T. E. Story # 69

Josh and I covered the rear of the wagon with some cut branches, and settled down to wait.  Josh looked li he was a bit scared.  I was a tad scared myself.  My view of the whole problem was that we had to avoid these people.  It was obvious to me that if the two men that Hezzie and Dan met were associated in any way with the people in Washington City that Col. Abert was looking into, probably they had notified the local constabulary and told a wild story.  Now the Sheriff and Posse were seeking to find out where they are, and apparently these two men had linked us to their mission in some way.  Now the only people that the sheriff has to contact are us.  Therefore I am sure that they will come back this way and they will be looking for us, possibly to take into custody for some lengthy questioning.  This I would much prefer not to undergo.  Not far from the wagon is an old stone wall and I have taken all the papers that would reveal or give a clue to who we really are, and wrapped them in an old piece of canvas and stored them in the stone wall.  They are hidden well.  Then Josh and I erased the wagon wheel marks which indicated that a wagon had turned off the road  just before the bridge.  The wagon is invisible from the road, and Josh and I found a shallow cave under the bridge where we will wait until we hear the posse returning as I am sure it will do.  Once I am sure that the posse is out of our way, Josh and I will make a dash for the ferry.  Now it may be that the sheriff and his men will be at the ferry, so hopefully Dan or Hezzie can arrange some kind of warning a mile or so up the road so that we will know, and find some place safe to wait until they clear the ferry vicinity. Josh will set up a set of rocks with a note, along the wrong side of the road to warn "JJ" and give him directions.  I will send him to the Ferry to make sure it is clear, so that at least one of us can make contact and arrangements to avoid these people.  If the sheriff and or his posse take the ferry to the other side then we must assume that word will be carried to the other bank of the Potomac.  We will then be forced to take a steamer back to Washington City, and leave the remainder of the mission to complete another time.  The problem of "melding in" with the locals is bad enough without the law looking for us. This is my way of dealing with the problem.  However, if Hezzie has a better set of ideas, I am certainly willing to listen.  I would much rather complete the mission than have to report failure to Col. Abert no matter what the reason.  I have explained my reasoning to Josh and my plans and he has agreed that they are sensible, but like myself he would much rather complete the mission.

T. E. Story #68

    Hum, you chaps sure do snore loudly.  Dan, and I are glad that we are some distance away as neither of us do.[grin]  Finally some stirring, and, Good Morning Major, you seem to have rested well.  To much partying I guess.  Glancing over I noticed that JJ was laying there completely aghast at seeing me sitting there grinning.  I heard footsteps, and Josh came sheepishly thru the door in front of Dan. Well Gentleman it seems that we caught you napping a wee bit!!   A nice safe place it is to.  I won't take up to much of your time, however I have a need to replenish my funds, and see what your plans are between now, and crossing the Potomac.  We have been over there a bit as you know, checking things out, gathering gossip, and getting the lay of the land.  That crossing seems to be a magnet for attracting all kinds of people watching  who ever comes across.  Almost like another culture so to speak. Just before you cross over Dan will join you in the wagon, fill you in, and cross over with you.  Our horses will be on this side safely hidden, and Dan will guide you to a spot that we feel is best for you to layover.  P;an to be the last to cross over as the gathering will be fewer.  I will be up in the church steeple with binoculars watching for any who might show an interest in you folks. I now have the rifle that I told you about, and you will be safe enough.  I am sure that you will agree when you see it. Dan has taken to it, and has pretty well mastered it, so either of us can cover you out to about 1200 yards if need be.  JJ needs to stay near to you until you arrive at the spot that Dan will show you.  There is a bit more unrest on the other side, and war talk is heard more often.  Police yourselves for any gear showing that might spell Yankee.  You will notice that our apparel is some different.  There is a shop that sells used clothing, well boiled to kill any coots living in them.  All of this just reenforces what you already know of course. JJ is going to have to be very sly, and aware of his surroundings as he rides the roads.  I think that he needs to make his notes mental, and record them when he gets back to the wagon.  This is a suggestion on my part only.  You chaps know your business.  I will be leaving now as you chaps probably need to relieve yourselves, get yourselves together, and the Ladies seem to be getting some grits, and black eyed peas ready for your breakfast.  Ok, Dan, give Josh back his gun.  We will leave you with this thought, How Safe, is Safe with the Sgt. Major, and Dan around. Smile, Relax, Keep doing what you have been doing, just be aware that we must keep moving at a reasonable pace to get this material back to Col. Abert!

