CHAPTER 3

As James had predicted, Nell had grown up to be a very attractive young woman with light reddish-brown hair, brown eyes, rosy cheeks, and a nice smile. She had finally decided that her favorite among the young men in her age group was Edward Duffy. He was a farmer’s son, well-liked by everyone. He too had light brown hair and was considered handsome by most of the ladies around.

Back in those days, it wasn’t easy for a couple to carry on a romance. No one stayed up long after dark except on special occasions such as a revival meeting at the church, a square dance, or other special events on Saturday nights. And though Edward and Nell liked each other, they were still young and the relationship not really too serious. They were just “sparkin’,” as folks would say.

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Summer was slowly passing and the landscape all around the Sanders farm was turning a bit from green to shades of golden yellow and red – a sight to behold.

Fall meant much work to be done: gathering in all the crops still not harvested, and preserving and canning fruits and vegetables to last through the coming winter months. The young men, including young Sam, were busy in the barn shucking the dried ears of corn and filling the barn loft with lots and lots of hay to be used to feed the farm animals. There was a job for everyone and everyone pitched in.

Even though she had plenty to do most days at her home now, Harriett came up at times to lend a hand. This pleased Emmaline very much because to her this indicated that all was going well. She actually seemed quite happy, with an entirely different attitude. She had already let the word out to the family that she was “expecting”, even though with the long skirt and apron she wore, it was not too obvious yet except to Emma.

Caleb’s mother continued to get worse. The doctor gave her medicine to ease her pain, the result of which caused her to sleep most all the time, and when awake she took no interest in her surroundings. Caleb and Harriet were now saying they doubted she would last until winter.

They were right. On a cold day in late November, she died and was quietly buried in the small cemetery in the church yard next to Caleb’s father.

* - * - * - * - * - *

The new year arrived and Emma’s biggest concern was James’ growing interest in the Civil War, which had been officially declared. He had started attending a get-together with other pro-union sympathizers regularly to discuss the situation. Although the settlers in this immediate area had been spared up to now, the community was disturbed over the news of Confederate soldiers coming over the state line from Arkansas and confiscating cattle, poultry, pigs, and food from farmers about ten miles away. So far there had been no killings of the families or burning of homes or other buildings, but there were reports of the abuse of some who put up residence.

James always came back form the meetings all fired up and ready to do battle. He said that some of the younger men in the group were talking of joining the Union forces up around Rolla, where there was a large troop encampment. He said, “These Rebs have to be stopped.” Being against slavery, he felt that “their cause is wrong and they certainly have no right to come over into our state to rob folks.”

He always saw to it that his own guns were oiled and ready for use with plenty of ammunition on hand just in case.

Emmaline agreed with him on the slavery issue, but she was always worried when James attended another meeting. She was so afraid that he would get so worked up that he would leave with some of the others and go join the forces. They could probably manage for a while, but, oh, how they would miss him.

Harriett’s baby was due in another month or so, and in the meantime Sarah had announced to everyone that she and James were going to have a little one in about six months.

* - * - * - * - * - * -

At about this time, word was received that in the small settlement where the family traveled to get supplies, some folks with Union connections or sentiments were being ordered by Rebel forces to leave their homes and go to Rolla where Union troops were camped.

This information just fanned the flames among the members of the guard unit James belonged to. They were furious. So at their next meeting, it was decided that they would send a local delegation to visit Union headquarters in Rolla and urge them to come down and put a stop to such actions.

After much discussion and persuasion, James agreed to head their group to leave within the next two or three days, or as soon as they could get prepared for the journey. James felt that he could easily leave Caleb and Jessie in charge long enough for him to be away for a couple of weeks.

Sarah and Emmaline were shocked and afraid for him to make such a trip. Sarah argued, “Why can’t somebody else do it?”

“But that’s just the point,” said James. “I was the one voted by the group to lead the delegation of three. How can I ask somebody else to take my place, simply sayin’ I don’t want to go? You both have to realize that after all that’s happened, something has to be done.”

After realizing that he was quite serious about the matter, Emma and Sarah started planning what needed to be done to get him ready for the trip and for his absence during the time he would be away, which he estimated would be no more than two weeks.

Three days later, the family said goodbye to James as he mounted his horse early that morning for the trip. As he rode away, Sarah cried, “Be careful, James, I’ll miss you!”

George Stanton and Miles Patterson were waiting for him at the schoolhouse, ready for the journey. Both were sons of prominent families in the area. George was in his 30’s, married and the father of a young daughter. Miles, 23, was still single.

