But Callie continued her story.
Retelling the painful story seemed to give Callie strength. As each word flowed out of her mouth, it was as if some heavy load she had been hauling were being lifted away, word by word. The rain began to fall all around them, so she took her time and would not leave out one little detail.
“You said, ‘You should go in there like we said we would. Won’t it be fun for you to see how far you can go? And then, holler out back to me.’
“I told you I didn’t think I could do that by myself. ‘You come, too,’ I pleaded. But you wanted me to go in there alone.
“I had never felt so scared. I held on to a wall of the cave. I stuck my head inside. It was so dark in there; I never knew dark could be that dark. I stepped into the opening and turned my head from side to side. There was nothing to see.”
“ ‘Well, you certainly won’t find the bones right here!’ you teased. ‘Keep going, and let me know when you get to the end of the cave.’ ”
“I remember saying that,” Suse admitted.
“You wouldn’t listen to reason. I don’t know why you wanted me to go into Calper’s Cave alone and so badly. You even said you were ordering me to go. I tried everything I could think of to get you to change your mind. I told you I didn’t have a torch. ‘You won’t need a torch to hear bones rattling,’ you said. I never knew such fear, Suse, and I hope I never have to feel that way again.”
“Why did you go into the cave, Callie? Why did you go if you were so scared of the dark?”
Callie looked at her companion. “I think I was more afraid of you than going into that cavern or what you could do to me.”
“Afraid of me?”
“Yes, Suse. I feared you. I was your property, remember? You could do whatever you wanted to me. I was afraid of you. But most of all I feared your papa because it was my job to do what you wanted, to make you happy. And I was more afraid of him because of what he could do to me or the lengths he could go to hurt my family and tear us apart.”
“Oh, Callie, Callie. I am so sorry.”
“So you see, Suse, this life I am living now, as hard as it is I’m glad I’m a contraband now. You can’t make me do anything. You can’t tell me what to do. You cannot give me orders against my will anymore.”
• • •
The two girls sat huddled together to wait out the storm. Now Suse was crying again.
“Oh, Callie, Callie. I watched you as you climbed upon those Union horses and rode away,” Suse admitted. “I have been horrible to you. Can you ever forgive me? Please say you will.”
Callie had not realized it until this moment but she already had forgiven Suse. Somehow, telling the story to Suse took the pain and the sting of it away and out of her. She felt free of carrying the burden of that awful event.
“I am so sorry,” Suse began, and started to cry again. Callie patted her and held on to her while she cried softly.
“But I remembered that you did your best.” Suse looked up, surprised, when Callie said that.
“You did go to Papa to let him know I was in the cave alone,” Callie said, smiling. Then Suse smiled too.
“I did do that,” Suse agreed. “And I am so very sorry.”
“Suse,” Callie began again. “Maybe this is not good-bye. Maybe things will be different after the war is over.”
“Maybe,” she said. Then she hesitated. “Mama and I talk about you all. She talks about Hampton most. I know she liked having him as a brother and she misses him. I know that makes you my cousin. I’ve never had a brother or a sister. And I think I would have liked to have a sister, but sometimes I think cousins are even closer than friends. Cousins are almost like sisters. And who knows, when the war is over we might find another cave that we can explore, and this time we’ll explore it together.”
The two girls laughed. They sat together until the rain stopped. It was still very windy. The sky began to clear. Callie knew she had to get back to Mrs. Peake and the children. She hoped she didn’t think she had forgotten her or them. Both knew Suse had to be getting back home.
“Callie,” Suse said, “I better head home. Mama wants to leave tonight, but, with the storm, we may have to wait until the morning.”
Suse put her arms around Callie. She hugged her in a way that meant something real was very different and better between them.
“I do not know when we will meet again, but I hope we do. I will not say good-bye, Callie. I will only say farewell.”
The two hugged each other one last time. Suse turned to leave while Callie headed back inside the fort. For now, the girls went their separate paths, their different ways.
In addition to the many who came seeking protection under the contraband declaration, the number of soldiers arriving at Fortress Monroe was growing as well. Military battalions were growing and organizing. The question of whether to accept more of the newly displaced persons or, more importantly, where to put them, loomed larger every day.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Mr. and Mrs. Fowle’s Idea
July 16, 1861
Mrs. Peake asked Callie to get to school early before all the others. There were some people she wanted Callie to meet. When Callie arrived, Mrs. Peake was not alone. There was a white man and woman in the classroom with her. They seemed very friendly to Mrs. Peake and they seemed happy with the schoolroom. Mrs. Peake was giving a tour of the classroom. They were looking at all of the schoolwork that was around the room.
The three of them were speaking in low tones. Callie hoped they would notice her standing at the door. Callie did not interrupt. She did her best not to listen but she could hear what they were saying.
The man was speaking to Mrs. Peake as if they were friends.
“Mary,” he said, “it has already been decided. The fort cannot hold the freedmen much longer.”
