by Unknown
“And do you think you can? Neil!”
And then Andrew Neil appeared; the other murderer. “Yes sir?” This was less of a shock to me but it made me angry. This was the man who had started it all by killing my mother.
“This officer wants to take us back to camp. Persuade him otherwise will you?” The Englishman grinned at Major Boswell. “He is not a soldier, he is my servant so try to order him around if you can.”
The bully strode over preparing his fist to strike the Major. I murmured to Danny. “This one is mine!” It was a little unfair I suppose. He was concentrating so much on the major and how he would hit him that he did not see my right hand pull back and then hit him so hard that he fell backwards over two tables. He landed in an unconscious heap with blood pouring from his broken nose.
“Thank you, lieutenant. Now Captain Murphy, will you escort these officers back to camp and I will wait while the major collects his winnings. And lieutenant you had better take the major’s servant back as well.”
The other officers backed away as I strode through. In their world officers did not throw punches like that and my face must have displayed my anger. I picked up the former estate manager and threw him easily over my shoulder. Major Beauregard sat stunned at the change in his fortunes. As I walked through the door I was not careful with the unconscious killer and smiled grimly as his head hit the door lintel. I suspected that it would extend his sleep somewhat.
When I got outside the other officers were on their horses looking sorry for themselves. “Which is his horse?” They pointed to a grey and I threw him over the saddle. By the time the two majors emerged we were ready to go and the tavern emptied to watch us leave.
Danny and I rode behind the four officers who themselves were behind the majors who led us. We wanted no-one to run. “You’ll regret this you know? I am on first name terms with the Secretary of War.”
“Well I shall bear that in mind should I ever meet him. Of course you do realise that we operate behind the enemy lines so we have more chance of meeting the Union Secretary of War. And before you say anything else you might come up with a reason why you left a camp without a duty officer. It appears that General Stuart has noted that all of you were absent from the camp without the permission of your commanding officer.”
Major Beauregard fell into Major Boswell’s traps so easily it showed me who was the more intelligent. “I gave them permission as acting commanding officer.”
“Ah so it is you who will be facing a court martial for dereliction of duty? Thank you for clearing that up. The colonel will be pleased.”
Our new major sank into silence as we rode the rest of the way to the camp. The colonel was seated with Sergeant Major Vaughan and they were deep in conversation. As we rode up and dismounted the Sergeant Major rose to stand behind the colonel. The colonel did not move as the five officers stood before him. Four looked shamefaced and Major Beauregard just glowered angrily. Eventually the colonel spoke, “I am Colonel Cartwright, your commanding officer and none of you,” he looked at each one in turn, “have made a favourable impression on me.” Although he spoke quietly there was censure in his tone. “We have made a bad start so let us try to improve from here on. Pray introduce yourselves by rank and experience.”
The haughty English voice sent shivers down my spine. How I hated him and everything he stood for. “I am Major Arthur St.John Beauregard formerly of Her Majesty’s Foot Guards.” He said it as though he expected us either to bow or to applaud. The colonel did neither. He merely looked to the next man.
“I am Doctor Harrison Marley formerly with the 5th Virginia Cavalry.”
“Good we need a medical man.”
“I am Captain Samuel Cooper. I was attached to the staff in Richmond.”
There was the briefest of glances between the colonel and Vaughan. I knew what it meant. They had a captain with no combat experience at all. “You will have much to learn captain. This is not Richmond.”
“I am First Lieutenant Robert McGee. I was with the 3rd Virginia.”
The youngest looking one said, “I am Second Lieutenant Richard McGee and this is my first posting.”
“Would you two be brothers by any chance?”
They both chorused, “Yes sir.”
“Well it seems there may be an excuse for two of you. If you have not served in a combat regiment before then you might not know about such things as duties and the efficient running of the camp but three of you do. As commanding officer it is within my remit to have you all court-martialled.” He allowed the words to sink in, “but in the spirit of burying the hatchet and making a new start I will merely punish you and your company by giving you the nightly picket duty for a week.” I saw Major Beauregard think about snapping a comment back but then he thought better of it. “As your duties begin in two hours then I suggest you get what rest you can.”
