’t tell how wonderful it is to see you.” Emmy’s smile consumes her face and tears

bird perched upon a hidden a limb. Jo must stop. She has never seen anything like this before. of happiness welcome Jo.

“Where’s one catch a critter like this?” She asks. The two girls embrace. Each one possesses the other while neither wishes to be separated.

“The tropic’s, Lady Elizabeth purchased that bird when we were visiting South America some 20 “It that all, Lady Emmy?” The old Negro asks.

years ago now. That bird chattered away none stop for decades. Now he just gets noisy when many “Excuse me Jo! Have you had breakfast?” Emmy inquires.

guests are present.” Jo pulls uncomfortably on her uniform jacket as she spies the contents of the room. Jo looks

“What do ya feed such a thing? Worms?” questioningly at the old servant and back to Emmy.

“Fruit! Mangos, guavas mostly, cherries and apples will do.” The old man has spent much time Emmy reads the discomfort in Jo’s expression. “We shall have eggs Benedict. Use the Canadian

attending the creature. smoked ham, Please Fulton. Tea and scones will be niece. Oh yes, Jo you must try this mango juice

The next doorway opens into a rich library. Books adorn the walls with case stacked upon case. Fulton makes. We shall have our breakfast served here, please.”

Large sitting chairs with over sized backs gather about small private tables. Large reading lamps “Yes’m Lady Emmy, it will be coming shortly.” The servant departs.

burn all day and most of the night. The current journals and newspapers are gathered and displayed. “Emmy! What are you doing here in Winchester?”

The atmosphere of the room is serious and business like.

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“Father is to be assigned here after the war. Jo, Colonel Hostil has placed daddy in a wonderful job. “Emmy some woman give there babies up or have them destroyed before they are born. They

Mother is so happy!” Emmy sits next to Jo unable to release the soldier’s hands. “We are all going won’t let themselves be an unwed mother.” Jo doesn’t fully understand the meaning of her words.

to live in Winchester.” Emmy announces. “This child is my life. It is all I have left from a love that I shall never again share. I would die

“What about Beau? And you marriage?’ Jo asks in confusion. before I would let any harm come to my baby.”

“Emmy’s head sags and her face turns grim with sorrow.” Beau died early this winter, Jo. “How will you survive?” Jo pauses. “Grandma and grandpa will take you in until the war’s end

He never fully recovered from his wounds. He took to fever and passed.” then I can help you.” Jo offers.

Jo squeezes Emmy hands tightly. “I’m sorry Emmy…you loved him so!” “I have more than enough help Jo. I married Colonel Hostil many weeks ago.”

Emmy shakes with her recollection. “He was very grateful to you for saving his life. The time we This completely surprises Jo. She searches Emmy’s face over and over again in disbelief. Jo offers

did share was due to you Jo. Thank you from both of us.” Emmy picks up a small envelope and no words in response.

hands it to Jo. “Beau regretted that he could not hand this to you personally. It was his last wish that “The colonel is a very kind and caring man. He loves me truly, Jo and accepts the baby as his own.

you should have the deed to his family’s retreat in the Blue Ridge. It is some 500 acres of I shall make him a good wife and he shall have a wonderful life. I will always be devoted to him.”

wilderness. Just a small hunting cabin is all that’s there. He knew you and your grandfather would “Do you love him, Emmy?”

take much pleasure by its use.” “I have very strong feelings for the Colonel. I’m sure in time my love will grow.” Emmy pauses.

Jo is stunned. Never in any dream could this have happened. “I can’t take this. I just happened to be “This war ended the life I should have lived. My child’s future must come first.”

there is all.” “Why Winchester? Why not Deersville?” Jo asks.

“You must accept it, Jo. It was the last pleasure of a dying man. Y’all have a curse on you if you The Colonel’s business is here. I shall remain with his aunt until the war ends. Then mother and

don’t take it in the same grace as it is given.” Emmy knows that Jo will enjoy this present and it father will join us in our new home.

was she who made the suggestion to Beau for it as a gift. Jo has seen the first casualty from her family’s life. Her dear cousin is swept away from home.

“What about you, Emmy what are you to do here in Winchester?” “You will always be my best friend Emmy. If you are happy then I shall share with you whatever

Emmy hesitates. She straightens her back and looks deeply into Jo’s eyes. life you choose. Ty and I shall come visit every spring. You and Ute…may I call your husband

“Jo, I’m carrying Beau’s baby!” Ute?”

The two girls look one to the other searching for their next words and an understanding. “Please do?” Emmy responds.

“I’m going to have this child.” Emmy states firmly. You and Ute may visit whenever you want to return to Deersville.

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The two stop hugging only when Fulton brings service for their breakfast. Main Street Winchester is a delight of southern style shops and eateries dispersed among banks and

“Today you and I have much to do.” Emmy sips her tea. “First, Fulton is to take us to a house of institutions of business. Coble stone avenues are immaculately preserved. Spotless brick covered

fashion where you shall abandon this uniform of yours. There are fabulous shops with selections walkways pass underneath awnings of luxurious storefronts.

from Paris, London, Madrid, and New York. Wait till you see the divine creations one has to Emmy takes Jo to a junior miss shop that is certain to have her small size dress. “Jo you must

choose from.” immediately change into a simple dress if you are to visit these stores. Otherwise they shall think

“They be expensive Jo! I don’t have money for frills.” Jo puzzles at the prospect. the Yankee army is soon to appear.” Emmy laughs with Jo.

“Jo, I am now a wealthy woman. Much more so than those poor Freshwaters.” Emmy smiles A light brown shirt with a narrow waist is chosen. Silken beige top and brown matching jacket are

devilishly.” All items will go on colonel Hostil’s account and these are paid by one of his banks.” added. A pair of shinny black dress boots with black hat complete Jo’s outfit for the day.

“One of his banks?” Jo blurts forth. Jo’s army issue cloths are wrapped in plain brown paper. “Fulton! These war rags are to be placed

The Colonel’s family is the largest monetary entity in all of Virginia...maybe the country.” away safely for the good sergeant’s departure.” Emmy dusts off her hands after she presents them

“The country be split Emmy.” Jo reminds. to he servant.

“Not according to a Lord Bramwell. This Englishmen was here some time ago for dinner with the Jo asks. “How much do these fancy cloths cost?”

Colonel. He has convinced the Colonel the Confederacy is doomed, and the war cannot last but “I have no idea.” Emmy replies. “Colonel Hostil has instructed me never to seek prices when

another year. The Sharpsburg defeat shows the Confederacy cannot mount an effective campaign shopping as it gives the staff a poor impression of our true worth.”

against Washington.” The balance of the day is spent with the women engaged at exploration of all the best that the stores

“Why be we fighting for then Emmy?” Jo is disturbed. of Winchester have to offer. Hats are selected for acquisition on impending needs and whim alike.

