Phantom’s
of War
A
collection of short stories
The
first story deals with the lives of people from both the North and the South,
and it shows the different attitudes of the Union and Confederate sides.
The
second story talks mainly of a woman from the South that struggles to take care
of her little girl and find her husband.
The third story is taken in the North and deals with a man who has to see the terrible things of the war. But not only is that on his mind but also on his wife alone at home with his jealous brother.
The
fourth story takes the life of Walter Taylor, Lee’s aide and shows the great friendship
between them and also the great loss that they suffered through the 5 years of
bloody war.
“Danger
is real;
Fear is a choice.” (Will
smith)
Men
who devoted their lives to what they thought was right, trying to survive one
of the deadliest wars of all history.
Prologue-In these stories you will learn to laugh, cry, and
love with these moving characters. These men gave up their lives for what they
thought was freedom. In these stories I strove to show what it is to be a real
man. Not someone who can do something great, but who can survive the realities
of war. So few understand what it is like to be separated from family, from
love, and from your home. But these men gave all of this up. Men like Robert E.
Lee, Thomas Jackson, McClellan, and Lawrence Chamberlain. With vivid words
describing the battle-fields and the harsh circumstances, you will come to understand
some of what these noble men gave up for you and for me. Some fought for their
own glory and reign on earth, and others fought for Gods glory to be done. I
hope to show through these 4 stories to describe to you the effect that the war
had on not only the soldiers but also those that lay in the path of it. The
complete number of lives taken during the Civil War reached 620,000. Next to
the World War II it was the deadliest war of all history.
The
song of Angels…………………….pg. 4
Tears
of War……………………pg.27
In The
Shadow of Ruins…………....pg.37
Shadow
of Death…………………pg.65
Written by Megan
Rebecca Liston
I have dedicated these stories to my wonderful sister, Emma and all
the ideas she gave me. And to my Mom and Dad who have so kindly provided me
with the love and affection every person needs. And to the Skinners who have
helped me reach for my dreams through this story. And also to all the valiant
soldiers who fought for us. Thank you!
The
Battle Hymn of the Republic!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are
stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
(Chorus)
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.
(Chorus)
I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall
deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on.
(Chorus)
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
(Chorus)
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
(Chorus)
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His
slave,
Our God is marching on.
(Chorus)
By Julia Ward Howe -
1862
The Song of Angels
This story is based
loosely on historical facts. It includes – The battle of Fort Sumter, the
battle of Bull Run, the battle of Fredericksburg, the battle of
Chancellorsville, and the battle of Gettysburg. This story does not take a
certain side of the war. It simply goes between the Union and Confederate
armies. It also shows the different characters and thoughts of the North and
South throughout the war- the North being industrial and not very religious and
the South being a very close knit, agricultural, and religious land.
List of characters-
Scott Lawrence Thomason – A young man who enlists in the
Confederate Army, and tries to forget threats made by a former friend.
George McClellan – Was nominated a Union general but was
later kicked out because of his nonchalant character.
Samuel Luke Buckley – Has been friends with George McClellan
and never realizes the changes that the war has made to their friendship.
William Talbot - Is a friend of Scott’s and is supposedly dead
after a Missouri massacre.
Jack- Brother of William Talbot
“Stonewall” Jackson – A general in the war that is killed
by his own men at night on accident.
Robert E. Lee – Was a commander-in-chief of all the armies of
Virginia.
Colonel Lawrence Chamberlain – Commanded the 20th
Maine and was especially known for his bravery at the battle of Little Round
Top. Unfortunately his men were not able to fight at the battle of
Chancellorsville because of a break-out of smallpox in his regiment. But after
that he was promoted to Colonel because of his courageous nature.
Sarah Clarke - A friend that admired Scott and enlists in the
confederate army as a nurse.
General Barnard Bee – Is a general in the war that tries to
teach his men the lesson of bravery and who gave “Stonewall” his name.
Thomas Chamberlain – Was Lawrence’s brother and worked
with him many times. His happy nature and bright eyes cheered Lawrence on
through many of the hard times. The war didn’t seem to dampen his love for
Lawrence.
Allen Pinkerton – Was asked by McClellan to set up a
spy network within the North.
Andrew Somerton – Is a messenger that doesn’t really take
the sides of the war very seriously. So when he is captured by the South, he
changes his mind and joins the Confederates.
James Longstreet – Was a colonel in the Confederate army
under Lee and after “Stonewall” died he took his place.
Daniel Moriston – Is a bartender in Missouri before he
joins the Union.
Joseph Clarke – Is Sarah’s father and has been separated
from his wife and son because of different beliefs on the war.
In peaceful
antebellum Missouri a young man grows up and hopes to start an important
career. He never expects that the cruel war could change everything that he has
known. But things do change as the Civil
War breaks out in his peaceful hometown. Trying to escape from threats made by
a former friend now a Yankee, he enlists in the Army. But what will he choose?
His home town is in Missouri, a border state, and he has the choice to fight
either side. The threat haunts him through the war however and there seems to
be no escape. This is a story of revenge and forgiveness.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was eight years ago that I sat by the bed and felt the
soft touch of my mother’s hand in mine. “Mother! Don’t leave me!” I had
pleaded. “But I will be so much happier in Heaven with my Father. But that’s
not to say that I’m glad to leave you here. It will be hard to live on your own
at such a young age. Trust in God and you will be fine. I’ve always loved you
and I always will. So don’t give up Scott. God is with you,” she had said back.
Her hand tightly wrapped itself around mine and my tears fell on to the bed. It
was dark and rainy that day and the thunder clapped its hands ominously. My
heart pounded as I watched her slowly close her sunken eyes and a few moments
later I felt her hand fall gently on to the bed and she was forever still. That
was the day I became an orphan. My father had deserted us because of our
religious beliefs and I hadn’t seen him since I was ten years old. The rain
beat down even more, and I shivered as I pulled the blanket over her still and
blank face. I looked out the window and saw the darkness and rain make the
trees like ghosts. I felt a loneliness that I had never felt before. I knew
then what it meant to be brave. It was going to be a hard road for me to
travel. But I had to make out and I knew that I would. With mothers bible
tucked safely under my arm, I walked slowly down the stairs... alone.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Eight years later-
The bar was
crowded and dark as I entered, and it took me a moment to get used to the
darkness. I had lived in a room above the bar since my mother had died when I
was thirteen. “Well, how are you this evening?” I looked up to see Daniel
Moriston the bartender. Daniel and I had been friends from childhood. I had
always found time to spend with him. He was the kind of person that didn’t care
what other people thought of him. He just did what he thought was right. He
never laughed at my wildest dreams, even when I told him I wanted to be a
tradesman. He just said, “Sometime,” and then we went on being friends.
Although we did have different opinions on things, we always forgot about them
and talked about something else. I hated to think of losing him.
“Oh, I’m rather tired today.” I said.
“Did you see the news lines in the paper today?” he questioned.
“No, I haven’t looked lately.” I replied. He frowned, “When are you going to grow up, boy? Why it’s all over the place! War! War! Haven’t you seen? I’ve had to reduce my business an awful lot. It’s probably all going to those hot-bellied Yanks up in Maine. I know how much you wanted to have an important career, but don’t you think that might have to wait a wee bit?” he smiled. I tried to smile and reassure myself that everything was going to be alright, but it didn’t come so naturally to me.
“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?” he prodded.
“What am I supposed to say?” I queried. He smiled again.
“Always playing dumb… you silly! You’re going to fight of course like any other able bodied man will.” Then he added, “And we’ll both fight for the North! That way we’ll be together.” I was hesitant. There was such a battle going on inside of me. At first, I wanted to show Daniel that I could think for myself and didn’t need him to tell me what to do. Then I wondered why we should fight on the North.
“Let me think about it and tomorrow I’ll tell you my decision.” I started to sweat and I didn’t know if it was really hot in there or if it was because I was so anxious.
“But we have to decide now! Why, their rounding up troops as it is… and us? We’re just standing here like two stool pigeons!” He prodded on, “You aren’t afraid are you? Are you thinking of backing down at a time like this? Now, I’ve been friends with you for a long time, but there comes a time when a man must do what he thinks is right… and I think fighting for the North is right. They’ve got their battle plans organized, and all their generals are good men. Don’t say you won’t fight, or, or, I can’t be friend with you anymore!” he tried to think of something that would make me choose differently.
“Of course not!” I tried to regain some self composure. My eyes suddenly felt tired and I decided to just go to bed. I climbed the stairs to my room and fell on the bed. I was exhausted from all the thoughts that panged me. If I fought on the South, Daniel wouldn’t forgive me! But my mother had always taught me in the ways of truth. I had promised her when she died, that I would always do the right thing and fight for God and his truth. I couldn’t let her down or I would never forgive myself. The things she had taught me had always helped me and I knew they would help me now. I fell asleep in my clothes and slept until nine in the morning.
“Oh, I’m rather tired today.” I said.
“Did you see the news lines in the paper today?” he questioned.
“No, I haven’t looked lately.” I replied. He frowned, “When are you going to grow up, boy? Why it’s all over the place! War! War! Haven’t you seen? I’ve had to reduce my business an awful lot. It’s probably all going to those hot-bellied Yanks up in Maine. I know how much you wanted to have an important career, but don’t you think that might have to wait a wee bit?” he smiled. I tried to smile and reassure myself that everything was going to be alright, but it didn’t come so naturally to me.
“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?” he prodded.
“What am I supposed to say?” I queried. He smiled again.
“Always playing dumb… you silly! You’re going to fight of course like any other able bodied man will.” Then he added, “And we’ll both fight for the North! That way we’ll be together.” I was hesitant. There was such a battle going on inside of me. At first, I wanted to show Daniel that I could think for myself and didn’t need him to tell me what to do. Then I wondered why we should fight on the North.
“Let me think about it and tomorrow I’ll tell you my decision.” I started to sweat and I didn’t know if it was really hot in there or if it was because I was so anxious.
“But we have to decide now! Why, their rounding up troops as it is… and us? We’re just standing here like two stool pigeons!” He prodded on, “You aren’t afraid are you? Are you thinking of backing down at a time like this? Now, I’ve been friends with you for a long time, but there comes a time when a man must do what he thinks is right… and I think fighting for the North is right. They’ve got their battle plans organized, and all their generals are good men. Don’t say you won’t fight, or, or, I can’t be friend with you anymore!” he tried to think of something that would make me choose differently.
“Of course not!” I tried to regain some self composure. My eyes suddenly felt tired and I decided to just go to bed. I climbed the stairs to my room and fell on the bed. I was exhausted from all the thoughts that panged me. If I fought on the South, Daniel wouldn’t forgive me! But my mother had always taught me in the ways of truth. I had promised her when she died, that I would always do the right thing and fight for God and his truth. I couldn’t let her down or I would never forgive myself. The things she had taught me had always helped me and I knew they would help me now. I fell asleep in my clothes and slept until nine in the morning.
When I awoke, I knew
just what I was going to do. I was going to fight for the South no matter what.
I knew that I would face opposition, but I felt that it was the right thing to
do. Perhaps Daniel would change his mind and join me after all. I tried to
reassure myself as I was washing my face, that it wasn’t really as bad as I
thought. Besides, I told myself, I always have my other friends. But I still
would miss Daniel. We had grown up together. I walked downstairs and looked for Daniel.
