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Subject: {ASSM} [RP] The Colonel [MF, Hist, Slow] By Katzmarek
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<1st attachment, "The Colonel.doc" begin>

Author's Note
This work cannot be leased, resold, ripped off, creased or folded
without the author's express permission.
Furthermore it is entirely a work of fiction although I have used
some historical characters to add an air of authenticity.


The Colonel's Diary (MF, Hist, Slow)By Katzmarek 

It had been some time since I recovered the old trunk from the
attic of my mother's house. It was not long after the funeral
when my brothers and I cleaned out the rest of her effects. We
divided them somewhat evenly between us. My brother, who lived
nearby, assumed the role of executor and put the house up for
sale.
I stored most of the stuff from the attic in my garage and
there it languished for about 6 months. Blame it on the new truck
I bought last fall, but I realized I needed more room to get the
thing in the garage. I resolved to sort through it with a view to
taking it to the dump. That's when I discovered the old trunk.
It looked very old, about the size of a large suitcase, leather
bound with some barely discerned intricate scrollwork. That's
what caught my eye at first. I thought that if I cleaned it up a
bit it might be worth something at the antique sale. 
It was quite heavy and there might be some more goodies inside
so I rang the local locksmith to help me to get it open. The old
brass lock was frozen solid of course. It took him all afternoon
to gently pry the thing open, he was careful not to damage the
lock.
Inside was a pile of old yellowing papers, much of which was
difficult to read. They looked to be old legal documents. On top
of them was an old dusty, wide brimmed hat of indeterminate
color. One side of the brim was pinned up to the crown with a
brass pin. There looked to be the remains of a feather attached
to the pin. Beside the hat was an old revolver with a long
barrel.'Wow,' I thought, 'this should be worth something after
it's cleaned up'.
I knew little about firearms but this looked to be very old.
The metal had blackened but the makers mark was still quite
clear, carved underneath the breech in relief. It read,'Patent
1856. 109763. Samuel Colt Firearm Company. Springfield Ill.'On
the reverse side was,'Property of the US Government.''A Colt
revolver from 1856. Real wild west stuff,' I thought.



Further into the trunk I found an old sepia photograph. Three
figures stiffly posed in front of their horses. On the left was a
man dressed in a slouch hat and uniform with various belts slung
across his chest. Over his shoulder he carried a long rifle. On
the right a black man stood, wearing a wide hat and long coat. In
the middle was a smiling man with a long black beard. On his head
was a wide brim hat with the side pinned up. From there hung a
long black plume. He wore a short officer's coat, festooned with
braiding, high boots and hanging at the hip, a saber.
'This man must be my ancestor', I concluded. On the back of the
photo were three names, Lt. Elijah Briggs, Col. Thomas
MacFarlane, Samuel.



Digging deeper I came across an important looking document rolled
into a scroll. The yellowed page read,



TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
I General Nathaniel Bedford Forrest, OF THE, Independent Command
of the Armed Forces of Tennessee, (Forrest Rangers) IN THE LATE
WAR BETWEEN THE STATES, DO ACKNOWLEDGE AND COMMEND, Thomas Hugh
MacFarlane, Colonel, OF THE, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry Regiment. AS A
TRUE SON AND PATRIOT OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE AND THE
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA. Signed in Nashville Tennessee in
the year of our lord 12th of December 1865.



Underneath this was an old leather bound book, dusty and cracked
with age. Dampness had bound the first dozen pages tightly
together so I carefully opened it to the first legible page. 



On it was a careful copperplate script, beautifully floral in its
execution. Successive entries appeared under dates suggesting it
was a diary of some sort. I went inside into the lounge to begin
reading. It was a funny feeling reading the words written by my
ancestor nearly 140 years ago, it almost felt like eavesdropping,
but I was compelled to read on, fascinated.