“Terms, Jo. The leaders of the south want peace. The English will not intervene. The south cannot Fulton’s hands and feet are busy loading the storage compartment of the Hostil’s carriage. Shoes

win. The leaders of the Confederacy don’t know anyway out but to force Lincoln to accept terms.” are also collected for present spring wear and the coming summer social season.

“How is that to be done?” Jo ponders. “When I married colonel Hostil I could not fill one luggage case with all my clothes. I was literally

“Lee is to try another invasion against Washington this summer…if he can. Any way this matter here shopping everyday. There is not one dress shop, shoe store or haberdashery in Winchester that

must wait for you and I are going to get things for the baby.” Emmy says with great glee. does not know my sizes or tastes.” The manager at each storefront eagerly greets Emmy.

~~~~~

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The pace of garment collecting abates for lunch at the newest French restaurant. “Jo we shall dine “Relatives of the Colonel from Maryland…a Mr. and Mrs. Paul Langley and his uncle General

in heaven this afternoon. Chef Pipen is the best in the world. He has cooked for the English Lee.”

Monarchy.” Emmy is exhilarated in the sharing of her treasures with Jo. Jo feints.

“What’s different about French food?” Jo questions. ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~

“My God, Jo! What they do with chocolate is sinful! And we are going to do some repentin alter The dinner is private. Lady Elizabeth is Muriel’s mother and Robert Lee’s aunt. There is much talk

this afternoon. Right now we live!” of family and none about the war. Lady Elizabeth is monarch of the family in this part of Virginia.

After a midday repast of white fish baked with a white wine. Fresh twist loaf bread served hot with She despises the civil war and will permit no discussion of it in her presence. Elizabeth has invited

a whipped butter and cheese spread. Baked early potatoes covered in an onion cream sauce and her daughter, Muriel and son-in-law as well as her nephew, Bobby Lee to formally meet Ute’s

garnished with parsley are served with delicate green beans on the side. The meal is completed with wife, Emmy Lou.

a rich dark chocolate sauce covering baked crepes filed with strawberries and boiled rhubarb. The Muriel controls the conversation and Emmy and Jo are left as permanent audience. The dinner is

women squeal quietly in delight. formal with Paul Langley and Robert Lee in white tie and tails. The women wear evening gowns.

The last part of the afternoon is spent is a fantasy of delights at selecting items for the newborn to Emmy is in a crimson lace with black trim. It is very smart and she is the most radiant of women.

wear. Jo especially enjoys selecting dress outfits for Emmy’s baby to wear in the coming first year. Jo sits coyly in a light blue dress with white lace trim. Jo is very much grown since last she sat with

“Jo we have to pass the butchers as I must order goods for a special dinner tonight.“ Emmy Emmy. Both gentlemen seek much of the young girls’ attention.

informs. “Where is my nephew Ute?“ Lee asks of Emmy.

“Don’t tell me you won’t ask prices at the butchers because he’ll send the cost onto the bank?” Jo “Why General you have the poor man running all over the north of Virginia. It is I that should be

jests at the extravagance of the day. asking you.” Emmy smiles.

“Ah, Jo! We never are charged for food here or at the bank. The owner is a friend of the Colonel. I “Where is your husband young lady?” Lee asks Jo. “You appear mighty familiar some how. Have

assume the Colonel returns free banking services somehow.’ we met?”

“You never buy your food! You people eat for free!” Jo says bewildered. Jo looks not in the Lee’s direction for fear of being fully recognized.

“Jo dear, people with money have no need to buy. What ever we need is just given to us somehow. “My cousin is from Ohio. She is visiting. This is Jo’s first occasion to Winchester’s society. Her

This is a different society and we live in a different world here in Winchester.” Emmy answers. husband is not well enough to travel.” Emmy relies Jo of any comprise.

“So whose the special company tonight at the Hostil’s?” Jo asks.

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“Wonderful I should love to escort the young lady tomorrow for a tour.” The general is much taken threat and hurries over 50,000 Confederate troops from Fredericksburg along the Orange Turnpike

by Jo’s appearance. “After all we are family now!” Road to meet Union General Jo Hooker’s advance.

Jo becomes dizzy and looks to Emmy for escape. Jo’s regiment has been moved into the defenses at Fredericksburg. Active duty here is one of

“Matters press her home first thing tomorrow day general...perhaps upon her next visit.” massive preparation for the spring onslaught of the Union Army intent on marching through to

Dinner is served in a private room. Large portraits of Lady Elizabeth’s family adorn the walls. Richmond. Lee is well prepared for the coming battle here. He knows that if Fredericksburg falls

Candelabras stand everywhere providing a festive atmosphere. Servants move about the large Richmond will be under attack.

walnut table. The dinner begins with delicate soup of vegetables. Heart a choke and asparagus salad Jo’s squad is deep into trench preparation. Earthen works are refortified and inspected daily. The

served with Lady Elizabeth’s favorite vinaigrette. White and spring water are served as well. tasks assigned to her troops require the shovel and many hours of labor. Spring rains make the work

General Lee is very fond of his elderly aunt and compliments his hostess at every opportunity. difficult with layering of mud. There is no place for bathing and all comfort is abandoned for

“Your dining table is the best in the family Aunt Lizzy!” defense.

Emmy has chosen a small beef roast and a Yorkshire pudding as the main entry. Fulton selects all On the morning of May 1st, Sgt. Jain awakens Jo from her tent. ”Jo get your squad into formation.

wines to be served. We march at once.”

Jo is delirious with the food extravaganza. “We haven’t checked our muskets for days! I don’t know if we have sufficient ammunition. Water?

“Jo dear girl you have an appetite of a soldier.” General Lee comments. Food?”

“Country girls work as hard as any man.” Emmy retorts. “No one is ready but we march. Have your men grab what they can at the quick. Lead elements of

The captivating beauty of Emmy Lou dominates the dinner table and Jo escapes detection. Later the Yankees are already in Chancellorsville just miles from here. Lee wants to surprise ‘em.”

Emmy Lou entertains with music on the piano and the family sings along. The Langleys and “What about mess the men didn’t eat last night. We used the last of our dried goods.” Jo tries to

General Lee adore Emmy. make Jain aware that the men are tired and hungry and not ready to march into a fight.

