CHAPTER 20
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Alabama, Monday, May 15, 1865
AFTER LEAVING MARION, Virginia, Manfred and Edwin traveled ten days across Tennessee, with stops in Knoxville and Chattanooga, as well as other smaller towns along the way. Sunday the fourteenth of May was spent in the far northwest corner of Georgia, attending church in Trenton and resting. On Monday Manfred and Edwin entered Alabama, which meant only one state to cross and then they’d be in Mississippi and closer to home.
A breeze ruffled through the leaves of the trees in the grove where Manfred decided to stop for a break. His feet ached and his back hurt from walking all morning. Edwin had done the walking the day before, and they had even ridden double part of the way, but both of them in the saddle would be too much for Lady all the time. They’d made it down through the mountains and now faced farmlands as they headed across Alabama. He studied the crude map he’d picked up in Chattanooga. They should get to Fort Payne in less than an hour and from there head on down to Birmingham.
Manfred lifted his gaze toward the sky where thick gray clouds rolled across and blotted out the sun. “I smell rain.” Manfred lifted a finger in the wind. “Coming from the northwest. This time of year means thunderstorms.” As if on cue, lightning split the heavens and thunder rolled across the meadow.
Edwin jumped, as did the mare. He grabbed the bridle of the prancing horse and brushed his hand down her neck. “Easy, easy. It’s gone now, Lady.”
Manfred stood and surveyed the area. “If my counting is right, I’d say that was about ten miles away. The wind’s picking up, and the rain’ll be here in a few minutes. Let’s keep heading to the west. We don’t want to be under trees with the lightning like it is. Maybe we’ll find shelter.” He picked up his gear and started walking toward open ground, his aching feet forgotten.
“This is tornado country, and that’s the last thing I want to see right now. Get on, and we’ll ride double for a ways.” Edwin held the reins while Manfred swung into the saddle.
The sky grew darker and more ominous as they traveled. Manfred kept his eyes trained on the field, searching for a gully or culvert in case of strong winds and lightning. Another bolt creased the clouds. This time Manfred counted to six. “Getting closer. Looks like we’re in for a soaking.”
Edwin pointed ahead. “Do you see that? Looks like a farm.”
Manfred peered in that direction and saw the faint outline of a roof in the distance. “Think so. Maybe we can make it there. See if anyone’s at home.”
By the time they drew close enough to see a house and a barn, the wind stirred up dust and debris in their path. The clouds had turned an eerie green, and rain began to pelt their heads.
“Come on, let’s get to the house. I don’t like the look of those clouds.” Manfred slapped the reins against the horse’s flank, and they raced for the house.
Both jumped down from Lady and ran up the porch. No one answered their fierce knocking and yelling. Manfred turned and looked around the yard. “They must be in a shelter. Let’s see if we can find it.”
In the back yard of the house they spotted a barn. The wind began to pick up, and the rain increased. Manfred and Edwin ran for the barn, horse in tow. After they tied up Lady in an empty stall, Manfred surveyed the grounds of the farm and spotted a cellar. He gauged the distance of the dark clouds from the house and made a decision. “Let’s get to that cellar.” Edwin nodded.
With the wind buffeting them, they raced to the storm shelter and pounded on the door. It opened a crack, and a man in work clothes motioned for them to come inside. The rain now fell in sheets and the wind grew fiercer. All three men pulled on the wooden door until they were finally able to secure it.
Manfred offered a dripping hand. “Mighty grateful to you for letting us in.”
A slender woman with graying hair handed Manfred and Edwin blankets. “Here, these’ll warm you up some.”
The burly farmer dried himself with a towel. “I thought maybe it was just the wind pounding before I heard you yelling for help. Glad you got here in time.”
He handed the towel back to his wife and held up a lantern. “I see you boys are wearing the colors of the Confederacy. Where y’all from?”
Manfred removed his rain-soaked hat and rubbed his head with a corner of the blanket. “Louisiana. We’re headed home from the war. That was a close call. Wasn’t sure anybody was here.”