Major Boswell stepped forward, “There is one other thing colonel. The major has a servant who was about to strike me until Lieutenant Hogan intervened and forcibly restrained him. He is slung over his horse at the moment.” I saw an approving smile and nod from Sergeant Major Vaughan. “I wondered about his position.”
“Ah, a servant eh?”
“Yes colonel. It is a common practice in the British Army.” Major Beauregard sounded petulant rather than forceful.
“I know. However they also serve in the British Army too and wear a uniform.” He leaned forwards, “They are subject to military discipline. So if you wish to have him with us then you must enter him into the roll and supply a uniform. Of course he will still be your servant and will not receive military pay.” The major gave a nod. “Good, then if there is nothing more, you are dismissed.”
As I went back to my tent I decided that I would keep my thoughts on the major to myself. There was already enough bad blood between the officers and I did not want to add to it.
The next day saw us thrown into the maelstrom of preparing to campaign north of Fredericksburg. I took the opportunity of visiting Barbara Sandy; she had made uniforms for us before and I was anxious to look the part. This was even more urgent now that Major Beauregard had arrived. At first she said that she was too busy but the jingle of coins and a hang dog look did much to expedite matters. “Come this afternoon and I will see what I will see what I can do.”
“And if I could have a second…”
“It’s a good job you have a cheeky look sir! Be off with you.”
General Fitzhugh Lee arrived with his entourage to brief the colonel. Major Beauregard made a point of imposing himself on the meeting despite the fact that the colonel preferred to tell his officers of important matters himself. We waited nearby for the briefing we knew would follow. I could not hear the words but I saw the body language and the gestures. The general did not appear to appreciate the major’s presence and he was soon sent packing. He stormed across to where we stood in idle chatter. He made straight for his erstwhile companions. “Well General Lee is incompetent! That is obvious. I hope his uncle is a better general or we shall lose this war and we British do not lose wars!”
I saw Major Boswell bristle, “I believe you lost one in 1779 didn’t you?”
The smiles were on all the faces but for the four officers of D Troop. Even Doctor Marley smiled and I noticed that he no long stood with the others. He had seen the writing on the wall.
When the meeting was over the general strode towards us. He held out his hand. “Major Boswell, congratulations on your promotion. I have heard much about you. We need more officers like you.” He flashed an angry look at Major Beauregard who suddenly seemed to find the toe of his boot interesting. “I am confident that with you and your Wildcats scouting for me we will trounce the Yankees and lead them a merry dance eh?”
After he had left the colonel waved us in. “Well, it appears we are in for an exciting time.” He grinned, “It seems Lieutenant Hogan that we are heading back to the scene of your miraculous escape.” He held up a newspaper. “T
he general left me this. Apparently when you escaped your cell the guards thought it was either witchcraft or magic. They do not know how you escaped from a locked room with barred windows. They are attributing the success of the former Wildcats to such witchcraft.”
The ones who knew me laughed but Major Beauregard said haughtily, “Witchcraft! Stuff and nonsense!”
“Still Major Beauregard, if it makes the enemy fear us a little more, then I am in favour of it. Anyway down to business. We leave in three days. The general and the brigade will follow a day later. We have a free hand so long as we inform the general of what he can expect. We are advised to avoid battles; that will be the focus of the brigade.”
“But we are cavalry! That is what we should be doing! Engaging the enemy on the battlefield and defeating him.” Major Beauregard almost spat the words out.
The colonel put his fingers together, almost as though in prayer. “Rather like your Light Brigade did at the Battle of Balaclava eh? Had they had our scouts then many fine cavalrymen would still be alive. This regiment is a regiment of scouts. Our job is to find the enemy. Yes we will hurt him if the opportunity arises but we will run when appropriate.”