~~~~~ Before first light the squad and regiment are formed and under foot along the turnpike to

In late April the Union Army has moved south across the Potomac. They cross the Rappahannock Chancellorsville. The entire day is needed for the Confederate and Union armies to mass into

River. Over 130,000 Union soldiers advance towards Chancellorsville north of Fredericksburg. position. The two armies engage in a dense wooded area called the Wilderness Run. Here the high

They hope to catch General Lee’s left flank unprepared. However Lee responds quickly to the points are forested and do not permit canons to view the coming battle. Skirmishes flare up for

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point to point all day. The regiment huddles into cover in the dense undergrowth. Small one horse retreat at the division level. Only the wilderness and the fatigue of the hungry Confederates bring

wide roads make moment of large forces slow and obstructed from view. the advance to a quick stop.

Batteries of artillery take placement in small open fields that give poor disposition to their intended At dusk Jackson’s line settles for the night. Behind trees lay the members of Jo’s squad. Light

use. Gun crews cut trees to improve field of fire of the cannons but the enemy remains hidden in disappears quickly under the wilderness’ canopy. Jo has gathered some rations abandoned from the

the dense vegetation on both sides of the front. Union camps. She shares these with her squad.

Deep in the woods, Jo’s squad waits. Today’s success comes in the finding water to quench their “We shall keep watch along our side of this line.” Jo points down through a clearing of pines.”

thirst. Only men and munitions have been sent from Fredericksburg. No food is dispatched. Her squad lies upon their muskets to watch. To the right comes the sound of pounding horses

Through the night the sound of men in battle preparation is heard. The winds that travel south from trough the glade. Darkened figures on horse back approach at the gallop. The squad raises their

the Union camps bring sent of cooking meat and beans. The Confederates are too hungry to rest weapons to fire.

well. “Hold! Hold!” Jo cries. “Wait till …”

In the night Lee has set his plan. 32,000 of his troops will turn west to strike the Union’s left flank The percussion of firing muskets from the far right interrupts her. The horsemen turn in Jo’s

while the remainder will demonstrate at the center. Lee intends to disperse the Union formations direction.

and destroy their initiative first. The Union will then be forced to withdraw. “At the ready!” Jo calls to the squad. Muskets are leveled.

Jo’s regiment is among the last in Jackson’s column flanking the Union. At first light they move The horsemen thunder straight on pushing branch and sapling under.

along the narrowest of paths. Slowly they wind their way west to the Union’s left flank. Jackson is Jo stands to the fore. In the front of the men on horse back Jo’ recognizes the wide frame at the

familiar with the ground and uses the tree growth to cover his movement. It stake the most of May led.”

2nd for Jackson to come to ready. The Confederates alien in the woods rows upon row deep. “Ute! Ute! This way!” She calls to Colonel Hostil. “They be rebs a coming boys!”

Between tree and bush they stand. One squad sees but the one to either side. Regiment upon The squad cheers aloud to bring the cavalry section to safety.

regiment stand with no commander viewing his entire force. Ute arrives with several horsemen from a scouting detail. One man has been seriously wounded by

Late afternoon the attack commences. One carefully step after the next is laid down by the massed Confederate fire. General Stonewall Jackson’s body is carried to the rear for aide.

Confederate line in the Union’s direction. For two hours they march driving deer and raccoon

toward the unsuspecting Union forces. They can make no speed at the task until the forest opens

upon the Union camps. Here they open fire upon unprepared units sending the Union army in to

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Chapter 9 Jo understands Lee’s hope to defeat the Union Army close to Washington. As soon as Lee’s

Gettysburg campaign disperses the Union defenses north of the Potomac, the war will close. If Lee should be

defeated the war will close. Jo knows that her time of service to her squad is soon to terminate.

With God’s help, she hopes to be in Ty’s arms by fall. This prospect emboldens her.

June is glorious in northern Virginia. Cherry and Cotton Wood trees have just passed blooming.

The rest of nature is now signaled into blossom. Every field is cover in yellow of dandelion and the

velvet of periwinkle. Apple, peach, mulberry trees become decorated in blooms of white, beige and

purple respectively. Maple trees fill with seeds that begin to twirl to earth upon the breeze. The

berry bushes have started to bud. Stems of Queen Ann’s Lace rise waist high at the edges of fields

and roads to sprout. The first butterfly is seen.

The warm weather and the surging numbers of men in the camp, gives assurance that the war’s end

is not far off. A relief from fighting and death allows thoughts of love and family to preoccupy

one’s dreams. Much attention is given to grooming of the camp as well as the individual soldier.
The Union Army was dispersed from Chancellorsville but it remains a threat to Richmond. Lee has
All appears clean and fresh. Worn, and not mend able are discarded. Summers bounty relieves
had a revised plan for the invasion of the north since he left Antietam a year ago. This May, Lee
hunger from the troops.
presses his plan and gains approval. He begins in June to assemble the entire army of Virginia plus
Jo has grown more detached from her squad members. She longs to frolic with her husband on the
units from every Confederate state. In all, 80,000 soldiers are assembling in secret in the
farm. How she wants to share tending the newborn among the animals with Ty. Lady’s jealousy use
Shenandoah.
to dominate the poor dog’s personality through to August. Jo wishes to be there. Jo wishes she
Jo’s regiment again is stationed at Culpeper. The trains run night and day bring new recruits. Men
could scold Lady once again and laugh at her womanly canine antics. She does not resent her duties
from all over the south and many from northern states as well answer Lee’s call to arms. The camp
for the men in her squad. No, Jo struggles with the business of the military and the war. Gone is the
that was once spacious in open field stands packed with men in temporary shelters.
man she loves. Gone is her close confident Osetek. Dead are many of the fellow recruits from
Jo’s squad passed through the battle of Chancellorsville unscathed. The mood in the squad as well
several years back.
as in the camp is optimistic. All are aware that they shall march forth with Lee to the north. They

shall engage the same Union Army that fled Chancellorsville weeks ago. Success is never in doubt.

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There are no close feelings or bonds between her and the present squad. The Crawfords are a “Company D 3rd Regiment!” Jain answers.

people unlike Jo. Even back in buffalo Creek, no one outside their family had personal dealings The woman is puzzled. “What squad? Who’s in charge?”

with the Crawfords. The new recruits are collected from all corners of the state and its neighbors. “Jo, the regiment is realigning. Hell! Lee has the whole army of Virginia a changing. I did the best I

Jo finds herself in a professional army. Gone is the local militia. could for you Jo. It wasn’t my decision. It is this or fight with Calloway at your side.”

Msgt. Jain saunters into the squad’s compound. “Sgt. Jo Kooter!” He calls simply at his approach. “What? What?” Jo presses. “What decision?”

