CHAPTER THREE
1870 July 8th…
Their courtship lasted a few months. Edith and John hit it off right away, perhaps too much. She was attracted to him like a moth to a flame. They wanted to have more children, a plan both she and John agreed upon. Edith was just like Jessica: she was loyal, obedient, and caring. William approved of the marriage, as did John's parents. They didn't wish to have an extravagant wedding, but since it was Edith's first; the wedding turned out to be quite large. They set the date of their wedding to be July 8th, 1870. At this same time, John was considering enlisting in the army. He wanted to fight in the "Fighting 501st," A military unit that was revered by many. Many at work applauded him for wanting to join the army. He knew war was coming, and the newspapers showed it every day. He wanted to be strong for Edith.
The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch. Edith was dressed in an extravagant gown, and John wore a tuxedo; in fact it was the same tuxedo he wore to his previous wedding. Ruth was the only member of the family to not attend the wedding, as she was only six months old at the time. After the reception, John talked to Edith about enlisting in the army. She wasn't opposed to it like he feared. She commended him for doing so.
"You'd make a good soldier John. At least you'll be fighting for the girl you left behind." She said as she kissed him. That same night, they made love. It was unknown to them at the time, but Edith became pregnant on this night. The following day, he walked to the recruiting office on Eastern Avenue. He walked inside and sat down.
"So, you'd like to join the army? What unit do you plan on joining?" The recruiter asked.
"I'd like to join the Fighting 501st, I'd like to fight alongside the young general named Creedon. I understand that they're there in America now, fighting the dreaded new confederacy." John said. The recruiter looked at him.
"You're lucky you're volunteering. They're going to start drafting in the next few months. How well can you handle a rifle? I see your last name is DeWitt. Are you by chance the son of the famous John DeWitt?" The recruiter asked. John spoke:
"Yes, he's my father." John said.
John took the exam, and passed with flying colors.
"You will leave for training in three days. Make sure you let your employer know of your decision." The recruiter said.
John left the office and headed home. He had to tell Edith that he was officially in the army now. He walked in through the front door, and saw Edith sitting in the parlor.
"It's official. I'm in the army now Edith. I leave for training in three days. It looks like our boys need all the help they can get. They're going to institute a draft." John said.
"You mean conscription? They do that back home in England. My brother is currently serving in the queen's army. Maybe you'll meet on the battlefield, if England decides to join the war." Edith said.
That night as John went to bed, his thoughts were fluttering. He couldn't turn back now, now that he had made a commitment to his country. He wondered about how great he'd be if he truly did shine for his republic. Tomorrow he'd go to work and tell them of his decision, they would support him. At least he hoped they'd support his decision. He wanted to tell his father, and he would on the last day. He drifted off to sleep.
The next day dawned foggy as he made his way to the launch that would take him over to Shiverick Shipyard. Once aboard the launch, he sat on one of the chairs contemplating on how he should tell his boss. As the launch docked at the shipyard, he quickly got off. He made his way to his office. The office was of modest size, with pictures upon the wall. Pictures of Jessica, and more importantly his daughter.
"How are things going DeWitt? Congratulations on your marriage. I'm so sorry about Jessica." Allen Shiverick, the CEO of the company said.
"I'd like to talk to you about an important decision I made."
"What is it DeWitt?" He asked.
"I've joined the army, what with things going badly in America, and the institution of a draft in the coming months. I figured I'd volunteer instead of being conscripted." John said. Allen's eyes grew large.
"You made a good decision. Have you told your wife?" Allen said.
"Yes. She knows. I'm going to Dartmouth tomorrow to alert my father. I leave the day after tomorrow for training."
"You've been such a good employee. We need more people like you DeWitt. This company runs on good people like yourself. You can keep your job." Allen said. John's mind was put at ease. That was easy, almost too easy. He went home after his last day at work and relaxed. Edith was holding Ruth.
"What did you tell them?" She asked.
"I told them I joined the army. Allen was pleased. He said it was the right thing to do." John replied. Ruth cooed and Edith repositioned her.
"Are you going to tell your father about joining the army?" Edith asked.
"Tomorrow, then I leave for Camp Bateman for training." Replied John.
Dinner that night was quiet, save for small talk. The marriage was going along very well so far. Ruth truly was the high point of their marriage. They wanted more children. Little did John know, his wish would be granted. They went to bed like usual, but John got up early. He left for Dartmouth around 9 A.M. the next morning. He arrived in Dartmouth twenty minutes later. He made his way to his parents home on Allen Street. He knocked on the door and was greeted by his youngest sister.
"Good morning John. How are you?" Caroline asked. John said that he was doing fine and that he wanted to talk to their father. He walked inside. He saw John Senior sitting in his chair.
"John! What brings you here?" John Senior asked.
"I'd like to talk to you about something." John said.
"Are you two already having trouble?" Asked his father.
"No. I've joined the army. I leave tomorrow for Camp Bateman." Said John.
"Good for you! I knew you'd like the service. I sure did. I even formed a regiment. Do you know what unit you'll be fighting in?" His father asked.
"I'll be in the 501st. I'll be alongside General Creedon." John replied.
"Creedon is somebody to watch. He's only nineteen, but he sure has a handle on things it looks like." said John Senior.
For the rest of the day, John remained at his father's house. He decided that he wanted to do something with them, so they went into New Bedford to celebrate. Everyone was proud of him and his achievement. They ate lunch in downtown New Bedford. John Senior raised a toast to his eldest son.
"To New England!" He called out.