T. E. Story # 67

I walked out to meet the boys and the wagon.  I told them about the invitation to put the wagon in the carriage house and attend a picnic at the lady's house.  I got up on the wagon and followed the directions and when we got to the house the carriage door was open and a black man in a livery uniform was standing by the open door.  Josh drove the wagon into the shed and the black man shut the doors.  He came up to me and said," "Suh, De lady ob de house, she say to make your beds in de loft ob de shed heah.  I done got dat done suh."  He leaned into the side door and pointed at a set of stairs leading up to the second level.  Then he showed me the sliding bar lock on the door, and said, "Suh, if you and de udder gent'men will follow me...."  The butler led us around the end of the house and there on the lawn was as neat a layout as you could imagine, tables and chairs from a parlor somewhere, six or seven black men laying the table and bringing trays of food heaped high out. the kitchen.   Meanwhile all the ladies I had met at the alehouse were in attendance and as we walked up, the lady who had invited us, Mrs. Beatrice Semmes, brought us into the group and reintroduced us.  There were some other people there as well, and we met them all,  After shaking hands all around, Josh drew me off to one side.  He wrote a little note saying that he really didn't want to stay for dinner. He pointed to his mouth.  I took him gently by the arm and we sat down on a bench under one of the big trees that shaded the big yard.  I turned to him and said, "Now Josh, I want you to listen to me very carefully.  Everyone in this old world has some sort of problem.  Some not as apparent as yours, and some much. much. worse.  But each person must learn to deal with other people, because that's the way one gets through life.  These people have invited us to a nice supper and have offered the storage of the wagon for tonight.  I don't suppose that you would want to hurt their feelings would you?" Josh looked at me for a few seconds and then slowly shook his head. "Okay, then my friend, here's how we will do this.  Stay close to me and when the first person engages you in a conversation just give him or her a wide grin, and I will say something like 'the lad is rather shy but has a great appetite!'  You nod your head and that will bring a laugh.  Then tuck into whatever is served and I guarantee that you won't have any more trouble.  Do you think that you want to try that?"  Josh looked at the ground for a moment and then looked at me.  He nodded his head slowly and tapped me on the shoulder.  I replied, "You bet son, we are a team."  Josh gave me a great big grin and we got up from the bench and wandered over to the table.  The rest of the evening was very enjoyable.  A couple of people tried talking with Josh , but I mentioned that he was a little shy and as he shoveled another fork full of beans and greens into his mouth, he would grin widely and that would draw a chuckle from the guests.   To make a long story short, we garnered four more contracts over the evening, and almost everyone asked that we return at some future time.  Finally  as the servants were cleaning up the dishes and the folks were headed for home, I said good night to our hostess after flattering her in regards to dinner and thanking her about the carriage house.  I led the way around the house, having gotten a candle from one of the servants.  We went upstairs in the carriage-house and there were three beds all made up, and the room had been swept down and cleaned up a bit.    I checked all the doors locked from the inside in the carriage-shed downstairs and all the windows closed and locked as well.  Then I went up to the second deck to get some rest.  Josh looked a little nervous and I asked him what was wrong.  He said that he would feel better sleeping in the wagon.  Now, since we have been on this mission, Josh has been right on the ball, and I could not have asked for a better companion.  Not only that but he anticipated what needed to be done and then did it without needing any orders.  I was just about to tell him that it was okay to sleep out of the wagon for one night, but then I wondered what Hezzie would have said to that kind of a response?  "JJ" at that moment , asked me if I was ready for him to tell me about the mill and the blacksmith shop.  I gestured to Josh to wait a minute, and "JJ" started to give me the information that he had picked up. First, "JJ" asked me about some horses at the blacksmiths and I told him what Hezzie had said about that.  I asked him about the mill and he indicated that it was a small mill, but it would sure come in handy with a full crew to man it.  At the time he visited there were only two men there, using a single bladed up and down saw.  But he estimated that the mill could probably do three times what it was producing now.  In fact, he had seen a old three bladed gang-saw that was leaning against the wall in the mill house.  The blacksmith shop was the same, in that there was room there for three men working all three anvils and there was a large store of black iron for new projects.  Both places would be valuable to know about should the worst happen.   I thought again about what Josh had asked to do. So, I sat down with Josh, and asked, " Would you really feel better if you slept in the wagon?"  Josh nodded his head vigorously.  "Do you have any particular reason to be by yourself downstairs?"  Josh shook his head no.  He patted me on the shoulder and then patted his own shoulder and it was plain that he was saying I trusted you at dinner, now it's your turn to trust me.   He was right, and so we went downstairs again and I helped him to rig his bed.  Just before I left, I gave him my pistol, and told him just for safety sake. Then I went back upstairs to my bunk, but this time I left the door to downstairs open, and blew out the candle.

