On To Richmond

by Ginny Dye

Rose nodded. “You’re right as usual.” Then her voice grew intense. “I’m worried about Carrie.”

  Sam looked at her closely. “She know who you really are?”

  Rose nodded. “She knows...” Her voice broke at the thought of leaving her best friend.

  Sam was quiet for a moment and then squeezed her hand tightly. “I reckon I still got me a job to do. I look out for Carrie for you, Rose girl. I do my best to make sure no harm comes to her.”

  Rose frowned. “But what about your going free?”

  Sam shrugged. “As long as I got a job to do here, I aim to do it. I wadn’t so sure I was supposed to be movin’ on right now, no hows. This just lets me know for sure.”

  Rose jumped up and slung her arms around his neck, tears pouring down her face. “I love you, Sam,” she whispered fiercely in his ear, clinging to him for several long minutes.

  “I love you too, Rose girl,” he managed between his own quiet sobs.

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

  Swing low

  Sweet chariot

  Coming for to carry me home

  Swing low

  Sweet chariot

  Coming for to carry me home.

  I looked over Jordan

  And what did I see

  Coming for to carry me home

  A band of angels coming after me

  Coming for to carry me home.

  Moses’ voice drifted into the still evening air, carrying with it the prayers of millions of slaves still in bondage. And with those prayers went the hope that was the light enabling them to endure the darkness.

  Rose looked up from where she was kneeling by her mama’s grave. “Is it true, Moses? Are we really leaving tomorrow?” She was still trying to make herself believe it was actually going to happen.

  Moses walked over and knelt beside her. “It’s true,” he said softly. He was silent for a long time. “I’ve dreamed so long about being free,” he finally said. Then his face hardened. “We got a lot to go through before we’re free, though.”

  “Do you really think we can make it?” Rose shook her head at her thoughts and chuckled. “I’m laughing at myself. So don’t you bother.” She looked at the grave and added, “And don’t you laugh, Mama. We’re going to make it through everything just fine. We’re going to go through every hard time and over every obstacle.” Saying the words out loud helped.

  Rose had come to say goodbye. She knew her mama was in heaven with her daddy, but this was the only earthly contact she still had. Suddenly her eyes filled with tears. “I know she’s not here, but when I need to talk to her so badly my heart hurts, I can come out here and pretend. Soon I won’t even have that.”

  “You’ve got something much better than this grave,” Moses said firmly. “You’ve got your mama locked in your heart. No one can ever take that away from you.”

  Rose looked at him with sudden understanding. “That’s how you can stand being away from your mama, isn’t it?”

  Moses nodded, his face softening. “Someday I’m going to find out where she is - her and my sisters, too. They split us up on the auction block, but they’re not going to keep us apart forever. I’ve got all of them locked in my heart. I’ll be back south. When I come back, I’m going to find my family. And then I’m going to give them their freedom as well.”

  Rose stood and walked into her husband’s arms. She had so much to be thankful for. Her mama might be gone, but at least they had known each other and been close. At least they had never been separated by the cruel realities of the slave system. “I aim to find my brother someday, too,” she said, speaking more to herself than to Moses.

  Moses’ arms tightened around her. “I know you are. And I’ll help you.”

  Rose smiled as his strong voice sounded over her head. She could face whatever was coming as long as they were together. She thought she had been fine all alone before Moses had come into her life. She had been content with her teaching and her dreams. Now she felt complete only when Moses was near her. “I heard Mama say one time that she felt complete only when my daddy was with her. I don’t know how she survived all those years without him.”

  “She survived because she had God.”

  “Yes,” said Rose thoughtfully, “but it still had to have been hard. It’s different when you have someone with flesh on right beside you.”

  Moses threw back his head and laughed, the deep sound rolling across the trees and reaching into the night. “I reckon you’re right, Rose girl.” Then he drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

  Somewhere in the depths of his tender kiss, Rose lost all her fears. Love pulsed through her being as she returned the kiss with all her heart. They clung to each other for several long minutes before they pulled away and stared into each other’s face, giving each other the strength and love they would need to overcome what was ahead.

