The Watchman's Grace

by Craig Johnson

  Chapter Four

  FAREWELL OLD GHOSTS

  It takes one door to close for another to open

  White Rose Plantation had successfully overcome worse tragedies than the escape of Fortune Smith, though none was more stinging emotionally to Harriston Smith. By now he had become obsessed with planning the demise of his powerful blacksmith. But for now it appeared this would not happen. Standing near the main stables with Willis, he let his thoughts on the matter spew forth.

  “Damn it, how many have we lost to this running Willis?” spat out a vexed Harriston Smith.

  “Just Fortune I think sir,” came back the nervous reply.

  Smith’s brows scrunched in vile hatred. “Now how could this have happened? Damn it; I sent the best hunter in the entire south to track that bastard down! And here you tell me I’ve ended up with a bunch of dead fools, outwitted by a bunch of darkies? They dishonor every White man of the South with their negligence! And I better not hear any goings on about this, or it’ll be your hide too. Understand me Willis?”

  Willis strained to look at the piercing hot coals of Harriston’s eyes. “Yes sir, but what do you reckon you’re going to do? It ain’t a secret that a lot of good plantations have been losing slaves right around the counties. Only a matter of time before people cotton up to the fact White Rose has just…”

  “Shut your fool mouth, you damn blathering idiot! I know how this will look, but that darkie has not heard the last of me, you hear? There are ways to catch him again. And now I have to deal with my wife’s shit! She looked out for him from the start because she said he was an excellent servant. And now I will hear no end of it for losing him!”

  Willis straightened his posture in rapt attention. “I understand clearly Mister Smith. He can’t run forever without you tracking him down; especially if you offer up a big reward. In the end, your smarts will win the day.”

  Harriston stroked his chin in serious contemplation. “Let me tell you Willis. You may be right about one thing. My intellect is superior to most men, let alone a runaway slave! Fortune has a head start, but he will never be far from my pursuit. My reach goes a long way, and there ain’t no county where he’ll be totally secure.

  “I bought him, fed him, and trained him, all at my expense. And now I want that nigra to pay with his life! He’s destroyed my ways around here and done who knows what with my wife! He’s my property for goodness sakes. His children are my property too. And anything that bastard owns or has under the sun shall always be mine! Enough of that; we have a plantation to run.”

  Both men walked away to their respective tasks. Then Smith stopped in his tracks, hollering out to his hired hand.

  “Willis, get your ass back here a minute! Something’s just crossed my mind.”

  As soon as he came aside, the enraged plantation owner carried forth. “Tomorrow morning you take three darkies from our workers. Try and pick the ones giving White Rose the most trouble. Then gather every single one of the rest at the crack of dawn, with no exceptions, around the big old oak near where I whipped Fortune. We’ll hang those three to show there will be triple blood for each future escapee!”

  For a moment even the depraved Willis was taken aback. However, he soon composed a response.

  “As you wish it sir, so it shall be done.”

  *****

  Hours later found Betty Rose plying the ocean her weathered timber knew so well. Her deck was the usual hive of activity while good time was made to her destination. Having finished tending affairs in his cabin, Captain Clark surfaced from below and headed over to Fletcher. Upon arriving, he gave him an admiring gaze before extending a hand of congratulations. Fletcher duly accepted.

  “I’ve always held your bravery in the utmost regard. You’ve sacrificed a good life to gain something for others so dear. Risk without recompense is the noblest deed of all.” Pausing to gaze out to his beloved broad blue sea, Amos continued.

  “Your virtue is constantly tested in an unforgiving glare of calamities unforeseen. People like you are too good for this country Fletcher. You show in reality what is penned in fiction; that all men are created equal.

  “Stay true to the course my friend. Amongst the many in this fledgling nation are quite a few that support our cause. And mark my words. The crescendo of our voices will grow louder in the coming years, until this nation answers the truth of words and content of each character within it.”

  Fletcher stood in rapt attention while listening to Captain Clark’s revealing introspections. It was truly moving to hear a man of stature, who once participated in the commerce of shame, transforming into a leader of notable conscience.

  “I thank you for those touching words. You have been critical to my success in no small measure. For your assistance without fail I am deeply indebted. There are no words which could describe the goodness of what we have done together.”

  “Thank you Fletcher. It is I who am in gratitude to you and your father for opening my mind and saving my life. Ah well, better turn back to the cabin. I have some business to discuss with Richard. Enjoy your afternoon Fletcher.” The captain returned below deck, leaving Fletcher time to think about his present situation.

  Meanwhile Fortune, Clarence, Thomas and Rodney had taken their first moments of newfound liberty to enjoy a well-deserved rest. No threat of constant danger meant a dignified, peaceful sleep. When they awoke a few hours later, the reality of their new lives came into focus.

  “Good afternoon Clarence, Thomas and Rodney,” beamed a smiling Fortune. “How does it feel to be alive again?”

  “It’s true ain’t it?” replied an overwhelmed Rodney. “We can make our own decisions and get our own stuff in order! But I know it’s not gonna be easy. I’ve heard talk about the lot of freemen back on my old plantation.”

  “How does that go?” Thomas asked.