T. E. Story #66

   It has been interesting for Dan, and I to observe how easily you are fitting in with the locals wherever you travel.  Dan is not used to any of this, and it is helping his ability to talk in longer sentences, and be aware of what, and how,  people integrate, and function in groups.  His whole existence has been food, clothing, and shelter. so social needs have never come up.  I see him beginning to relax a wee bit. It has been fun for us to be within a few feet of you, Josh, and JJ, and these people, and remain undetected.  JJ had a good trip to the blacksmiths, and apparently you had given him some task to do.  He is very diligent in his task.  I was surprised to see that neither of them realized that our horses were there at the smiths.  I decided that we would swap out our horses for a pair that he had, and the tack.  This gives Dan a better horse, that he now has skills for, and endurance.  Our clothes are gradually changing also so if observed we will not be stereo typed at a glance.  If studied we are as local as are they.  This will be much more valuable to us after crossing the big river.  Going to be interesting how you fit JJ into your two some so he doesn't stand out anymore than he does now. It is apparent that you chaps are going to eat well, and practice your social skills.  It pleases me that all of the planning and prep at the beginning of this venture is paying off.  At our next meeting I will need a bit more funding. We  have already picked up most of the gear that we will need after crossing the river. A long range rifle is being put together, with a new fangled telescope on it. Premonition demands this. Instinct!!

T. E. Story #65

After a brief look at the bridge, Josh and I moved into the village of Piscatawny proper.  There is a small green in the center of the village with a marker on a green and an old pirate cannon in the middle.  This celebrates some small skirmish here with the town and some river pirates about a hundred years ago.  Anyway, we stopped in front of an alehouse there and Josh and I went in for a drink and some lunch.  Two glasses of sasperilla and bowl of tasty stew later we went back out to the wagon to find several people gathered around it.  There were six wagons parked around the center of the village and we were immediately approached and asked if we were were the painters with the sign on the wagon.  So commenced the involvement with the customers.  Two of the wagons had come down from around Oxen Run, by another road on the advice of Mrs. Mattingly, and three were from along one of the side roads that saw the signs that Hezzie put out on that area church.  One of the wagons was from the village.  The lady was shopping for some cloth and saw the sign on the wagon while we were eating lunch.  One of the families wanted me to come to their house to do some painting similar to what I did for the Mattingly's, four needed letters written and one person wanted me to do a fancy sign for his farm to put along the road.  It looked like a full afternoon, so I asked "JJ" when he came in to go with Josh up to the blacksmith, and get the wagon taken care of.  The alehouse owner offered me a table in the back of the dining room to work on the letters and the sign, so I moved my stuff out of the wagon, and moved it into the alehouse.  Several of the men were wearing or carrying guns so I slipped my revolver into it's shoulder holster and donned my coat to cover it.  Josh and "JJ" left town and headed across the bridge taking the road North to the blacksmith.  "JJ" took his horse and will look at the mill while he is in the area. I got busy with the letters, asking the gentleman wanting a sign to wait for the letters to be finished and he was agreeable as it gave him a good excuse for a few beers.  The lady who wanted her parlor painted was one of the ladies from the Oxen Run area and I settled with her for a date next month to come and do the painting.  She described what she wanted and I drew a design for her, and she left happy.  The four letters were rather lengthy, and by the time I finished with them and the sign it was afternoon again.  Josh and "JJ" were still gone, but I really didn't expect them to get back before dusk.  During these hours, I noticed that the alehouse had a lot of customers and most of them came over to the table and wanted to see what was going on.  I made it clear that I had a long-standing commitment on the other side of the Potomac, and the people were very understanding.  Five more people made appointments for the next time I came to town, and I have started a log book of appointments which was necessary for the promises to convince the customers. I asked the alehouse owner if there was some place that I could park the wagon out of the way for the night.  One of the ladies heard me ask, and volunteered her carriage house.  She said that she had gotten rid of an old sleigh and was in the market for another, but the space was vacant temporarily.  Another lady invited the three of us to supper, which got the attention of the other ladies waiting for their letters to be written.  Three of the other ladies also wanted us to come to their place for something to eat , and one of the husband's suggested a picnic under the trees by the carriage house.  The ladies were in a hurry to leave to prepare something to contribute to the feast, and by the time I had finished the letters, I had kissed the hands of at least eight ladies and shook hands with ten men.  When I finished the sign the owner of the alehouse came over and thanked me heartily.  He said that he hadn't had that much business in one afternoon since the last fourth of July.  He invited us to return and plan to use his place to set up whenever we came to town.  I have really been surprised at the hospitality of these people, and I suspect that more could be done in this way if it were done right. I was sitting on the front porch in a old rattan chair having another sasperilla with the alehouse owner, while he told me about the heavy rains that scoured the town last winter, and he mentioned that the bridge had stood up very well to the floodwaters in Piscatawny Creek.  This I was glad to hear.  We talked about the area around the village and it was clear that he was quite proud that the village had grown in the last ten years.  He spoke about the political situation and then about the Cook's Ferry and how that got started.  Just then, I saw the wagon with Josh and "JJ" roll into town.  Looks like it's time to park the wagon and head out for the lady's feast!!  I thanked the alehouse owner for the use of his dining room and he thanked me in turn for all the business that he credited us with bringing him!  Much mutual admiration!!