“A Beauregard does not run!”
“The Major Beauregard, I would look for another regiment and quickly!”
Chapter 11
As usual A Troop led the regiment. Even the malcontents from the early days were now happy to be part of the elite troop. We rode a mile ahead of the main column and Dago led ten men in a loose skirmish line a mile ahead of that. We would not be easily ambushed. Danny rode next to me. “That was a mighty blow you struck the other night. There appeared to be a lot of venom, in that punch.” Andrew Neil, or Trooper Neil as he now was known, had kept a low profile whilst in camp. The other troopers had heard of his threat to the major and there were threats against him. Although, as officers, we could not fight him, the men were under no such restrictions and Trooper Neil spent every waking minute tending to his major. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Danny of all people would understand and he would also respect my wishes. I told him what had happened all those years ago. “But don’t say anything sir. I am telling you this because you will understand and you will trust me. You come from the same neck of the woods and know how these things work.”
“You aren’t going to do anything stupid are you?”
“What? You mean like kill the men who murdered my parents? Not while they wear the grey but one day they will not and then all bets are off.”
“Fair enough and when that day comes Jack, I’ll back you. You know that?”
“Thanks Danny.” I sighed. “I feel better with that lot off my chest.”
We headed down towards the Rappahannock first, because the general was keen to have a defensible base on the south side of the Rappahannock. We found a ford and a small settlement at Kellysville. The ford was called, appropriately, Kelly’s Ford. As Danny said when we reached it, “A fine Irish name, it should do nicely. Trooper Tyree, find the general and tell him we have found a base. Sergeant Spinelli, go and find us a camp site on the other side of the river. We might as well get the prime spot.” It was as perfect a spot as you could wish. The river looped around and there were two fords, one closer top the railroad line and the bridge.
The general arrived the next day and was delighted with the position. We found two high areas one which could control the ford and the other, a mile or so from the ford, would make a good camp. He spotted our hill and decided that, when he had some artillery he would site a battery to control the ford. “Well done colonel. The railroad is close enough to supply us too. This will do. Now go and find us some juicy targets!”
The colonel briefed us the next day. “I shall ride with Major Beauregard so that Sergeant Major Vaughan and I can assess D Troop. We need to see for ourselves the improvements. The rest of you will cover as large an area as you can. Return in two days with your reports.” The major looked as though he had swallowed a lemon whole and I saw the grim look on the Sergeant Major’s face. Woe betide any trooper or sergeant in D Troop who did not perform to his best.
With four officers and confidence in all of us the major split us into four groups. I had Cecil and Carlton as my sergeants and Davy and Jimmy as corporals. As far as I was concerned I only lacked Jed or Dago to have the perfect team. I took my men along the Warrenton Road and then up towards the hilly roads around Stafford. I wondered if we could get as far as Washington in the time available. As much as I had enjoyed riding Apple I preferred Copper. I could drop my hands and guide her with just my knees. She seemed to know where I wanted to go almost before I did. It made riding a pleasure. It was almost the same with my men. Davy took a couple of men to ride ahead of us. He was quick witted and had a calm manner. He knew how to deal with unexpected events. Cecil was still a little hot headed at times although he had improved immeasurably.
We skirted Stafford; that would be visited on our return journey. At the end of the day we reached the heights above the Potomac. Davy was excited when he returned. “There’s a bridge down there. It’s made of wood and there are no guards. I think it would burn well.”
Although we had been told to scout and then report back this was too soft a target to ignore. There were woods to the south east of us where we could take shelter if needs be. I knew that Dumfries was such an important port that it might have troops there but I counted on the fact that, at night, they would be easy to evade. “Right boys let’s do it. Jimmy, take four men and watch our backs. Davy, lead the way.”