  Finally Rose was ready. She turned, knelt down once more and reached out to touch the cross above her mama’s grave. “Good-bye, Mama. Thank you for everything.” Tears flooded her eyes, but her voice was strong.

  The night sky was twinkling with a sea of stars when they finally turned and walked away.

  Carrie was waiting for Rose and Moses when they reached the barn. The sun was just beginning to transform the inky sky into glowing cobalt. If they were going to make their first connection, it was imperative they get an early start. Unable to sleep, Carrie had been at the barn for over an hour already. Granite and the two horses they were going to ride were already fed, tacked, and ready to go. She was just leading them out when she saw her friends emerge from the darkness of the surrounding trees.

  “You couldn’t sleep either?” Rose whispered.

  Carrie shook her head and then held her finger to her lips. She didn’t want anyone to know what they were doing. If they left no trail, there wouldn’t be one to follow later. Pastor Anthony had been very stern about the procedures they needed to follow if their hastily contrived plan was to work.

  Rose nodded and held up the meager roll holding the few belongings she was taking along. Carrie winced but nodded in approval. Rose could get more material things when she reached freedom. What was important now was not to attract any attention. A black couple with a large pack on their horses, or in their hands, would surely attract attention. Carrie reached for it and quickly tied it on behind Rose’s saddle. Then she did the same with Moses’.

  Just before they climbed into the saddles, she held up a hand to detain them. “Come inside the barn,” she whispered.

  Rose and Moses looked at each other in surprise then followed her. Once inside, Carrie reached for the coats she had laid on top of one of the feeders. “You’re going to need these,” she whispered. Already the mornings were getting colder. The first hard frost was not far away. Both of them were wearing coats, but not ones that would stand up to the cold farther north. “One belonged to my mother. The other is an old one of my father’s. He will never miss it.”

  Moses smiled and put on the coat she handed him. It was a little tight across his broad shoulders, but it fit in every other way. Rose’s fit perfectly.

  Carrie nodded and then led them from the barn. In minutes they were out of sight of the plantation house. She kept Granite at a steady, ground-eating walk. She didn’t want hoof beats to alert anyone to their actions. Only when they were out of sight and earshot, did she talk normally. “Are you sure no one saw you leaving?”

  Rose nodded. “We’re sure. We left a note for Sam, just like you said. Just told him it was our time to go and we were leaving. He’ll tell everyone.” Her face was a mixture of sadness and excitement.

  “You two are going to be missed very much.” Carrie thought of how the other slaves had flocked to Rose after Sarah was gone. How everyone counted on Moses to take care of things for them. “It’s not going to be the same around here.” She didn’t say anything about how her own heart ached over their leaving. They already knew.

  Silence engulfed them as, occupied with thei
r own thoughts, they rode on. The rising sun transformed the deep cobalt into a rich violet and then suddenly diffused it with streaks of orange and pink as it crept over the horizon. The morning air was chill and fresh, seeming to hold everything in suspension. All the horses moved easily, invigorated by the fall air.

  Suddenly the sun exploded onto the scene, throwing its brilliant rays like lightning rods into the glorious sky. The brilliant blue sky seemed pregnant with fluffy orange and pink puffs of clouds.

  “I reckon we can trust a God who can paint a picture like that,” Moses said in a reverent voice.

  Carrie said nothing but took courage from the display dancing above her head. Moses was right. She knew there were times ahead when she was going to have to hang on to that knowledge.

  Just then they came to the first fork in the road. Carrie deliberately took the one that would lead them east of Richmond. They needed to stay as far away from the city as possible. Too many people knew her. If she was seen, someone was sure to ask her questions, and sooner or later the information would reach her father.