The top of the first page had faded. The first legible words
were:



Lt. Dickinson departed soon after carrying important dispatches
and the rest of the mail. It is a clear night with a full moon
gleaming off the surface of the Mississippi. The horse's hooves
are still wrapped in corduroy and cloth muffles the bridles and
tackle. Occasionally we see steamers on the river, belching
sparks.



(Illegible}


Yankees spotted west of K---. Moved North following the trail
through the swamps marked by Clr. Sgt. Wainwright, a native of
the area. 


(Illegible)


I thought of Miss Emily and wondered if she is watching the same
piece of night-sky. It seems years since I beheld her last and
fortune willing I may be protected from harm and returned to her
next fall.


(Illegible)7th January 1863 10 miles south of Paducah on the
junction of the Ohio and the Tennessee rivers.
A large federal force garrisons Paducah so we make a plan to
find a crossing of the Ohio further east. It's fairly obvious to
all that we are going into Illinois so I called the officers to a
meeting. There I announce our destination and tell them our
orders are to disrupt communications, annoy their commerce and
raid the large federal depots known to dot the landscape in those
parts. The boys were quite heartened by the news and are
especially looking forward to some good Yankee beef. We have not
had decent rations for three weeks.
10th January 1863. Somewhere up L... creek.
Sent Lt. Johnson and Clr. Sgt. Wainwright to find a suitable
crossing while we found camp up L... creek. It is a most
inhospitable place, thickly wooded, damp and freezing cold. We
led our horses by their bridles as the nature of the foliage
precluded us from mounting up. It took us much of the day to
arrive at a little clearing where we could form a camp. I ordered
lieutenants Harding and Samuels to post pickets out for a mile or
more and stationed some men up trees so they can communicate to
us any sightings of the Yankees.I trust we will not have to
inhabit this god-forsaken patch of the earth for too long.
We are having some difficulty keeping the weapons in good
condition because of the damp. We bundled the Springfield's in
oilcloth to protect them and our men used their groundsheets to
cover the ammunition.I was far too cold and wet to sleep and
spent a miserable night.
12th January 1863. The same.
We have had no word from our scouts. God speed them to us or
else we shall have to strike north without them.
14th January 1863. The same.
Good news, of sorts. The scouts have returned but the news is
not good. The Ohio is at the winter high water mark and all the
crossing places are well guarded on both banks. I have resolved
to move out anyway and give orders to do so. I have a mind to
swim the horses if we can find a wide place where the current is
not so swift
.18th January 1863 Illinois. 
Crossed the Ohio just west of H.... It took two days of labor to
get the horses and men across. We eventually rigged a rope across
on which we passed the carbines and ammunition. Unfortunately we
lost Troopers Gordon and Price who were carried away with the
current. I lament these losses, especially Price whom I knew all
my life. He lived not far from Pine Estate towards Chattanooga.
Sterling fellow, he will be missed greatly in the days ahead. God
will welcome these men into his care.
20th January 1863 Illinois
I intend to burn the railway trestle near Harrisburg then move
on to the ordinance depot nearby. I order scouts to reconnoiter
the area and determine the enemy position and his state of
readiness. The men are much buoyed by the prospect of action and
spend all day cleaning and oiling their equipment to a peak of
workability. 
Evening.
A sharp day's work. The trestle was guarded by a detachment of
infantry and we fell on these with complete surprise. B Company
3rd Ten had the pleasure of leading the onset and soon put the
Yankees to flight. I had them take position 500 yards down the
Harrisburg road to forestall any interference from that direction
while I put C Company and our little group of Engineers to work
on the trestle. We found some pitch in a nearby workman's hut and
we put this to good use. We soon had an impressive
conflagration.A rattle of musketry signaled some foray from down
the road but by the time we had reinforced the Company stationed
there, the Yankees had retreated to some nearby hillocks. I
ordered the Arkansas Roughriders to flank these people while B
Company 3rd Ten occupied them from the front. We soon had them on
the run thus enabling our approach to Harrisburg. The hour was
passed, however, that we could launch an activity towards the
depot so we decided to await the next day.
21 January 1863 Harrisburg Illinois.
I had a conference with my commanders this morning and decided
that Harrisburg was now out of the question, given the probable
hew and cry. I concluded that H... would now be fully on alert
and we were too few in numbers to launch a successful raid in
that direction. Therefore I resolved to skirt the town, leaving
the railroad, and head north where we thought there would be
softer pickings. Accordingly we broke camp this morning and
proceeded on the line of a little stream called the Y.... I sent
100 troopers on a brief feint towards H... in the hope the
Yankees would still expect an attack on them.22nd January 1863
Southern Illinois
We have arrived at a woodcutter's camp some thirty miles north
of H... The woodsmen are most friendly towards us and there is
much discourse. They tell us that a large contingent of infantry
passed them the day before heading roughly south on the F...
road. The federal force informed them that a large 'rebel' army
was on the rampage and was probably heading into Kentucky to
challenge the Union there. We thanked them for the information
and hospitality and proceeded as if we were going to pursue it.
After a mile or so we turned north again and struck for the