“Mattie here saw the storm a’comin’ and shooed everyone from the house.” The man wrapped his arm around the woman by his side.
The storm raged overhead, but a noise in the corner of the dimly lit space drew Manfred’s attention. He gazed at three children huddled there.
The oldest of the three stepped forward. “My name’s Billy. You said you were in the war? I was planning on joining up come this summer, but it’s too late.”
Manfred lightly grasped the boy’s shoulder. “Be glad, Billy. The war was no fun. Too much killing and heartbreak for both sides. Your ma and pa need you more than the army.”
Mattie clasped her hands against her chest. “Thank you. The war’s all he’s been talking about. I was scared he’d run off and try to join up.”
The farmer offered a hand to Manfred. “Here I’m forgetting my manners. Name’s Zeke Jordan. This is Mattie, Billy, and over there’s Betsy and Davey.” He gestured toward the two children still in the corner.
Edwin sauntered over to them. “Hello. My name’s Edwin, and that there is my brother Manfred. Looks like you have a good safe place here in the cellar.” He sat down beside the boy.
Betsy bobbed her head. “Lightning can’t get us down here. I’m six years old. How old are you?” Edwin’s laughter echoed in the small space; he had made a new friend. How easily he talked with strangers, especially children. Manfred spoke to Mr. Jordan. “Sir, I tied up our horse in your barn. I didn’t know what else to do with her.”
Zeke nodded. “Let’s pray the barn is still standing when this is over.” He looked toward the ceiling. “Speaking of storms, sounds like the worst may be over. Tornados sure don’t take long to do their damage. All I hear now is rain.”
After a few minutes Zeke shoved his straw hat onto his head and pushed against the slatted door. The smell of fresh air and rain drifted into the cellar as he exited.
In a few moments the door squeaked. “Come on out. The rain’s slower now.”
The occupants of the cellar trooped up the stairway and through the opening. Manfred gazed skyward. “At least the clouds are breaking up.”
Zeke picked up a few pieces of debris. “Yeah, and we’re mighty lucky. Only damage I see is to the fence and trees out in the pasture. Barn and house look intact. Think we only lost a few shingles.” He embraced his wife.
Manfred headed toward the barn. “Better check on the animals.”
He found their mare safe and dry, although she pranced and pawed the ground when Manfred approached. “Whoa, there, Lady. You’re fine now. Storm’s all gone.”
Manfred’s words soothed the horse, and he removed the saddle. Zeke sauntered in. “Glad to see she’s all right. Ma will have supper ready soon if you’d like to stay and join us.”
“Thanks, long as it’s not any trouble for Mrs. Jordan.” Manfred dropped the saddle in a corner then removed the blanket and folded it.
After making sure the horse was brushed and fed, Manfred and Edwin joined the Jordan family for their evening meal. After a prayer of thanks for safety during the storm, the two young men enjoyed a hearty supper of fried chicken and potatoes. The crispy coating of the chicken brought back fond memories of Bessie’s cooking.
Manfred flicked a small piece of breading from his mouth with his napkin. “This is the best chicken I’ve had in a long time.”
Mattie Jordan beamed. “Thank you. One thing we have right now is plenty of chickens.” She plopped another drumstick onto Manfred’s plate. “Now, tell me about yourselves and where you’re going. Are you going to Birmingham?”
Manfred ladled gravy over his potatoes. “Yes, but I thought we’d stop at Fort Payne to see if we could get a few supplies there. From there we’ll head on across to Mississippi and then to Louisiana.”
Zeke shook his head. “No need to go to Fort Payne. Nothing much there.”
Manfred furrowed his brow. “We’re about out of rations. Any suggestions as to where we can get any?”
“Oh, I can take care of that for you boys.” Mattie rose and grinned at her guests. “Anyone have room for dessert?”
The children and Manfred all nodded and answered “Yes” with one voice. After everyone enjoyed a slice of pecan pie, Zeke pushed his empty plate aside and turned to Manfred. “On your way to Louisiana, you say. Whereabouts? We have kin down there.”
“Our pa has a shipping business at the landing in Bayou Sara.”
