When Johnny Comes Marching Home

by Lillian M. Henry

  Chapter Five

  Arrival in Michigan

  Still Spring of ‘63

  Stepping down from the train, his back stiff and shoulder aching, David stood for a long moment trying to understand the scene before his eyes. Nothing looked in the least familiar. The landscape was gently rolling with some stands of timber in the distance. The sky seemed bigger and closer than he’d ever noticed before. Several crows or maybe hawks, he couldn’t quite tell, swung overhead in the wind currents. He could swear they were playing tag with each other. Uncle Thaddeus had made his way back to the freight cars that carried their wagons and belongings but David could discern no interest in his group on the bystanders’ faces. I suppose it was foolish of me to think someone might be here to meet us.

  Feeling a presence at his side he looked down to see Granny standing stiffly in his shadow peering about like a small bird searching for a bite to eat. “Come,” he said softly, “We don’t need to stand here in this hot sun. Surely there is water to be had inside the station. The other men will take care of the unloading, I’m sure. Let’s you and I help the ladies with the children. They must be as bewildered as we are, if not more so.”

  Betsey Rice looked up at her grandson with shimmering eyes and smiled. Allowing herself to be led into the shadowy structure she settled gratefully onto one of the wooden benches that lined two of the walls. The station master greeted them perfunctorily and pointed to the water jug in answer to David’s query.

  “You the Hickok folks?” he finally asked, looking up from his paper work and shifting his chaw to his other cheek. “Ole Ace mentioned you might be comin’ in one of these days. He’ll be along soon, I reckon. It’s a bit of a piece out to his place. I’ll send the boy out to see if he’s on his way. Not too many getting company from back east these days. The big rush for land is about over.”

  A loud clatter of wagon wheels and snorting horses sounded through the open windows and David jumped to his feet not knowing what to expect. His military instincts were firmly embedded by now. He figured he would never get over being startled by sudden noises. Loud shouting and some good-natured cursing reached their ears as whoever was driving the wagon recognized the men on the platform. Betsey jumped to her feet and grabbed for David’s arm. “That’s Asa,” she whispered, “your father. I’d know that laugh anywhere.” David, feeling her tremble, steadied her and felt as if the world had suddenly shifted. Thirteen years had passed since the day that man had admonished him to be a “good boy, son” and rode away from this woman’s farm. Betsey stood for another long moment. firmed her chin, straightened her bonnet and putting one foot purposely in front of the other went out the door to greet her wayward child.

  Asa Royer Hickok, grinning at his younger brothers, dropped to the platform from the wagon and removed his hat. “Momma” he said softly, his voice cracking. “You’re lookin’ mighty fine.” His eyes traveled around taking in the anxious family group and the number of now interested by-standers. This is none of their business he muttered to himself and hesitated to embrace his mother in front of everyone. “You’ve come a long way; let’s get you out to my place away from all this fuss and dust. There’s nothing on earth dirtier or noisier than a train depot.” He offered his arm to help her up onto the wagon seat and gave David a long once over as if he wasn’t all that sure who this young man was. Thaddeus and John hurriedly finished loading the baggage and harnessed the horses they’d watered and brushed down a bit. Time enough for reweaving the family ties when they’d reached a place to be alone.

  Asa’s Irish wife, Hellen, stood watching at the door of their home with a child in her arms and two more clutching at her skirts. “Emmy” she whispered, “Joey,” This be your granny, your Da’s Mam.”

  David studied her for a long moment surprised by her sturdy assurance. Obviously she helped her husband in the fields. Her bare arms were sun-burnt and a fine web of freckles dotted the bridge of her nose. Her hair hung in thick braids and he felt a small pang of wistfulness. A small cry from the cradle by the hearth announced the presence of yet another child and Hellen quickly went to the babe and lifted her out. “This is Addie,” she laughed. “She’s not one to be ignored.”

  David smiled to hear the pride in her voice. She’s made him a good wife, I think, but I see nothing about her that reminds me of the mother I remember. In fact, I’m not all that sure he remembers me. I never gave thought to what he must have been feeling when he left us that day. I can suspect now that his heart was shattered and he just went to ground like a wounded animal. I know all I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and never stop. Whatever would we have done without Grandpa and Granny?

  The sound of happy voices reached him and he brushed away the dark cloud threatening his eyes to see Granny already ensconced in the rocker by the fireplace, the baby in her lap and flanked by the grandchildren she had never seen. Everyone seemed to be getting on just fine and he slipped around behind the house to the pasture to have a smoke and try to get his bearings.

  He noticed his uncles had turned out the horses and were unloading the baggage they would need for the night. His father had left the women and children and come out to help. The older man eyed the younger and the two stood awkwardly unsure of how to proceed.

  “Pa?” David said tentatively crushing out his smoke in his fist.

  Asa cleared the lump that had risen in his throat and found himself un- able to move. “You’re not the boy I left behind,” he managed to say.

  “No sir,” The young man answered unclenching his fist and waiting.

  “I did what I thought was best for you, you know. Now that you’re grown you must realize that.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Davey,” Asa began then paused, “that’s wrong too isn’t it? You’re not Davey any more either. You’re a fine looking man and a war hero I’m told.”

