The Thackery Journal

by John Holt

  Miles said nothing but merely nodded. It was no secret that Clive had suffered poor health for some while now, but he was still shocked at how gaunt he looked, and how labored his breathing was.

  “You look well though, Miles,” Clive continued.

  “Yes, I’m alright,” Miles replied. “So how is Cousin Lucy?”

  “Oh she’s fine,” Clive replied. “Of course you know that James has gone to fight, and, well, she worries you know.”

  James, Lucy’s husband, had enlisted the day that the news had come of the attack on Fort Sumter. She had tried hard to change his mind, but to no avail. He was determined to do his duty. He had been sent to Philippi, a small town in Virginia.

  “Yes I heard about that,” Miles said. “I hadn’t realized that he had already gone. I was hoping to see him before he left.”

  “He left the day before yesterday,” Clive replied. “She’s naturally missing him.”

  “I imagine so,” Miles replied. “It must be hard on her, especially with the two boys to look after. So where is she living now?”

  “Over in Georgetown,” Clive replied. “She’s dying to see you it’s been such a long while. So let’s go shall we. Let’s get your bags.”

  The bags were collected and placed into the buggy. The two men climbed on and with a light crack of the whip they were on their way.

  “So how is your brother, Henry?” Clive asked.

  Miles made no reply, and just stared into space.

  “Your brother,” Clive tried once again. “Henry, how is he?”

  Miles turned slowly and looked at Clive. “Henry, oh he’s fine I guess. I wouldn’t really know.”

  Clive looked puzzled for a few moments, and then started to smile once again. “And what about that friend of yours, what was his name?” He paused for a moment. “Jacob. That was it, your friend Jacob. How is he?”

  “I have no friend called Jacob,” Miles replied quite simply and almost in a whisper.

  “But I thought that ….” Clive continued.

  “I have no friend called Jacob, I tell you,” Miles repeated, almost sounding menacing. “So how have you been affected by this war?” he asked, changing the subject.

  For a moment Clive said nothing, un-sure of what to say. Clearly there was something wrong, something that Miles was not prepared to talk about.

  “You wouldn’t actually know that there was a war, not yet anyway,” Clive replied. “So how long can you stay?”

  “Oh only a few days I’m afraid,” replied Miles. “I report to Fort Massachusetts on Tuesday morning. I understand two officers will be sent to collect me, so I will have to be ready.”

  “Tuesday,” repeated Clive. “So soon, that’s four days only. Lucy will be so disappointed.” He paused for a moment and looked up at the sky. The rain was easing at last, and the dark clouds were drifting away. “Hopefully we’ll have some good weather for your stay,” he said.

  * * *

  Chapter Seven

  Cousin Lucy

  Cousin Lucy

  It was early afternoon by the time they arrived at the house. Lucy was sitting in the drawing room with her embroidery. She heard the front door open, and a few moments later there was the sound of voices in the hallway. She rose dropping her work to the floor. She ran to the hallway, her heart beating fast.

  “Miles,” she called out, as she entered the hall. “You’re here, at last.”

  Miles looked at her for a moment and then ran to her, and placed his arms around her, holding her tightly. “Lucy, my own sweet cousin, it’s so good to see you.”

  “I can’t believe you are here, after all this time,” Lucy replied, taking his arm and leading him into the drawing room. “You must tell me all of the news. How’s that brother of yours? And how is that nice young man, Jacob?”

  Miles said nothing, but moved away into the centre of the room. “It’s good to be here,” he said, as he looked around. He then looked back at Lucy. “So how have you been?”

  “Oh I’m keeping well,” Lucy replied. “And your mother and father how are they?”

  Miles made no reply.

  At that moment Clive entered the room. “Do sit down Miles,” he said. “You must be quite worn out.”

  Lucy nodded and smiled. “Yes please sit down, make yourself at home. I’ll see about some tea.” She stood up and walked out of the room.

  “I think I’ll go and see if Lucy needs any help,” said Clive, standing up and moving towards the door. “You just sit there and relax.”

