Letters During the War
Chapter 7
(authors note: I have more viewers for this than for the parent story, "Printers Daughter." I'm not sure how I feel about that. But I am glad there are folks wanting to hear my perspective on how the story should have ended. If anyone is curious about people, places, or events I write about, look them up! I'm trying to stay reasonably accurate about the world these lovely characters live in. This is a short chapter, but I promise the next one will be longer.)
Early spring 1862
Upper Minnesota River
Dear Buck,
Such exciting and happy news! The rest of it sounds good too. Dreams are coming true! Spring is finally starting to arrive here. Hopefully no more snow. We're trying to teach basic farming, but it's slow going. The folks that did get a crop in last year reported very poor luck. The Dakota here may have to rely on raising cattle. There is still much hunger and the Indian Agent promises help from the U.S. government.
But, on to happier news. I got a letter from my mother recently. It seems my sister actually had the nerve to approach her mother-in-law about having to work for father. And even asked to come live with the Mayor's family! That venerable woman gave my sister a real dressing down, calling her foolish and childish among other things. She even stated that she would threaten my sister's social status if she didn't start growing up and acting her place. Part of me wishes I could have been there. Mother says that it was a much needed slap in the face for Lizzie. She may finally grow up.
Lizzie's husband and his unit have finished their basic training. He wrote a humorous article on his experiences for Father. If he can continue to write that well, father plans to publish more. Nathan's unit is headed east to engage in real fighting. Scary times. A lot of people are spending more time in prayer.
My school is going well. I do love my students. The other teachers now know that I am using sign, but they are seeing the positive effects of it, so no reports are going out to headquarters. The other elementary teacher is having me teach her. Communication is so key to explaining white concepts to children raised on the plains.
Please keep me informed as to how things are going. Don't get too fond of that woman's buffalo stew. I make a good buffalo stew myself!
I miss you.
love, Maggie
April 15, 1862
Rock Creek, Nebraska
Dear Maggie,
Everything is fine here. I wanted to send you a quick note about the War.
Do not read the dispatches about the Battle of Shiloh. Don't even read newspaper articles if you can void it. Shiloh was a blood bath. Here are the bare facts:
The Union forces, under Grant and Buell (estimated 63,000 troops) faced Confederate leaders Johnston and Beauregard (a little over 40,000 troops) in southwest Tennessee. It was the bloodiest two days of fighting in our country's history. Both sides had over 10,000 men killed, wounded, captured, or missing. The missing are probably dead.
Nathan's unit was nowhere near the fighting, thank God! But it is still a very sad day for our country.
love from,
your Father
late April
Wyoming Territory
Dear Maggie,
I miss you. Every time I walk or ride around the ranch I find things I want to show you, or to talk to you about. I keep telling myself, soon. The pregnant mares have all safely given birth to good foals. We've been breaking the new horses. The army wants them by summer. I don't have a lot this year, but it will be a good start. I may go talk to the Nez Pierce and see if they want to sell me a few.
The supplies I ordered in February just arrived. The Homestead Act requires I put up at least one building, so we're getting ready to start. I'm torn between a house for us and a barn. I can almost hear you telling me to build the barn-the horses need shelter for the worst of the winter, and so does the feed and stuff. So I guess I'll probably build the barn first. The local Natives are fascinated by the building plans. Building with lumber and nails is new to them and they are excited to be part of the process. I guess we'll have a barn raising after all. I wish you could be there.
Your father keeps me up to date on the War news. The Battle of Shiloh was horrible. As far as I know, no one we know was there. The land itself must be weeping for these battles of brother verses brother. I did hear from both Jimmie and Cody recently. Jimmie is still serving as a wagon master, but it sounds like he's drinking. I hope he stays alright. Cody is bored stiff, except when people are shooting at him. Although he complained about it, I think he was happy to be involved in those battles in New Mexico Territory. Knowing him, he's probably writing down his "great exploits." No word from Teaspoon or Rachel, but due to the War, I'm not surprised.
You be careful. With much of the army busy fighting each other, local natives are taking advantage of a little more freedom. In your case, hungry Indians often means angry Indians. Keep your ears open and get out of there if you need to.
much love,
Buck.
