While the women prepared the fish, the men spent what was left of the afternoon hours back in the orchard. Benjamin positioned the workers close together so that they could easily converse; wanting to spend more time talking with the team to learn what actions they decided to take. Benjamin and Catherine were very concerned that their visitors were not prepared for the hazards of the world they now found themselves in. Tomorrow he would take them to New Echota, and he was not sure they were ready to face the dangers they would encounter there. Yes, they were good people, but they acted as if they had been sheltered from the harsh realities of the world all of their lives. He felt they would need more patience and strength of character than they arrived with. Benjamin hoped he could urge them to be cautious and discreet. He tactfully eased into his planned conversation.
“Tell me, Adam,” Benjamin said, “in the world you are from, has the United States taken a position of prominence in the world?”
“Most definitely,” Adam answered. “The USA is a world leader, and is considered to be the strongest, most influential, and wealthiest of all countries. And the USA does everything it can to bring democracy to the people of other countries and lead them away from other oppressive forms of government.”
“How do the other countries react to that?” Benjamin asked. “The USA, even in your time, is a young nation. Do not the other countries, who have their own well-established cultures and traditions, resent the US for asserting its philosophies upon them?”
“Well, yes, sometimes that happens,” Adam said. “But diplomacy is used more than aggressiveness. Harsh lessons have been learned by the US that it is better to effect change from within. The USA has gained much respect both through its humanitarian efforts, and its use of strength as a last resort. Our country has not always handled things appropriately; there are many shameful incidents in our past, as there have been in every other country. We’ve done far more good in the world than bad however; we believe more so than any other country.”
“Then is it the goal of the USA to make all other countries mirror images of themselves?” Benjamin asked. “Even if the USA believes itself to have the best form of government, is there no room for diversity? Is not the preservation of a country’s culture just as important as having an ideal government?”
“Yes, of course,” said Adam. “The US doesn’t want to destroy anyone’s culture. We just want to insure that all people have basic human rights. We want to eliminate the societies where one faction oppresses another. All people should be treated equally.”
Benjamin let that comment pass, not wanting to elaborate on how the Cherokee Nation had been treated. “Is not the oppression of some factions a large part of many cultures? For example, slavery in this country…”
“In my time, slavery was eliminated,” said Adam. “Not easily; doing so caused a great rift within the nation, and much bloodshed.”
“I see,” said Benjamin. “I sensed the anxiety of you and the others at the mention of our slaves. There are only a small percentage of slave owners due to the expense, but the large farms and plantations could not exist without slavery, at least the way they operate today. The elimination of slavery must have been devastating to those operations.”
“Fortunately, most people believe that basic human rights for all people are more important than plantations,” said Adam.
“Did you know that many American Indian people were also sold into slavery?” Benjamin asked.
“I guess I knew that but had forgotten,” said Adam. “How can you justify owning slaves then, knowing your own people have been subjected to it?”
Benjamin shrugged his shoulders. “The tribes themselves captured and traded slaves long before the arrival of the whites. Some were treated harshly while others were accepted into the capturing tribe. We have black slaves because the whites tell us that is what must be done to run a farm successfully. As you have seen, many other ways of the whites have been adopted by progressive Cherokee families, such as mine, because we have decided that is the best way for us to deal with the current situation. But there are also many Cherokee who are adamantly opposed to abandoning any of our traditions. They believe we must live by the rules of our ancient customs. It can be difficult for a person to change his ways, simply because someone says his ways are better. As you say, a nation can sometimes get better results using tolerance and example rather than coercion. It would be good to remember that is true when dealing with individuals also.”
“I think I’m getting your message, Benjamin. You’re warning me to expect that folks in this time aren’t likely to accept guidance from us just because we tell them our way is best for them.”
“I was only talking to you about the policies of the United States. But you are a wise man to apply that logic to your own situation,” Benjamin said with a grin, pleased that his point had gotten across.
Chapter twenty-one
After the fish feast and evening chores, the group once again retired to the front porch. Tonight Benjamin addressed them in a serious voice. Since this would be their guests last evening with them, he wished to express his gratitude for their hard work and good company. He also wanted to speak to them about tomorrow’s trip to New Echota.
“But first, I would like to ask Billy if he remembers the story of the Bride from the South,” Benjamin said.
“Yes,” said Billy, “sure I do. It was when the North went traveling and visited the South, where he met the daughter of the South and wanted to marry her. Her parents objected, and told North that ever since he had come to visit the people had been complaining that it was very cold and they were freezing. North loved the daughter, and pleaded with them to allow them to marry, and her parents finally said they would agree as long as he would take her back with him to his own country to live, which he did. But after they were there for a while, the weather became warmer and warmer, and the ice houses that the people lived in started to melt. The people told North that it was because his new wife was from the South. Her nature was so warm it would soon melt their entire village. So North had to give up his new wife and send her back to live with her parents in the South.”