  * * *

  A few minutes later Clive and Lucy returned, Clive was carrying a tray. “Here we are Miles,” he said as he placed the tray on to a small table. “I’m sure that this will be most welcome.”

  Miles looked up and smiled. “Yes indeed,” he replied.

  Lucy poured the tea and then sat down. “Now Miles, what is this about you and your brother?”

  Miles looked at Clive and shook his head.

  “There’s obviously something wrong,” Clive said. “But I suppose if you have no wish to talk about it ...”

  Miles took a drink of tea, and took a deep breath. “Yes there is something wrong,” he replied. “Let us just say that Henry and I had a disagreement, and leave it at that shall we.”

  Lucy leant forward and placed her hand on Miles’ arm. “We’ll say no more about it,” she said, and looked at Clive. “Will we?”

  Clive smiled and nodded in agreement. “Not a word.”

  “Cousin Miles, we both hope that you have a pleasant time with us for the next few days,” said Lucy.

  “Absolutely Miles,” said Clive. “If there is anything you need just give a holler.”

  * * *

  The following morning Miles woke feeling fully refreshed after his long journey. It was a glorious day, the sun shining through his window. He felt good. He hadn’t slept so well for a long while. He yawned and stretched his arms above his head. He looked towards the window, at the sunlight streaming in. He could hear the sound of children playing, and a dog barking. He turned and looked at the clock on the side table.

  It was just after ten o’clock. He could not believe it. He sat up. There was a knock on the door. “Miles are you awake?” a voice called out.

  “Yes Lucy, I’m awake,” Miles replied. “But only just.”

  “I’ve brought you some breakfast.” The door opened and Lucy entered carrying a large tray. She placed it on the side table. “There are eggs, bacon, and toast, coffee and some fresh orange juice.”

  “Why did you let me sleep so long?” Miles asked.

  “We thought you needed the rest,” replied Lucy, as she placed the tray on the bed in front of Miles. “But as from now we have a lot planned for you. Now eat, and we’ll talk later.”

  * * *

  Twenty minutes later Miles joined Lucy and Clive in the drawing room. “Good morning, everyone.”

  “Good morning Miles,” said Clive a beaming smile on his face. “Sleep well did you?”

  “Like a log,” replied Miles. “Can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”

  “Coffee?” asked Lucy.

  “Sounds good to me,” Miles replied sitting down. “Now what were you saying about plans for me?”

  Lucy smiled and poured the coffee. “Well I just thought, something for you to do while you were here, that’s all.”

  “Go on, I’m listening.”

  “Well I thought maybe a picnic by the river,” Lucy suggested. “It’s lovely there this time of the year.”

  “I’m sure that it is,” said Miles.

  “Oh it is,” confirmed Clive.

  “Well, then I thought it would be nice to see Lafayette Park, we could take the boys, and Katy.”” Lucy continued.

  “Katy?” Miles repeated. “Who is Katy?”

  “She is Lucy’s dog,” explained Clive. “You must have heard her barking this morning.”

  Miles remembered the sound of the excited children, and the yapping dog.
So that was Katy.

  “And you really must see the White House, and the Capitol.”

  “It’s not actually finished yet,” Clive added. “But it promises to be quite impressive.”

  “And maybe a carriage ride around the town,” Lucy said. “It’s a long time since you were here, and there have been a lot of changes.”

  “And you really must pay a visit to the Ford Athenaeum,” suggested Clive.

  “What on earth is that?” asked Miles.

  “Of course, I was forgetting,” answered Clive. “Do you remember the First Baptist Church on Tenth Street?

  “The one with old pastor Obadiah Bruen Brown?” replied Miles.

  “That’s the one,” said Clive. “Well they moved, can’t remember where, but the old building was purchased by a certain John T. Ford, and he renovated it into a theatre, the Ford Athenaeum. It might be worth a visit.”

  “Oh Clive, there’s only an old minstrel show on at present, you know that,George Kirsty, or Christy, or some such name, I believe,” Lucy explained. “Miles wouldn’t be interested in that. But certainly we could do the other things.”