  David shifted uncomfortably and studied his dusty boots.

  “I do care you know,” his father said. ‘Leaving you boys that day was the hardest thing I ever had to do, next to burying two wives. You’ll nod your head and think you understand but you can’t possibly until you have a wife and children of your own. From the looks of you that shouldn’t be too long from now. The ladies here will be sure to find you. Likely you can take your pick, lots of fine young women needing husbands.”

  A commotion behind them drew their attention and both men turned quickly to see what the matter was. One of the horses was bucking, wild-eyed with fear at something on the ground. “Damn,” Asa spat, springing forward to grab the shovel by the gate. “Snake,” he hissed, hurrying toward the frightened animal swatting the grass before him. David sprinted onto the field to help and managed to get the mare under control while his father dispatched the unfortunate snake with one blow.

  Laughing together when all quieted down, the two looked at each other with respect and affection. “I could sure use a cup of cider or maybe something a little stronger,” Asa muttered. David grinned and went to the still only half-empty wagon. Grabbing something from under the seat he held up a jug of whiskey. “Will this do?”

  “Now,” Asa chuckled, “I knew you were a man after my own heart. Come on into the barn out of this sun. Your mare likely needs more water and a bit of oats. We can finish this gettin’ re-acquainted settin’ down like we used to after a hard afternoon.” Tipping over two empty barrels they exhaled deeply and passed the jug back and forth a time or two before going in to join the others.

  As the men relaxed after supper Asa informed them that a journey to the county seat at Ionia would be necessary. “From what I hear one has to sign in there to file a claim. Some say that David, being a veteran, gets to own his land sooner, like some sort of bonus….”

  Thaddeus nodded, unsure about the procedure, but he assumed his daughters and sons-in-law would remain with him. Daniel and John, of course, had their own plans. However, he and David had no
t yet discussed their particulars, but it made sense to him that David be part of his household for a while at least. It was obvious to the others that it was time the young man took himself a wife. What Granny had in mind was anybody’s guess, but he was sure she had something up her sleeve. She’s a feisty one, he chuckled. His intention was to keep the family together, at least at the beginning. He did not fancy himself a farmer, feeling he could leave that to the younger men. Thaddeus felt certain his expertise building mills would be needed in this country full of timber and grain.

  By the time the fire burned down and the jugs were emptied the men decided that the two young husbands should stay at Asa’s place to look after Granny and the younger women and children while they were gone. The older men would progress to Ionia and assess the situation. After all these years away from his brothers and his eldest son Asa was not going to let them leave without him. He was surprised by his need to renew these acquaintances and he intended to make the best of it. The feeling that he had betrayed his children when he’d left them with his parents and ridden away after their mother and the woman he’d married next had died had haunted him for all these years. Now that they had come to him he intended to make the best of it.

  The group was well aware that once the proper papers were obtained cabins would have to be built and fields made ready for planting before the rest of the party could join them. The constant ache in their nephew’s wounded shoulder worried the older men but no one wanted to suggest that the young man was not up to the task they’d set for themselves. Able to rent some saddle horses from the town’s livery stable they mounted up and rode off not too sure of what they were likely to find in this quite different world.

  Ionia was several days journey by horseback and the Pennsylvanians were uneasy under the big sky and miles of rolling, almost flat land. Small farms dotted the roadsides as they passed and all looked prosperous. Sheep grazed and fields were plowed and ready for the planting. Thaddeus smiled and felt himself feeling lighter in the saddle as if some weight on his shoulders was lifting.

  When the men returned to Asa’s place in high spirits with papers in hand, Granny watched with mixed emotions as the wagons were packed and the group made ready to leave. Thaddeus had found temporary housing for them. As a mill builder he had felt himself right at home upon coming into the pleasant and prosperous looking area and was anxious to get his hands and back into the job that lay ahead. The well-established town was served by a number of railroads and also had transportation by steamer up the Grand River to the Great Lakes. He couldn’t have dreamed of a better place to locate. His daughters’ husbands would manage the growing of crops the family would need and he was free to pursue his chosen profession.

  Saddling his newly acquired horse David was surprised to find he was reluctant to leave. Having watched his father while they went about their daily chores, he realized too many years had gone by for there to be a filial connection at this late date, but he liked the man. Life presents us with problems big and small, he reminded himself and from what I see he has done the best he could have under the circumstances. I can’t imagine what he must have been suffering during those terrible months all those years ago. I have to admit I felt he’d abandoned us for awhile, but we children have had a good, loving upbringing. Granny and Grandpa, God bless ‘em gave us everything we needed.

  Shouts from the others roused him from his reverie and he hurried to take his place as outrider feeling for the moment like he was back with his Army unit. Promises to visit were being made and tears were shed as the little caravan pulled away. David looked in vain for Asa then realized his father was busying himself in the barn leaving his wife and children to make the good-byes. Swallowing the lump rising in his own throat he murmured. “Where we’re going is not all that far. This is not good-bye.”

  Chapter Six

  With the 141st Pennsylvania Infantry

  Army of the Potomac

  Washington, D.C.