When I found out that he wasn’t there, I sat down to wait.
“He won’t be gone long sir.” A woman said.
“Oh, yes, thanks.” I said absentmindedly. Little did I know that within twenty minutes I would have the last chance to restore our friendship. Twenty minutes later, the door to the bar pushed open and a man walked in. “Well? What do you think?” he asked. “Daniel? Is that you?” I said astonished. What I saw was a uniformed union private. My mind reeled and turned. What have I done? I wondered. “Well?” he questioned.
“Um, um, I haven’t decided yet.” I tried to think of something to give me more time.
“What! You haven’t decided yet?” he almost yelled.
“Well…” I was going to take a stand this time and not let anyone push me down again. Little did I know I would regret that decision.
“Alright, you wanted to know. I’m going to fight for the South.” My words were hardly audible above the noise of glass, but he could hear it.
“You… what! How could you?” He reeled about and stormed out the door. I thought for a moment that it was over. He’ll get over it soon and we’ll meet again after the war, friends. But my calculations were wrong. He returned and yelled at me again.
“How could you turn on me at this time? The North is so industrious and well-organized. And then you go and fight with the South! Of all the things…” he gave his voice a break and just stared at me with cold eyes.
“But Daniel! The South needs our help! Their religion has brought them peace. It’s not too late to join. They could use all the men they could get. Plus, we have the right to choose where we want to fight since we live in the middle. Daniel, you might regret this choice.” I had said enough already.
“Just because of their darn religion, you’re going to give your life to some no good people. Is that right?... well, is it?” he stormed.
“But you can change your mind now… it will be too late soon.” I tried to sound calm.
“It’s too late already. I’ve made my choice, and the only way we can be friends again is to change your mind. Understood?” He saluted me mockingly. “But… What kind of friend is that?” I stared. It was then that I saw the reality of it all. “Yeah, just what kind of friend is that?” he asked me.
“I don’t have my sharp-shooters yet, but mark my words, if I did you’d be dead game for me.” He laughed hideously. “And… if I see you here again… you’re dead.” He turned and walked to the door only to come back and whisper something in my ear. I felt his hot breath on me as he whispered, “I’ll get back at you for this.” And then he was gone. I let out my breath in one long groan. I walked back to my room and started to pack my bags. I knew that I had to fight in the South. Their religion was right to me. I had often heard of Thomas Jackson, so kind and loving to his soldiers. I needed to do this. I had this feeling in me however that this was more than war. It was death. I shivered. How could this be? I thought that when I did something for God, it turned out alright. But this didn’t look so good to me. I picked up the old bible my mother had given me when she was dying. She had squeezed my hand and said a silent prayer. Then she said to me, “Son, it will be alright. God will take care of you. I have trusted in him all my life, you need to now.” And I had solemnly promised her that I would always do the thing that was right. I cried silently now. I opened the bible to the place that she had marked for me.
“For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Psalm 91:11-13”
“He won’t be gone long sir.” A woman said.
“Oh, yes, thanks.” I said absentmindedly. Little did I know that within twenty minutes I would have the last chance to restore our friendship. Twenty minutes later, the door to the bar pushed open and a man walked in. “Well? What do you think?” he asked. “Daniel? Is that you?” I said astonished. What I saw was a uniformed union private. My mind reeled and turned. What have I done? I wondered. “Well?” he questioned.
“Um, um, I haven’t decided yet.” I tried to think of something to give me more time.
“What! You haven’t decided yet?” he almost yelled.
“Well…” I was going to take a stand this time and not let anyone push me down again. Little did I know I would regret that decision.
“Alright, you wanted to know. I’m going to fight for the South.” My words were hardly audible above the noise of glass, but he could hear it.
“You… what! How could you?” He reeled about and stormed out the door. I thought for a moment that it was over. He’ll get over it soon and we’ll meet again after the war, friends. But my calculations were wrong. He returned and yelled at me again.
“How could you turn on me at this time? The North is so industrious and well-organized. And then you go and fight with the South! Of all the things…” he gave his voice a break and just stared at me with cold eyes.
“But Daniel! The South needs our help! Their religion has brought them peace. It’s not too late to join. They could use all the men they could get. Plus, we have the right to choose where we want to fight since we live in the middle. Daniel, you might regret this choice.” I had said enough already.
“Just because of their darn religion, you’re going to give your life to some no good people. Is that right?... well, is it?” he stormed.
“But you can change your mind now… it will be too late soon.” I tried to sound calm.
“It’s too late already. I’ve made my choice, and the only way we can be friends again is to change your mind. Understood?” He saluted me mockingly. “But… What kind of friend is that?” I stared. It was then that I saw the reality of it all. “Yeah, just what kind of friend is that?” he asked me.
“I don’t have my sharp-shooters yet, but mark my words, if I did you’d be dead game for me.” He laughed hideously. “And… if I see you here again… you’re dead.” He turned and walked to the door only to come back and whisper something in my ear. I felt his hot breath on me as he whispered, “I’ll get back at you for this.” And then he was gone. I let out my breath in one long groan. I walked back to my room and started to pack my bags. I knew that I had to fight in the South. Their religion was right to me. I had often heard of Thomas Jackson, so kind and loving to his soldiers. I needed to do this. I had this feeling in me however that this was more than war. It was death. I shivered. How could this be? I thought that when I did something for God, it turned out alright. But this didn’t look so good to me. I picked up the old bible my mother had given me when she was dying. She had squeezed my hand and said a silent prayer. Then she said to me, “Son, it will be alright. God will take care of you. I have trusted in him all my life, you need to now.” And I had solemnly promised her that I would always do the thing that was right. I cried silently now. I opened the bible to the place that she had marked for me.
“For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Psalm 91:11-13”
By the next morning I had packed my bags and was leaving. I looked
back and saw the place where I had lived for so long. It wasn’t that nice, but
it was my home. I felt alone and scared. But my excitement grew as I neared the
end of my journey and reached Richmond, Virginia. A few days later I was
private Scott Lawrence Thomason. That night I was lying on my blanket with only
the stars to shade me. I was comforted by the song of the leaves in the trees.
But I was still heart-broken and alone.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Men! I am your General now fighting for the glorious Union. General
McClellan. I expect all of you to listen to and carry out all my orders. I want
no slack whatsoever. I have chosen 4 men to work with Allen Pinkerton the spy.
I picked men who have had experience with this sort of thing and are able to
walk quietly and not attract attention. Understood?” McClellan shouted clearly.
No one knew yet who had been picked.
“George, I wish you’d slow down so I could at least keep up with
you. Where you off to so fast anyway?” a man asked.
“I’m not George, I’m General McClellan. And I have to find Allen Pinkerton so that you can enlist under his supervision as a spy.” He replied.
“But… but, I want to work with you!” the man protested.
“Samuel Buckley. You could be whipped for talking back to me! Now you listen to me or you will be thrown out of this entire war and have to sit there watching us fight!” he added harshly.
“Yes sir.” Samuel said.
“Salute me.” George ordered him.
“Yes sir.” He saluted.
“That’s better. We need to maintain perfect respect here. The North is known for that.” He kept walking at a brisk pace however. After a full day of walking, they reached the place that Pinkerton had stopped for a rest.
“Now listen, you will have to do exactly what Pinkerton asks of you. There will be no fooling around and I want perfect action on your part. You will bring messages to me and other generals here. You might even be asked to help other generals if it gets bad. I don’t think that this ‘war’ will amount to anything much. But nonetheless I want your cooperation. Understood?” he asked.
“Yes sir, I understand sir.” Samuel saluted him again.
“Alright, I hope everything goes well with you. Good-bye.” And McClellan left. It wasn’t until the next day that Samuel went to the place that George had instructed him to find Pinkerton, and stepped into the tent. “Well! Who do we have here?” said a man sitting behind a rough oak table.
“My name is Samuel Luke Buckley. I was sent here by George, I mean General McClellan sir. You are Mr. Pinkerton aren’t you?” he asked.
“Yes, I am. And why did he send you here?” he questioned further.
“Um, sir, he sent this note here sir for you sir.” He handed him the paper.
“You can stop saying ‘sir’ all the time. One ‘sir’ will do it.” He then opened the letter and sighed and groaned and rubbed his beard a few times and then got up.
“Yes, yes. I see.” He stroked his beard again. “Well, I don’t know yet what to do with you. See, we just sent all the spies on their certain ways, to find the Confederate army’s weak points.” Just then they heard heavy hoof-beats outside and a messenger walked into the tent.
“Yes?” Pinkerton asked.
“Sir,” he saluted. “There has been a message sent to you this morning from General McClellan. It appears that there is a slight skirmish at Fort Sumter. The South has started to try to take it. He needs you and your men to assist him. I wasn’t able to get here until now, this afternoon, so I’m sure that he needs you right away!” Samuel felt his blood run cold.
“Well, all my men are behind the Confederate division in Chancellorsville,” he replied.
“Well, send what you’ve got,” the messenger said. Then he looked at Samuel and sniffed. “That’s all you’ve got sir?” Pinkerton looked offended.
“I’m sure he’s very good with the rifle not to speak of his great ability to ride,” he said. Samuel thought of his many falls he had had on the horse at home. He looked ashamed. “Samuel, ride with this man and see where you are needed. Do what needs to be done. I’ll be along shortly.” With that he walked off.
“I don’t have a horse sir,” Samuel said to the messenger.
“Well, don’t tell me that.” And he left also. Samuel walked outside and looked around. There are horses all over. It can’t hurt to take one. He found one that looked good and mounted it. Several times he almost fell off but he finally made it. The next morning they got to the place they had been assigned.
“I’m not George, I’m General McClellan. And I have to find Allen Pinkerton so that you can enlist under his supervision as a spy.” He replied.
“But… but, I want to work with you!” the man protested.
“Samuel Buckley. You could be whipped for talking back to me! Now you listen to me or you will be thrown out of this entire war and have to sit there watching us fight!” he added harshly.
“Yes sir.” Samuel said.
“Salute me.” George ordered him.
“Yes sir.” He saluted.
“That’s better. We need to maintain perfect respect here. The North is known for that.” He kept walking at a brisk pace however. After a full day of walking, they reached the place that Pinkerton had stopped for a rest.
“Now listen, you will have to do exactly what Pinkerton asks of you. There will be no fooling around and I want perfect action on your part. You will bring messages to me and other generals here. You might even be asked to help other generals if it gets bad. I don’t think that this ‘war’ will amount to anything much. But nonetheless I want your cooperation. Understood?” he asked.
“Yes sir, I understand sir.” Samuel saluted him again.
“Alright, I hope everything goes well with you. Good-bye.” And McClellan left. It wasn’t until the next day that Samuel went to the place that George had instructed him to find Pinkerton, and stepped into the tent. “Well! Who do we have here?” said a man sitting behind a rough oak table.
“My name is Samuel Luke Buckley. I was sent here by George, I mean General McClellan sir. You are Mr. Pinkerton aren’t you?” he asked.
“Yes, I am. And why did he send you here?” he questioned further.
“Um, sir, he sent this note here sir for you sir.” He handed him the paper.