“News!” “Listen don’t get yourself heated up at me cause the decision was made by the regimental

Jo expects word about Lee’s departure date north. “When do we march?” command.” Jain pauses. “Every time we engage the enemy the officer corps shrinks. The army is

“Don’t know Jo.” Sonny’s attitude is someway different. He stands away from Jo and speaks desperate for experience. You got as much experience in combat as any in the Confederacy.”

timidly. “Jain if’n you don’t quite side stepping the answer I’ll get my musket and shoot you round little

“Can’t be all that bad Sonny. We survived Antietam I guess we can survive what ever is bothering ass. Now what the hell did you do to me over at regiment?”

you.” Jain has very few mood changes. Only subtle body movements signal these. Much in the way “They promoted you to being a lieutenant! You are to command the entire Company D” Sonny is

a large beast shakes and turns when disturbed. Sonny shifts side to side and bobs his head between for the first time embarrassed before Jo. “You are to report immediately to Colonel Pickett.”

words. ~~~~~

“Calloway is coming back. He’s healed up and command is promoting him to sergeant.” Sonny’s Jo walks slowly towards the regimental command tent. There are many officers busy with matters

words have no emotion. of preparation. They stand in groups about tables with maps and papers. Some are arguing, some

“What be his new command?” Jo asks hoping that it will not be near her. joking. There is much smoking, and chewing of tobacco. It seems to Jo that the officers have the

“First squad Company A 3rd Regiment.” Jain replies dryly. same bad habits as the men of her squad.

“Hell you say!” Jo is furious. “That weasel isn’t going to order me. I don’t mind going back into The regimental headquarter is signaled by the many flags upon masts about a large tent with sides

the ranks but can’t I get transferred to another outfit.” Jo stands head over the little man with her opened. A lone figure sits in a chair at a desk set just outside. The man is thin and long with blond

hands firmly on her hips and her jaw protruding in Jain’s face. red hair that curls down his neck. His beard is full, short and well groomed. Jo sees no weapon in

Sonny remains uncomfortable and emotionless. ‘I already did get you a transfer.” sight but many papers and books. This must be Colonel Pickett, or Old Jed as called by his troops.

Jo is surprised at the man’s unexpected sensitivity. “Where? What outfit or don’t you know yet?” The man appears to be in his early twenties.

Jo is excited. It’s not going home but the change is welcomed. “Sgt. Kooter reporting.” The girl comes to attention.

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The colonel raises his eyes to glance oven the girl. His right hand strokes his beard. He does not “Slavery is a dying practice. More and more darkies are being set free every day. The issue being

speak but his face wrinkles in thought. “Jain says you’re a natural in the field. He claims your fought today is state rights over federal greed. I have pledged my life to the freedom of Virginia

squad is the best he has ever seen in action.” The commander awaits Jo’s response. from the licentious.”

Jo looks at the thin face of the man and his pale blue eyes that shine past the blond eyelashes. There Jo sees determination in his eyes.

is a fire and purity coming forth from the officer. Strength of soul and purpose emanates from his “Soon this regiment marches with Lee to a battle that will determine the course of this war. We

frail person. must win or we fail. This unit will be ready to serve gloriously as it has since the start. I need you to

“I understand how a group of men should fight together so’s they don’t get killed easy.” She lead and lay down your life if need be for your family and for Virginia.”

responds. Jo sees compassion in his eyes.

“Jain says that you will make a good officer in the line.” He pauses again. “Will you assume command as first lieutenant of Company D?”

Jo continues to search his visage. Honesty, yes and kindness she sees in the man. “Never thought of Jo realizes that she will be free to leave if she chooses not to ascend her rank. The colonel’s denial

being an officer. Sonny says it be your choice.” of his own family for the sake of his beliefs shames her for thoughts of doing less.

“When this war started I was teaching Deuteronomy at the Bible College over to Centersville...just There is much conviction in his words. She understands that the character of her regiment has

down the road a piece. I left my wife and four children several years ago. Two of my babies died always reflected the character of its leader Colonel Jedidiah Pickett.

while you and I have been fighting the Army of the Potomac.” “I won’t carry a sword! I keep the hat my grandpap give me. What about my musket?”

Jo sees the anguish in his eyes. “No musket’s will be carried by my officers. Regimental supply has some officer frocks that might

“I’m afraid that I shall lay upon the next field of battle and never see my loved ones again.” suit you. I have a spare revolver and holster.” Jedidiah replies.

Jo sees forlorn in his eyes. “You know I’m a woman mostly full grode?”

“I believe God is opposed to the oppression of the federal government on the right of the states. If “There are a number of women fighting in the regiment. You are the first to be promoted out of the

allowed to dictate, Washington will one day assume the pulpit, then they shall begin to legislate sin ranks for this regiment...maybe the whole Confederate Army.”

into law.” “I’ll do my best. Since you are telling me the truth, I want you to know there’ll come a time when

Jo sees fire and righteousness in his eyes. I’ll be done with all this here killing. When it don’t make no more sense then it has to stop and I’ll

be done.” Jo looks hard into the colonel’s eyes, and she is satisfied that he understands.

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“Understood! Now get to supply, then to officer’s mess. While the men eat we shall have a exceptions...you must sign for them!” There he has made his point and if Jo doesn’t listen to him

regimental command meeting. Then you meet your new command. Dismissed!” Pickett resumes now her trouble will be her on doing.

his tasks at his desk “Coat only...I have a side arm.” Jo smiles at the large fairy like man.

At the supply depot a chubby sergeant sits behind a counter. Goods are streaming from wagons The heavy man leads Jo to a select of used officer tops. Jo chooses a gray waistcoat with rows of

loaded at the rail station. Boxes of munitions, barrels of foods all must be invoiced and dispersed gold lines and brass buttons across the chest. The sleeves are handsomely embroidered in gold. It’s

properly. The flabby man speaks in a squeaky high-pitched whine. “What do you need sergeant? fit is a bit large but it is suitable. “This one.” She notes.

I’m busy as blazes so speak up!” “That’s a Calvary officer’s dress. It’s here by mistake. Best choose something else.”

“Colonel Pickett sent me over...” “Nope! This is it. It’s a Confederate officer’s coat and I’m a wearing it.”

“Oh another first lieutenant.” The store clerk interrupts. “After every battle Pickett has to replace The fat sergeant stamps his foot in frustration. His eyes bulge. “Well! If you wish to be different

his young officer crops.” The man paces franticly shuffling papers to find the right one. He whorls form the others officer’s you certainly are that.” He hands a paper for Jo to mark for goods

about in tiny paces making Jo dizzy at the watch of him. “Hats...that hat of yours must go!” He received. “Hope that you don’t end up on a horse’s back riding into the Union’s cannons by

whines. mistake.”