Louisville-St Louis branch of the Central Illinois RR.
23rd January 1863 Same.
There occurred today an example of that superfluity of
impetuosity that so characterizes the Southern cause. Johnson,
sent on a scouting mission to determine whether any troops were
quartered in the small settlement of W... leaves his mount and
equipment outside of town and walks right through the place,
posing as an itinerate woodsman. He then circles back through the
woods to his horse and returns to confirm that W... is empty of
soldiers. We then decide to add to the Yankee's uneasiness with
an elaborate piece of theater. I gather my entire command in two
columns and, flags and pennants flying we trot right into the
settlement as if on a grand parade. The impact of a thousand
horsemen entering this small town of some two dozen dwellings in
full regalia caused much panic among the population. Outside the
staging post flew the ensign of our enemies that we promptly
changed for our own Stars and Bars. I then entrusted an elderly
gent with the preservation of our flag in order to advise our
comrades following that this place had already been incorporated
into our territory. In the belief that a large Southern host had
descended on them of which we were but an advance guard, we left
W..., the only Confederate town in Illinois.
24th January 1863 12 miles south of Mt Vernon Ill.
Two copperheads by the name of Franks and Wilkes approached our
camp on a small tributary of the Wabash River. They informed us
that Rosecrans is moving north into Indiana with 50,000 US
soldiers in the apparent belief General Johnson's entire army was
outflanking him. Much as I would like to give credence to such
information it seemed unlikely even General Rosecrans could be
thus fooled. We left these men with the belief that we were part
of a much larger host, however. Hopefully they will spread this
fiction clear up to Springfield.
We are all tired of the constant marching and we desperately
need some pause to attend to our horses and equipment. The woods
are thin in this part of the State and our positions are not
secure. Some light snow has been falling for the last few days,
however shelter does not seem immediately forthcoming.
25th January 1863. The same place.
At the officers conference this morning we decide to 'take'
another town. Clr Sgt. Wainwright has discovered a town of about
200 dwellings about 10 miles away. It appears to have good
defensive positions as it lies on rising ground beside the O...
river. I send B Company 3rd Ten with the engineers to cut the
telegraph north and south and to reconnoiter the general area. A
Company of 12 or so local Militia defends the town. It also
contains a town hall with a federal army recruitment office.
With whoops and hollers our troops take the town, surrounding it
to ensure there are no messengers sent out. We have our shelter
at last, but for how long? I know not.
I posted A Company 4th Ark as pickets. They were none too
pleased as the believed the rest of the command would sort out
the best billets for themselves leaving them with woodsheds and
barns. I detailed Capt. Hanson to ensure sufficient accommodation
was reserved for them. My aide, Lt. Briggs and servant Samuel
found some reasonable rooms for me at a private house on the edge
of town. The town hall we immediately requisitioned as our
headquarters and ran up the Southern Cross flag. The Federal
recruiters provided us with quantities of stationery and a few
Sharpes Rifles. The recent inhabitant was the town mayor recently
elevated to a full Sergeant in Union service. He exchanged his
post for the small jail at the back of the Sheriff's office.
I then gave a speech to the assembled townsfolk, apologizing for
the inconvenience and ensuring them that the Southern Armies now
descending on this area would safeguard their lives and property.
I imagine long after we've departed, the townspeople will be
watching daily for the columns of marching southerners we told
them would be arriving in our wake.
I retired to my rooms for some much needed rest, content that
it would be a few days before there was any response to our
activities from the Federal Army. I am quartered at the house of
a young widow whose husband had fallen at Bull Run. I expressed
my regret for her loss and wished a speedy end to this emergency
so all loved ones could return to their kith and kin.I
wondered whether Miss Emily would receive similarly bad news one
day and hoped that, in such case, she did not give herself over
to melancholy.	  
I reminded the men of the standing orders of our army to respect
lives and property and threatened the severest penalties for any
transgressions.
26th January 1863 Mount Frere Ill.
I spent a peaceful night at last. A soldier learns to ignore
one's fears and discomforts for the blessed relief of a night's
sleep. Outside there is much activity as the troopers attend to
their tasks. Most are taking advantage of the pause to repair
clothing and equipment and attend to the horses needs. There is
much to do mending bridles and saddles, leatherwork and uniforms
much abused over the last month. The town is well stocked with
victuals and we purchase as much as we can with good Confederate
currency. Lt. Briggs has obtained some good maps of the area from
the surveyors records kept at the town hall. It confirms our
belief that we are some 50 miles from the nearest Union garrison
at Mt Vernon. The local forces hereabout seem given over to
dispersing themselves around the country in small companies,
guarding various strategic points. They would have been better
served, I feel, concentrating themselves into an effective
host.
A party of copperheads rode in about mid-morning with copies of
the Mt Vernon Messenger a day or two old. These people seem to
have better intelligence of our whereabouts than the Union Army.
They want to join our enterprise so I offer them to Lt. Watson's
command. A copy of the front page reads,