“You can stop saying ‘sir’ all the time. One ‘sir’ will do it.” He then opened the letter and sighed and groaned and rubbed his beard a few times and then got up.
“Yes, yes. I see.” He stroked his beard again. “Well, I don’t know yet what to do with you. See, we just sent all the spies on their certain ways, to find the Confederate army’s weak points.” Just then they heard heavy hoof-beats outside and a messenger walked into the tent.
“Yes?” Pinkerton asked.
“Sir,” he saluted. “There has been a message sent to you this morning from General McClellan. It appears that there is a slight skirmish at Fort Sumter. The South has started to try to take it. He needs you and your men to assist him. I wasn’t able to get here until now, this afternoon, so I’m sure that he needs you right away!” Samuel felt his blood run cold.
“Well, all my men are behind the Confederate division in Chancellorsville,” he replied.
“Well, send what you’ve got,” the messenger said. Then he looked at Samuel and sniffed. “That’s all you’ve got sir?” Pinkerton looked offended.
“I’m sure he’s very good with the rifle not to speak of his great ability to ride,” he said. Samuel thought of his many falls he had had on the horse at home. He looked ashamed. “Samuel, ride with this man and see where you are needed. Do what needs to be done. I’ll be along shortly.” With that he walked off.
“I don’t have a horse sir,” Samuel said to the messenger.
“Well, don’t tell me that.” And he left also. Samuel walked outside and looked around. There are horses all over. It can’t hurt to take one. He found one that looked good and mounted it. Several times he almost fell off but he finally made it. The next morning they got to the place they had been assigned.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The battle looked like more than a skirmish. It looked like war.
After days of fighting, Samuel saw for himself what war was like. It was
terrible. But the Confederates put up a better fight and the Union troops were
forced to give up the fort. Samuel was in a group of soldiers sitting by the fire
that night.
“Yeah, that McClellan sure over estimates his soldier’s strength. When is he gonna learn that we aren’t very big. He’s gonna get in trouble for going into something he can’t manage. He always just slacks off so much. He acts as if there’s nothing in the world to go wrong. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said a thousand times… he overlooks things too!” A loud chorus went up.
“He is not! He’s a good man and I think we could have done more for him!” spoke Samuel. However, he remembered all the times George had left things to him and just walked away. He did act unusually care-free.
“And who do you think you are?” all the faces turned to him. Samuel turned pale. “Well, I was his friend and used to help him. I suppose I’m rather biased,” he apologized.
“Yes, I suppose you are,” one man said. Samuel felt defeated that night as he lay on his blankets. The stars twinkled like nothing was wrong… but Samuel felt that this was more than some small thing.
“Yeah, that McClellan sure over estimates his soldier’s strength. When is he gonna learn that we aren’t very big. He’s gonna get in trouble for going into something he can’t manage. He always just slacks off so much. He acts as if there’s nothing in the world to go wrong. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said a thousand times… he overlooks things too!” A loud chorus went up.
“He is not! He’s a good man and I think we could have done more for him!” spoke Samuel. However, he remembered all the times George had left things to him and just walked away. He did act unusually care-free.
“And who do you think you are?” all the faces turned to him. Samuel turned pale. “Well, I was his friend and used to help him. I suppose I’m rather biased,” he apologized.
“Yes, I suppose you are,” one man said. Samuel felt defeated that night as he lay on his blankets. The stars twinkled like nothing was wrong… but Samuel felt that this was more than some small thing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Daniel Moriston yawned and laid down. He’d been up since 2:00 that
morning and hadn’t rested all day. “Pssst!” Daniel turned over and looked at
the man next to him.
“What do you want?” he asked angrily.
“I just wondered what your name was,” Samuel replied.
“It’s Daniel Moriston. Are you done asking me questions?” He turned over.
“Alright, alright. I didn’t mean to make you mad! Sorry I asked,” Samuel said irritated. He hated when people got all worked up over something like that. Then He remembered this was war; it was different now. He had to make exceptions, as when General McClellan didn’t even want to talk to him because he was the general! Samuel mimicked what McClellan always said. Samuel turned his thoughts to other things; it only made him mad to think of what the war had done to their friendship. Who was this Daniel? I’ve never seen him before. All the soldiers are supposed to stay together, so if that was the case, he should have been here last night. Samuel distinctly remembered the man that was there last night… and it wasn’t Daniel. Where did he come from? And why was he so mad? Maybe something was bothering him… like… That was when Samuel fell asleep and forgot all about it.
“What do you want?” he asked angrily.
“I just wondered what your name was,” Samuel replied.
“It’s Daniel Moriston. Are you done asking me questions?” He turned over.
“Alright, alright. I didn’t mean to make you mad! Sorry I asked,” Samuel said irritated. He hated when people got all worked up over something like that. Then He remembered this was war; it was different now. He had to make exceptions, as when General McClellan didn’t even want to talk to him because he was the general! Samuel mimicked what McClellan always said. Samuel turned his thoughts to other things; it only made him mad to think of what the war had done to their friendship. Who was this Daniel? I’ve never seen him before. All the soldiers are supposed to stay together, so if that was the case, he should have been here last night. Samuel distinctly remembered the man that was there last night… and it wasn’t Daniel. Where did he come from? And why was he so mad? Maybe something was bothering him… like… That was when Samuel fell asleep and forgot all about it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Father? There is something I would like to tell you,” Sarah said.
“Yes?” the father willingly gave her his attention. Sarah, Frank, and her father had watched the news lines together as the war steadily progressed. They had already watched the battle of Fort Sumter fizzle and the South conquer. She and her father both thought that the South was right. The family lived in Missouri and they watched as family after family separated over the war. Never had Sarah imagined her family separating over something like that, but sometimes the unexpected happens. And it did. Her mother and other brother both loved the North and would never change their minds. Sarah had sat there helplessly watching, long enough. It was time to do something.
“Father, I would like to be a nurse. I want to help my country! Father, I know that Mother would not be happy with this. But she doesn’t have to know. She doesn’t even talk to me anymore. I don’t think she would object. Please, let me do this. If I don’t do this, I won’t be able to look at myself again. I have made up my mind. I want to be a nurse and help all those soldiers hurting out there. They need me,” she finished.
Her father thought for a moment and then replied, “I’m glad that you have thought this over. I’m proud of you for wanting to help your country. I give you permission, though you have already grown up to where you can make your own decisions. God bless you daughter.” Her father got up and left the room.
The next day Sarah had left her home and was on her way to the recruiting center. It was all so strange to her. All the way she thought of the brave soldiers who had already given their lives for the states’ rights. Two days later she was where she wanted to be. There were 20 other nurses ready and willing to help like she was. They all loved the soldiers and were willing to give their lives if necessary.
“Yes?” the father willingly gave her his attention. Sarah, Frank, and her father had watched the news lines together as the war steadily progressed. They had already watched the battle of Fort Sumter fizzle and the South conquer. She and her father both thought that the South was right. The family lived in Missouri and they watched as family after family separated over the war. Never had Sarah imagined her family separating over something like that, but sometimes the unexpected happens. And it did. Her mother and other brother both loved the North and would never change their minds. Sarah had sat there helplessly watching, long enough. It was time to do something.
“Father, I would like to be a nurse. I want to help my country! Father, I know that Mother would not be happy with this. But she doesn’t have to know. She doesn’t even talk to me anymore. I don’t think she would object. Please, let me do this. If I don’t do this, I won’t be able to look at myself again. I have made up my mind. I want to be a nurse and help all those soldiers hurting out there. They need me,” she finished.
Her father thought for a moment and then replied, “I’m glad that you have thought this over. I’m proud of you for wanting to help your country. I give you permission, though you have already grown up to where you can make your own decisions. God bless you daughter.” Her father got up and left the room.
The next day Sarah had left her home and was on her way to the recruiting center. It was all so strange to her. All the way she thought of the brave soldiers who had already given their lives for the states’ rights. Two days later she was where she wanted to be. There were 20 other nurses ready and willing to help like she was. They all loved the soldiers and were willing to give their lives if necessary.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I woke up to the sound of running horse feet. I scrambled up and
looked around. Everywhere people were running and marching. It had been two
months since the Battle of Fort Sumter and everyone was eager for something to
happen. I hadn’t gotten much sleep. The last words of Daniel kept creeping into
my dreams and I always woke up in a sweat. I picked up my canteen and ran down
the little hill to the headquarters.
“May I come in?” I asked. I remembered how Thomas Jackson had asked me to be his own helper and assist him in his daily rounds about the camp. At first I had thought this a humble job, but by now I had realized just how privileged I was to be able to aid this kind man. I often thought of how lucky these soldiers were to fight for such a noble man. His kind eyes always sought out the down-hearted and sick, the lonely and the lost. And I was the one he choose to help him. Me! He had helped me to realize that I had picked the right thing. And although I had lost friends through it, I could manage. He often reminded me of the fine friends he had left behind.
“Who is it?” a voice asked from inside the tent.
“It’s me, Scott.” I answered back.
“Oh, yes please come in. Where have you been?” He questioned.
“I’m sorry sir. I was so tired I slept over today. I’m sorry.” I burned inwardly with shame. I looked up to him so much. Here he didn’t get any sleep and he was always at headquarters on time.
“That would have been alright if you would have picked another day to do it. It seems there is going to be a fight today. I need you to send this message to General Beauregard. Hurry and don’t waste any time!” he quickly shoved something into my pocket and sent me on my way. I was so scared. I had never done much of anything before and I didn’t know where to find him. It was nearly night when I finally reached the divisions of General Beauregard.
“Sir, where can I find General Beauregard, please?” I asked a colonel.
“Right over there in that tent… with the red flag.” He pointed and I couldn’t quite see in the dark but I headed where he had said. I reached the tent and opened it.
“General Beauregard? I have a message from General Jackson, sir.” I handed him the message and prepared to leave.
“Would you give this back to him please and if he has any new recruits to send them here. We need all that we can get. I don’t think he will be able to get here in time.” He handed me something and I left again. The woods outside the camp had an eerie feeling to them and I shivered in the cold. It was 5:30 when I reached Jackson and gave him the message.
“We must drive the men to Manassas. General Beauregard needs us very badly. Get all the soldiers ready. Get the 1st and 2nd divisions ready and in the front. Then the Infantry will take the lead. Those men must be ready to take the brunt of this battle. Make sure they have enough ammunition to last them for awhile.” He told another man to help me do this and together we made sure there were enough men and arms. We reported back 2 hours later.
“Alright, we are ready.” We walked out and Jackson got on his horse and I on mine.
“Forward!” he yelled and everyone fell in place. I felt scared and yet strong with him there at my side. I recalled the words he had told me when we first met and I told him I was afraid. He didn’t laugh but he said, “God is with us” and that’s what comforted me through it all.
“May I come in?” I asked. I remembered how Thomas Jackson had asked me to be his own helper and assist him in his daily rounds about the camp. At first I had thought this a humble job, but by now I had realized just how privileged I was to be able to aid this kind man. I often thought of how lucky these soldiers were to fight for such a noble man. His kind eyes always sought out the down-hearted and sick, the lonely and the lost. And I was the one he choose to help him. Me! He had helped me to realize that I had picked the right thing. And although I had lost friends through it, I could manage. He often reminded me of the fine friends he had left behind.
“Who is it?” a voice asked from inside the tent.
