Letters During the War
Chapter 25
(Author's note: I've taken a few liberties with history in this chapter, but overall I'm trying to stay as accurate as I can with the time frame. Enjoy!)
June 1865
Jacksons Hole, Wyoming Territory
(Buck)
Our little county fair just ended. Maggie, Ike, and I head south to the capital tomorrow. We brought several of the ranch hands and their families with us. The women folk and some of the men will return to the ranch, but some of the men are going south with us. Since we're not going to be selling horses to the Army any more, I thought we should bring some down south with us. To show off what we have to offer.
The fair was fun, as usual. Because we're so far from towns of any size, folks are a lot more flexible about who shows up. There isn't the prejudice against Indians that I'd find elsewhere. I think most folks see me as "white," which Maggie and I find funny. Because of how Maggie was raised, sometimes she's more "indian" than I am.
As expected, the main topics were the War, President Lincoln's death, and concerns about what will happen next. It's too soon to know details on what is being called the Reconstruction of the South, but everyone has an opinion. I did have a newspaper ready, including reports on the end of the War. I even quoted Cody. I'll have to send him a copy-glory hound that he is.
June 1865
Laramie, Wyoming Territory
(Maggie)
Laramie is not a huge town, but it's a whole lot more civilization than what we've been used to. All of our family have reservations in the same hotel. In fact, my parents were already there, which was helpful when we tried to register. At first they didn't want to let us in. But my father showed up and that problem went away. The hotel really didn't want the bad newspaper publicity.
My mother, of course, was excited to see little Ike. She really didn't want to let him go. Mother and Ike were the key to my being excepted by the leading women of Laramie. Especially after I went shopping for newer and more fashionable clothes. I will wear this stuff for now, but I am longing to return home to my buckskins!
We had talked it over, and Buck and I had decided that it was important for us to be seen as "white" and to have some connection with the political power structure of our soon to be state. It keeps us, our children, and our friends safe. Or at least safer. It was interesting to note that society women in Laramie weren't all that different from the women in other towns I've been in.
Once Buck's father arrived, the men were busy talking to civic leaders. Our horses were admired and we actually sold the ones we had brought south to sell. There was no way Buck was going to sell his personal mount! Buck's little newspaper was favorably received.
A week later, and we are ready to head a little further south. The trip to Laramie was a very good idea. Buck now has a reputation as a horse breeder and a newspaper man and a civic leader.
July 1865
Central City, Colorado
(Buck)
What a crazy, busy, dirty place this boom town is! There are thousands of people here, all jammed into this small, mountainous area. The mines are underground now, so many of the citizens can't even be seen. Amazing!
But the best sight I saw was that of my old friends! Teaspoon is still as ageless as ever. Rachel is still lovely. Sam and Emma look older to me, but still the same steady, caring people. Kid looks good as a deputy sheriff. Lou looks great. Motherhood agrees with her. I think I'm still getting used to her in dresses, but the same tough pony express rider is still there. She's working at the Livery Stable, since they won't hire her as a deputy.
Everyone wanted to see little Ike. We wanted to see little Sam. It was generally agreed that both boys looked like they would grow up to be a credit to their families. Teaspoon tried to take the credit for that, but both Emma and Rachel hit him with their fans (it was a warm summer day, even at that elevation). This was, I think, a bit of a taste of what our reunion will be like someday.
We did talk about those who were absent. Teaspoon's worried that Jimmie's doing too much drinking. I suspect he's probably right. We all laughed at Cody being in love, again. Kid told me privately that Jesse James is not someone that Teaspoon wants to talk about right now. He had spent such a lot of time on that kid, only to have him go so bad. Jesse is wanted now for various robberies. It's a shame.
While we were there we picked up supplies that we can't normally get. Of course, Ike now has new toys, clothes and such. It was fun watching Ike and little Sam sort of play together. I hope the two of them get to spend time together more often as they grow up.
Time to go back home now. We have a fair amount of traveling to do and I want some time home before winter comes again. I'm tired of living like a white man. I want to ride into my hills and nourish the Indian part of me.
August 1865
Springfield, MO
Dear Buck and Maggie,
I finally found out where my sister and her family are. Once I deal with a bit of trouble here, I plan to head over to Hays, Kansas to see them. I'm really looking forward to seeing them.
As usual, don't believe everything you read in the newspapers about me. You know me. Situations get complicated and newspaper writers (sorry Buck) tend to only tell what will sell the papers. I'm fine and everything should work out.
Your friend,
Jimmie
late August 1865
Cross-McSwain Ranch
(Buck)
Maggie just told me that she thinks she's going to have another child. I'm not sure I can get this smile off my face. I want a girl this time. But we'll be happy with whatever or whoever this child is.