Letters During the War
Chapter 21
(Author's note: As the War is winding down I'm looking for a time frame in which the reunion could happen. We know, pretty much what happens with Cody and Jimmy-that's historical record. The others I can use my imagination for. Ideas anyone? Guest Beth-I will be writing the reunion, but I doubt I will go much beyond that. I will probably focus on some other fan fics and other things I am writing. Thank you.)
Early April 1864
Wyoming Territory.
(from Maggie)
Buck brought little Ike over to the Indian camp so I could have some time to get some writing and things done. And they could have some time with our son. Ike is amazing, but it is nice to have some time to myself. It is amazing how quickly a little one takes up your time.
We have all come through the winter well. No major illness or accidents. The horses have done well too, so we should have a good herd to head east this spring. Right now it looks like Buck, Ike, and I will all go east with the horses. I really do need to spend some time in Rock Creek with my family there. We've become so used to our lifestyle here that going back to a life of corsets and equally binding social values will not be easy. But if we want our children to be able to move back and forth between the cultures, we will need to start early.
Buck did put out another edition of our newspaper. My father has been real good about sending us news about the war and other stuff. It looks like, for now, our paper is only going to come out periodically.
And now some letters that have come in.
March 1864
7th Kansas, somewhere along the western part of the War
Dear Buck, Maggie, and Little Ike,
Congratulations on the addition! I hope he's letting you get some sleep. Someday I hope to have a housefull of my own.
Some news. They actually let me (and most of the rest of the 7th) have furlough. I had a full month off in Memphis, Tennessee. The town is now in Union hands. Getting it back wasn't easy, so there was a fair amount of damage. And now a bit more with the 7th on furlough. But I had fun and managed to stay out of the stockade. Our next center of operations (how do you like that fancy language?) should be around St. Louis. That means I should be spending countless hours back in the saddle again. Sometimes it seems like life with the Express was easier.
Your friend,
William F. Cody
March 1864
Southwest Missouri
Buck, Maggie, and Ike,
First off, congratulations! I am so glad to hear that the baby came alright and that everyone is healthy. I kind of figured that you'd name him Ike if it was a boy. It gives me hope, hearing happy news like this from you and Kid and Lou. Just maybe, this crazy war will end someday and we can find some peace.
My life has taken some interesting turns since the last time I wrote. I think I mentioned in my last letter that there were some issues with my pay. The flat out truth is that the Provost Marshall's office stopped paying us. This upset a whole lot of us, and most of us quit. I'm amazed they didn't arrest the lot of us, but I guess they didn't have the Marshals to do so. I ended up being reassigned to General John Sanborn. He's a good guy, even if he is from Minnesota. He's been fighting this war a lot longer than I have. I'm a scout again, getting $5 a day. Suits me. As long as no one is shooting at me I'll just pretend I'm back working for the Pony Express. Oh wait, we got shot at there too.
Anyway, the War Department has named General Sunburn commander of the District of Southwestern Missouri, so I'm doing a lot of riding in that region. And expect to be doing a lot more.
Give little Ike a hug from his Uncle Jimmy. Stay safe all of you.
Jimmy
March 1864
Central City, Colorado Territory
Dear Family,
Teaspoon is delivering a prisoner, Kid is dealing with law stuff, and Louise is busy taking care of the children and everything else, so I said that I would write this letter.
First off, Congratulations! I wish we could be there to see the newest member of our Pony Express family. Hopefully soon. I'm real glad to hear that all of you are healthy. With all the people crowding into Center City, I'm amazed there hasn't been more sickness than there has. The older two kids came down with something, but it was mild, and Lou and the baby didn't get it.
It's almost spring and we are looking forward to the nicer weather. Mining towns aren't pretty, but one you get a bit away, the mountains here are real nice. I'm ready for the snow to be gone though. It will be fun to see Little Sam trying to walk.
Teaspoon has promised me that one of these days he's going to find an excuse to travel up your way and he'll take me with him. I'm holding him to that promise.
Much love to all of you,
Rachel