' ILLINOIS INVADED''GENERAL FORREST OCCUPIES HARRISBURG
COUNTY''BRIDGES BURNT FEDERAL STOCKS CAPTURED BY THE
REBELS''FEDERAL TROOPS RUN LIKE RABBITS'
100,000 soldiers under General N B Forrest have invaded southern
Illinois, burning bridges and capturing large stocks of Federal
Ordinance. Sources from the front report that the population is
in panic. Our outnumbered troops have been unable to stop their
progress. Governor Fulton has assumed direct command of the
State's forces and has appealed to President Lincoln to send a
Federal Army to Illinois' relief.
'ARMY OF VIRGINIA ON THE MOVE AGAIN''GENERAL LEE THREATENS
WASHINGTON''GENERAL JACKSON MOVING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE
SHENANDOAH''GENERAL JOHNSTONE SET TO INVADE NORTH THROUGH
KENTUCKY''LARGE INVASION OF THE NORTH ON ALL FRONTS FEARED'
Washington is in disarray, as a general invasion of the north
seems imminent. Rebels armies have been reported to be on the
move in all theaters. Rebel forces, also have been reported
gathering in Canada preparatory to an adventure into New
England.



These papers were distributed among the men and caused much
mirth.



27th January 1863 Mount Frere Ill.



I can hardly bring myself to relate these events. I have the
shame to admit that I have betrayed Miss Emily's trust. I can
only hope that she will understand the strains of a long campaign
deep in enemy territory. I hope that she appreciates that I am a
man as well as a gentleman and thus flawed and given over to lust
and other vices.