Jo takes hold of her wide bream top cover. This was once her worn by her mother as young girl “What happens if I don’t bring this thing back?” Jo asks brushing dust of her new coat.

working on the family farm. It keeps the rain off, the cold out and makes fine shade on hot day. “You pay. Dead or alive you pay...right out of your last pay check.” The fat sergeant enjoys the last

“The hat stays...That’s an order!” Jo snaps. word.

The fat man bounces all the more in small steps as he dances about his desk. “Very well...if you Wearing her new officer’s wardrobe and side arm, Jo arrives at the officer’s mess tent. A salute

insist.” He collects a small pin with CSA as the insignia. “Put this on the front...All the others took from the rank, and the stand to attention at her presence by the attendants impresses Jo. She is not

a new officer cap without any bother. I guess you are different.” The clerk fusses mindlessly in his uncomfortable with her newly found military status.

papers. Hot coffee brews continually for the officer’s. Soup warms on a large kettle. The food is plain but

The supply sergeant comes to a quick stop. He stands back erect and looks Jo in the face for the available without delay. Special meals are served upon special occasion. Here is added the

first time. One hand rests on the desk and the other on his hip much in the fashion of a woman. convenience of open dining hours to the permit the command to work without fear of missing a

“You do know that you must wear an officer’s frock and side revolver. Its the law...no meal. Potato soup is served with warm corn bread. It is a welcome change of diet for Jo.

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Jo returns to Colonel Pickett’s tent to find a captain waiting with a sergeant in hand. The tall “I keep your tent, get you boots cleaned, move your things when we march. I‘ll be your moma

slender officer is middle aged. A retired army commander who served with Union in the Mexican when you get sickly. Them kinds of things.”

war has returned to serve Virginia. “You be Lt. Kooter?” He asks. Jo bends over in hysterical laughter. The sight of this big old ox of man holding her laundry and

Jo salutes. “Yes sir!” bringing her tea is too much. “This is insane. I haven’t had a mother since I was ten years old.”

“Colonel Pickett has been called up to divisional headquarters. We shall meet upon his return. This Teddy does not share her humor. “It be good duty, ah...ah what do you want me to call you...Lt

is your duty orderly Corporal Marius Ledbetter. He will see you to your quarters. Dismissed.” The Kooter.”

captain’s departure is immediate. “That sounds mighty harsh. Jo will do or Lt Jo...if’n you have too.” Jo still laughs at the sight of

Jo looks at her orderly. She is lost. “Corporal, what the hell is an orderly?” their selves. “Get me to my command. Get the sergeants together.”

The short stout man wonders if Jo jests. He waits for her to speak. Jo’s tent is among the officer’s compound in the regiment’s center. She has no things to be stored.

“I’m new! Just up from the ranks.” She testifies. Teddy’s duty will be light.

The muscular man smiles. He relaxes. “Old Lt. Butts came up through the ranks after Antietam. “Jo you can’t go in front of the men in those worn old shoes.” Teddy comments.

Got himself in front of a sniper at Chancellorsville. Good man, too bad.” The red haired man with a “It’s all I have, Teddy”. Jo answers.

large mustache scratches his head. “Call me Teddy! All the boys do.” The corporal offers his hand. “I know a Texas boy what has him some Yankee riding boots toke off a dead Calvary officer. Then

Jo accepts. The man’s strength is formidable. “Why Teddy?” sure would make you a handsome sight. They is too small for’m any way.”

“My mama took to calling me by that name as youn’n down in Texas. Just used to it is all.” Teddy reaches into the storage box of the former occupant of the tent. He produces a bottle half full

“Why did she call you teddy? Did you have a little bear doll?” of brandy. “If you allow me I’ll trade for them fancy boots?”

“Nope! I just looked to her like baby bear I guess.” “Don’t you drink Teddy?” Jo is surprised at the man’s integrity.

“How did you become an orderly? And what are we to do together?” “I’m Baptist Jo. No drink, no cards no dancing!” Teddy is a very serious man.

“Got myself stuck with a bayonet over to Fair Oaks last year. My whole squad got kilt there on Jo order’s the Company into formation all five squads with full canteens and enough rounds for

same day. One after the other went down. Never saw so much dying. Anyway, after I got out of the each man to fire 10 musket balls. There is no master sergeant as the last was buried in the

hospital bed. I weren’t expected to live mind you! I was put to work doing orderly duty there. Old Wilderness Run.

Butts needed a man and I was assigned.” Teddy shrugs his shoulders. “Teddy you are acting master sergeant when I need you. That’s an order.”

Jo waits. “Well? What does you do as an orderly?” “Yes Lt. Jo!” Teddy assumes the added duty proudly.

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“Get the Company ready to march out. Today we are going to see how well they can shoot. “George, we march with nearly twice the number as before. We have over 80,000 men assembling

Tomorrow we shall see how they can march. Best squad at hitting the mark carries the Company’s in the Shenandoah as I speak.”

Banner into the north with Lee.” The officers break out in cheers and hurrahs.

“What about Colonel Pickett?” “What about the Army of the Potomac? They can reach Richmond unprotected.” Another voices.

“Leave word. We won’t be gone so far he can’t get us if’n he need. I want to see this command’s “They will do the same as when we entered Fredericksburg last year. They’ll race after us. This

performance level now and not when we gets to Maryland.” time we won’t be sitting. Will keep moving on the best roads and they shall be forced to march all

“Yes’m, Jo. At once!” day at a fast pace to ketch up with us.”

For the next three days, Pickett remains in divisional meetings and Jo evaluates her command. The ”Ammunition and supplies?” Jo asks.

marksmanship is good but far from here old squad’s performance. The marching pace is strong and “We leave with five days ration. We get more in Harrisburg’s arsenals.”

very much to Jo’s liking. Comments agree that the venture is typical Bobby Lee bravado that has worked well on the Union

It is near the end of June. Colonel Pickett long awaited meeting with the regimental command staff Army so far.

takes place late one evening. Torches lit this tent area. He stands before his officer crops with map “Where do we fight?” Asks another.

in hand. Somewhere in south central Pennsylvania in open hill country of Lee’s choosing.” Pickett answers.