T. E. Story #64

 Hi Major,  Dan, and I have covered the ground with a fine toothed comb from here to the Potomac.  From the info I gleened from the chap that is now RIP in the cave the next area of real concern is after crossing this.  JJ will be busy, but the roads easily tell their story, and are easily traveled.  The Blacksmith is a very agreeable chap, and somewhat knows Dan.  He is pretty gabby, and I was able to learn a bit of usefull info that I can use after we cross over the river.  When you cross over one of us will be on the other side mingling with the people that usuall hang out to watch the ferry, and the other will be on the ferry crossing over with you unnoticed.  The blacksmith was able to fashion us with a few more articles of equipement that we will need in the days ahead.  We have already crossed over on the ferry, and purchased the supplies that we will need on this next step.  I have kept the slips, and will turn them in to you at our next gathering.  As neither of us has traveled this far south we will need the maps that you will supply us with, and any other info that you deem prudent.  I also have armed Dan with a firearm, and taught him how to use it.  He picked it up readily, however neither of us will use these only as a last resort.  They are far to loud, and not dependable.  The blacksmith also fashioned up a pair of tomahawks fashioned after one that my Aunt, Walks Alone gave me.  Very effecent. This has become Dans favorite weapon.  We have cached our gear on the Southern side of the river, along with a few garments that seemed to be prevelent on that side also.  Interesting.   By now you chaps are a bit well known, so it won't be neccessary for you to change.  Dan, and I are betting on how long it will take you chaps to get thru the locals in need of your services.  News travels fast down here.  JJ has been noticed as a part of your group>>>>>  The Ladies are curious to see this tall, slender young rascal..  You will probably be asked a few questions.  Dan, and I are looking forward to some good possum stews, and roasting some delicious rattlesnakes.  They grow bigger in the South we hear.  We will come in after the river crossing at a point of your choosing. Probably could put a mark on your new map.  I suspect also that the wagon wheels should be greased, rims checked, harnesses checked, and oiled, collars burr checked, and new shoes on the horses if needed. also check the Hames out well.  These must always be in tip top shape should you need to hastly remove youeself should we deem it prudent.  If you pull into the Blacksmith Shop afore mentioned he will immedeatly take care of these without question.  You only need to show up.  Your servant,  Hezzy  Glad that you, and Josh are bonding!!!