  Carrie’s heart ached as she thought of her father. He was such a loving and kind man in so many ways. That they were so far apart on this issue caused her great pain. She knew he would be hurt and angry if he knew what she was doing right now. She shook her head to force the pictures out of her mind. She was doing the right thing. Maybe someday she and her father would see eye to eye.

  “How we doing on time, Carrie?” Rose asked when the sun was high in the sky and the colors had faded to reveal a startlingly clear blue sky.

  “We’ll make it. If we keep up this pace, we should be there ahead of schedule. That will give you a little time to rest before you have to go on.”

  “What if the conductor isn’t there?” Moses asked.

  Carrie tried to smile reassuringly at Moses even though she had entertained the same doubts herself. “He’ll be there,” she said firmly. “And if he’s not,” she added after a moment, “we’ll think of something.” She had no idea what, but she saw no need to say that. It was too late to turn back now. “We’ll cross all those bridges when we get to them. You’ll have to do the same.”

  Rose laughed then, a welcome break in the tension. “Seems like we’re crossing bridges in a lot of ways.”

  Carrie laughed then, too. It felt good and released some of the heaviness in her heart. They were meeting their first conductor under the bridge that ran beneath the Pamunkey River. Just a few minutes before they had made the turn that dumped them onto the Mechanicsville Turnpike. Pastor Anthony had at first been concerned about using this route because it was a favorite and a heavily used route for runaways, but finally he had surmised it was the best way. Carrie’s presence would throw off most suspicions. Once she had to turn back, they would face more danger, but every precaution would be taken.

  “Still seems strange to be running away in broad daylight.”

  Carrie nodded. “I know, but Pastor Anthony said it would be the best way to throw off suspicion. They patrol these roads with the militia pretty heavily at night, but during the day they largely ignore it.”

  After a few more minutes, she stopped and pulled her coat off. “I don’t think I need this anymore.” The sun, rising steadily in the sky, had taken the early morning chill out of the air. Moses and Rose followed her lead, quickly tying their coats on top of their packs. “It will work well to keep anyone from asking questions about your packs, too,” Carrie said.

  Then she reached down into her saddle bags and pulled out a carefully wrapped package of biscuits and bacon. “We have a few minutes. Let’s stretch our legs and have a bite to eat.” Once they had tied the horses, they found a large rock beside a tree and settled down to eat.

  The sound of hoof beats caused Carrie to lift her head. Headed straight toward them were several Confederate soldiers. “Remember what I told you,” Carrie said quietly. It was all she had time to say.

  “Good morning, ma’am,” the one in charge said courteously.

  “Good morning, Captain,” Carrie responded pleasantly, hoping her tone didn’t reveal her nervousness. “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

  “That it is, ma’am.” He looked carefully at the three horses.

  Carrie watched him closely. She saw the spark of suspicion in his eyes. She knew it looked strange. Surely he was wondering why they weren’t in a carriage - why Moses and Rose were riding horses of their own. Too late, she realized the very quality of their coats would be suspicious. What were slaves doing with coats like that?

  “Where you headed, ma’am?” The captain turned to look at her with sharp eyes.

  Carrie smiled brightly. “Why, Captain, I’m headed to visit some of my family just the other side of Mechanicsville. Surely you know the McCormicks!” she gushed enthusiastically. “They are just the most wonderful people. First cousins you know. It’s been simply ages since I was able to see them. My father, bless his heart, insisted I take the family carriage, but my dear mother is so ill.” She stopped speaking to dab at her eyes. “I simply couldn’t see taking the family carriage. What if she were to take ill and need to be transported somewhere?” She almost laughed at the confusion on the captain’s face as she rattled off her prepared speech so quickly she could almost not keep up with it herself.

  The captain frowned slightly. “I see what you mean, ma’am.” Then he opened his mouth as if to ask another question.