“Gentleman...and officers.” He bows towards Jo. “I am honored to present General Lee’s plan for “Just what is our objective?” Someone one yells.

the invasion of Pennsylvania.” He pauses for all to come to his attention. Much like the campaign “To disperse the Union forces so Washington DC is open to the army of Virginia and the end of the

to Fredericksburg last year, we march into Maryland. Unlike the previous effort we continue north war.” Pickett says with finality.

to Harrisburg the state capital of Pennsylvania.” More cheer and good humored bantering from the officers.

The officer corps responds with surprise at the audacity and grandeur of their coming adventure. “When do we start?” They all ask.

Pickett resumes. “Before we lay our assault upon Harrisburg, Lee will split his forces into three “First light tomorrow!”

prongs; one to Carlisle, one to York, and one to Chambersburg. Here goods and rations needed to ~~~~~

sustain us in the field for several weeks are to be procured.” The columns of Confederate troops are well into Pennsylvania before the end of June. The Army of

“How many men does Lee have in this effort?” Asks one captain. the Potomac is giving chase.

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Jo is suffering from the isolation of a commanding officer. She sleeps in her own tent upon a cot. “What ever the scouts see the boys hear first as they come back through the line.” The corporal

Her meals are usually served by her orderly and taken alone. She knows few faces in her command hands a book to Jo. “You need this more than me!”

and fewer names. Fellow officers are distant. The rank members of Company D do not welcome Jo accepts the gift and observes. “It’s a bible!”

her presence. She is alone and her feelings remain unshared and unspoken. Jo cries every night and “Were Old Butt’s! He said if he never returned I could have it.” Teddy’s head lowers. “Can’t read

fears the dawn of each day. She is lost and unwelcome. Jo. I just hold over my heart at night and think of my ma and the good things she would tell me

Her days upon the march are left to inspection of the Company and continued preparedness for where in it. Makes me fell real good. Kind’a prepares me for the killing to come.”

instant combat by her troops. She consumes much time in the reading of maps submitting reports to “I ain’t never read it Teddy.” Jo opens to view the contents of the pages.

Colonel Pickett. “I can see your heart is full heavy, Jo. Dying from a musket ball is one thing but a dying every day

The war’s brutality is relieved by comradeship among the common soldier. Jo has no Osetek, from a hurting spirit is another. They be no help from a Yankee bullet, But the soul be helped

Geeda, or Burnett with which to unburden the day. The man of her life, her dear husband waits far mighty from that there good book. My ma never lied to me, Jo.”

away now. The tolerable good disposition of Teddy must come from somewhere, Jo considers.

The size of Lee’s force and the stores they carry will make for the most intense conflict yet to be “I’ll give it a try tonight, Teddy maybe it’ll help me get to sleep.”

seen in the war. Jo recalls the unparalleled dying at Antietam. The same or worse is soon to be at “It’ll help that’s for sure. Too many good folks live by it. I don’t know one thief that ever put that

hand. Jo fears she will fall in the coming conflict. book to use.” Cpl Ledbetter comments as he departs.

Nights have become laborious for Jo. Anxiety and lonesomeness wake her in the midst of darkness. Jo looks and reads the Bible’s contents for the first time. She discovers the passage about the birds

She no longer wears the look of a young girl upon her face. in the fields having no want. The message of believing in the good that one does, as way to know a

The Confederate forces have split into three groups. Jo’s regiment moves towards Chambersburg. person uplifts her. She reads that she is not alone! Tears stream uncontrollably from her eyes. Her

This night word comes from Calvary scouts that the Union force is closing. The columns are to chest pounds in relief. She knows that Ty and H R and Geeda walk with her into the coming battle.

regroup at a central crossroad in a small village called Gettysburg. Here Jo senses the war’s end is Her heart warms as the tears flow over her smiling lips.

to come for her. This night Jo commands her spirit into hands of the Almighty. Peace has come into her heart. Even

She lies upon her bunk. Torchlight reaches her through open tent flaps. as she stands ready to send her Company into the musket and cannon fire of the enemy her heart is

“Jo the boys say we may have action tomorrows. The Yanks be close.” Teddy approaches. made light. Her loneliness and anxiety are dispelled. Her last waking thoughts are to ask

“I haven’t heard of any battle plans from Pickett as yet Teddy. How do the troopers know?” forgiveness for those lives that will lost upon her orders tomorrow.

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~~~~~ are simply filling in along this demarcation with Unions troops arriving in opposition struggling to
st
May 1 Jo’s regiment is moving toward Gettysbug. To start the column makes good time. By mid do the same.

morning word reaches Jo that skirmishing has commenced with advancing elements of the Union Jo’s regiment moves off the road. They enter into the edge of a field and wait. Pickett arrives on

Army north of Gettysbug. The pace of the march quickens. horseback. “Kooter!” He shouts excitedly. Your company is to dig in and face that pair of hills

After lunch the news informs that the skirmish has evolved into a full-blown battle and that Lee is tops. This is to be Lee’s left flank. We are ordered to make a defense here. Do not move off until

soon to arrive at Gettysburg. Jo knows that Lee has had no time to make tactical battle plans and ordered by me personally.” Pickett is to be sure that no confusion reigns in his regiment by

major troop movements will await Lee’s decision and that will not be forth coming until tomorrow. conflicting orders.

Mid afternoon the pace of the column stalls, as lead elements arriving at Gettysburg must wait for Across the field lay two round hilltops that end the line of hills being occupied by the Union. These

reconnoitering of the town and vicinity before they may deploy. tops are filled with trees and large flat boulders. Jo observes the opposing formations. It is clear that

Cpl. Ledbetter seeks Jo. ”There’s cannon fire up ahead. Any Orders Lt. Kooter?” the Union enjoys the higher ground and will prefer to defend. Lee by chance is forced to displace

“Inform the men to fill canteens as soon as possible. Have each squad leader check rations, the Union from the preferred ridges if he is to win.

munitions, and musketry of each man. Tell’m our work here must not fail!” Between Jo’s Company and the Union summits lay fruit orchards and wheat fields to one side and

The corporal salutes before he leaves. the other. Directly in font the field ends before the hills. A hallow filled with large round boulders

“Oh Teddy we shall not reach the front line till late afternoon. I’m sure Lee will engage here.” lies in the middle behind which a small stream lay in an open piece of scrub filled land. Jo realizes

The two armies have met on several battlefields. The respective commanders now are practiced at her position is vulnerable to cannon from the hilltops as well as sniper fire from the den of

the positioning of troops. The divisions on all sides are battlefield experienced. These thoughts pass boulders.

through Jo’s mind. She knows the Union will not break and disperse easily. Lee will have his hands “Theodore!” Jo calls to her orderly.

full. Jo spies the horizon with Bramwell’s telescope. She observes that cannons are not yet placed on the
rd
Around 5:30 PM, the 3 Regiment arrives to the southwest fields adjacent to Gettysburg. At this round tops.

time, the first divisions of Confederate Army have occupied a line of hills running north to south “Yes, Lt Kooter.” The ruddy Texan answers.

below the city of Gettysburg and to the west. Confederate cannons are pounding a parallel run of “Order the Company to make a stone fence facing those hills. Get them to lie down and wait. Those

hill across open fields to east of the city where Union Guns answer. Most Confederate formations Yankees are soon to see us exposed. Then get to Pickett and inform him that the Union has no

cannons on those round tops.” Jo continues to scan the distance.