“Good. What do you think is the importance of that story?”
“Well, I think it means that it is not always possible to have what you want, no matter how much you want it.”
“That is right. Sometimes we must accept things as they are, because it is their nature. A fish may want to be a deer, because he is tired of swimming and wants to run through the forest, but he can never be a deer because his nature is to be a fish.”
“But why couldn’t they go live somewhere between the North and the South?” asked Sally.
“Ah, leave it to my little Butterfly to want to find a way to keep the lovers together,” Benjamin said, smiling and stroking her long black hair. “Do you think that either of them would be fully happy if neither could live close to their friends and family?”
“No, I guess not,” said Sally sadly.
“Sometimes, compromise can be an excellent way to work things out, but not if both sides have to give up so much, or go against their nature so much that neither can be satisfied. It would be good if our guests keep this story in mind when they visit the town tomorrow. I know that the circumstances that put you here are highly unusual, and from the things you have told me, you believe that you are aware of things to come, things that are not pleasant. It is admirable that you have chosen to provide assistance and guidance to our people, to ease the turmoil that you believe they must face. That is a good decision, and I would like to believe that if the roles were reversed, I would have the courage to put others above myself as you are planning to do.
“It is unfortunate that you are likely to find the town much less peaceful than things appear to be here on our farm. The town has changed much in the last few years. It was a promising capital city, but that was short-lived. Many of the homes and businesses there have been abandoned, and most of what is left has alrea
dy been appropriated by the whites. A stockade fort has been built there. There is much tension among the people, among and between the Cherokee and the Georgia whites, and I have to urge much caution to you. Your demeanor indicates that in the world you are from you may not have had much experience with the type of hostility that exists in our world.
“It is not in the nature of a Cherokee to casually offer advice, and I only do so out of concern for your safety, as in this short time you have all endeared yourselves to my family very much. It is a dangerous time, but you may take some precautions that will improve the likelihood of a hostile encounter. I suggest you keep the clothes we have lent you, as they are less conspicuous than your own, even if they are somewhat ill fitting. Alice, my wife will provide you with a dress, as a young lady wearing trousers is not often seen.
“You must be cautious of the conversations you engage in. It is likely you will hear many things said that you will disagree with, even be abrasive to you. I urge you to hold your tongue in these situations. It may be very dangerous for you to voice an opinion, or even to make a casual remark about something you find disagreeable.
“But my advice is not only in regards to your safety; I hope you will not find that in offering assistance you experience callousness and rejection from the people you want to help. You will do well to remember the story of the bride from the South. Some things you cannot change, no matter how badly you want to change them, if it goes against their nature.”
“Thank you, Benjamin,” said Adam, “we appreciate your advice and will take it to heart. I’m sure I can speak for Alice, Tom, and Sal when I say that we have become very fond of your family as well, and we are most grateful for the hospitality you have shown us. The little work we have done on your farm can hardly begin to show our gratitude.
“We also appreciate your concern for our wellbeing. While we may appear to be overly trusting and naive, we are also cautious. I admit that none of us has had the experience of such an inflammable situation as this. We hold no grandiose idea that we are persuasive enough to change the way people choose to behave, or prevent the things we believe are going to happen. It is true that we want to help in a larger way, knowing what we know of things to come. It is not completely selfless, however, as we believe that doing so may be the key to finding our way home. We feel that the device led us here for a reason, and once we have completed certain tasks it may lead us back home again. Maybe our being here can make some difference.”
“That does sound logical, Adam, but have you considered another possibility?” Benjamin asked.
“We’ve considered several,” said Adam, “but what possibility did you have in mind?”
“It may be that the device, your magic window, has brought you here as observers, giving you a glimpse of some important lesson from your country’s past that should not be forgotten. Perhaps the most difficult tasks you must perform will be when you return to your own time.”
Chapter twenty-two
The sun was barely over the treetops before they were on their way to New Echota. Isaac had the wagon hitched and ready to go by the time they finished breakfast. Benjamin sternly refused Billy and Sally’s request to come along. He could not be certain how their guests were going to react on this trip, or what sort of reaction the townsfolk may have to them. Tensions were already high, and he did not want the added concern for his children’s safety. He insisted that the rest of the family would be staying at home this time.
The team said their goodbyes to Catherine, Billy, and Sally, and thanked Isaac and Silvey for their hard work, although accepting their gratitude clearly made both of the slaves uncomfortable. Sally and Alice tearfully hugged, and Sally asked her if she would please come back soon and tell her some more stories like Basil, the Builder Beaver.
“Of course I’ll try, Sally dear. If I can, I will,” Alice said.
“Oh, I hope so.” Sally looked solemnly at Alice with moist eyes. The two had become especially fond of each other during their short visit. Alice gave the little girl a final hug before jumping into the wagon.
“Dodadagohvi,” said Catherine as they pulled away in the wagon. It was a word that loosely translated meant “until we meet again,” as there is no actual word for “goodbye” in Tsalagi.