  Carrie was afraid he was going to ask her where the McCormicks lived. Since it was an entirely made up name, she had no idea. If he knew some McCormicks and was aware of where they lived, a wrong answer could be their undoing. “Oh, Captain, I was just sure you would understand. Our boys in gray are so wonderful. What y’all do for us is simply amazing. I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  The captain seemed to be looking at her a little closer. The look said he wasn’t necessarily thinking of his job anymore. Still, she couldn’t be sure. “This really is the first little fun thing I’ve gotten to do since this war began. I just couldn’t see going about having a good time while y’all suffer and fight for our protection. Why, I’ve spent almost every day working on mittens and scarves for our troops this winter.” She paused for just a moment. “And my daddy says y’all do such a wonderful job protecting us. Why, do you know what he told me?” She pretended to shudder. “He told me there are runaway slaves trying to use this very road to leave their beloved masters...” She caught her breath in a gasp.

  The captain nodded his head gravely. “Your daddy was right, ma’am. That’s why we’re checking with you now.” His voice became a little sterner. “Are these your slaves, ma’am?”

  “Oh, yes sir,” Carrie said with a breathless laugh. “I would be so terrified to be with any but our own dear slaves. You really have no idea what to expect from some of these people, you know!” She let her eyes open wide.

  “Yes, ma’am. I do know.”

  Carrie decided to take a risk. She reached into her deep pocket and pulled out a sheaf of papers. “These are their papers, sir. I would be so happy to let you go through them. You will see they are mine. My daddy insisted both of them come along when he knew I was determined to come.” She paused, giving a pretty little laugh. Her tone became confidential. “You see, we’re taking a little break now because my slaves here have never been on a horse much. I’m afraid it’s rather taxing on them. We were just getting ready to leave. Our cousin is expecting us, and I’m afraid we’re running a little late.” She glanced at her watch and then held her hand to her mouth. “My goodness! I had no idea it was getting to be so late. But here are their papers,” she said handing them up to him. “You are certainly welcome to look through them. I’ll simply do anything to help our boys!”

  The captain looked suddenly embarrassed. He smiled, took the papers, but handed them right back. “That’s all right, ma’am. I don’t want to take up any more of your time. I’m sorry to have delayed you.”r />
  Carrie smiled up at him brilliantly, all the time gathering up the breakfast items and stuffing them in her bags. “Why, that’s not a problem at all, Captain. I did so enjoy talking to you.”

  “The same, ma’am.” The captain tipped his hat courteously and rode off with his man.

  Carrie watched him leave and then sagged against Granite. The three of them mounted quickly and began to trot rapidly down the rather rutted road. Carrie’s heart was beating rapidly as she replayed the incident in her mind. A movement to her right caused her to glance over. Moses’ shoulders were shaking convulsively.

  Suddenly Carrie’s laugh rang out in the morning air. Soon the three of them were laughing so hard they were gasping for air. Thankfully, the road was now empty of anyone who would wonder if they had taken leave of their senses.

  They had just begun to regain control when Rose sang out in a high Southern drawl, “Why Captain...,” and batted her lashes furiously.

  Once again they went into convulsions of laughter. It was several minutes before the sight of two carriages headed toward them caused them to regain control. Carrie was able to smile naturally at the two men in the carriages as they rolled by. “Good day, gentlemen.”

  Rose was the first to sober. “I’m going to miss you so much, Carrie.”

  The reminder was enough to sober them all. The sun continued to rise as they rode. When it was almost directly above them, Carrie caught sight of the bridge they were looking for. Her heart leapt with gladness that they had made it, but at the same time it dropped with the knowledge the time to say to say good-bye had finally come. The silence between them was deep as they rode the last few hundred yards.

  Carrie watched closely as they drew closer. Would their conductor be there? The plank bridge over the river was devoid of life. The clear waters of the Pamunkey glistened as it wound its shallow way through bulrushes and tall clumps of razor-sharp grass. The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves sounded deafening as they rode slowly over the bridge, trying not to be obvious they were looking for someone.