It was late last night after Briggs and Johnson and myself had
shared a bottle of a not unpalatable whiskey. Feeling a little
given over to drink I found myself in my hostess's boudoir. She
was sitting in her bed reading by lamplight and calm as you
please, pulls back the covers, inviting me to lie beside her. I
should have retreated, surely a gentleman would have, but alas I
accepted her invitation. She is a most comely young lady and her
beauty did inflame my passion.



Not a word passed between us, was any necessary? I disposed of
her night attire, having previously shed my own uniform, and
beheld two perfect white bosoms. I lavished much praise on these
with my tongue and hands and she became quite appreciative. She
has the sweetest mouth, which I acquainted myself with as her
rigid teats brushed my chest. My member was most urgently seeking
her boiling nest and could not be denied. I spilled quite quickly
in our first coupling but we were most anxious to repeat the
exercise. We found that the manner of horses was a quite
satisfactory method of union and the second time I was able to
bring pleasure to the lady, as well as myself. She has a very
comely set of buttocks, which wobbled in time to my thrusting. I
found she particularly enjoyed the use of my fingers upon her
mound of Venus and she gasped and hollered herself to a
passionate conclusion.



Evening.



Some more Copperhead friends found us this evening and informed
us that Union troops were arriving by train not more than half a
day's march away. I gave the order that we are to move out in one
hour. I plan to ride east for the Wabash then north in the
direction of Robinson. I then intend to circle west, somewhere to
the north of Mount Vernon. It was not clear from our informants
whether our pursuers were mounted but we must assume they will
keep pace with us.



We have taken our leave of the townsfolk. There have been many
passionate exchanges of regard between our troopers and the
womenfolk of the town. Truly they took the soldiery of the South
into their hearts and it gladdens me that our troopers have
deported themselves so gallantly. I have taken my leave of my
hostess with much regret for I have enjoyed her companionable
hospitality.



28 January 1863. Somewhere along the Wabash river.



We have kept away from the highway as much as possible to
disguise our movement from the Federals. We rode through the
night and half the next day until we arrived at an isolated
homestead. It appears to have been abandoned but the house and
outbuildings are in reasonable repair. It lies in a substantial
clearing in the forest, which affords our defensive purposes
well. C Company 3rd Ten were detailed as pickets and fanned out
into the forest, seeking suitable trees to lodge themselves. I
sent Lt. Johnson and Clr. Sgt. Wainwright to reconnoiter towards
the road. Wainwright returned about midday to report there was an
Artillery Column and baggage train camped not far from our
position. He reports that there was about 500 or so men including
teamsters and Artillerymen accompanying it. I then decide to
assail this host and call the officers together to give the
necessary orders. 



Evening.


Because of the denseness of the forest around their camp I
ordered the men to dismount and carry out the assault on foot. We
were able to steal quite close to them before making the charge.
The Arkansas boys were ordered to circle north of the camp while
the entire 3rd Tennessee charged across the road. The Yankees
were caught taking their victuals and were entirely unprepared. I
would have their commander shot for criminal neglect if I had
responsibility for him. There were no sentries posted and their
arms were stacked in the middle of the camp. Consequently there
was little resistance. Our men collected as many Sharpes Rifles
as they could carry, but alas, we had to spike 10 good Parrott
guns as we had no use for them. We gathered a few of their draft
animals to carry the spoils back to our encampment. We afforded
their dead with a decent Christian burial and lamented the loss
of two of our own. We let the prisoners go on their own
recognizance. I was much disturbed to learn this unit had crossed
from Indiana. Perhaps the tale of Rosecrans moving north is
true.



We took from the Yankees their cabinet and dispatches, all
intact. Their orders read;



From: Lt. Gen. G Thomas 
CO. 5th Brigade Army of the Tennessee
Western Theater of Operations
Armies of the United States of America.