“Yes,” she said. “I know this, but they must not turn them out. They come so eager. They have hoped so much. The children are eager to learn.”
“What can be done?” the woman asked.
“At least the school will not close. I have already written to the Missionary Society. More teachers and supplies are being sent.”
“We must not let them down,” the woman added.
“Some have walked many miles to get here. There is hardly enough room for the people who are already here. More and more stream in and continue to come,” Mrs. Peake said, and then she noticed Callie.
“Callie, you are here. Welcome! Come in.” Mrs. Peake smiled and reached out to hold Callie’s hand. “Callie, I’m so happy you are here. These are my dear friends and neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Fowle.”
“Do come in,” Mr. Fowle greeted her, smiling.
“Let me shake your hand,” Mrs. Fowle said. “I have heard a great deal of good things about you, young lady.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Callie said, smiling and feeling a little out of place. “I am happy to make your acquaintance.” Callie took a glance at Mrs. Peake. She smiled back at Callie and nodded her head so that she could feel at ease.
“Now, let me get right to the point,” Mr. Fowle began. “Mary, um, Mrs. Peake, tells us what a good student you are. She tells us how quickly you learn and how willing you are to help others. That is fine and commendable.”
Callie smiled a broad smile as her face began to feel warm. Mr. Fowle continued talking.
“We have the money and the means to send a young scholar such as yourself to school. It would mean that you would have to move away from your parents. You would live at the boarding school in my home state of Massachusetts.”
“Have you heard of Massachusetts?” Mrs. Fowle asked, smiling.
“Yes, ma’am,” Callie said, also trying to smile while looking at Mrs. Peake.
“Mrs. Peake tells me you have the makings of an excellent teacher. And we could always use another good and excellent teacher. Do you agree, Mrs. Peake?”
“Yes, Callie. I do agree,” Mrs. Peake chimed in. “I think this would be a wonderf
ul opportunity for you and your family.”
“Do you mean Mama and Papa will come with me?”
“No, Callie. The schooling is just for you. Your mother and father have their lives here in Virginia. They told me they have both found work here at the fort.”
“Yes, ma’am. Mama is working as a seamstress and Papa works as a scout for the army post, and he helps with the horses,” she added eagerly.
“So you see, Callie, that just leaves you,” Mrs. Peake said.
“Yes, but I work with you. You said I am a good helper,” Callie started.
“Yes, Callie. But you will see there will always be so much work to be done. Your getting an education means that you will be helping me so much more.”
“What about Mama and Papa?” Callie asked.
Mrs. Fowle had been quiet. Here is where she spoke.
“Callie, Mrs. Peake introduced us to your parents last night when they came to the evening adult school. They said they liked the idea of your getting a formal education and felt this is a wonderful opportunity for you. They said they would discuss it with you when you came home but the decision is completely up to you and your family,” Mrs. Fowle said, smiling.
Callie thought Mrs. Fowle had a kind-sounding voice.
Now Callie was quiet. She did not know where to fix her gaze. Suddenly, Mrs. Peake gave her a hug. And when she hugged her, Callie whispered into her ear.
“What did she say?” Mrs. Fowle asked, excited.
“You tell them your answer, Callie!” Mrs. Peake hugged her.
“Yes,” Callie admitted happily. “Thank you so very much for your generosity and your faith in me.”
Then she turned to Mr. Fowle.
“Yes, Mr. Fowle, I would like very much to go to school in Massachusetts.”
“That’s the spirit! That is what I wanted to hear.” He laughed. Then he turned back to Mrs. Peake. “Now, Mary, I am on my way and we will make plans together about our newest scholar,” he said, and then he and his wife were out the door.
The children were beginning to come into the classroom. The lessons would start soon.
“I do not understand, Mrs. Peake.” Callie started to cry.
“There is nothing more to understand, Callie, other than this: Mr. Rollins Fowle is a neighbor of mine. I have known of him many years and of his good works. He is a man who is very kind to colored people,” Mrs. Peake said, drying Callie’s happy tears.
“Frequently he has bought slaves who were in danger of being sold into bad hands and given them their freedom.
“He is also known for sending a student to school in the North to be educated. He has chosen you this time, Callie, and I agree with his choice. You are a very intelligent and deserving young woman.”
Callie was happy to hear these words, in spite of everything. In spite of losing Joseph, the war, and losing Little Charlie, there were so many good things happening at the same time.
“Our people need so much,” Mrs. Peake continued. “We need teachers to teach our people to read and to write. Our people need to be educated for these times, and for all of eternity. And we also have a responsibility to teach our children the right habits of living and the true principles of life.
“So, you see, Callie. Mr. Fowle is not just helping you. He is helping so many others who are yet to come.”
• • •
When Callie got home for her midday meal, Mama and Papa were waiting for her. They saw the look on her face. They looked like they were holding on to a happy secret that would burst out any moment.
“What answer did you give to the Fowles?” Mama asked.
Callie hesitated.
“She said yes!” Papa said, and laughed out loud. “She said yes!” Then he gave Mama a big hug.