Mattie’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree full of candles. “I can’t believe it. My oldest sister married and moved to Louisiana. She and her husband have a store in St. Francisville. Their name is Brady.”
Manfred gulped. “Brady? Why, we know them. Their son Nathan is a good friend. We do business with the store all the time.”
Mattie’s hands covered her mouth, and tears welled in her eyes. “When was the last time you saw them?”
“Almost a year now. In the summer of sixty-four. Our town depends on them for supplies, and they depend on our business to bring in their merchandise.”
Mattie rested her arms on the table. “It’s been over a year since we heard from them. Was the town invaded?”
Manfred shook his head. “Port Hudson went down, but the Yankees stayed on the river and went on to New Orleans. Everything in St. Francisville survived intact except for some damage to the church and a few homes.” At first he’d been angry to have been sent away from the battle at Port Hudson, but then he realized the commanding officer didn’t want to risk all of the regiment. He’d been fully confident that the men he kept with him would be enough to defeat the enemy.
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” Mattie jumped from the table and scurried to a chest in the corner. A pungent odor of cedar wafted through the room. From its depths she removed a large, patchwork pieced length of fabric.
Mattie held the quilt close to her chest and returned to the table. “I made this from the scraps of dresses we wore growing up, and I wanted my sister to have it. With the war and all, we haven’t been to visit.”
Manfred fingered the soft cotton fabric. “It’s a beautiful quilt, Mattie. The stitches are so tiny and neat, like my grandmother’s quilts. Do you plan to take it to her?”
Mattie’s lip quivered. “I don’t see how we can. We must have a good crop this year or . . . ” Her voice trailed off.
Zeke wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “You know what it’s been like the past few years. Without the money from a decent harvest, we won’t be able to make it.”
Manfred stroked his chin. He cut his eyes toward Edwin and saw the slight nod of his head. Manfred nodded back at his brother then said, “Edwin and I would be honored to take such a gift to the Brady family.”
Mattie’s eyes now glowed with hope. “You would? Thank you. I’ll write a letter to go with it.” She grasped her husband’s hand in hers. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Rebecca could come here for a visit?”
Zeke smiled and placed his hand on his wife’s cheek. “It’d be a more than that. We’ll pray and let God take care of it.”
Mattie leaned over to kiss her husband then rushed out to find a proper wrapping for her gift.
The farmer sighed and sat back in his rocker. “I feel bad because Mattie hasn’t seen Rebecca in over five years. They corresponded regularly until a few years ago when the mail delivery became so sporadic. She truly misses her older sister.”
“Then I’m more than happy we can help her keep in touch. Edwin and I have two brothers we haven’t seen in several years, and another brother we saw last summer.”
Edwin leaned forward, hands resting on his knees. “I especially miss our little brother Theo. He’s about the same age as your Davey and was too young for the military when we left to join up.”
“The war separated so many families. It’s been only a month, but we’ve already had men from the north down here buying up land and property in town.” Zeke rocked and drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. “We’re not looking to sell. We believe the Lord will take care of us if we work hard and follow His will.”
Mattie returned with the quilt folded and wrapped into a neat package. Betsy peeked from behind her mother’s skirts. “Mama says you’re going to take the quilt to Aunt Rebecca. Do you know my cousins too?”
Edwin knelt beside the young girl. “Yes, we do. Your cousin Caroline has blonde curls just like yours.”
The young girl smiled and tentatively stepped toward Edwin. “She does? I don’t remember her. Our grandmother gave us dolls one Christmas.” She held a cloth doll for Edwin to examine. “It’s this one.”
Manfred grinned. Edwin still had a way with the ladies, no matter their age. He grasped the paper-wrapped parcel in his hands. “We’ll take good care of this and make sure it gets to Brady’s store and your sister.”
Zeke stood and sauntered to the door. “I’m going out to check on the animals. They may still be skittish after the storm. Davey, you come with me.” He clamped a straw hat onto his head. “You’re welcome to come, too, Manfred, Edwin.”