T.E. Story #63

As Josh and I drove slowly South we took the main road closest to the coast.  This gave me a chance to review the previous events in my mind and the instructions given to those of this mission who are scouting for us and riding the off-roads for more information from Oxen Run, through Oxen Hill out to a distance of five miles, and down to Broad Creek.  Then my assurance to Hezzie that our target in two more days was the ferry across the Potomac.  Now all that I have to do is get to each of them a map of the peninsula from Swan Creek to the ferry.  Beyond the ferry, of course, is the real South down to Fredericksburg and North as far as Alexandria.  We will follow what is mentioned on the various maps as "Telegraph Road," from Fredericksburg to Alexandria. Within a mile or so from Broad Creek is a right-handed turnoff.  The road is definitely secondary and at the turn it is dirt and turf, a double line of tracks leading off to the West, overgrown with brush in spots.  There is a signpost there which lists the Eytes and Edelen farms and one other which has been obliterated.  "JJ" should see what is there and investigate to see if the road goes farther down the riverbank.  The fields to the right and left of the road have cattle grazing and on both sides of the road are split rail fences.  The next road to the right is to the E. A. Kiren farm, the building whose top is just visible from the road.  Probably the barn from its height and bulk..  To the right, the cattle grazing fields continue, as does the split rail fence.  However to the left the rail fence turns sharply East and the land along the road is second growth leafed timber.  We travel another two miles and come to another right handed turn-off with a brightly painted sign "T. Thorn."  I instruct Josh to pull into the drive and follow it at a slow walk.  Within a half mile it becomes obvious that this is a large farm / ranch for cattle.  There are two barns and several out-buildings and the main house is shaded by several trees and sits back from the drive about 100 yards.  The drive on both sides is lined with a rubble stone wall.  In the driveway to the house is a man with a scythe.  He looks to be engaged in trimming the high grass and weeds along the interior and exterior of the stone wall.  He waves at us and steps into the driveway, and Josh brings the rig to a stop.  The man asks if he can help us in any way and I rely, "We just took the wrong turn I guess, sorry for any inconvenience we have caused." "Think nothing of it, " the older man said," We like to see new people every now and again."  He stepped back and looked at the sign on the wagon.  "That's a nice sign you've got there.  Are you in the market for a little business?" "We are always looking for a little business, " I replied, " but we have promised some earlier people that we would be in Swan Creek within an hour or so, and they will be waiting.  I understand that is not too far from here." "Nah, just a hop and a skip down the road from the end of this drive, and you come to Tinker's Creek.  Then within a mile or so is Piscatawney Creek and then you are in the village of Piscatawney. just off the bridge.  I would imagine that you will get more business there than at Swan Creek."  The old man leaned on his scythe and spit a stream of tobacco juice in the ditch. "I can't disagree with that," I said.  "Maybe we will take you up on the tip.  I am still learning the territory around these parts, we began this business along the western bank of the Potomac." "Yeah" responded the old man, "Things is a tad different over here, and that's a fact that even a Yankee can't dispute. "  He laughed at his own joke.  "Iffen I can pry the lady of the house away from her knitten,' and the old horse ain't too cranky, maybe we'll see you in Swan Creek," the man grinned widely again. "Or in Piscatawney," I said, and motioned for Josh to move ahead.  I waved goodbye and the old man raised his hand as well.  We got to the end of the driveway, and back onto the main road.  The fields on both sides of the road now gave way to second growth timber with a mixture of pines among the leafed trees.  The road descended at a steady rate of about 1 to 2 degrees to a bottom land which was swampy and brushy with the smell of swamp cabbage in the still air.  Then we reached a ford with a very small creek, however the piles of dead brush along the sides of the creek gave witness that in rainy weather this creek could be a real problem to get across.  The road had degraded from macadam surface to a dirt road, and there were several wheel tracks where other wagons had gotten into the creek.  Josh drove through the water and out onto the other side which was gravel.  The creek was about ten yards wide at this point, with a gravel / mud bottom, and a current of about 2-3 mph.  I would have to rate this ford at a !. (infantry) or a 2. (Cavalry).  Obviously this was Swan Creek!  No wonder the man had grinned at my mention of it as a meeting place.  I left a note pinned to the tree in clear view of the road that the Sign Painter will go on to Piscatawney with the date and time The road ascended the hill out of the swamp, and the forest replaced the swamp growth as the wagon climbed out of the small valley. The rate of ascension was approx. 2 to 3 degrees, as we crested the hill through the trees we could see another larger creek below us and the road began to descend again.  The road here was steeper than before, near the 4 degree mark and I would recommend extra teams for artillery and freight wagons at this spot.  Within another mile we got to what was marked on a well-worn sign as Tinker's Creek.  There was a bridge here, but it was clear that it was built only for local traffic.  I would rate the bridge as  a 2. (cavalry) at most, as the bridge was constructed of local small logs and spiked together roughly.  The log joints were poorly cut reducing the bridges strength and there was no ground support for the stringers.  Also the stringers were fastened in the middle of the bridge with no side supports.  The builder's apparently were not well-experienced and I was glad to get across the bridge without a problem.  I would strongly recommend that this bridge be rebuilt. The creek had approx. the same width and speed as the former creek that we had crossed. Just prior to the bridge, had been two turnoff roads to the left which "JJ" should ride.  The first road also led right to the West and is marked on my map as going out to Fort Washington and a steamer landing there.  My map shows a mill on Tinker's Creek about four miles North of the bridge.  The lush lowland forest continues on both sides of the road all the way to the Piscatawney Creek Bridge.  Just before the bridge is a road leading off to the left toward the Northeast with a fairly new sign indicating that there is a blacksmith shop on this road.  This is something for "JJ" to ferret out.  I should like to know the type of mill, the extent of the blacksmith shop and the size of the landing at Fort Washington.  As we cross the bridge we can see the village of Piscatawney laid out before us.  Piscatawney Creek is about 30 yards wide here, and the color of the water is a deep green, indicating deep water under the bridge.  The water appears to be effected by ocean tides with a maximum tidal rise of some two feet. The bridge is well constructed out of large timbers with a number of supports in the creek supporting the bridge center.  The stringer beams are heavy timbers well well fastened and well matched.  I would give this bridge a 4. (freight wagons).