“It’s me, Scott.” I answered back.
“Oh, yes please come in. Where have you been?” He questioned.
“I’m sorry sir. I was so tired I slept over today. I’m sorry.” I burned inwardly with shame. I looked up to him so much. Here he didn’t get any sleep and he was always at headquarters on time.
“That would have been alright if you would have picked another day to do it. It seems there is going to be a fight today. I need you to send this message to General Beauregard. Hurry and don’t waste any time!” he quickly shoved something into my pocket and sent me on my way. I was so scared. I had never done much of anything before and I didn’t know where to find him. It was nearly night when I finally reached the divisions of General Beauregard.
“Sir, where can I find General Beauregard, please?” I asked a colonel.
“Right over there in that tent… with the red flag.” He pointed and I couldn’t quite see in the dark but I headed where he had said. I reached the tent and opened it.
“General Beauregard? I have a message from General Jackson, sir.” I handed him the message and prepared to leave.
“Would you give this back to him please and if he has any new recruits to send them here. We need all that we can get. I don’t think he will be able to get here in time.” He handed me something and I left again. The woods outside the camp had an eerie feeling to them and I shivered in the cold. It was 5:30 when I reached Jackson and gave him the message.
“We must drive the men to Manassas. General Beauregard needs us very badly. Get all the soldiers ready. Get the 1st and 2nd divisions ready and in the front. Then the Infantry will take the lead. Those men must be ready to take the brunt of this battle. Make sure they have enough ammunition to last them for awhile.” He told another man to help me do this and together we made sure there were enough men and arms. We reported back 2 hours later.
“Alright, we are ready.” We walked out and Jackson got on his horse and I on mine.
“Forward!” he yelled and everyone fell in place. I felt scared and yet strong with him there at my side. I recalled the words he had told me when we first met and I told him I was afraid. He didn’t laugh but he said, “God is with us” and that’s what comforted me through it all.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
General McDowell wiped his forehead with his hand. “It’s going to
be a hard day for the soldiers. But I’m sure we can do it. The North has always
had the vantage point.” He turned and saw more Confederate soldiers than he had
ever seen before.
“Boys! I want the left flank to go and circle to the very left to cut off any of them that try to come that way.”
“Yes sir!” answered the Lieutenant Colonel. And the battle of Bull Run started. Samuel had never realized how bad this war was going to be, but from judging by this he knew it would be long and hard. And at the end, the Confederate Army won the battle with the Yankees retreating back steadily. Samuel and Andrew were both hot and tired. It had been a long day and they were ready for bed.
“I just hate being a messenger!” Andrew complained.
“It’s hard and hot. Besides I don’t even care anymore if the North wins.” He tried to scrape off the mud that had caked on his hands.
“But the North is so good! It’s organized and industrial. How could you not!” Samuel fought back.
“I was never very opposed to the South, it’s just that my father made me fight for the Yanks because we lived in Kentucky and could choose what side to fight on. The South always seems so peaceful; I think it’s their religion,” Andrew said. The woods had grown dark and Samuel and Andrew laid down to sleep. It took some time to go to sleep but finally they did. During the night, Andrew woke up to the sound of rustling leaves. What was it? Andrew wondered. He looked around. Then he realized that in their sleepiness, they had camped 100 or so yards from camp… which meant they were fair game for some Confederate soldier. He jostled Samuel awake.
“Samuel, I think there is someone here. Do you hear that? The rustling leaves?” They both listened intently.
“We need to run!” Samuel said desperately.
“Yes, you run. I’ll pick up our blankets and be along soon, hurry!” Andrew urged.
“But they, or whoever it is, will take you!” Samuel retorted. “It’s better to have one than none! Now go!” Samuel got up and ran away. Then out of the darkness, reached a hand and rapped itself around his neck.
“Your coming with me now!” whispered a voice. – It was a few months later and Andrew had shown respect to them and told them he wanted to help fight.
“Do any of you men want to pick up the rifle and fight?” the Sergeant asked. A few of the men raised their arms and were given rifles. Among them was Andrew. During those months, he had met new friends and was now very happy with his present state. Some of the men mocked him for it, but he felt proud.
“Boys! I want the left flank to go and circle to the very left to cut off any of them that try to come that way.”
“Yes sir!” answered the Lieutenant Colonel. And the battle of Bull Run started. Samuel had never realized how bad this war was going to be, but from judging by this he knew it would be long and hard. And at the end, the Confederate Army won the battle with the Yankees retreating back steadily. Samuel and Andrew were both hot and tired. It had been a long day and they were ready for bed.
“I just hate being a messenger!” Andrew complained.
“It’s hard and hot. Besides I don’t even care anymore if the North wins.” He tried to scrape off the mud that had caked on his hands.
“But the North is so good! It’s organized and industrial. How could you not!” Samuel fought back.
“I was never very opposed to the South, it’s just that my father made me fight for the Yanks because we lived in Kentucky and could choose what side to fight on. The South always seems so peaceful; I think it’s their religion,” Andrew said. The woods had grown dark and Samuel and Andrew laid down to sleep. It took some time to go to sleep but finally they did. During the night, Andrew woke up to the sound of rustling leaves. What was it? Andrew wondered. He looked around. Then he realized that in their sleepiness, they had camped 100 or so yards from camp… which meant they were fair game for some Confederate soldier. He jostled Samuel awake.
“Samuel, I think there is someone here. Do you hear that? The rustling leaves?” They both listened intently.
“We need to run!” Samuel said desperately.
“Yes, you run. I’ll pick up our blankets and be along soon, hurry!” Andrew urged.
“But they, or whoever it is, will take you!” Samuel retorted. “It’s better to have one than none! Now go!” Samuel got up and ran away. Then out of the darkness, reached a hand and rapped itself around his neck.
“Your coming with me now!” whispered a voice. – It was a few months later and Andrew had shown respect to them and told them he wanted to help fight.
“Do any of you men want to pick up the rifle and fight?” the Sergeant asked. A few of the men raised their arms and were given rifles. Among them was Andrew. During those months, he had met new friends and was now very happy with his present state. Some of the men mocked him for it, but he felt proud.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“So, where do you come from?” Samuel asked Daniel one morning.
“Missouri,” he answered back.
“And… why did you pick to fight for the Union?” Samuel persisted.
“Why do you ask that?” Daniel asked anxiously. He had become quite uncertain if the choice he made was right, but he never wanted to admit that. Every time anyone mentioned ‘sides’ he got worked up.
“I was just wondering!” Samuel was beginning to see that Daniel was the kind of man that didn’t like to talk.
“Want more coffee?” Samuel asked.
“No,” Daniel answered.
“Well, I have to go; see you later.” And Samuel left him alone. Why does every one seem to rub it in? Daniel questioned. I only made that decision because I thought it was right… everyone makes mistakes in his life. A voice inside his head seemed to echo his thoughts and each time they were echoed, they seemed stranger. Then a different voice broke in and said, “This is no mistake; it is a decision, and there is no going back now… now or ever…”
“Missouri,” he answered back.
“And… why did you pick to fight for the Union?” Samuel persisted.
“Why do you ask that?” Daniel asked anxiously. He had become quite uncertain if the choice he made was right, but he never wanted to admit that. Every time anyone mentioned ‘sides’ he got worked up.
“I was just wondering!” Samuel was beginning to see that Daniel was the kind of man that didn’t like to talk.
“Want more coffee?” Samuel asked.
“No,” Daniel answered.
“Well, I have to go; see you later.” And Samuel left him alone. Why does every one seem to rub it in? Daniel questioned. I only made that decision because I thought it was right… everyone makes mistakes in his life. A voice inside his head seemed to echo his thoughts and each time they were echoed, they seemed stranger. Then a different voice broke in and said, “This is no mistake; it is a decision, and there is no going back now… now or ever…”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
A time of peace had fallen over the Confederate camp and I was
feeling rather bored.
“Do you have any folks you can write to?” Jackson asked me one afternoon. I thought with anguish of the night my mother had died to typhoid fever. And I thought also of the day my father had just died in his bed.
“No sir, I don’t. They both died.” I turned from him so that he wouldn’t see that I was crying.
“That’s too bad, son. My mother also died from fever. I’m sorry. Do you have any friends?” I thought of the friends I had back in Missouri. Only one of them had believed as I did about the South.
“Well, I did. But I doubt he would remember me. It was an awful long time ago.” I sighed. So much had happened and I did so much want to find out about him.
“There’s pen, ink, and paper at head-quarters if you’d like to write someone.” Jackson said. He was always looking out for the wants of his soldiers.
“Oh, thank you sir! You are very kind.” I got up and walked to head-quarters. I really didn’t know what to say to him, but I finally came up with something.
“Do you have any folks you can write to?” Jackson asked me one afternoon. I thought with anguish of the night my mother had died to typhoid fever. And I thought also of the day my father had just died in his bed.
“No sir, I don’t. They both died.” I turned from him so that he wouldn’t see that I was crying.
“That’s too bad, son. My mother also died from fever. I’m sorry. Do you have any friends?” I thought of the friends I had back in Missouri. Only one of them had believed as I did about the South.
“Well, I did. But I doubt he would remember me. It was an awful long time ago.” I sighed. So much had happened and I did so much want to find out about him.
“There’s pen, ink, and paper at head-quarters if you’d like to write someone.” Jackson said. He was always looking out for the wants of his soldiers.
“Oh, thank you sir! You are very kind.” I got up and walked to head-quarters. I really didn’t know what to say to him, but I finally came up with something.
Dear William~ Iam
sorry for not writing you for so long. I’m sure so much has happened that I
don’t know about. I have joined the Confederate Army and we have had a slight
lull in the fighting. I know that we both looked up to Thomas Jackson and so
you will be glad to hear that I now work for him. I’m in the cavalry. I would
like to meet up with you when this war is over. What have you been doing? I
hope that you can write back as to your where-abouts. I send my love to you and
your brother. Yours truly, Scott Lawrence Thomason
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It had been several months since the last battle and everyone was
getting bored, tired, and depressed. “Sir!” Samuel walked over to Pinkerton.
“Yes, what do you need?” he replied.
“Um, sir, I was wondering what our plans are for the coming days. Could I get leave? I have friends and family up in Iowa. Could I sir?” he pleaded.
“Give me a day to think this over and then I will tell you tomorrow. If you do, can you send your greetings to your family?” he asked.
“Yes sir. I certainly will.” Samuel assured him. The next day Samuel woke up to shooting and hollering.
“What’s going on?” Samuel asked in confusion.
“A battle has started. Get your rifle. You’re going to join the 20th Maine boys with General Chamberlain,” Pinkerton informed him.
“But don’t you need me?” Samuel asked.
“If Chamberlain needs to send a message then he will send you. But they need the extra help.” Samuel’s mind whirled and he felt dizzy.
“Well? Are you going to answer me?” Pinkerton asked.
“Oh, yes sir.” He saluted and left. That afternoon he was stationed with the 20th Maine on the battlefield. Samuel was trying to be brave and little did he know that this battle would go down in history as the Battle of Fredericksburg.