  “Well now. Let’s see if I recall. Oh yeah, one of the field hands had a relation who had his papers and was a freeman. Heard tell he owned a little plot outside of Baltimore that he farmed with his wife. He did not get into too much, except that it’s no picnic out there either.”

  “Don’t think anyone expected clouds to let sunshine in,” remarked Clarence. “So this ain’t news to me.”

  “I can add something else,” ventured Rodney. “They were doing well enough with the farm and some white townsfolk did not like it. Said it was not proper for a Colored man to have more than a White man. So one night a few of them came a knocking on his door in the dead of night. The group of them said they were going to take his holding away by force if he did not sell it to them.”

  “They can’t do that to a free man!” barked Clarence. “He has the same rights as them don’t he?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to say Clarence! No matter that you’re a free man and living within the law. They’ll still come at you with their wicked games. Now back to my story. The man was lucky enough the judge in that county was his former owner and had given him his freedom. The judge made sure they offered half decent money to the man and he accepted. Even though it was much less than he should have received, he wanted to up stakes for good.

  “So he took that money with his family and headed out west. He reckoned the land was so big out there you could stake your own dreams without prejudice. Yep, the frontier country is where they went.”

  “That man was the exception rather than the rule,” offered Fortune. “For every decent outcome there are hundreds that fared far worse! We made our way to a new beginning, but it too will have challenges. A lot of folk on the outside just as soon wish you were back in chains. But that’s their problem, not ours. We have every right to live as free men.”

  “Ain’t that the truth,” confirmed Clarence.

  “Why don’t we get some fresh air on deck?” said Fortune. “I heard once that the Atlantic can set you dreaming good things this time of year.”
Everyone rose from their beds and prepared to go upstairs. When they arrived above, a familiar figure was spotted in deep contemplation.

  “Is that you Fletcher?” called out Fortune. “We’ve all come up to catch some sea air. You know how it gets stuffy down below.”

  “Don’t you know it Fortune,” answered Fletcher. “No matter how many times I’ve done this journey, I cannot help but watch the ocean heave and toss in her mysterious ways. The Atlantic can be so moody and tear you in an instant, yet so calming with her unending horizon. She’s unfathomable in the best of times, like so many who’ve sailed her know too well. She’s unpredictable Fortune, like nature imitating life.”

  “Just as long as she lands us safe in Halifax Harbor she can keep those secrets to herself!” exclaimed Fortune. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. Once we arrive there, how do we go forward? You know we have no ties, no property, nothing to help us get going there.”

  “Now Fortune, you didn’t think we would drop you ashore and turn tail back south? We have a plan that’s been followed since the first escape I conducted. When we arrive in Halifax, my good friend Grady will be there to take you all to a village called Resting Arms. The people there will help you ground yourselves while giving food and shelter in the meantime.”

  Fortune was relieved to hear this news. “Thank goodness! I didn’t think we would be left to fend for ourselves, but you never know. Like I said, this is all new for us. We can’t be blamed for being a touch scared.”

  “Fair enough my friend. But now I’m going to leave you all for a bit while I muddle through some more details. The work never stops Fortune. That’s the key to our success.”

  Fletcher quickly slipped below deck, leaving Fortune alone with his teaming thoughts. One thing was for certain. No one knew what the future would hold.

  Time rolled in tandem to the simple waves of maritime travel. Though to their credit Fortune and the other escapees were an industrious lot teamed with a progressive leader. Everyone took swift advantage of the intervening hours, working with Fletcher to learn more about their destination and basic customs. To complement their knowledge, Fletcher taught Rodney, Thomas and Clarence basic reading skills and sums.

  Fortune had the backhanded advantage of learning such skills under the vexed tutelage of Nathaniel. Though he was impressed by this compassionate concern for the future welfare of his fellow escapees. In Fortune’s mind, Fletcher indeed was a man capable of greater things.

  From sunup to brilliant sunset Betty Rose plied her way towards Halifax. Inside and above her hulking expanse crew, stewards and escapees settled into their respective routines. All were heavy with anticipation of reaching port. Finally, on one sun drenched afternoon in late summer, sighting was made.

  “Looks like we’re coming into Halifax,” declared Fortune to Clarence.

  All eyes on board the weathered deck widened to capture the brimming fullness of this deep harbor port. Halifax was in a British Colony where slavery had no legal right. Fortune could now see where his mind hoped only weeks before. Nova Scotia would become where his new life began. Here is where he would cleanse away the indignities of his recent past. Here he would work fervently to make up on time spent in bondage, reestablishing manhood so brutally denied.

  “Welcome to Nova Scotia, overseen by Lieutenant Governor Viscount Falkland for Her Majesty Queen Victoria,” proclaimed a beaming Captain Clark. “We are in British North America now gentlemen. As a bonus you get a queen to go along with your freedom.”

  Clarence, Thomas and Rodney each beheld this new place with both fervent hopes and quiet trepidations. Although they knew it was not the Deep South of their tortured past, it still meant dealing with a Caucasian population not always pleasantly disposed to their color. Certainly the future would call upon abilities heretofore unused to match future travails in equal measure. For upon these new lands their whole existence would depend.