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“How high do the wall need to be? Mam...Eh Jo” Teddy stumbles. The sounds to which Jo listens remind her of the night exercises of her squad back in Culpeper.

“Tall enough to poke a body’s head behind and shoot over. Tell’m no Wall of China!” This is not the sound of the skirmish line from Company A. This is the sound of a column

For the remainder of the afternoon most members of Jo’s squad collect large flat stones from about advancing toward her. She scans her company and sees their bayonets glisten in the moonlight. She

the fields and constructed a foot high firing wall. “It’s a wall for midgets.” Jokes Teddy. has made a mistake. Her position is exposed. Muskets explode in a fusillade from her right. Those

“Get some boys over to that orchard and bring back some fruit. We won’t see much of a mess till of her men nearest to the attack fall wounded and dying.

tomorrow.” Jo responds. A column of Yankee upon a similar mission has discovered her Company first and engages in

Sour apples, hard biscuits and coffee are shared as the sun begins to settle. attack. Her right flank retreats at the run and disappears into the darkness behind her. Suddenly, a

Pickett arrives. He issues a command for Company A and Company D to move down through the rush of blue uniforms fills the trees. Her Company is fighting hand to hand among the sparse

den and to skirmish with the Union forces on the hilltop. “Get their strength and disposition.” boulders and trees.

Pickett orders. Jo stands frozen at the front of the engagement. Her left flank disperses into retreat. Jo and the

With bayonets fixed and dark closing Jo leads her Company of 100 men toward the enemy on the center of the command are alone and out numbered. Bodies tangle in deadly struggle. She fires her

small round top while Company A advances to the right and engages the defense of the large round side arm at moving figures running at her. A hard body collides with her from the side. She is

top. hurled to the ground winded from the impact.

The sky is clear and the moon’s light floods the land. The Confederate skirmish lines advance Before her the figure of a dark man poses a bayonet to thrust towards her as she lies upon the

slowly and quietly. Jo has ordered the Company to move within musket range and to take cover ground. Time slows. The spear point gleams as it moves slowly at her. Two large white eyes stand

near a safe path of retreat. They will fire randomly and infrequently at the Union position. Once the behind the lance point to guide it. Jo cannot breathe.

Union’s return fire is assessed they shall withdrawal. She feels the revolver in her hand as it lies upon the ground.

Very quickly Company A is covered in darkness and out of Jo’s sight. Campfires on the hilltops The eyes before her burn with anger.

lead Jo and her men towards a shallow tree stand and display of boulders. With voices still and Her wrist turns.

footfalls guarded the Company reaches the first of the trees. Jo hesitates. She listens. Footsteps The assailant grunts as he flexes to strike.

from the right seem to identify the position of Company A. There is something queer in the sounds Her thumb pulls back the revolver’s strike hammer.

that she gathers. She signals her command to halt. The pierce point descends.

The hundred men stand aside of Jo to await her order. Her finger pulls the trigger.

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Jo sees the muzzle of her weapons discharge straight into her attacker. She feels his body shudder The field is abandoned and quiet now. All skirmishers have returned. She cannot take Tasbala to

with the bullet’s impact. He winces as he collapses to his knees. The menacing bayonet falls her line. She fears that he will be hanged as an outlaw or survive only to be returned to slavery. She

harmlessly to Jo’s side. Her assailant falls over atop of her. His hot breath blows across her face. must some way help him to his line for medical aid, and at once.

His warm blood pulses onto her left side. She struggles to pry her self loose. His sweat falls upon Tasbala may stand and walk but does not have the awareness to find his way back to the safety of

her cheek the Union line. She must lead him close enough to call out for help.

The confrontation between opposing columns breaks off. Jo hears musket fire to the far right. She Tasbala leans on Jo for stability. He is weak but they step towards the small hilltop and the Union

moves the burden from her chest and looses one leg free. Return musket fire from the large hilltop lines. Point by point Jo advances the wounded Tasbala. He asks for water. She refuses until his

announces that Company A is engaged there. injuries are evaluated. He must remain silent as they make toward the Union line.

At last Jo has turns her attacker off and to his side. She is free. She lies at the wounded Yankee’s Boulders are bypassed. Jo remains with her charge. She attempts to keep in the shadows as much as

side. A dark skinned man moans in pain. The soldier is a Negro in Union blue. There are no Nergo possible. She replaces the path of the blue column. Others will be about searching for wounded .As

soldiers in the Confederacy. She looks at the man in the moonlight. soon as she nears a Union presence will call out Tasbala’s command.

“Tasbala? Is it you?” Jo recognizes the man as the dark boy she helped escape from the “What is your command?” She asks the Negro.

Freshwater’s estate. “Ohio, 56th Regiment.”

The Negro’s eyes roll in pain to look at who calls him. Jo’s hat lies upon the ground and the white The campfires at the top of the little hill are close enough that Jo can smell the smoke. She sits

moon’s light shines on her blond hair. Tasbala smiles as he recalls. “I made it across the Ohio you Tasbala against a small boulder with his back to the Union line. He sits bathed in moonlight facing

see.” the direction of the Confederate line.

“Where is you outfit?” Jo questions. This will be the place to leave him. Jo moves off to the side near the shadows of some tress. Here

The black Yankee raises one arm and points to the little round top sitting in the moonlight. she will call out his command to be recognized by the Union sentries. They will discover him and

”There!” He says in a sigh. The wounded man struggles to stay conscious. take him quickly to aide. This is her plan.

Jo cannot leave the brave man to die. She admires him. He forsakes his own safety to fight for the A musket cocks. Someone has followed them to the bottom of the hill. Jo scurries into cover. The

freedom of his fellow slaves. She will not let him die here. sight of a musket barrel in the moonlight glistens from the rocks to her left many paces away. The

man’s nose upon its muzzle is familiar. She makes the owner of the weapon to be in Confederate

uniform.