“Um, sir, you are out of line. Please get back in line with this man in front of you. Thank you.” Samuel looked up and saw that Colonel Chamberlain had seen that he was hunkering down where he wouldn’t be such an easy target. He blushed to think of all that the Colonel had gone through and he tried to protect himself. It was shameful to think. He shifted on his feet. It was getting hot for being in April. Then they heard the first cannon shots. It had begun. That night, they spent a miserable night on the battlefield trying to protect themselves from the lasting gunshots by hiding behind corpses that had fallen. Samuel had never known anything as bad as that. He cried himself to sleep thinking of all the people in the 20th Maine alone that had given their lives for freedom.
“Yes, what do you need?” he replied.
“Um, sir, I was wondering what our plans are for the coming days. Could I get leave? I have friends and family up in Iowa. Could I sir?” he pleaded.
“Give me a day to think this over and then I will tell you tomorrow. If you do, can you send your greetings to your family?” he asked.
“Yes sir. I certainly will.” Samuel assured him. The next day Samuel woke up to shooting and hollering.
“What’s going on?” Samuel asked in confusion.
“A battle has started. Get your rifle. You’re going to join the 20th Maine boys with General Chamberlain,” Pinkerton informed him.
“But don’t you need me?” Samuel asked.
“If Chamberlain needs to send a message then he will send you. But they need the extra help.” Samuel’s mind whirled and he felt dizzy.
“Well? Are you going to answer me?” Pinkerton asked.
“Oh, yes sir.” He saluted and left. That afternoon he was stationed with the 20th Maine on the battlefield. Samuel was trying to be brave and little did he know that this battle would go down in history as the Battle of Fredericksburg.
“Um, sir, you are out of line. Please get back in line with this man in front of you. Thank you.” Samuel looked up and saw that Colonel Chamberlain had seen that he was hunkering down where he wouldn’t be such an easy target. He blushed to think of all that the Colonel had gone through and he tried to protect himself. It was shameful to think. He shifted on his feet. It was getting hot for being in April. Then they heard the first cannon shots. It had begun. That night, they spent a miserable night on the battlefield trying to protect themselves from the lasting gunshots by hiding behind corpses that had fallen. Samuel had never known anything as bad as that. He cried himself to sleep thinking of all the people in the 20th Maine alone that had given their lives for freedom.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“General Stuart! Bring your divisions over to the far left! Leave
no gap for the Yankees to get through and make sure to fill any shortages in
your lines. Hurry!” Jackson’s voice rang
out clear even on the busy battlefield. I felt my veins tingling. What was
going to happen? I wondered. I mounted my horse and we set off to the 1st
and 2nd divisions that were positioned second from the front. The
battle had raged for a while when Jackson decided to see how the soldiers in
the very front were holding up through this. I wanted to dismount and run, and
I could tell the others did too. Some of them started to leave. Then General
Barnard Bee said, “Men! Who do you think you are? Trying to run away right when
it gets hard! Look at Jackson, standing there like a stonewall! Yes sir!
Stonewall Jackson. Now be brave men! This isn’t just a war for property, it’s a
war of freedom and religion!” and with that he left. “Stonewall Jackson!
Stonewall Jackson!” A cry went up and we began advancing on the enemy. With
5,300 casualties, the South still showed what true victory was.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I woke up in a bed. It wasn’t the most comfortable but it was
still a bed. In all the excitement of the battle, I hadn’t altogether noticed
the shot in my arm. It had pained me for awhile but with everything that was
happening, I had forgotten; now I remembered. All morning I drifted in and out
of consciousness. I didn’t know the difference between real life and my
delirium. As I laid there, my arm stinging and bleeding, I was roused out of my
delirium by a sound; it was a sweet sound and it seemed familiar. I tried to
open my eyes, but I just couldn’t. I laid and listened. After awhile, I
realized that it was Sarah singing! The sound reminded me of the song of
angels, so sweet and melodious. It was then that I knew I had fallen deeply in
love; in love with the song and with Sarah. I drifted off to sleep and when I
woke, she was gone. Was it a dream or was it real? I questioned.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“How could you let me down like that?” General McClellan stormed.
All the men looked at each other and everyone could feel the tensions rising. The
days were long and hot and nobody was in good spirits anymore.
“General, sir. There is a message for you from the governor.” A messenger handed him the letter. After McClellan read it, he threw it down and walked off.
“What was it?” one of the soldiers asked the messenger.
“Well, I can’t be sure… but it looks to me like he’s been kicked out of the army.” The messenger crossed his arms and looked around.
“Sure enough… didn’t I tell you men that his overestimation would get him in trouble? Just look at us! We have lost 12,700 men just in this last battle alone; and we didn’t even win!” the same man that had complained previously, was at it again.
“Who will take his place?” asked one of brigadiers.
“Me, Ambrose Burnside,” answered a man who had just walked into camp. “Now, any questions?” he asked. No one answered. “Alright then… I want everyone to get something to eat and get some sleep.” And then he left for his tent.
“He is a lot better than McClellan,” a few soldiers replied. Some voiced their thoughts on the man and then went to the meal tent.
“General, sir. There is a message for you from the governor.” A messenger handed him the letter. After McClellan read it, he threw it down and walked off.
“What was it?” one of the soldiers asked the messenger.
“Well, I can’t be sure… but it looks to me like he’s been kicked out of the army.” The messenger crossed his arms and looked around.
“Sure enough… didn’t I tell you men that his overestimation would get him in trouble? Just look at us! We have lost 12,700 men just in this last battle alone; and we didn’t even win!” the same man that had complained previously, was at it again.
“Who will take his place?” asked one of brigadiers.
“Me, Ambrose Burnside,” answered a man who had just walked into camp. “Now, any questions?” he asked. No one answered. “Alright then… I want everyone to get something to eat and get some sleep.” And then he left for his tent.
“He is a lot better than McClellan,” a few soldiers replied. Some voiced their thoughts on the man and then went to the meal tent.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I had waited for some time before I received a reply to my letter.
It was probably a good thing, considering the response I got. Meanwhile I was
kept quite busy with getting things ready. It was late January when I got a
letter back. The envelope was unfamiliar and as I fumbled to open it my heart
almost stopped beating. This wasn’t William’s hand-writing. It was someone
else’s. That must mean that William is hurt in some way and is being hindered.
My heart sank to my feet as I read the first few lines...
Dear Scott~ I
hate to bring you this news. Missouri was invaded and the house where we were
staying was burned to ashes. I managed to escape and I sat there at the corner
of the general store where William had said to meet him. I waited until dark,
but he never came. I’m sorry. It must be hard for you to lose so many friends.
If there is something that I can do for you, please let me know. I’m planning
to join the Confederate Army as soon as I can get all the things worked out
here. I’m in hiding now waiting for those darn Yankees to give up and go home
to their parties and drinking. I can’t tell you how much I miss William. It
makes heaven all the better; no war or strife, just peace. But Scott, will the
war be over? It’s hard for me to tell when all this is going on here. I’m so
glad for you that you are able to work for Jackson. Be brave! Don’t give up. I
send my best wishes, Jack.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Samuel tried to flex his arms in the new Confederate uniform they had
given him. “Why do I have to go spy on the Confederates?” he asked. “Because we
need to know what their next move will be.” Burnside instructed. “Now, you need
to remember to try to fit in with them. Don’t act too civilized. Alright?” he
readjusted Samuels’s collar. “I don’t know how they can fight with such
uncomfortable uniforms.” Samuel complained out loud. But here he was and there
was no turning back. He had to do it. One whole month with the Confederates. He
couldn’t believe he was really doing this.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was a hot afternoon and the tent was extremely small and
stuffy. General Jackson was bent over a small table and I was writing down
instructions as he told them. I had no idea what was going to happen that
afternoon or if I had I probably would have fainted. This would be the last
time Jackson and I would be together. A messenger came in and handed Jackson a
piece of paper that looked old and spoiled.
“Scott, I need you to go and tell Stuart to get his regiment ready. It looks as if the North is starting in again, except this time with more men and supplies. Hurry!” Jackson quickly left to do something and I got up to go out. The messenger just stood there and did nothing. He didn’t seem familiar with the routine of things and he certainly didn’t look familiar to me. He stood so tall and straight. I shook the gathering thoughts out of my mind and went on to find General Stuart. I couldn’t concentrate on my job however and several times I had left the path I was to follow. All along the way I heard shouts and guns being loaded and I knew by now what that meant… another battle. By the time I reached Stuart I had totally soaked through my clothes with perspiration and my lips were dry and parched. When I arrived at the tent I was instructed that Stuart was present but I saw no one. Where had he gone? I wondered. What had happened to him? My mind raced wildly. Things were getting chaotic and I knew that the battle had started already. But where was Stuart. It would be too late soon and I had strict instructions to get the message to him. It was vital. Then I saw him over by the woods. What was he doing? I questioned.
“He has just suffered from a minor heat-stroke,” informed one of the men there helping him.
“Well, I have a very important message for him from General Jackson.” I handed him the paper. “Here sir would you like me to read it to you?” the man asked Stuart. So the man read the letter that told Stuart what his next move would be with his brigade. My heart was beating thinking of all the men that would die from this. I could so easily be one of them! By the next morning I was back with Jackson and we watched as the North advanced steadily upon us. But ‘Stonewall’ stood there so strong and brave. I envied him. He was so respected throughout all of Virginia. I now understood why.
“May God be with us in this battle. It may be the turning point of our country.” Jackson looked at all the cavalry.
“Yes, sir,” we all answered back with vigor. We were ready for anything… By the end of the day we were tired and hungry and miserable. The cavalry had all settled for awhile and we had lit a warm fire. “I think we should scout around and see where the Union has their camps. That way we know from what direction they will come in the morning,” Jackson said. He got up and mounted his horse. We all followed and went to the edge of the woods. I felt a growing fear in me and I shivered. The night sounds were all over, including the owls and wolves. None of us knew what lay behind the trees and I was surprised we made it as far as we did go. The path we followed turned and went on and on. It started to rain, and the rain stung my eyes. We came to a halt in a bend in the road and listened. The eerie night sounds made me shiver. The trees looked ghostly and black.
“Sir, this is no place for you. I think we should leave now,” one of the men said. Jackson stayed and looked around and then said
“Yes, this is no place for us. Let’s go back.” We all turned our horses around and started back. Then out of the dark came the sounds of bullets and cannons. A bullet whizzed past my ear. I looked and saw that it was our own people!