  “I’m only here for four days remember,” Miles said. “I wish that it could be longer but it’s just not possible at the present time.”

  Lucy looked disappointed. “I know, but it would be so much fun.” She paused for a moment. “And I do so need to have fun again.”

  “All right Lucy, we’ll see,” Miles replied. “Let’s start with the Park tomorrow shall we?”

  * * *

  The following day Miles and Cousin Lucy arrived at the gates to Lafayette Park shortly after ten o’clock. They had asked Clive to join them but he had declined.

  “Not feeling so good today,” he had said. “Think I’ll just lie down and take it easy.”

  Lucy had offered to stay behind and look after him, but he wouldn’t hear of it. “No, you go and show Miles the park,” he had insisted. “Enjoy yourself. I’ll be alright. Besides the boys are looking forward to it.”

  The park was very popular with the local residents, and visitors going to the White House, which was a short distance away. It was a warm day, with just a gentle breeze, and already several people were enjoying the gardens.

  Miles and Lucy slowly made their way along one of the wide tree lined avenues leading towards the centre of the park. The sweet aroma from the rhododendrons and the azaleas filled the air. Ahead ran the two boys, Andrew who was almost six, and Benjamin who was four years old. Katy ran by their side, barking excitedly.

  At the end of the avenue was the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson, on horseback, at the Battle of New Orleans. Close by the bandstand where a small military band was playing marching music, and Viennese waltzes which were popular in Europe. A small crowd was seated nearby enjoying the weather and the music. Miles and Lucy decided to join them for a few moments. The boys had gone over to the small lake a short distance away. Katy was already worrying the ducks, who were quacking loudly.

  Miles lay back in his chair, his eyes closed. The warmth of the sun, the perfume from the flowers, and the gentle lilt of the music, was magical almost. It was another world, a fantasy world where no harm could occur, and everyone was happy. The war seemed a million miles away, and so unreal. And he was no part of it. He wished that the feeling, the euphoria, could just go on and on, and never end. All he need do was open his eyes, and he would be back at home with his brother, Henry, and his friend, Jacob. The war would be nothing more than a bad dream.

  All too soon his reverie was over; disturbed by a loud clap of thunder, and the rain began to fall. People leapt to their feet and hurried for cover. The band stopped playing and packed their instruments away, as several people tried to take shelter within the bandstand.

  “Andrew,” Lucy called. “Benjamin. Quick now, come in out of the rain.” She looked at Miles, and shook her head. “I’m so sorry your day has been spoilt.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Miles replied. “It’s not your fault, and besides it hasn’t been spoilt. It’s only a drop of rain, it’ll stop soon.” He looked up at the sky, unsure as to when that ‘soon’ would actually be. It looked as though the rain was down for the rest of the day.

  “Perhaps we had better get a carriage home,” he suggested.

  Lucy looked disappointed but reluctantly agreed, as the boys arrived, Katy trailing behind. “Hopefully it will be better tomorrow for our picnic by the river,” she said.

  “It will be, don’t you worry,” Miles replied.

  * * *

  The following day was another hot one, and there wasn’t a hint of a raincloud to be seen. Lucy was busy in the kitchen preparing for the planned picnic. Clive still felt unwell and had decided to stay at home once again. Then young Benjamin started to sneeze.

  “He has caught a cold,” said Miles. “The rain that we had yesterday I imagine.”

  “Oh no,” cried Lucy. “What about our picnic?”

  Clearly there would be no picnic, not today. Miles put his hand on Lucy’s arm. “It can’t be helped,” he said gently.

  Lucy dabbed her cheeks. “But I had so wanted to show you around,” she said as the tears began to fall. “I wanted so much for you to enjoy your stay with us.”

  Miles placed his arm around her shoulders. “Now now no tears,” he said. “It doesn’t matter. We can have a picnic another time. In the meantime just being here with you and the boys, and Clive, is more than enough.”