To: Colonel O'Hara
CO. 1/12 Regiment of Field Artillery (Indiana)



Dear Sir,



You are ordered to dispatch 2 Batteries of Field Artillery with
the weekly supply train to the Ordinance Depot at Mount Vernon
Illinois. There you are to reinforce that position in the event
of a Rebel adventure in that direction. I wish to draw your
attention to recent intelligence dispatches, particularly '
Report of Rebel activity north of the Ohio' recently come to you.
You may use your discretion in the sightings of your guns, paying
particular attention to the south position, which is low-lying
and affords opportunities for Cavalry attack. Proceed from
Vincennes with the utmost haste. Your servant sir...G Thomas.




I called a meeting of my officers and resolved to make a play for
Mt Vernon. I can't say I was overly enthusiastic about this
enterprise but I allowed myself to be persuaded by the enthusiasm
of our group. I thus gave the orders to move out and make haste
by the speediest route in that direction.



30th January 1863 East of Mt Vernon Ill.



How should I relate the goings-on of the last 36 hours? The story
seems impossible to retell in any detail. So much has happened
since I last made an entry in this diary. I fear my command has
been destroyed, oh poor fellows everyone. I only hope that a
substantial party of survivors has made it to our meeting point
without further injury, but I have moved too far ahead in my
story.



As previously discussed we advanced on Mt Vernon from the East.
We were but 8 miles away when we came to a little brook. There
was about 200 yards of open ground before us before coming to
some dense brushwood lining the aforementioned stream. About a
third of the column had emerged from cover when the brush before
us erupted in smoke and fire. Nothing leading to this point had
impressed me as to the Union Army's tactical proficiency, but I
must admit these fellows had learnt their craft well. If one is
to be pedantic, I think perhaps they opened fire a little too
soon. They were though, well concealed in the brush.



We quickly dismounted and I ordered the horses to be taken to the
rear. We took cover best we could and began a spirited defensive
fire. We made a fighting retreat back to the safety of the woods
when there began a vigorous popping from somewhere to the rear of
us. More Yankees were evidently in the woods behind us. From my
command position beside a big oak tree I assembled some runners
to carry to such of the officers they could find. I ordered them
to make their way with their commands to our starting point and
to make all efforts to ensure the enemy did not follow them.



With about a dozen Tennessee boys I probed forward to discover a
way through the surrounding enemy. It wasn't long before we
spotted movement in front of us and happened upon a small party
of Yankees. A hand to hand struggle ensued of which I believe we
got the better of it. I clubbed a couple of fellows, including a
great bearded sergeant who took a little while to subdue. Briggs
came to my rescue and pistol-whipped him to submission. The
activity was too confused to relate in detail, but nevertheless
Briggs and myself found ourselves crawling up a sunken creek bed.
There was firing going on all around us but we managed to conceal
ourselves sufficiently to make an escape.



We followed the creek until it was no longer negotiable. Then,
tired and wet, we made our way through the woods in the rough
direction from whence we had come. We were not more than a 100
yards from the road but, due to the density of the foliage, we
were not discovered. We could occasionally hear much shouting and
commotion and the drumming of hoofbeats from that direction. This
led me to the conclusion our boys were putting up a stifffight.



Some twenty minutes later all had quieted so Briggs and I made
for the road in hopes of finding some riderless mounts on which
to continue our journey. The silence now descended was quite
incredible considering the events of the past hour. It wasn't
long before we happened upon three horses peacefully grazing at
the verge of the road. We caught their bridles and found their
previous owners had stocked them well with provisions. I chose
the bay gelding and Briggs the Palomino. In the saddle holster I
found a shining US Colt 44, evidently the owner had not a chance
to use it. I put this in my belt and slung my Springfield carbine
over my shoulder. Briggs did the same with his Sharpes long rifle
he preferred. The saddlebags were well stuffed with victuals and
we blessed our luck for such a find. We took the other horse with
us less we find other of our comrades and because good blooded
stock are worth their weight in gold to a cavalryman.