After seeing to the horses, Manfred and Edwin returned to the house for an evening of quiet reading and some reminiscing. After the Jordan family retired, Manfred settled himself on the floor near the fireplace. The fire burned low, the embers sending their warmth into the room.
Edwin removed his outer shirt and sat down. “I’m glad you offered to take that quilt to the Bradys. They’ll be glad to know the Jordans are all right.”
“That’s what I thought. I’m thankful Mr. Jordan said he didn’t really need us to stay and help. Much as I would have been willing, I’m anxious to get on to Mississippi and see about Sallie and then home to Louisiana.” Manfred tucked the blanket under his arms and closed his eyes.
Edwin snickered, “Can’t wait to see a pretty little redhead. Hmm, I’d like to see her cousin myself.”
Looked like both of them had reason to get home. Peggy would be a good match for Edwin. Both had similar free spirits. Life would be different because of the war, but love could make up for the changes.
Mattie served a hearty breakfast of fresh eggs and biscuits with grits. Much as Manfred liked grits, he’d had enough of the dish to last a while. Then he remembered the days when he had nothing to eat and decided he could eat grits every day.
Mattie produced a checkered cloth bundle. “Here are a few things to eat along the way. This should get you through to Birmingham.”
Manfred clutched the package. “Thank you, Mattie. You and Zeke have been more than generous.”
Billy and Betsy stood on either side of Edwin. “We wish you didn’t have to go this morning. Can’t you stay a while longer?” Betsy pleaded. Billy nodded in agreement.
Mattie knelt and cuddled the two youngsters in her arms. “Manfred and Edwin want to get home to their own families. Their mother must miss them terribly.”
Betsy seemed to ponder this a moment then smiled. “Do you have brothers and sisters?”
Edwin knelt to her level. “I have three more brothers. I’m going home to see them.”
Mattie stood and spoke to Manfred. “I’m sorry. I know you’re in a hurry. Betsy does like to talk once she gets started.”
“No apology necessary, Mrs. Jordan.” He touched Edwin’s shoulder. “Come on, little brother. It’s time to be going.”
Outside, Manfred shook hands with Zeke then tipped his hat to Mattie. “Thank you for your hospitality, ma’am. I’ll get your gift to Mrs. Brady soon as we get home.” He settled his hat on his head and swung up behind Edwin on Lady.
Manfred glanced back at the fami
ly. They waved again, and Manfred raised his hand in a salute before turning his gaze back to the road leading to their next destination, Mississippi.
Later that day they stopped for a noon meal. Manfred counted the remaining money in his pack while Edwin napped in the shade of an ancient oak tree. They had traveled all morning since spending the night with the Jordan family. The next stop would be somewhere near an old Creek Indian campsite listed on the map. It was now just a settlement, but they could spend the night there.
Edwin stirred then opened his eyes. He shoved his hat back on his head and peered at Manfred. “How we doing with the money?”
“It’ll last a few more days.” Manfred dropped the coins into a leather pouch and pulled the drawstrings tight. Sleeping in the open and making do with less food had allowed the small amount they had earned to last longer.
“Figure we’ll head straight down to Birmingham tomorrow. Should get there by Friday. From there we go across to Tuscaloosa.” He spread a map on the ground and traced the route with his finger.
Edwin shook his head. “That’s a lot of miles still to go. I had hoped with the horses we’d get home sooner, but it looks like we won’t make it home until June after all.”
Manfred folded the paper and stuffed it into his pocket. “That’s about the size of it. Takes longer than we figured because we lost a horse and some of the roads have been lousy. Still, I figure we should be able to walk for ten hours a day and make it home in a few more weeks.”
“At least we’re getting closer. I hope Mama gets that letter we sent from Marion.” Edwin stood and slapped his thighs to remove dirt and twigs from his pants.
Manfred swung his pack to his shoulder. “I’m sure she will, and I’m going to post another one to Sallie when we reach Birmingham. With two letters from me, she’ll be more than assured of our arrival by June.” He glanced up at the sky. “With the days getting longer, we might get there sooner. That is, if you can hold up for an extra hour or two.” Manfred cut his gaze to his brother.
Love Stays True Page 18