“Goodbye,” they yelled back, “and wado!” They continued to wave until the wagon rounded a bend and the farmhouse was out of sight.
Benjamin hummed a tuneless song as he drove the wagon, only pausing to occasionally cluck at the horses and give them an encouraging smack with the reins. So far, the trip had been uneventful. The rutted road became a little less bumpy, although it was still far from a smooth ride. They passed by several farms and houses as the area became more populated. Tom asked Benjamin if the smoother road and additional houses indicated that they were getting close to town.
“Yes, there are more farms closer to town,” said Benjamin, “and the roads are more heavily traveled. There are even more homes and improvements after we cross the river. Unfortunately, there is no longer any growth in the town, and indeed many of the homes and businesses have been abandoned. The Cherokee who believe our removal is imminent have been fleeing steadily.”
“Man, I hope there are a few businesses left. I could really use a pizza,” said Sal, patting his stomach. “All this wholesome food and hard work ain’t good for my Jersey metabolism, you know.”
“Perhaps if you could describe what you are looking for,” said Benjamin helpfully, “I could help you find a whole one instead of just a ‘piece’ of one.”
“No, not a piece-a …. Oh, forget about it. I wouldn’t want to get sauce on my new country duds anyway.” Sal snapped the strap on his suspenders.
“Oh, come on, Sal.” said Alice. “The work was good for you, and you know you enjoyed the food at the farm.”
“We know you enjoyed it, gv-li girl,” Sal replied.
“Anyway,” Adam interjected to prevent another row. “You mentioned a river, Benjamin. How will we cross it? Is it shallow enough to ride across?”
“No, the river is quite deep and rapid here. There is a ferry just below the confluence of the Coosawattee and the Conasauga rivers. There could be a problem, however, because the operation of the ferry has been inconsistent for the last two years. That is when the McCoy family had to give up ownership of it. The whites who now own it usually have slaves assigned to keep it operating, but not always. The ferry is the only way for us to cross the Oostanaula River without taking a much longer route.”
“The Oosta-who River?” said Sal. “Dude, I thought you said it was the Coozy-whatsit and the Cona-sumthin-or-other Rivers?”
“The Coosawattee and the Conasauga rivers come together here to form the Oostanaula River,” Benjamin explained patiently.
As if on cue, they rounded the bend and the river came into view. They could see a large, flat-bottom boat, apparently the ferry, docked at the shore. Two black men sat on barrels next to the boat. They could see a heavy rope stretching across the river, which was tied to massive posts on both sides. A third black man sat on the opposite shore.
“It looks as though the ferry is in operation,” said Benjamin.
Without a word one of the ferrymen helped to guide the wagon onto the ferry while Benjamin spoke quietly with the other man. He negotiated the fee and handed him a few copper coins. He confirmed that the ferry would still be in operation when he returned. Using heavy, well-worn ropes, they tied both ends of the wagon to anchor points, securing it to the ferry. Benjamin indicated to the others to remain seated in the wagon while he stood at the front calming the horses.
The ferryman used a long pole to shove the boat away from the shore. He then rushed to a windlass mounted on the front of the ferry. The windlass was simply a large wooden spool through which a rope was fed, and a crank to turn the device. The rope was secured to anchors at both ends of the ferry and was connected to a large pulley, which in turn was attached to the main cable running across the river. By
cranking the windlass, the ferryman was able to angle the front of the boat upstream, causing the river current to push it across at an angle.
The sensation of the moving current pushing the ferry sideways across the river made sitting in the wagon unnerving. Each time a wave rocked the ferry or one of the horses flinched, the wagon shifted, jogging its passengers.
At one particularly unsettling jolt, Sal yelled to the slave who was controlling the windlass, “Hey, easy there, pal. Is this thing OSHA approved?”
The black ferryman replied with a detached, “Yes, suh,” then shook his head and muttered something inaudible under his breath.
“Hold on tightly,” Benjamin said.
As they approached shore, the ferryman cranked the windlass to point the front of the boat toward the landing, letting momentum carry it the rest of the way. The wagon shuddered as the ferry hit the river bottom at the landing, and the horses shook the rig as they anxiously strained to get off the ferry. The third black man slowly got up from his barrel seat and helped Benjamin guide the horses and wagon off the ferry and back onto dry land.
“That wasn’t so bad,” said Adam, “but I’m glad it’s over with.” Alice nodded in agreement.
“Yeah,” said Sal. “I bet that ride would be a big hit at Six Flags.”
“It can be a little disconcerting going across for the first time,” said Benjamin.
From the riverbank they could see several buildings along the perimeter of the town. The daunting structure of a fort stood on top of a nearby hill, overlooking the town like a feudal castle looming over its fiefdom. It was not an excessively large structure, although its imposing construction of sturdy log walls and defensive guard towers placed at each corner was undeniably intimidating. A United States flag flew from one of the towers.
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