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 3, 2015
Dearest Mother and Brother Tim;
Please do not be alarmed, but following this large conflagration in Gettysburg, I am in need of recuperation.
On the first day, I received a bullet wound to my hip, but did not allow the enlisted men to risk their lives to rescue me, so I lay on the field for two days, until I could be safely removed.
I know you will fret about that, but I assure you it was an appropriate decision.
When I arrived in the hospital this afternoon, I noticed a fever and I pray it will be a short time before I am released. I do not know whether this is a wound sufficient to end my tenure with the army, but I pray that whether I will continue to serve the cause or return to you, God’s will is done.
Your affectionate son and brother, John
Cassie woke up with a pain on top of her head. Her mother bending over her was the first thing she saw. The second thing she saw was the wrapped body in the bed next to her stretcher.
John!
Her sobs became loud and uncontrollable.
Mama tried to quiet her.
I can’t stop. I can’t stop. I just can’t.
“It was wrong to bring her here,” the orderly was saying to Mama.
No, not John, not John, not John. No-o-o-o-o-o-o!
After what seemed an eternity, Cassie’s cries became only sobs, but her body still convulsed in its grief. When finally she opened her eyes again, there was Mama, tears streaming down her cheeks, holding Cassie and praying in her ear, “Please, Lord, please.” Over and over.
What do we do now?
“You need to leave, please,” the orderly said.
Mama nodded, and helped Cassie to stand. Together they inched toward the front of E Hospital. Mama sat Cassie next to a tree, put camphor in her hankie and put it and her hand near Cassie’s nose.
“Keep this on your nose and keep your eyes closed. I will come and get you in a few minutes. I am going to make arrangements.
“I love you, Cassie.”
Cassie nodded silently and did as her mother commanded.
Presently, Mama returned.
“We will go home, on the first train. The army will send John to his mother. I will telegram Papa and he will go to the Costins. We can be of help there.”
Slowly they walked to the train station. Cassie felt nothing, not the ground under her feet, not her mother’s arms around her, not the movement of her legs when she walked. She did not remember arriving at the station and only vaguely knew that Mama sat her on the platform bench, then went inside.
She came back.
“Cassie, honey. What was the name of the boy that you sat with on the train?”
Burns.
“Do you remember. dear?”
Martin Burns.
“Think, can you tell me?” Cassie uttered a hoarse whisper.
“Martin Burns.”
“Thank you dear,” and she went back inside.
When Mama came back she said, “Cassie, this man is going to take us to John Burns’ farm. He said John’s grandson is staying with him so he is the right one. We are going to ask, beg for a night’s lodging. A westbound train does not come through again until nine tomorrow morning.”
It was nearing dusk late on that summer night as they arrived at the Burns farm. Mrs. Burns answered, and almost immediately ushered Mama and Cassie in.
Martin looked up from his table, then jumped up when he realized Cassie was at the door.
Martin!
Cassie thought, but it felt like a distant voice. She sensed that she was being guided to a bed, and placed there to rest.
But I want to see Martin!
Again the voice was too distant. Everything was distant, until the darkness and quiet overtook her and she fell asleep.
Morning came quickly, and Cassie felt as though she had come back to life. Everything was the same, she knew. The sights and sounds of the day before were still in her mind, and the smell was still present in the whole valley.
Mrs. Burns brought her some porridge and tea, with a scrap of bread.
“Things are pretty scarce here,” she said.
Mama thanked her. Martin shyly peeked around the corner.
“I am so sorry for your friend, Cassandra. I certainly was surprised to see you.”
Smile. Make yourself smile. This is Martin!
Cassie forced a weak smile to her face.
“That’s better,” Martin said. “It has been an ordeal like nothing I could have imagined. Grandpa even made himself famous by grabbing his musket and fighting alongside the Yankees.”
“Foolish man,” Mrs. Burns uttered, loud enough to be heard by all.
“He fought in the War of 1812, and when the Rebs brought their fight here, he wasn’t going to step aside,” Martin said proudly.
“Durn fool,” Mrs. Burns uttered again.
Pick yourself up, girl. Show Mama she can be proud.
“Thank you for taking us in,” Cassie said to Mrs. Burns.
“Oh, it was the Christian thing to do, dearie. Now, let’s get you fed and up to the station.”
“May I go along?” Martin asked. “Certainly, you and Grandpa hitch up the wagon. We’ll all go.”
And so they went to the station — a sad and tired girl, the boy she had dreamed of seeing again, the girl’s mother who was now even more scared for her soldier sons, a kind but straight-talking old woman, and her husband. The civilian hero of Gettysburg.