* - * - * - * - * - * -

It was over a week later that a small packet addressed to Sarah finally reached them. It simply said that the men had reached their destination, but were going to have to wait a few days for certain officers to return from a meeting over in the next county. In the meantime, they were fine and had been politely received and fed. They had no choice but to sit and cool their heels and watch all the goings on at the encampment, which was not far from the new railroad.

The officers finally met with the group. After hearing them out about the situation back home, the officer who apparently was the head spokesman said, “Do you gentlemen realize how many other areas in the country are having the same problems – their homes and everything they’ve owned being burned to the ground in some cases. The situation is severe. We’re doin’ the best we can with the manpower he have. That’s our biggest need at the moment – manpower. We cannot do it without help. So I say to you three, if you expect us to pay you any mind, then join our cause. Don a uniform. Grab a gun. And we can use your horses, also. For it’s only then that we’ll feel you’re really serious about wantin’ something done in this war effort.

“We’ll leave you to think it over and will check with you later. We need more men like you. All we can get. But unless you’re willin’ to join our cause, then there’s no need to talk further. Think about it.”

James spoke up. “But sir, are you sayin’ we should stay here today and not go back to prepare our families for our joinin’ your group? They’re expectin’ us back in a week or so.”

“I am indeed saying that. These are desperate times and we must take desperate measures. Letters from all of you to your families explainin’ the situation can be sent by couriers along the line and should reach them in just a few days.

“You know, we could actually force you to serve, but we much prefer to have you do your duty and volunteer.

“And now good day to you, gentlemen. We trust you have been fed and treated well since you’ve arrived. We’ll expect to hear from you later.”

* - * - * - * - * - * -

About six days after the men had left for Rolla, a horseman rode up to the gate at the Sanders farm. Emma happened to be in the yard at the time and greeted the man and introduced herself. He told her he was delivering a packet from the Union Army. With shaking hands, she accepted the envelope, saying, “I hope it’s not bad news.”

“I don’t know what’s inside, Ma’am, but I hope it isn’t.”

She didn’t invite him in but did inquire if he would like a cold drink or a bit of food. He thanked her but declined, saying that he must be on his way.

After he turned and rode away, Emma ran toward the house, calling for Sarah who’d been taking a nap. The two sat down and opened the letter. They were shocked to read James’ note telling of their recruitment into the Army.

Dear Family:

I know it will be hard for you to understand this. I’ll explain it all in more detail later in another letter. But, for the time being, George, Miles and I are being recruited into the army, so won’t be coming home any time soon.

I know all of you will pitch in and carry on just as if I was there. Sarah, I‘m sorry I can’t be with you now. You stay well. I don’t know when I will see you again, but hope it’ll be soon.

Love,

James

Sarah was beside herself. She had expected James to always be there by her side, and especially to be with her at the birth of her child.

She pouted and ranted on for several days, angry at the Army for doing this. She threatened all sorts of things – to write the Governor, maybe even President Lincoln to protest the taking of James; telling them that it was wrong, that he was newly married, and his wife was expecting a baby and needed him to be with her. She also wanted to tell them that he was manager of the Sanders Farm, which fed a number of people who depended on him, including his widowed mother, two younger brothers and a sister.

She wanted to ride over and talk to the Russells about it. As a young girl growing up, she’d always thought her Poppa could solve any problem or fix anything. So one day she saddled up her horse and rode over to the Russell place after talking Nell into riding along with her.

Her parents were quite surprised to learn about the turn of events. But after listening to Sarah for a while, her father gently told her that the government had many powers under the Constitution, especially in times of war, and there was nothing the people could do about it right now.

“We just have to all pitch in and do our part, and hopefully it will end soon,” he said. “The only thing you can and must do now, Sarah, is remember that you are James’ wife and carryin’ his child, and do what he would want you to do. And that is to take care of yourself, stay healthy, and do what you can to help Emmaline around the farm, which is also your home now.”
A couple of hours later they started back home. And although Sarah was still not happy, she embraced her parents and promised her “Pappa” that she would follow his advice as best she could. “But I’m still mad at the Army,” she said as he waved goodbye.

The turn of events was shocking to the entire community, as the word quickly spread. These three men were all well known, and the effect was to bring the people closer. Meetings were held at the church to discuss all aspects of it. The other members of the home guard assured the families of the men that they would be there to help any in need during the next few months.

* - * - * - * - * - * -

Harriett gave birth to a beautiful little girl they named Nancy. The couple’s obvious happiness over the birth and their growing love for each other gave Emmaline a lot of satisfaction. Everything had all gone better than she could have dreamed. And if there was any gossip about their wedding and the early arrival of little Nancy, Emma never heard it and didn’t care if there was. The important thing was that Harriett was delighted with her new baby.