  “Fletcher, please bring Fortune, Thomas, Clarence and Rodney to me. I have something to say.” Soon they were assembled at the side of Amos Clark, whereupon he began in a humble tone.

  “I want each of you to take full advantage of the possibilities this new land has to offer. Do not fool yourselves, as there will still be those ill-tempered to your appearance, and many obstacles presented in your daily activities.

  “Yet always remember there are others who may encourage your progress while aiding it to flourish. By showing the path forward in respectful fashion, you give your brethren less fortunate something dearer in aspiration. Remember to always seek just compensation for your efforts. What you earn in honest toil should be compensated. In proof, here are your wages for helping load Betty Rose in Savannah. Keep it well; make it grow.”

  Captain Clark distributed monies to all of them. One cannot discount the extreme amazement of each man to receive compensation for labor. Here was only the start of new experiences to which these former slaves would have to adapt. After placing the last of these wages in hand, Captain Clark waived his right hand in the air.

  “Oh yes, there is another concern of which you should be aware. When you have means, there will be many that try to take those coins from your hands. So always guard your earnings. Save as much as you can. I am sure others will speak further on this where you are going.

  “And never let the poison of heavy drink break your will! They tried this on the Native Indian, making some destitute to steal their lot! Make sure the same ploy has no effect with you. Abstain; remain sober while protecting your mind. That is all I can think of as I say farewell to you gentlemen.”

  Each man stood still a moment to reflect on Captain Clark’s advice. Then, after thanking him, they went away to behold the vignette of shoreline activities.

  “Fletcher, come walk with me a moment,” asked Amos. He duly complied as they took in the goings on about them. After a spell of reflective silence, the captain started speaking.

  “So Fletcher, what do you make of their chances?” he inquired.

  “Same as every other group I brought here. They were motivated enough to want a better life against impossible odds. They had enough self-control to keep quiet and allow a decent opportunity to escape. Also, they were smart enough to survive on the run. If they possessed those capabilities, why would I suspect their chances now?”

  “Well put Fletcher,” admired the captain. “But there’s one amongst this group I would keep a watch on if I were you. And I mean this with the best of intentions. That man Fortune has a way about him which suggests something apart from any other escapee you’ve brought here.”

  “In what way are you referring Amos?”

  “Surely you’re being rhetorical Fletcher! I know you’re a shrewd judge of character. You can see that man is long on it. I built my career on two things. Being the best negotiator I can and an ability to recognize the true cut of every man I meet. Fortune’s demeanor reminds me of yourself; a leader of men. I bet it’s in his blood!”

  Fletcher was taken aback by this insight. “I am sure one could argue he possesses good qualities, though you sound very certain with your words.”

  “That’s because I am Fletcher. Take it for what it’s worth.” Captain Clark gave a searching gaze upon the rumbling activity around the harbor before taking a different vein.

  “I wanted to speak with you about something that has constantly weighed in my mind. When you have lived a life as long as mine you collect many ghosts. Some haunt you every so often, some never and some scream out for revenge at the most sudden of times.

  “My past complicity in the slave trade makes me no martyr for what I do now. I most certainly reckon the stain will be steadfast to my final judgment. And I shirk no responsibility for my part in its presence.”

  Fletcher quickly put forth a branch of reconciliation to allay the captain’s guilt. “You take comfort Amos in the fact you were strong enough to recognize this
on your own time. Take peace knowing you eventually did the right thing. And take courage in the knowledge you have aided many. It’s been a long day. I think I’ll go below for some rest.”

  “Good idea Fletcher. That will give me time to prepare for leaving Halifax. Looks like an evening departure for us. The work never ends in dealings of enterprise.”

  On that note they went their respective ways, leaving harbor activity with two less spectators. Both men had eyes trained to the future. In their minds, a better today was only the product of a yesterday planned correctly.

  It seemed only moments before Captain Clark and Fletcher had engaged in thoughtful discussion. Yet time bounded forward in rapid sequence. Now able foreman Richard informed Captain Clark their cargo was unloaded and timber stored below, waiting for departure. Amos acknowledged before proceeding to find Fletcher in his quarters.

  “Fletcher, it appears we’re about to set sail. I trust you had a good sleep.”

  “It was brief, but a luxury compared to the snippets of frightful napping on the run.”

  “Glad to hear that. Well, my guilty conscious has been working overtime. Fletcher, my pain grows harder with guilt unresolved. I did not finish what I began to say earlier on deck. I am getting on in years and trying to make some peace with the world, so please hear me out.

  “You know, in all this time I never gave account of the true pain I feel about those involved in that nefarious business? It shames me without end to hear my colleagues talk about church values, civilized behavior and social mores while whipping slaves to brutal deaths, separating their families and selling other humans for self-gain! I don’t know whose God they think holds their actions in good grace, but their hypocrisy will prove a serious downfall in the end!

  “We give that which cannot be given and take that which should never be taken. Here for all to witness is the spiritual murder of millions! I daresay those that perpetrate your misery would not last a day under similar circumstances! I only wish that my senses were made whole sooner than the day your father rescued me. He saved my conscious and my soul.