“It’s your own people!” we yelled frantically. But the noise was too much and they didn’t hear. I watched as one by one my friends and fellow workers fell. Soon there was only me and two others and Jackson. Then as I watched, Jackson whirled about and fell to the ground, right there before my own eyes, but there was nothing I could do. I jumped off my horse and ran to his side. His arm was bleeding badly and we quickly made a small bed to carry him on. I knew that he didn’t have much time left and I felt alone and empty. I cried on the way back and I knew that he wouldn’t have been happy to know that I was extremely afraid. All the way back we had bullets flying and crashing about us. The ghastly sounds were worse than anything I can remember. When we reached the hospital, the doctors and surgeons were so busy we had to wait for some time. The next morning Jackson had moved to delirium and was tossing and turning on his bed. We decided that it would be better for him if he went home. So we took him home where he could rest properly. I think we all felt that he didn’t have long to live. However, his arm healed nicely and we began to see the light. But soon after he was diagnosed with pneumonia and 10 days later he passed away- away from this world of war and sin. I do think though that he was much happier there than he ever was here. All the men wrote a song commemorating his death. It goes like this –
“Scott, I need you to go and tell Stuart to get his regiment ready. It looks as if the North is starting in again, except this time with more men and supplies. Hurry!” Jackson quickly left to do something and I got up to go out. The messenger just stood there and did nothing. He didn’t seem familiar with the routine of things and he certainly didn’t look familiar to me. He stood so tall and straight. I shook the gathering thoughts out of my mind and went on to find General Stuart. I couldn’t concentrate on my job however and several times I had left the path I was to follow. All along the way I heard shouts and guns being loaded and I knew by now what that meant… another battle. By the time I reached Stuart I had totally soaked through my clothes with perspiration and my lips were dry and parched. When I arrived at the tent I was instructed that Stuart was present but I saw no one. Where had he gone? I wondered. What had happened to him? My mind raced wildly. Things were getting chaotic and I knew that the battle had started already. But where was Stuart. It would be too late soon and I had strict instructions to get the message to him. It was vital. Then I saw him over by the woods. What was he doing? I questioned.
“He has just suffered from a minor heat-stroke,” informed one of the men there helping him.
“Well, I have a very important message for him from General Jackson.” I handed him the paper. “Here sir would you like me to read it to you?” the man asked Stuart. So the man read the letter that told Stuart what his next move would be with his brigade. My heart was beating thinking of all the men that would die from this. I could so easily be one of them! By the next morning I was back with Jackson and we watched as the North advanced steadily upon us. But ‘Stonewall’ stood there so strong and brave. I envied him. He was so respected throughout all of Virginia. I now understood why.
“May God be with us in this battle. It may be the turning point of our country.” Jackson looked at all the cavalry.
“Yes, sir,” we all answered back with vigor. We were ready for anything… By the end of the day we were tired and hungry and miserable. The cavalry had all settled for awhile and we had lit a warm fire. “I think we should scout around and see where the Union has their camps. That way we know from what direction they will come in the morning,” Jackson said. He got up and mounted his horse. We all followed and went to the edge of the woods. I felt a growing fear in me and I shivered. The night sounds were all over, including the owls and wolves. None of us knew what lay behind the trees and I was surprised we made it as far as we did go. The path we followed turned and went on and on. It started to rain, and the rain stung my eyes. We came to a halt in a bend in the road and listened. The eerie night sounds made me shiver. The trees looked ghostly and black.
“Sir, this is no place for you. I think we should leave now,” one of the men said. Jackson stayed and looked around and then said
“Yes, this is no place for us. Let’s go back.” We all turned our horses around and started back. Then out of the dark came the sounds of bullets and cannons. A bullet whizzed past my ear. I looked and saw that it was our own people!
“It’s your own people!” we yelled frantically. But the noise was too much and they didn’t hear. I watched as one by one my friends and fellow workers fell. Soon there was only me and two others and Jackson. Then as I watched, Jackson whirled about and fell to the ground, right there before my own eyes, but there was nothing I could do. I jumped off my horse and ran to his side. His arm was bleeding badly and we quickly made a small bed to carry him on. I knew that he didn’t have much time left and I felt alone and empty. I cried on the way back and I knew that he wouldn’t have been happy to know that I was extremely afraid. All the way back we had bullets flying and crashing about us. The ghastly sounds were worse than anything I can remember. When we reached the hospital, the doctors and surgeons were so busy we had to wait for some time. The next morning Jackson had moved to delirium and was tossing and turning on his bed. We decided that it would be better for him if he went home. So we took him home where he could rest properly. I think we all felt that he didn’t have long to live. However, his arm healed nicely and we began to see the light. But soon after he was diagnosed with pneumonia and 10 days later he passed away- away from this world of war and sin. I do think though that he was much happier there than he ever was here. All the men wrote a song commemorating his death. It goes like this –
Come, stack
arms, men! Pile on the rails,
Stir up the camp-fire bright;
No matter if the canteen fails,
We'll make a roaring night.
Here Shenandoah brawls along,
There burly Blue Ridge echoes strong,
To swell the brigade's rousing song
Of "Stonewall Jackson's way."
We see him now, -- the old slouched hat
Cocked o'er his eye askew;
The shrewd, dry smile, the speech so pat,
So calm, so blunt, so true.
The "Blue-Light Elder" knows 'em well;
Says he, "That's Banks, -- he's fond of shell;
Lord save his soul! we'll give him hell,
That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."
Stir up the camp-fire bright;
No matter if the canteen fails,
We'll make a roaring night.
Here Shenandoah brawls along,
There burly Blue Ridge echoes strong,
To swell the brigade's rousing song
Of "Stonewall Jackson's way."
We see him now, -- the old slouched hat
Cocked o'er his eye askew;
The shrewd, dry smile, the speech so pat,
So calm, so blunt, so true.
The "Blue-Light Elder" knows 'em well;
Says he, "That's Banks, -- he's fond of shell;
Lord save his soul! we'll give him hell,
That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."
Silence!
ground arms! kneel all! caps off!
Old "Blue Light's" going to pray.
Strangle the fool that dares to scoff!
Attention! it's his way.
Appealing from his native sod,
"Hear us, hear us Almighty God,
Lay bare Thine arm; stretch forth Thy rod!"
That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."
He's in the saddle now. Fall in!
Steady! the whole brigade!
Hill's at the ford cut off; we'll win
His way out, ball and blade!
What matter if our shoes are worn?
What matter if our feet are torn?
"Quick-step! we're with him before morn!"
That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."
The sun's bright lances rout the mists
Of morning, and, by George!
Here's Longstreet struggling in the lists,
Hemmed in an ugly gorge.
Pope and his Yankees, whipped before,
"Bayonets and grape!" hear Stonewall roar;
"Charge, Stuart! Pay off Ashby's score!"
In "Stonewall Jackson's way."
Ah! Maiden, wait and watch and yearn
For news of Stonewall's band!
Ah! Widow, read, with eyes that burn,
That ring upon thy hand.
Ah! Wife, sew on, pray on, hope on;
Thy life shall not be all forlorn;
The foe had better ne'er been born
That gets in "Stonewall's way."
Old "Blue Light's" going to pray.
Strangle the fool that dares to scoff!
Attention! it's his way.
Appealing from his native sod,
"Hear us, hear us Almighty God,
Lay bare Thine arm; stretch forth Thy rod!"
That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."
He's in the saddle now. Fall in!
Steady! the whole brigade!
Hill's at the ford cut off; we'll win
His way out, ball and blade!
What matter if our shoes are worn?
What matter if our feet are torn?
"Quick-step! we're with him before morn!"
That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."
The sun's bright lances rout the mists
Of morning, and, by George!
Here's Longstreet struggling in the lists,
Hemmed in an ugly gorge.
Pope and his Yankees, whipped before,
"Bayonets and grape!" hear Stonewall roar;
"Charge, Stuart! Pay off Ashby's score!"
In "Stonewall Jackson's way."
Ah! Maiden, wait and watch and yearn
For news of Stonewall's band!
Ah! Widow, read, with eyes that burn,
That ring upon thy hand.
Ah! Wife, sew on, pray on, hope on;
Thy life shall not be all forlorn;
The foe had better ne'er been born
That gets in "Stonewall's way."
(Written by
a group of men in ‘Stonewalls brigade’ after he died)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Samuel lay crouched in the trees watching the people of the camp.
He felt alone and neglected. Why did I have to do this? he asked himself. He
shook himself awake from his dreaming. He had to look normal, so he walked into
camp and went to the place where he was supposed to sleep. “Howdy!” called one
of the men in the tent.
“Hello,” Samuel answered.
“How de’ do?” asked another.
“Oh, fine, sir, thank you,” he answered again. Something seemed strange about this man, and the tensions seemed to rise swiftly.
“Well, I think I will retire for the night, men.” He left. Samuel realized what a mistake he had made. He had talked so civilized any dumb person would know that he was a Yankee. And that was what made the men start suspecting him. Nobody ever talked so civilized here. William rose and started to leave. “I have something to tell General Stuart,” he said.
“Hello,” Samuel answered.
“How de’ do?” asked another.
“Oh, fine, sir, thank you,” he answered again. Something seemed strange about this man, and the tensions seemed to rise swiftly.
“Well, I think I will retire for the night, men.” He left. Samuel realized what a mistake he had made. He had talked so civilized any dumb person would know that he was a Yankee. And that was what made the men start suspecting him. Nobody ever talked so civilized here. William rose and started to leave. “I have something to tell General Stuart,” he said.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I had been uneasy ever since that new messenger came. So when one
of the men came and told Stuart and me about him, I was not at all surprised. I
had been transferred temporarily to General Stuart’s division. What did surprise me was the man that came
and told us. He seemed strangely familiar and yet I couldn’t think who exactly
he was. Then it came to me. He looked like William! No… I shook that thought
right from my mind. He was dead; I had to keep reminding myself of that. But as
he turned to leave, General Stuart asked him,
“And what is your name? We have to be able to ask you about him when we need to.” I looked at the man with anxiety and hope.
“My name is William Talbot, sir,” he answered. My heart pounded in my chest and I have to admit, I felt as if I would faint.
“You are William Talbot?” I asked him. “Yes…” he answered hesitantly. I knew he wouldn’t recognize me so I told him my name.
“Scott! It’s really you?” he cried in unbelief.
“Yes it is! I thought you were… um… you know,” I thought it sounded rather funny to tell him I thought he was dead when he was standing right there in front of me.
“Yes, I know what you mean. I didn’t have a chance to meet my brother. The men had blocked the roads. So I had to go in the other direction,” he told me.
“But does your brother know you’re alive?” I questioned.
“Yes, I found him shortly after he sent you the letter. I knew it would bother you greatly, but I had no way to send a letter. You know they’ve blocked every possible convenience? Anyway, I decided I may as well join the army and I might run into you as well,” he finished.
“Alright men, you will have a chance to remember old times tonight. Back to work now,” Stuart had grown tired of listening to us talk.
“Yes sir,” we both answered in unison. It felt so good to have William back and be together again. I still had that empty feeling inside me after Stonewall died. William helped me feel better about it, and I was my usual self soon. We were both to go with Robert E. Lee’s army and help him through the remainder of the battles. I felt better also because Lee and Stonewall had been friends since the beginning of the war and Lee told me about him in the evenings around the fire.
“And what is your name? We have to be able to ask you about him when we need to.” I looked at the man with anxiety and hope.
“My name is William Talbot, sir,” he answered. My heart pounded in my chest and I have to admit, I felt as if I would faint.
“You are William Talbot?” I asked him. “Yes…” he answered hesitantly. I knew he wouldn’t recognize me so I told him my name.
“Scott! It’s really you?” he cried in unbelief.
“Yes it is! I thought you were… um… you know,” I thought it sounded rather funny to tell him I thought he was dead when he was standing right there in front of me.
“Yes, I know what you mean. I didn’t have a chance to meet my brother. The men had blocked the roads. So I had to go in the other direction,” he told me.
“But does your brother know you’re alive?” I questioned.
“Yes, I found him shortly after he sent you the letter. I knew it would bother you greatly, but I had no way to send a letter. You know they’ve blocked every possible convenience? Anyway, I decided I may as well join the army and I might run into you as well,” he finished.