As for Caleb, he still couldn’t get over his good fortune in having Harriett as his wife. He was a very happy man now and would do anything for any member of the Sanders family – the only family he had now except his sister Lucy, and he had lost all contact with her.

* - * - * - * - * - * -

The promised letter from James finally arrived. In it he explained in a little more detail their meeting with the Union officers in Rolla and how James and the other officers actually had no choice in the matter. The officers had put it to them that it was their duty if they were concerned about the war effort and helping to save the lives of their family, friends, and neighbors.

He also mentioned the threat that they could actually force them to enlist because the three of them possessed valuable information to their government about the part of the country they lived in. James said they had no way of knowing if this was true or not, but it certainly made an impression on him. Here were these two men standing there in their impressive blue uniforms with gold buttons and revolvers hanging from their waists.

He ended his letter by again saying that he missed them all and would try to write as often as possible.

Sarah and the rest of the family understood the situation a little better, but were still worried about James. It didn’t seem quite right to them that the men had been forced to stay in Rolla. But Jessie, who had lately shot up until he was almost as tall as his brother James, spoke up and said, “Well, Ma, they would probably have come here and forced him and the others to enlist pretty soon anyway, especially if the situation gets worse.”

They were all surprised as this comment, but after thinking about it decided that he was probably right. Jessie was definitely becoming a grown-up young man, and Emmaline suddenly had the awful thought that they might come for him one of these days. But she pushed that thought from her mind.

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Meanwhile, James and the other men were ushered to the quartermaster’s headquarters, where they were issued uniforms and other necessary gear and given a number. They were told that a mustering-in and training session would start the next morning, with special emphasis on target practice. “We assume that you can fire a gun, but we want to know how well. If not well enough, then you have to get well enough,” they said.

Right away, James had discovered at his first meal at the camp that the food left something to be desired. In talking to some of the men around him in the line, he learned that it was a real problem for the Army to keep enough supplies on hand to feed them – especially meat and fresh vegetables – and that they ate a lot of hardtack and beans. James wasn’t too familiar with hardtack, but soon learned that it was bread made with just flour and water and could be kept indefinitely. Actually, depending on how hungry one was, it wasn’t too bad if you soaked it in a liquid of some sort, the soup in the beans, for instance. But it sure wasn’t like the good freshly baked bread back on the farm!

He also learned that some of the soldiers were assigned just to go out foraging for food – wild turkeys, deer, fish, or anything edible they could find, including some farmer’s or rancher’s cattle they could swipe. (James wasn’t sure if this was approved by ranking officers, or just something the guys did on their own.)

As far as the officers who met with them on the day they arrived, nothing further had been heard from them. But the next morning just before the break for lunch, James was told to report to headquarters to see Lt. Boley. Headquarters turned out to be just a large tent, but with a wood floor. The Lieutenant, a man in his forties, as always well-groomed, appeared to be on his way out but stopped to greet James. He said pleasantly, “Private Sanders, we are pleased that you and your friend made the decision to join us. This makes it easier for all concerned. And I just wanted you to know that we haven’t forgotten about the enemy action down in your area, and we plan to send scouts down that way immediately to look over the situation. In the meantime, welcome to the Phelps County Regiment of the Missouri Volunteers. Glad to have you all with us. I’m sure you will make fine soldiers.”

“Thank you sir,” said James as the officer turned to walk away. Walking back to his tent, he thought, “Well, at least that’s something. Whether they’ll actually do anything or not, I may never know.” He was anxious to tell the others that at least they hadn’t forgotten their request.

Early the next morning, after a breakfast of some kind of gruel, some bread and hot coffee, they were ordered to report directly for mustering-in and target practice. Since learning to handle a firearm was just part of growing up for James and his friends, they all passed with flying colors.

But much to their disappointment, they were split up and assigned to different units. When James asked why, he was told brusquely that it was Army policy. James assumed they had their reasons, probably to stress the fact that this was serious business, not a social club.

Still they held out the hope that they would be able to have some contact occasionally. But for now James was officially in the Army. He wasn’t sure what his duties would be. Right now he was mainly involved in doing routine training.

It was disheartening to occasionally get a glimpse of all the wounded being brought into the little field hospital on the grounds. When he mentioned it to the man next to him in the mess line, he said, “Oh, you’ll get used to it.” But James doubted if he ever would.

What a drastic change his life had taken. He was already homesick and would give anything to see Sarah and the others, and to sit down to one of Ma’s good meals.