Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing series which runs each Thursday morning titled the Richland Chronicles Volume VI, by author Paul Lintern. It is set in the 1860s and tells the story of Richland County through the eyes of young people. This is the sixth in a series. The books are available from Lintern for $25 a set, tax and shipping included. Each book is about 120 pages written for intermediate readers (4th grade) with local illustrations. Volume I is Amelia Changes Her Tune. Volume II is Isaac and Wolf Paw Find Their Home. Volume III is Autumn Keeps Her Secret. Volume IV is Mr. Gamble Starts a School. Volume V is Jacob Blows his Horn.
July 5, 1863
Telegram: To Levi Zimmerman, West Third Street, Mansfield, Ohio
Dear Husband STOP Will leave the 8th for Gettysburg to find John STOP Assure Margaret STOP Home ASAP Autumn STOP
Mama wanted to start back immediately, but Uncle Luke convinced her to wait a few days until the active army could move out and the only ones remaining would be the hospital detachment. And the gravediggers.
The days with the Fitzpatrick family did go quickly but were special to Cassie, because she felt a part of all the preparations that were taking place.
Mama did not seem to dismiss her when important things were being discussed by her and Uncle Luke, or with Amelia and her daughters. Everyone was on the same team, looking for answers, wanting to help.
Abigail and Athena did not hear directly from their husbands, but they rejoiced in knowing their names were not on the casualty list published by the Boston newspapers. Uncle Luke delayed his return by a day to be sure Mama and Cassie had their train passage and that it would indeed stop in Gettysburg.
The station master said many family members were on their way to look after loved ones, from all over the country, even from the South. He poured over newspaper accounts, trying to discern what was accurate and what was probably embellishment.
“It says here the Confederate army is devastated and likely to disband before it reaches Virginia,” Luke said. “Not a chance. Bobby Lee probably has them reformed and ready for the next big fight.
“It says General Reynolds, who was killed the first day of fighting, may have saved the day by stopping the Rebels from taking the high ground the first day.
“And look here, it says my friend Col. Chamberlain led a unit that fended off the Rebs at the very end of the line, at a place called Little Round Top. Says they used a bayonet charge down the hill to capture the enemy after Chamberlain’s men had run out of bullets!”
He noticed one other small item.
“The paper makes note of a farmer named Burns who had fought in the War of 1812. The old man grabbed his ancient musket and fought beside the Union for all three days. Imagine that.”
Burns. That’s Matthew’s last name. Could it be?
Uncle Luke made his way home the next day, bidding his sister and niece a safe journey.
“I hope you can be a help and comfort to young Costin and his family.”
As his carriage rode away, Cassie asked, “Mama, why doesn’t Uncle Luke get married again?”
“He says it just seems too complicated,” Mama said.
“Is it?”
Mama smiled.
“Could be. Doesn’t have to be. You’ll understand soon enough.”
As the time came for them to leave, Mama held Abigail’s baby extra long and said, “It can’t come soon enough.”
“Get them married first,” Amelia laughed.
“That can’t come soon enough either,” Mama laughed, then gave Cassie an I-don’t-mean-you look.
Cassie watched them hold hands as they said good-bye.
I hope I have a friend that good for the rest of my life.
She couldn’t think of anyone she knew now that might fit that category.
I’ll have to work on it.
“Why are you and Aunt Amelia such good friends?” Cassie asked her mother as they settled into their train seat.
Mama pursed her lips and thought.
“It’s really just that we went through a lot together that summer we met, and we looked after each other.
“And we wanted to be friends forever.”
“Hope I find someone like that.”
“I hope you do, too, dear girl,” she said.
The train ride through Connecticut and New York dragged for Cassie, because she was thinking about finding John, and Martin.
“That boy that was sitting with me on the ride over — Martin — is staying with his grandfather near Gettysburg,” Cassie finally told Mama.
“Oh my goodness, what an awful experience. If we can, let’s look for him, too. Do you know his last name?”
“Burns.”
She doesn’t realize I sent him a letter.
“Let’s see what we can do, but finding John comes first.”
The train pulled out of New York, across the Hudson River into New Jersey. A few stops later and they were crossing into Philadelphia. Won’t be much longer. But there were still too many towns that slowed the train’s progress.
Cassie did not feel inspired to write rhymes about them; she just wanted to get through them. King of Prussia, York, Paradise, hurry up!
“When we get there, Cassie, we cannot expect any luxuries. We may have to sleep under a tree, and I don’t know how much food we will have, except for what Amelia packed for us in my satchel. I just don’t know what we are getting into. This is an important time to be the grown-up you seem to want to be.”
Cassie sat up in her seat.
“I understand Mama. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. You are my young lady, and Grandpappy’s little girl. You have what it takes.”
Finally, the conductor announced, “Next stop, Gettysburg.”