It was a pitch-black night as we made our way south. We had gone
not 5 miles when we heard the rumble of a great many hooves up
ahead. We lit for the woods just in time as, what seemed like a
whole brigade of Cavalry cantered along. In the still night they
made a marvelous racket. I counted perhaps 3000 horse or more.
Alas our small brigade had stumbled, seemingly, into an entire
army. We allowed these Yankees to pass before we pressed on. We
were fully on the alert for more Federal soldiers.



We made perhaps a dozen more detours to avoid troops as we
continued on our way. It was nearing daybreak and we decided to
find a hole to crawl into in the woods. With some difficulty we
led the horses through the trees until we found a small clearing
beside a stream. The day was clear and winter-warm and we were
able to attend to our wet clothes. Some mending of our kit was
necessary and lacking my servant, I had to bend to the task
myself. We had a hearty meal of bacon, beef and biscuit and thus
replenished our spirits. After our dinner Briggs goes and finds a
tree overlooking the road. He waited there not more then a
quarter of an hour when he spotted a lone rider in the uniform of
a Yankee Lieutenant. Affording an excellent target, Briggs
plucked the fellow out of his saddle with one shot. He turned out
to be a Yankee dispatch rider and carried a velise-full of
documents. One document read;



To; Officer Commanding Mount Vernon Ill.



From; General Headquarters Western Theater of Operations.



Our latest information's now conclude that General Forrest is
still in Tennessee. The conclusion is that there is a detached
brigade of his men at large in your area. This is believed to be
General Mac Farlane's brigade of Tennessee and Arkansas Cavalry.
They appear well equipped with Springfield Carbines and are all
veterans. They could be described as the elite of their cavalry.
However they number perhaps less then 2000 so I believe some
scaling down of operations is necessary. I therefore have advised
II Corps to move north from Harrisburg in the hopes we might
catch them in a pincer movement. Accordingly I desire you to
dispatch your Division south at the earliest convenience and
perhaps we might dispose of these fellows.



Signed. Rosecrans, General.



So, I have been promoted General. Apart from my rank and an
overestimation of our numbers, their intelligence seems
remarkably accurate.



There was not time to ponder on recent events because we had to
attend our immediate needs to avoid capture. Continuing our
journey south, we encountered more of the enemy's cavalry. We
thus decided to choose a more circuitous route, so we found
ourselves in another twist of life's destiny. Encountering a
little sidetrack that appeared to lead towards the river, we
decided to investigate it. The track led us circuitously into a
swamp.  In the dark we quickly lost our way. Fate lent a hand,
however, and Briggs noticed the smell of smoke. 



It was nearly daybreak before we found the source, a little cabin
by a stream. Intending to find directions, Briggs decided on a
bold approach. It was his undoing. He marched up to the door and
loudly rapped upon it,
"Open up, Army," He calls.
"Who is it"? Came a frightened female voice inside.
"Lieutenant Briggs from the army, Madam, we are looking for
rebels."
"Well there's none here," replied the voice.
"We need to have a look, please." Briggs insisted.
"Just a minute," came the voice. I stood to one side, my Colt 44
in hand.



Eventually the door is unbolted and opened. There was a sudden
flash and loud blast from inside and Briggs sailed backward, arms
wide, to lie spread-eagled on the ground. I rushed at the
doorway, knocked the shotgun aside, and slammed the heavy barrel
of my Colt into the face of our assailant. 



One look at Lieutenant Briggs was enough to convince me I could
do nothing for him. His face, in fact most of his head, had
disappeared. Seething with anger I beheld the figure of our
attacker lying moaning on the floor. It was a woman, in her
mid-thirties, perhaps. Under the table were two young girls,
crying and shivering with fear. Were it not for her brood
sheltering there, I'm sure I would have dispatched her to the
other world. It seemed like ages I was standing there, pistol
cocked and pointed at her head. After a while my ears began to
hear sound again, having been deafened by the concussive blast of
the shotgun. The first sound I heard was the bitter weeping of
the children. My hand was stayed, I could not shoot their mother
in front of them.


<1st attachment end>


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