“Alright men, you will have a chance to remember old times tonight. Back to work now,” Stuart had grown tired of listening to us talk.
“Yes sir,” we both answered in unison. It felt so good to have William back and be together again. I still had that empty feeling inside me after Stonewall died. William helped me feel better about it, and I was my usual self soon. We were both to go with Robert E. Lee’s army and help him through the remainder of the battles. I felt better also because Lee and Stonewall had been friends since the beginning of the war and Lee told me about him in the evenings around the fire.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“What has happened to Samuel? He was supposed to be back a few
days ago!” Burnside complained. “What has gotten into him? he asked. “Andrew…
go find Samuel… if you have to drag him back kicking and screaming… get him…
now!” he fumed.
“Yeeessss…. Sir,” the messenger stuttered. It was two days later when Andrew returned with Samuel, worn, and tired.
“What has happened to you, Samuel?” Burnside asked.
“They found…me…out…”he wheezed, out of breath. “Andrew and I hardly escaped…” he said.
“I knew it! I knew it!” Burnside exclaimed. “From now on,” he went on, “You will be a soldier in the 20th Maine… no more glamorous jobs. You will be Private Samuel Buckley. Understand?” Samuel’s face drew together in tight lines and he barely saw the general walk away. “Why?” he murmured, as he rode off to meet the 20th Maine on their way to Little Round Top. Little did he know that he would participate in one of the most well-known battles of all time, the Battle of Gettysburg.
“Yeeessss…. Sir,” the messenger stuttered. It was two days later when Andrew returned with Samuel, worn, and tired.
“What has happened to you, Samuel?” Burnside asked.
“They found…me…out…”he wheezed, out of breath. “Andrew and I hardly escaped…” he said.
“I knew it! I knew it!” Burnside exclaimed. “From now on,” he went on, “You will be a soldier in the 20th Maine… no more glamorous jobs. You will be Private Samuel Buckley. Understand?” Samuel’s face drew together in tight lines and he barely saw the general walk away. “Why?” he murmured, as he rode off to meet the 20th Maine on their way to Little Round Top. Little did he know that he would participate in one of the most well-known battles of all time, the Battle of Gettysburg.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was a hot afternoon and all the men had gotten a break. I took
a cool walk in the woods and was quietly pondering all the things that had
happened. A breeze rippled through the woods and touched my now rather shaggy
hair. I was mixed up about everything. I had no idea where William was now; it
had been some time since I had seen him. I wanted to go and try to find him,
but I knew that no one would approve. I had met a new man… he was actually a
prisoner that we had taken. But he seemed interested in us enough that he
wanted to be friends with me… which isn’t common for a prisoner to do. The
woods seemed strangely silent and I kept a close eye all around me. I reached a
spot in the woods where I was able to see over the entire camp. Beyond the camp
was a tall hill. It was covered in lush green trees. I remembered the verse that I had learned as
a child. I surprised myself that I could remember it. I will
lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
It was so peaceful knowing that God was in control of the whole situation. Why did I worry so much? I sat down and thought of all the battles that had already been fought. Who knew what battles would rage later? A peace fell over me that I had never known. It was wonderful knowing that someone else knew what was going to happen to us. I closed my eyes and felt a warm breeze cool my face slightly. Then I heard foot-steps behind me. I got up and turned around quickly. I thought for a moment that one of the Yankees had seen me resting. But what I saw was much better. It was Sarah Clarke.
“Oh, I’m so glad to see you here!” she cried. My emotions rose and I almost wanted to cry. “How did you get here?” I asked.
“The same way you did of course,” she replied kindly. She had changed so much that I barely recognized her. I wouldn’t have, if it hadn’t been for the beautiful smile she wore on her face. “I wanted to help all the hurt soldiers here,” she said softly. “There are so many wounded and yet there are so few that can help!” she almost cried. It was so good to have her here, and yet I was afraid for her. It would be so easy for someone to shoot her on the battle-field. “I wish this war would be over,” she sighed again.
“Yes, I do too, Sarah… I do too,” I tried to comfort her a little. We walked on for some time; actually until it was time for supper. When we reached the end of the path I was afraid to let her go. I put my hands on her shoulders and looked at her.
“Be careful, Sarah. I love you!” I couldn’t hold myself back. I loved her, and that was true.
“Yes… I’ll be careful Scott.” She turned to go,
“Love you!” she yelled over her shoulder. It was towards night and I walked slowly back to camp. The sun cast shadows across the tents and grass there… it was lonely and yet so beautiful. I almost forgot that we were there because of war, but I would very soon remember that with bitter effects.
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
It was so peaceful knowing that God was in control of the whole situation. Why did I worry so much? I sat down and thought of all the battles that had already been fought. Who knew what battles would rage later? A peace fell over me that I had never known. It was wonderful knowing that someone else knew what was going to happen to us. I closed my eyes and felt a warm breeze cool my face slightly. Then I heard foot-steps behind me. I got up and turned around quickly. I thought for a moment that one of the Yankees had seen me resting. But what I saw was much better. It was Sarah Clarke.
“Oh, I’m so glad to see you here!” she cried. My emotions rose and I almost wanted to cry. “How did you get here?” I asked.
“The same way you did of course,” she replied kindly. She had changed so much that I barely recognized her. I wouldn’t have, if it hadn’t been for the beautiful smile she wore on her face. “I wanted to help all the hurt soldiers here,” she said softly. “There are so many wounded and yet there are so few that can help!” she almost cried. It was so good to have her here, and yet I was afraid for her. It would be so easy for someone to shoot her on the battle-field. “I wish this war would be over,” she sighed again.
“Yes, I do too, Sarah… I do too,” I tried to comfort her a little. We walked on for some time; actually until it was time for supper. When we reached the end of the path I was afraid to let her go. I put my hands on her shoulders and looked at her.
“Be careful, Sarah. I love you!” I couldn’t hold myself back. I loved her, and that was true.
“Yes… I’ll be careful Scott.” She turned to go,
“Love you!” she yelled over her shoulder. It was towards night and I walked slowly back to camp. The sun cast shadows across the tents and grass there… it was lonely and yet so beautiful. I almost forgot that we were there because of war, but I would very soon remember that with bitter effects.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Sir, our men need shoes very badly,” reported a messenger. “And
where are you from?” asked Lee kindly. “Sir, General Bee sent me. He says that
we have to do something about food and clothing or we will not be able to hold
much longer.” Lee looked thoughtful and I watched in anticipation for his next
order.
“We will march up to the nearest Confederate town and see if there are any people who would like to donate any things for the army. I will see to the food and make sure they have enough.” Lee looked satisfied though I felt less than happy. Nobody ever knew what was in store for them, or what was going to happen in any amount of time. So… the next day we left for Gettysburg to see if there were enough people that wanted to give something. It was early the next morning when we saw the wrong of our decision. An army of Union troops were stationed outside the town and it was too late to turn back. Knowing that we were facing a battle, Lee ordered the cannons to be brought to the field. The battle lasted for two days and at the end we (the Confederates) had driven the Union troops back to Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top.
“We will march up to the nearest Confederate town and see if there are any people who would like to donate any things for the army. I will see to the food and make sure they have enough.” Lee looked satisfied though I felt less than happy. Nobody ever knew what was in store for them, or what was going to happen in any amount of time. So… the next day we left for Gettysburg to see if there were enough people that wanted to give something. It was early the next morning when we saw the wrong of our decision. An army of Union troops were stationed outside the town and it was too late to turn back. Knowing that we were facing a battle, Lee ordered the cannons to be brought to the field. The battle lasted for two days and at the end we (the Confederates) had driven the Union troops back to Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top.
“See these two hills here?” Lee asked the men in the tent. I
shifted on my feet and I began to feel uncomfortable. It seemed so different
without Jackson there. After finding
that man who had snuck into camp, I wasn’t able to trust anyone. Every night I
had nightmares of a man coming for me with a knife in his hand. Revenge. I was
afraid to tell anyone, but I was scared. I was afraid and alone.
“We have to take these hills. You can also tell that this one here is taller and bigger. Now I know from Stuart that the Union army or part of it has settled on Little Round Top. We will have to charge up the hill from the front. The other side is too steep and rocky; there is no way that we can get up that side. I will put General Pickett in charge of his division and have them sweep up the hill and take the Union forces. Is that clear?” he asked. I had a feeling that it wouldn’t work… but who was I to say? And so we started.
“We have to take these hills. You can also tell that this one here is taller and bigger. Now I know from Stuart that the Union army or part of it has settled on Little Round Top. We will have to charge up the hill from the front. The other side is too steep and rocky; there is no way that we can get up that side. I will put General Pickett in charge of his division and have them sweep up the hill and take the Union forces. Is that clear?” he asked. I had a feeling that it wouldn’t work… but who was I to say? And so we started.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The 20th Maine boys looked on as the Confederates drew
closer and closer to them. With horror they realized that they had to act
quickly.
“We have got to keep this hill! If we don’t hold this hill, we will see the entire Confederate army sweep up and take over,” the general said.
“Alright, Chamberlain, you put your colors here and your men here. Keep the back-ups up there,” he pointed, “Make sure that you fill any gaps in your line with them. You are the last of the Union lines. Colonel, sir, you are the flank. If you turn back now, the whole Confederate army will take this hill. Understood?” he asked. “Yes sir,” Chamberlain answered. Samuel could see the strain in his face. The general left and Chamberlain gave the orders.
“Men, this is it. We need to fight with all we’ve got. Pile up logs high and get the best protection you can. Plug any holes in the line from wounded men, with the reinforcements from the back. Today we will see what true fighters are. Are you ready, men?” he asked. Samuel felt brave and excited all at the same time. “Today we must fight the best we know how, men.” Chamberlain brought his hand to his head in a brave salute, and all the men saluted back. Then the real excitement began. They were soon ready and stationed in their proper places. Samuel shivered even though it was August. At last they saw it, the Confederate army charging up the hill. It was late afternoon and the Confederates seemed to never run out of men, they just kept coming and coming. Samuel was standing close by when one of the men came up to Chamberlain with bad news.
“Colonel Sir, our men are running out of ammunition. We can’t keep shooting if they keep coming!” Chamberlain looked around. “Tom, run over to the 4th division and see if they can spare any ammunition for us, and hurry!” Tom looked doubtful but went anyway. When none could be spared everyone was worried.
“They’ve gotta be running out of ammunition as well. But we can’t leave, and if we stay we can’t shoot. So fix bayonets. Get all the men their bayonets and we will sweep down the hill. We’ll come from the left and sweep down across the hill. When I give the command, I want you all to charge down the hill, don’t stop,” he ordered. When the right time came, they all charged down the hill and decimated the entire Confederate army there. It was long and hard and many of the men were wounded and hurt by the end. Chamberlain limped back triumphant and yet sorrowful. It was over and yet when he looked at all the men that had been wounded, he cringed. But they had many Southern prisoners and were soon back to the number of soldiers as before.
“We have got to keep this hill! If we don’t hold this hill, we will see the entire Confederate army sweep up and take over,” the general said.