The bridge was next to an abandoned ferry and was a toll bridge. As we trotted down a man came out of the hut next to the bridge. In the dark he must have taken us for Yankee cavalry for he waved at us in a friendly way. “A little late for you fellahs to be out. Do you want to cross the river or are you still looking for that ghost?” He laughed at his own joke.
I pulled my Army Colt out. “No sir, I am the ghost!”
My men laughed and he dropped to his knees. “Please don’t kill me boys. I have a wife and children.”
I shook my head. “We don’t kill civilians. Despite what you may have heard. Now is there anyone else in the toll house?”
“No sir, not this late at night.”
“Good then you may leave.”
“I can go?”
He looked surprised. “Unless you want to stay and watch your bridge burn!”
“No sir. They don’t pay me enough.”
He ran to the west as though the devil was after him. “Have a look inside the hut. Cecil, see if there is anything that will burn. Carlton, take the rest of the men and find as much kindling as you can.”
Cecil came out with a look of joy on his face. “He has a fire! There are red hot coals.” He looked down the bridge. “If we put kindling at three places in the bridge then we can light the furthest fire and work backwards. The last fire can be the tollhouse. Four fires should ensure that the bridge is destroyed.”
Cecil liked engineering puzzles and he had come up with a better plan that I could have imagined. “Get the boys on it. I’ll go and see how Jimmy is doing.”
“Do I wait for you to light the fire sir?”
“You are the sergeant, just do it!”
Jimmy and his men were staring towards the Stafford road. “See anything corporal?”
“Nothing stirring sir.”
“Well keep watch because in about ten minutes you should see the bridge over the Potomac burning and that means any soldiers within ten miles will be high tailing it here.”
I rode back in time to see flames flickering at the far end of the bridge. I watched Cecil check that the fire had caught before he and the three troopers with shovels of coals retreated to the next fire site. By the time he had reached the toll house the far fire was shooting flames high in the sky and the other two were burning well. I heard him yell, “Get back to the lieutenant” and then he threw the last shovel of coals into the toll house. He must have
found some coal oil because the whole building went up as though hit by a mortar shell. Cecil fell to the ground but, before I could race to him he stood, a little unsteadily and ran towards his waiting horse.
When they rejoined me I asked, “Are you alright? You had me worried.”
“Sorry sir, I didn’t run fast enough and there must have been some coal oil in there.” He grinned as he dusted himself down. “Sure made a nice fire though.”
We looked back and the bridge was engulfed in flame from one end to the other. “Right lads, let’s head to the forest and get some rest. Tomorrow we find more targets.”
I was awoken by Trooper Brown in the small hours. “Sorry to wake you sir.”
He sounded nervous. “Don’t worry about it sentry. You are just doing your job. What is it?”
“I heard some cavalry moving along the road. They were heading for the bridge.”
We had hidden our camp well inside the woods and well away from any tracks. “Come on then let’s take a look.”
I grabbed my rifle and I trotted after him through the woods. After half a mile the trees thinned and we could see the glow of the fire a mile or two in the distance. Silhouetted against the glow were horsemen. I estimated it to be company strength.
“They came from the south?”
“Yes sir, from Stafford.”
That meant there was a regiment, or part of one at Stafford. “Good lad. You did well.” I took out my watch. It was almost four. “Tell you what, let’s brew some coffee for the boys. I am awake now and they’ll appreciate it.”
“Yes sir.” He gave me a strange look as though making coffee was beneath an officer.
While he got the water I took out a handful of beans and hit them with the butt of my Colt and then ground them to make a powder for the coffee. We poured them and the water into the pot. Trooper Brown went for some dry kindling. We always carried plenty in our saddlebags. Smoke was a bad thing. It was a chilly morning and, when the fire took, it warmed us up very quickly. We put our greatcoats, framed by rifles, around the fire to shield it from view and to stop the wind fanning the flames. When I heard it bubbling I put my rifle barrel under the handle to lift it from the fire. “Get our mugs. I think we should be the first to appreciate this and then we can wake the boys.”