  June, 1863

  “Finally,” the troops thought when the orders came to prepare for a move. Exactly where they would be going no one seemed to know for sure, but Thomas and his friends felt excited at the possibility of action of any kind after these weeks and months of little else but guard duty. As usual news of happenings elsewhere was slow in reaching the rank and file but word of the Confederate General Lee’s incursions into Pennsylvania and Maryland had brought the camps to attention. Threats to the cities of Philadelphia and Baltimore were too close to home for many of the members of the Army of the Potomac. They were eager to engage the enemy and put an end to this long-drawn out stalemate. All this about the abolishing of slavery and the upcoming presidential election was just so much talk if all they did was sit and wait.

  One morning late in June found the 141st Pennsylvania Infantry on the march northward after yet another change of command. The newly appointed General Meade whose reputation was unknown to most of the officers and men, was considered untried which created a certain uneasiness within the officer corps and the lower ranks as well.

  Corporal Hickok and Private Kunkle slung their bed rolls, rations, weapons and ammunition supply on their shoulders and stepped out onto the dusty road with anticipation. The weather was unseasonably hot and humid for the Pennsylvania mountain boys but having been in the Capitol area for so long they had grown accustomed to it. The large numbers of troops accompanied by cavalry units, artillery and the assortment of necessary items needed for sustenance and survival brought droves of civilians from their homes and places of work to just stand and watch as the well-fed and well-supplied Federal forces swung by. With flags flying and bands playing they made a splendid sight.

  The battle was joined by chance on June 30 near the little town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with what appeared to be a minor skirmish. But on July 1 both armies were engaged fully. Before it ended on July 3, 40,000 men lay dead, wounded or reported missing. Thomas and Wesley had been separated during the fight and as the guns ceased and night fell, Thomas hunted in vain for his friend. Exhausted, he accepted what food and drink was available as the survivors huddled around their meager campfires, but kept searching until he learned that Wes had been wounded the day before and carried off to the hospital tent area. There he learned that many of the wounded, Wesley among them, had been transported to the Jarvis Hospital in Baltimore. This at least was good news. Wes would get better treatment there than here he reasoned. His thoughts went to Rebecca and the Kunkle family. All he could do was pray.

  A letter from Rebecca reached him in September letting him know that she had managed to get herself to Baltimore not too long after the news of Wesley’s wounds had reached the family. With her parent’s consent she had taken a room in a boarding house close by the hospital and been allowed to visit him daily and help tend to his needs. Despite her efforts, he could not be saved. She wanted Thomas to know that Wes had asked for him near the end and died smiling at some childhood memory of them all up to some mischief or other. She wrote that she felt it her sad duty to let Thomas know that her brother had succumbed to his wounds and died on August 8.

  She would have liked to visit Thomas at the camp but it was not to be. She was needed at home. Thomas crumbled the letter in his grief-stricken hand as if to throw it from him then sank down on his bunk, smoothed it out carefully and placed it in his breast pocket. A light had gone out in his world and nothing would be the same.

  Chapter Seven

  With the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry

  Army of the Cumberland

  On the road to the Chickamauga, Georgia

  September 18, 1863

  Following a summer of skirmishes and small battles throughout Tennessee the 9th found itself riding east into Georgia. The mounted troops proceeded along the narrow twisted mountain road feeling hemmed in by the trees. Asa let his thoughts go where they wished aware that Thomas and Wesley had likely been in that battle at Gettysburg bu
t he and his outfit had heard only bits and pieces about it. Hopefully he’d hear something from them soon. He’d only recently learned that some of the folks at home had left for Michigan. Why ever they would want to move there was beyond him. Of course, as Davy’s last letter said, “Granny knows that Pa is there and wants to see him before she dies.”

  My God, he groaned inwardly, I can’t imagine a world without her in it. As for seeing Pa, I suppose since he is her first-born child she would want to, but I don’t even remember what the man looked like. I could meet him here tomorrow and not have any idea who he was.

  A warm breeze rustled the leaves in the trees that were starting to fall. Tinges of orangey-red and yellow color blended with the smoky hue of the mountains that could be glimpsed through the tangle of branches overhanging the road. Battle hardened and weary, Asa and his outfit rode in silence. This war was going on a lot longer than anyone had imagined when they’d signed up. Now after hearing the rumors about the Gettysburg business he found himself more worried than ever about how Thomas and the Kunkle boys might be managing. As far as he knew the Army of the Potomac was still somewhere around the Capitol at Washington and he grumbled at the lack of news from them. Most of his information came from the infrequent letters he received from Rebecca. Always on the move the way we are, he reminded himself, makes news from home, or anywhere else for that matter, mighty scarce. His horse suddenly shied from something skittering across the road in front of the group and his companions laughed at his startled expression.

  “Hang on, Hickok, that animal just might dump you.”

  “Ha!” Asa laughed. “She knows better than that. Steady, old girl, walk on.” Gathering the reins loosely he soothed the fidgety mare. After settling his wide-brimmed hat farther down over his eyes, he gave the horse its head and relaxed.