“Alright, Chamberlain, you put your colors here and your men here. Keep the back-ups up there,” he pointed, “Make sure that you fill any gaps in your line with them. You are the last of the Union lines. Colonel, sir, you are the flank. If you turn back now, the whole Confederate army will take this hill. Understood?” he asked. “Yes sir,” Chamberlain answered. Samuel could see the strain in his face. The general left and Chamberlain gave the orders.
“Men, this is it. We need to fight with all we’ve got. Pile up logs high and get the best protection you can. Plug any holes in the line from wounded men, with the reinforcements from the back. Today we will see what true fighters are. Are you ready, men?” he asked. Samuel felt brave and excited all at the same time. “Today we must fight the best we know how, men.” Chamberlain brought his hand to his head in a brave salute, and all the men saluted back. Then the real excitement began. They were soon ready and stationed in their proper places. Samuel shivered even though it was August. At last they saw it, the Confederate army charging up the hill. It was late afternoon and the Confederates seemed to never run out of men, they just kept coming and coming. Samuel was standing close by when one of the men came up to Chamberlain with bad news.
“Colonel Sir, our men are running out of ammunition. We can’t keep shooting if they keep coming!” Chamberlain looked around. “Tom, run over to the 4th division and see if they can spare any ammunition for us, and hurry!” Tom looked doubtful but went anyway. When none could be spared everyone was worried.
“They’ve gotta be running out of ammunition as well. But we can’t leave, and if we stay we can’t shoot. So fix bayonets. Get all the men their bayonets and we will sweep down the hill. We’ll come from the left and sweep down across the hill. When I give the command, I want you all to charge down the hill, don’t stop,” he ordered. When the right time came, they all charged down the hill and decimated the entire Confederate army there. It was long and hard and many of the men were wounded and hurt by the end. Chamberlain limped back triumphant and yet sorrowful. It was over and yet when he looked at all the men that had been wounded, he cringed. But they had many Southern prisoners and were soon back to the number of soldiers as before.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I stayed in the tent and listened to Lee and Longstreet go over
the next battle plans. I was tired of war and death. I wanted to live free from
that. I was tired of seeing dead people lying all over, and the wounded hardly
living.
“Longstreet, the Union troops have stationed themselves on Cemetery Ridge now and I think we should attack and smother them,” Lee said.
Longstreet fought back, “But there is at least a mile of just open land between here and where they are. By the time we reach them, their cannons will have whipped out our men! It would be fatal to our victory.” Lee considered this for a while but finally decided.
“We will do it, and if it is the good Lord’s will, we shall win.” Lee got up and went outside. Longstreet sighed heavily and looked about the tent. I knew what turmoil he must have been experiencing. He knew that most of his men would be killed, and yet he had to follow orders. It was unfair, I thought. The day finally came and we prepared for what would be the most devastating battle of the war. For nearly an hour, we fired our cannons and when we ran out of ammunition the soldiers drew forward bravely. My heart was beating loudly as I saw all the brave men facing their last battle. I watched also the grief in Longstreet’s face as he watched his friends and soldiers die. It was terrible, and yet what could we do? For a whole mile our men ran against cannon fire and bullets. By the time they reached the Ridge, there were only a few faithful and unharmed soldiers. That night as the sun was setting, I remembered the just the previous night we all sat around the camp-fire laughing and telling stories. Now, we sat by a small fire, some crying, some moaning, and some tarred by the look of death. We had lost the battle of freedom.
“Longstreet, the Union troops have stationed themselves on Cemetery Ridge now and I think we should attack and smother them,” Lee said.
Longstreet fought back, “But there is at least a mile of just open land between here and where they are. By the time we reach them, their cannons will have whipped out our men! It would be fatal to our victory.” Lee considered this for a while but finally decided.
“We will do it, and if it is the good Lord’s will, we shall win.” Lee got up and went outside. Longstreet sighed heavily and looked about the tent. I knew what turmoil he must have been experiencing. He knew that most of his men would be killed, and yet he had to follow orders. It was unfair, I thought. The day finally came and we prepared for what would be the most devastating battle of the war. For nearly an hour, we fired our cannons and when we ran out of ammunition the soldiers drew forward bravely. My heart was beating loudly as I saw all the brave men facing their last battle. I watched also the grief in Longstreet’s face as he watched his friends and soldiers die. It was terrible, and yet what could we do? For a whole mile our men ran against cannon fire and bullets. By the time they reached the Ridge, there were only a few faithful and unharmed soldiers. That night as the sun was setting, I remembered the just the previous night we all sat around the camp-fire laughing and telling stories. Now, we sat by a small fire, some crying, some moaning, and some tarred by the look of death. We had lost the battle of freedom.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was a few days later and I found myself once again walking in
the woods. This time I knew what would be in store for the army now. Lee would
have to surrender to Grant and we would all go to our homes… defeated. I wanted
to cry. This just wasn’t fair! We had fought for religion! Wouldn’t God bless
us then? I began to feel unhappy and discontented. Then I realized that war had
done that thing to so many before… it wouldn’t get me. I put my shoulders back
and stood tall and firm. Nothing was going to make me upset or angry. It had
happened before and we had done what we could. I strained my eyes. I thought I
had seen someone walking towards me. Who was it?
“Sarah! What are you doing?” I asked.
“I knew that you would be sad about our loss. It’s so hard to accept the possible. I know there’s not much I can do for you, but perhaps it would help for me just to be here for you. Go ahead and say what you feel,” she went on. I knew I had a lot to say about our failure to win this war but what came out was much different.
“Sarah, I suppose you know that I like you. Would you marry me?” Had I really said that? I couldn’t quite believe that I had said it. I had always dreamed of marrying her when I lived in Missouri; but I never dreamed that it would happen!
“Oh, Scott! Of course! I’ve always admired you, even when we were back in Missouri. Oh won’t it be so nice! Just the two of us together. I thought you would never ask!” Sarah came and put her arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. She was gone after that and I was left to think over things. It isn’t as bad as I thought it was, I pondered. It was going to be alright.
“Sarah! What are you doing?” I asked.
“I knew that you would be sad about our loss. It’s so hard to accept the possible. I know there’s not much I can do for you, but perhaps it would help for me just to be here for you. Go ahead and say what you feel,” she went on. I knew I had a lot to say about our failure to win this war but what came out was much different.
“Sarah, I suppose you know that I like you. Would you marry me?” Had I really said that? I couldn’t quite believe that I had said it. I had always dreamed of marrying her when I lived in Missouri; but I never dreamed that it would happen!
“Oh, Scott! Of course! I’ve always admired you, even when we were back in Missouri. Oh won’t it be so nice! Just the two of us together. I thought you would never ask!” Sarah came and put her arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. She was gone after that and I was left to think over things. It isn’t as bad as I thought it was, I pondered. It was going to be alright.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Samuel looked around at all the bodies lining the wall and fields.
Although they had won, he didn’t feel victorious at all. It had been a long,
hard war and now they had won. Everyone
had someone to go home to, now that the war was over. But he had no one. They
were all happy; but he didn’t feel like laughing. He knew that he had killed
innocent lives. It had seemed like the thing to do then. But it was murder!
Done under the name of ‘war’. The ghostly figures lying all over the
battlefield made him shiver. All those lives taken, and for what? For someone’s
happiness? What for? He was tired and down-trodden. It had been a long war, and
he was glad that it was over.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Daniel went back to his wife and three children, only he didn’t
laugh as he once did. He never told stories around the fire or ran outside with
his son. He rarely smiled or did anything kind. The thoughts of death and war
often invaded his thoughts and caused him to live in constant fear of his life.
The war had made him a bitter, hard, and resentful man, as it often will.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was the next day that we began to really look at the damage
done. I decided to stay where I was, I couldn’t bear to see so many dead men.
It was torture to me. I was at the camp-site when a man came up to me.
“Sir, there is someone that would like to see you. Please come quickly, he doesn’t have much time left!” It sounded urgent so I hurried as fast as I could. The man brought me to the edge of the woods and showed me a place hidden by brush trees.
“Here sir,” the man directed. I knelt down and saw a man drenched in blood and mud. His eyes were stricken with fear. Then I realized who it was. It was Jack, William’s brother.
“Jack!” I cried.
“I just wanted to say one last thing,” his words were barely audible.
“Yes?” I replied.
“Tell William that I died fighting for freedom and that I hope he… will live… to see it.” His head fell and I knew that he had died. I wanted to cry but refrained from it. I didn’t even know if William was alive, but I would certainly try to find him.
“Sir, there is someone that would like to see you. Please come quickly, he doesn’t have much time left!” It sounded urgent so I hurried as fast as I could. The man brought me to the edge of the woods and showed me a place hidden by brush trees.
“Here sir,” the man directed. I knelt down and saw a man drenched in blood and mud. His eyes were stricken with fear. Then I realized who it was. It was Jack, William’s brother.
“Jack!” I cried.
“I just wanted to say one last thing,” his words were barely audible.
“Yes?” I replied.
“Tell William that I died fighting for freedom and that I hope he… will live… to see it.” His head fell and I knew that he had died. I wanted to cry but refrained from it. I didn’t even know if William was alive, but I would certainly try to find him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was a few months later and I was inside a small room with a few
others. This was the day that Lee surrendered to Grant. They had talked for
awhile and Lee was eager to surrender and get out. I knew exactly how he felt.
It made me angry to be here. They were ready now to shake hands and end the
deal.
“There is a time for war and a time for peace, and I do believe it is time for peace… though I wish it had come about differently.” Lee said.
“Well, all things have a time, I’m sure,” Grant answered back. And that was the end. The Civil War had ended and I was more than eager to have it finished, though as Lee said, I wish it had ended differently.
“There is a time for war and a time for peace, and I do believe it is time for peace… though I wish it had come about differently.” Lee said.
“Well, all things have a time, I’m sure,” Grant answered back. And that was the end. The Civil War had ended and I was more than eager to have it finished, though as Lee said, I wish it had ended differently.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was four years after the war had ended and I had settled
in a little town in Georgia with my wife and baby. Those were good years of my
life and I often look back on those years with happiness.
It was a cool night in September when Sarah was laying down the baby; I was at the kitchen table and I laid down my pencil and listened. I heard a sweet voice singing a familiar song. It was the song that she had sung to me when I hurt my arm in the war. It was so sweet and I knew that it was mine. It sounded like the song of angels. I hope that my son will remember it as well, the song of angels.
It was a cool night in September when Sarah was laying down the baby; I was at the kitchen table and I laid down my pencil and listened. I heard a sweet voice singing a familiar song. It was the song that she had sung to me when I hurt my arm in the war. It was so sweet and I knew that it was mine. It sounded like the song of angels. I hope that my son will remember it as well, the song of angels.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Epilogue~ William left the army shortly after Scott met him
because of a bad case of pneumonia. He survived it however and eventually
married and moved to Louisiana. Scott saw him for the last time in the war, and
never saw him again. Daniel died shortly after the war because of the anxiety
that had plagued him. Lee died from a strong case of pneumonia and is probably
rejoicing in a world without war and death. George McClellan died in 1886 by a
heart attack. Samuel left this world in his early age from a case of typhoid
fever. Although both sides had different ideas of freedom, we will always be
united by the freedom we find in Jesus Christ.
There is a time
for war and a time for peace…
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me
with all your heart. Jer. 29:13
(I will be posting the other stories presently.)
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