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Calloway, it is James Calloway. He sights upon the injured Tasbala. Only a small passing cloud The feet of Tasbala come into the moonlight. Jo takes aim dead center of Calloway’s back Her

that begins to turn off the moon’s light delays him. He intends to shoot the poor Negro and perhaps thoughts cease. She prays for forgiveness.

herself if he gets the chance. The full torso of Tasbala illuminates. Two weapons fire almost at the same time. Alarm is sounded

Jo now moves quickly to a location behind the place of Calloway’s ambush. It is completely dark. from above. Shots enter the ground around about the hill’s bottom. James Calloway’s body lies

Jo finds a retreat that places the assassin exposed to her front. She aims her revolver. At first return dead in a slump among the rocks. Tasbala calls aloud. “56th...56th here.” Jo melts into the shadows.

of the moonlight Calloway will shoot Tasbala. Minute pass. The outline of the passing cloud moves Here return is cautious and late to her own lines. Upon entering her tent she is greeted by a

before the moon above. Jo is tormented by the fate the cloud’s movement is to bring. To save surprised Cpl. Ledbetter. “We told Colonel Pickett you was killed. The boys saw you taken down

Tasbala and herself she must ambush Calloway first. with a bayonet.” The orderly searches Jo body for the wound that has covered her tunic in blood.

Visions of the young Union soldier who died before her at Bull Run flash before her. Jo wonders Jo removes the blood stained coat.” Get this jacket cleaned. It smells of blood. I don’t care if you

how many others Calloway has murdered. She wonders how many young soldiers died from her wash it in horse piss! Get that damn smell out or burnt it.” She tosses the garment to ground “Don’t

musket. As the moments pass Jo realizes that she can kill no more. Death is too easy. The moon’s touch it with your hand Teddy use a stick.” Jo pauses. “If you come back with three fingers of

edge appears from the crowd. Jo quietly pulls the hammer of her revolver into firing position. whiskey I’ll marry you in the next life.”

Her thoughts of Lady and the panther return. She wonders if the panther had to die in order that her The serious orderly is confused and afraid. He scurries off. “I’ll let Pickett node you’re alive.” He

dog might be saved. Her position is the first to be newly illuminated. She stares into the dark recess calls back.

that holds the waiting Calloway. The word hurries about the regiment that Lt. Kooter can’t be killed. Not a mark on her left from a

Jo thinks of the day that her mother buried her father. The tears and pain of that day Jo had never direct bayonet strike so says the camp.

seen from her mother before. ~~~~~

The shadow moves off. Calloway sits with his back to her fully exposed. Tasbala remains yet in Lee and his counsel worked late into the night. The morning of May 2nd brings forth Lee’s decision

darkness. to strike at the Union defense. Both flanks of the Union position are to be attacked simultaneously.

Jo feels the sting in her throat when she saw her mother’s body placed in the grave next to her Confederate troops move to position for assault all through the day and into the afternoon.

father. Life as she knew it was lost from her. Jo stands before her section of the Confederate line. Her telescope has watched the Union

The moon’s light advances toward Tasbala. Calloway sets his aim. movement upon the round tops all morning. “Theodore, them Yanks have been moving men and

Jo wonders what living Ty enjoys today. He is safe. Osetek is safe.

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guns up on that small top all day. The big top is too dense in woods for effective cannonade. We try Large-scale assaults are unleashed against both flanks of the Union. Wave after wave of men run

to take that big hill and we will loose this fight. toward the guarded heights. The Confederate dead pile in heaps along the paths that lead up

Pickett arrives. ”Lee wants the big round top taken. Our regiment will advance and demonstrate through the rocks. The small creek in front of the round tops runs red with Confederate blood.

against the small round top and draw the Union forces away from our real target.” The dense frontal assaults upon the heights inflict heavy causalities upon the Union forces. Jo’s

“You want an assault on that small hill?” Jo asks. section takes Union cannon fire and return musketry. Through the late afternoon and until dusk the

“Not necessary. Get your command into that den ahead and use those boulders for cover. Lay down flank assaults continue. The casualties mount into tens of thousands with no advantage gained by

cover fire for the other of the regiments marching up to those two hilltops. Company A will Lee’s men. By dark the day’s conflict is at an end. The 3rd regiment has taken over 50% loss in the

advance with you from this side. I’ll lead the rest of the regiment into that peach orchard to you Devil’s Den. Colonel Pickett must deactivate Company A. It has all but been annihilated. Jo ‘s

left. As we drive the Union positions back we will rein force you there.” Company assumes their remnants. The bodies of Sgt. Jain and the four Crawfords will not be

When do we move Colonel?” recovered from the Den. Jo is the only officer who entered the Den to return. Half the regiment’s

“As soon as our cannons lay down fire on those ridges move out. As long as we our line is engaged officers lie dead in front of the little round top.

on those round tops we stay at the attack.” This night Jo is called to Pickett’s tent where the remaining officers gather.

As Pickett rides away Jo turns to her orderly. “Theodore, a lot of us will not come out of that field “I have word from General Lee.” Pickett speaks somberly. “We have failed today. Tomorrow there

today. Those Yanks are still reinforcing up there with no end in sight. I want you to stay here. If’n I shall be a frontal assault at the Union’s center. This is to be led by my Uncle General Pickett. I have

don’t come back please take that Bible to Colonel Hostil with the 4th Calvary. It’s for his wife to volunteered to be part of that charge. I can ask you to do the same.”

remember me by.” “Colonel that assault will not succeed. The Yankees are solidly deployed with numerical and

“I node you ain’t to be kilt here today or any other day. When you walked in from sure death last tactical advantage.” Jo denounces the idea.

night I node you were a kept body. That there Bible is protecting you, Jo.” Cpl. Ledbetter shakes “It’s the General’s orders, Jo.” Picket does not disagree. “The fate of the rebellion is to be decided

his head agreeably. tomorrow.”

Late afternoon, the Confederate batteries start booming. For a mile along the Union ridge earth and Jo knows the fate was sealed when the round tops did not yield to the Confederate assault today.

sky fill with debris of exploding shells. Jo and the other commands move under steady fire into Those who die tomorrow do so for foolish pride. She cannot lead another soldier in a cause that is

Devil’s Den. spent. There in no reason for one more life to pass in armed conflict. Jo returns to her tent. She will

assist with the convoy of wounded to depart at first light. When she enters Virginia she will go

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directly to Emmy Lou. There she will bathe, resign her uniform to Emmy’s storage. In two days she

will be back in Buffalo Creek and return to her life as a married woman. Her first boy child will

have the name Elijah after the prophet.

The End

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