Callie ran to them. She wrapped her arms around Mama’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. They could all see how tall she had grown. Then Papa hugged them both.
Callie went through the rest of the day feeling mixed up with happy and sad thoughts at the same time. She admitted to herself that she had never considered living one day in the world away from Mama and Papa.
• • •
That night sleep did not come easily. Callie listened to the sound of Mama’s and Papa’s breathing. The happenings of the day ran through her mind, keeping her awake. She thought about having to go away from Mama and Papa. She did not want to leave them behind. She did so want to go to school, but she didn’t know how to say good-bye.
Callie remembered what Papa said about how as a freedman he could never leave his family behind. And what he said stayed on her mind.
Then she remembered that Mrs. Peake had done has much in order to go to school. She thought about that and realized that Papa leaving them was different from her setting out to go to school.
Finally, she told herself, Those were different times. In these days, in this time, we are all free. That cleared her mind and she could sleep.
So much was different at the fort. Things were always in a state of adjustment and movement. One morning shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Fowle’s visit, Mrs. Peake had announced to her students that change would come to the fort, and it would be fast. There was no more room inside the walls for the new contraband who continued to arrive. The conditions were very crowded.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Lieutenant Mathew Jessup
July 29, 1861
Steadily more people continued to seek refuge within the walls of Fortress Monroe. These new people who came set up tents and makeshift houses outside on the grounds of the fort, where they had the protection of the Union Army.
On her way to the schoolroom early one morning Callie saw Lieutenant Jessup. He waved to her and Callie waved back. She had not seen him in many days.
“Callie! Good morning,” he said. “Where are you off to so early?”
“I have chores to do in our schoolroom before the children come to class,” she explained.
“Do you like the school?” he asked.
“Oh yes, I like it very much. It is the best thing for me,” she said. “I love learning and I love helping others learn.” Then she told him about her good news of going to school in the North and her hopes to become a teacher.
“That is very good news, Callie,” he said. “I know you will make a very good teacher. And I know your parents are proud of you.”
“Where are you off to so early this morning?” Callie asked him.
“We ship out soon. I’m going to the post office, and I wanted to mail this letter to my parents before I leave,” he explained. “Have you ever received a letter or sent a letter to anyone, Callie?”
“No,” Callie said, shaking her head.
“Well, get ready for it because when you go away, I’m sure if your parents are like my parents, they will want to hear from you often, maybe even every day.”
Callie began to feel uneasy again about going away from Papa and Mama.
“Have you ever seen a letter, Callie?”
“I have seen letters written to Mistress Catherine or Mister Henry, but I never noticed them much.”
“Well, let me show you. I’m happy to show you my letter to my parents because I wrote to them about your papa and how he saved my life.”
Then Lieutenant Jessup opened up his letter and read it to her.
First Vermont Volunteers
July 29, 1861
Fortress Monroe, Virginia
Dearest Father, Mother, and Sisters,
It has been some time since I wrote to you. I am well and in good health and good spirits. I have been in Virginia some time and on this day, because of the help I received from a Negro, I turn twenty years of age. I will not say I miss you as that will cause all of our hearts to ache and I have a job to do. We all have jobs to do.
There is not much opportunity to write, but I felt I had to take time to pen these few words to you as much is happening and I want you to know what is in my heart before I embark for the battleground. We are prep
aring for battle. The battlewagons are in sight. I wonder how everything will fit together.
This is all beyond my understanding. But I suppose that is why we are here, which almost seems like a foreign country and not part of the United States. Life is the same here, but it is still so very different.
I will tell you of a bit of a mishap. I took a tumble into the James River, hitting my head in the process. Had it not been for Hampton, a Negro, who happened to be standing along the riverside, I am sure I would not be sitting here right now writing this letter to you. He risked his own life to save me. I am indebted to him for my life. I feel he is a lifelong friend. And Father, if you knew him, you would find him to be most fine and gentlemanly in manner.
He is a freedman. As you know I am here in this war to support our government, but I declare when I set out as a soldier I did not factor in the human element.
It is most distressing to hear stories of what his family and his people have endured. What little he tells me I feel as though I am living out of the pages of the Bible, worse than when Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go. But these Southern pharaohs would be quick to tell you that they are in fact following God’s law as said so in the Bible. But I do not think so. They do more to follow their greed.
I recall the scandal caused in our town when Aunt Bennett became divorced from her husband, James, for her infidelity. Someone in our congregation joked that she should be stoned as says so in the Bible.
And Father, I remember your voice of reason that spoke about how the Bible is to be interpreted for the times that we live in now. Perhaps the Exodus story of the Egyptians was also to teach modern man how not to live: how not to treat a fellow human being created in the likeness and image of God. The question of slavery and its effects is so big and vast; it causes the individual person to act so severely and cruelly to his fellow man.
I pray the war ends and we are united soon. Write to me soon. Do please tell Ludie when I return we shall go fishing and I will catch the bigger fish.
Your loving son and brother,
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