  * * *

  Pennsylvannia Avenue, Washington 1860

  All too soon Miles’ short visit came to an end, and the time had come for him to report to Fort Massachusetts. For four short days all thought of war had been pushed aside. He had seen everything there was to see in Washington, the President’s house, the Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue, the Ford Theatre, the park, the Potomac; his cousin had seen to that. She had insisted that he had to see absolutely everything, and would not take no for an answer.

  For four short days he had not been a Union officer, he had been a visitor, a sight-seer. For four short days he had renewed his friendship with Lucy and Clive, a friendship that had for too long been neglected. He had also got to know her two boys. Andrew was going to be a soldier when he grew up. Benjamin on the other hand had decided that he wasn’t going to work at all - ever.

  * * *

  “Miles, there are two cavalry officers to see you,” Lucy called out from the hallway. “It’s time I think.”

  Miles walked over to her and took her hand. He smiled at her. “Yes it’s time to go I’m afraid.”

  “Captain Drew, sir?” asked one of the officers.

  Miles turned to face the two union officers who were standing smartly to attention at the entrance door. “I’m Captain Drew,” he replied.

  “This is Lieutenant Anders, and I am Lieutenant Carter,” the Officer explained, as the two men saluted. “We are from Fort Massachusetts, sir. We have been ordered to escort you there, sir. Colonel Maitland is expecting you.”

  Miles returned the salute, and reached for his baggage which was already lined up in the hallway. Carter moved forward quickly and picked up the bags. “I’ll take those, sir,” he said.

  Miles thanked the officer, and then turned towards Lucy, who was just a few steps behind him. She was crying.

  “Now Lucy none of that,” Miles said, offering her a handkerchief. “I won’t be that far away, and I’ll be able to visit you often.” He paused for a moment as he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see who it was.

  “And perhaps Clive could bring you out to the Fort some time,” he continued.

  “Certainly I can,” replied Clive. “That would be very nice.” He smiled at Lucy.

  “Yes I’d like that very much,” Lucy replied.

  Miles kissed her gently, shook hands with Clive, and then turned to face the two men. “Shall we go gentlemen” he said.

  “This way sir,” said Anders. “We have a carriage waiting.”

  * * *

&nb
sp; Chapter Eight

  Fort Massachusetts

  As Miles approached the carriage he suddenly stopped, and turned. Lucy was standing by the house, Clive at her side. She smiled and waved.

  “We’ll see each other real soon, don’t worry,” Miles called out. He then turned and continued to the carriage. Lieutenant Carter was already inside. Lieutenant Anders waited by the open door.

  Miles turned once again, waved, and then quickly got into the carriage, followed by Anders.

  “All right driver,” Lieutenant Anders called out, as the three men settled into their seats. “Let’s go.”

  The driver cracked his whip, and with a cry of “Gid-up” the carriage began to move forward.

  “So how far is it to the Fort?” asked Miles.

  “It’s about twelve miles,” replied Anders. “It’s just to the north of the town. We should be there in a little over two hours, sir.”

  “I understand that you’re from the South, sir?” asked Carter, slightly puzzled. “Is that correct?”

  “Yes that’s right, I’m a southerner,” Miles replied. “You’re wondering why I’m here aren’t you. Well I just don’t happen to agree with the South ceding from the Union that’s all.”

  Carter shook his head. “No sir, I wasn’t suggesting anything. It was just a simple …..”

  “That’s all right, Lieutenant, I understand,” said Miles interrupting. “It’s best to get it out in the open though don’t you think?” Carter said nothing.

  “It clears the air, and avoids any future misunderstanding. I’m a Southerner who chooses to fight for the North. It does sound a little strange I grant you. I just think the South is wrong in this regard, it’s as simple as that,” Miles continued to explain. “This war is wrong. It can only result in tragedy.”

  “And yet you choose to fight for the Union,” said Carter. “That seems very odd to me.”

  Miles looked at the Lieutenant for a few moments. “I choose to fight to save the Union. I wish that I could just idly sit and watch the war pass me by, but I can’t,” he replied. “I wish that the war was not necessary, but sadly events have already been put into motion, and cannot now be stopped until there is victory on one side or the other.”