Joe’s voice was almost too faint now. “I love you, Peter.”
Peter wiped at his eyes and nose.
“Hey, Peter, remember what you said when we were in the hollow tree? You have to chase the wild pigeons. They are headed south, too. That’s what you have to do, chase the wild pigeons. Chase the wild pi...”
Chapter 2 4
Fort Stoddard, Alabama May 4th 1865
Sergeant Davis’s sleeves were rolled up to his elbows as he dug the shovel into the bluff overlooking the Mobile River. He was hot and ready for this war to be over. It had gone on way too long. Lee had surrendered and Johnson, too.
Frank Jacks, a skinny, pimple-faced private accidentally threw dirt on Davis’s shoe.
“Damn it, Jacks, I’m gonna pound you, yet.”
“Sorry, Sergeant Davis.”
“Sorry, my ass.”
Davis threw down the shovel and went over to where Corporal Bill Gains was sitting drinking from his canteen, watching the men work. “Bill, building this fort is ridiculous. Why don’t the damn Rebs give over. Hell, don’t they know when they are licked.”
He snatched the canteen from Gains and guzzled.
Gains laughed. “You’re welcome.”
Davis tossed the canteen to Gains and piled down beside him. “But if the Rebels retreat down from the Tombigbee, we’re gonna pound them from up here.”
Davis looked down at the Mobile River. It reminded him of the Mississippi at Helena. He knew he would never see another fight like the battle there—thank God.
He heard a rider coming fast toward them. He was yelling something.
“That’s General Benton,” Gains said.
He and Davis shot to their feet.
The general rode up to the division, and all the men ran toward him. The men knew the news was good.
General Benton stood in the stirrups. “Boys, the war is over; throw down your spades and let the fort go to hell. We don’t want it. Taylor has surrendered to General Canby.”
The men exploded with cheer and excitement.
Gains pounded Davis on the back and yelled, “Huzzah—huzzah!”
Davis sat flat on his ass. He couldn’t believe it. Soon he would be going home to Iowa. Home—what a sweet thought.
There was a loud explosion. Davis jumped. He smiled when he realized it was the Gunboat Octorara anchored just off shore letting loose with its 200 pounders in celebration.
Suddenly, he remembered something. He went over to his knapsack, rummaged through it, and brought out a bottle wrapped in blue paper. He yanked the paper from it and pulled the cork.
“Gains, I’ve been saving this bottle since Helena for this very day.” Davis turned the bottle up.
Gains bent down and picked up the blue paper.
Davis starting spitting. “Damn it. This taste like ammonia—no, piss!”
Gains laughed. “There is something written on the back side of your wrapper. Let me read it: ‘Sergeant Davis, I’ve added a little southern tonic to your spirits. Your friend, the Dixie Whistler.’”
Davis spit again, then it hit him—he remembered. He threw the bottle toward the river.
“Joseph Taylor,” he yelled, “you’ll answer for this, you little runt!”
The End
Look for John Gschwend's second novel, Spirit In The Red Amber, A novel of an American Indian. See what others are saying about it:
John Gschwend Jr. is a storyteller. He captures your attention immediately - page one -- and he has your attention until the last word. I liked the way he incorporated some of the Quapaw language throughout the story, made the story seem more authentic. The reader knows this author is a nature lover who has spent a lifetime in the woods. His descriptions of flora and fauna are beautifully and accurately written by someone who cherishes God's creatures and their habitats. The author also has a heart for those who have been mistreated. In this book he has great compassion for the American Indian. John Gillette - a strong name and a strong multidimensional character-takes us on an exciting adventure during the Civil War in Southeast Arkansas along the White River and on the prairie. Edwynne
I enjoyed how John painted the picture so clearly that I could imagine the White River, St. Charles and the other towns mentioned. I read the book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I loved his imagination...Beth
What a wonderful and interesting book this was about American Indian life... read it within a few days of getting it as I just knew it would be something that I would and should know about this culture. The author definitely has a wonderful knowledge about what he writes. Would recommend this book to high school children as well as adults who want to learn more about our country and its history. Cynthia
http://civilwarnovel.com
Table of Contents
copyright
Dedication
Note
They Are No More
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chase The Wild Pigeons Page 37
