“You too, Corporal. Haven’t seen you since the marauders jumped us and you took a hit. Looks like you fooled the devil though,” Caleb said.
“Aw, it wasn’t too bad. I fell in with a division further north. We faced worse up there. But, come on, let’s see if we can find some more familiar faces.”
Within the next hour, other old comrades showed up. Friends swapped stories, each trying to outdo the other with tall tales.
In the midst of the reunion, the sound of hoof beats reached the assembled crowd. Caleb looked up and blinked in surprise. Two men rode into the harbor. Major Hunt followed just behind Captain Joseph Johnson.
“I’ve come full circle,” he said softly. Caleb rose to his feet and stood straight and tall. Then, he lifted a trembling hand and saluted his commanding officer at long last.
The captain and Major Hunt rode to the center of the docks. Soldiers and townspeople who had gathered to observe surrounded them.
Captain Johnson raised his hand and signaled for silence. He began to speak. Caleb listened intently.
“Today, we celebrate a great victory. We have learned these past years of the terrible price that we must pay for freedom. We have suffered destruction, injury and death to gain this independence and we must never again have it compromised.”
Captain Johnson paused looking at the sea of upturned faces. “We especially remember General Washington’s leadership at Trenton. We cheered the British defeat at Yorktown and felt the loss of our comrades in numerous battles. I can proudly announce today that the British have officially recognized the independence of this nation. However, diplomacy must be in the forefront and many meetings must take place before the final treaties are signed.”
The soldiers could wait no longer. They cheered and tossed their hats in the air.
The captain smiled. “I know how you feel. I’d like to do the same, but let me first finish my news.”
The men settled down and listened to his words. “For those of you who have decided to leave the service of your country, you have our admiration and our heartfelt thanks. For those who will continue, we recognize your loyalty and steadfastness. God bless you all and God bless our nation.”
Again the men cheered. The noise grew louder when the captain asked them to line up for back pay. It had been a long time in coming. The soldiers shouted to one another, exchanging plans for spending their small fortunes.
The townspeople soon joined in the merriment. One of the young militiamen shouldered his fiddle and struck up a tune. Soon, the soldiers began to bow to the assembled young ladies and impromptu reels began. A bell that remained on a hollowed out church began to chime as a young boy pulled the attached rope.
In the midst of the celebration, Captain Johnson and Major Hunt dismounted and walked among the men, greeting those who had served with them at one time or another. When they came upon Caleb and Seth, Major Hunt turned to the captain. “Sir, do you remember this lad?” He indicated Caleb. “He got separated from your regiment and joined up with mine. You’ll recall sending orders on that. He stands as a good example of the militia and faithfully served me until he suffered a serious injury. In fact, he saved my life. I’m glad to see him and Corporal Larkin here, who served with me also. Good men, the two of them.”
The captain acknowledged them both. “I well recall Private Fields. I knew his father. We thought we had lost him for good. So many died and, sorry to say, some deserted.” Addressing Caleb he said, “I’m happy to see you survived, private. What are you plans now?”
“I’m returning home, sir.” Caleb glanced at Major Hunt when he spoke, remembering their long-ago conversation when the major questioned his future plans. “I’m alone now and I plan to farm my land. I’ve spent the winter inside, as the house needed many repairs. It was in bad shape due to neglect, but it looks fine now. Come spring, I will work the land and plant crops. I’m on my way there now. But I’d like to say it was an honor to serve you both and to serve my country.”
“Well said, Private. I wish you good fortune and a satisfying life.” He nodded to the three and moved on to greet others.
“I suppose you’re on your way home too, Corporal Larkin?” Major Hunt inquired. “Please give my regards to your family, especially to Mistress Elizabeth. Tell them I’ll visit soon.” A blush suffused his face. “I have a question for your father. If his answer is as I hope, then I have another for your sister. Until then, I bid you both goodbye with my thanks for your service. We surely have built a stronger and better nation.”
“Thank you, sir. We will look forward to your visit.” Seth saluted his commanding officer.
“Goodbye for a time then and good luck to you both.”
Caleb and Seth walked through the crowd saying their goodbyes and promised to visit with their companions again when time allowed.
Turning to the younger man, Seth said, “I won’t say goodbye, Caleb. We’ll meet again soon, so I’ll just say farewell for a time.”
“You’re a good friend, Seth. We won’t lose touch. I wish you the best at your studies. Please write when you have some spare time, and don’t break the hearts of all the ladies in the East.”
“I’ll try not to.” Seth laughed. “By the way, private, you haven’t told me how your romance fares.”
Caleb ducked his head, his face hot. “Abby and I correspond. I know now that it was not just a matter of being grateful. I truly care for her.”
“Then I wish you all the best. From the short time I spent with her, she seems like a wonderful girl.” With a final salute, Seth went on his way.
Caleb watched until his friend rode out of sight, and then turned Victory homeward.
EPILOGUE
October, 1783
Mild breezes cooled the October evening and early stars winked in the purple dusk. The fragrance of lavender reached Caleb as he looked out over his land and reflected on his many blessings.
This past year had proved eventful. He had witnessed the marriage of John and Patience and traveled to the Larkin plantation to see Elizabeth become the bride of Major Nathaniel Hunt.
Caleb stood in the great hallway of the home, looking up the broad staircase to see the bride as she descended. His thoughts turned back to the first time he saw Elizabeth. Rather than today’s stately pace, she had hurtled down the banister and landed at his feet.
Stopping before him on her wedding day, Bossy Bess had given him a radiant smile before she moved on to join her bridegroom.
Caleb thought of the many friends he had made and of his comrades in the recent war for independence. His love and pride in his country and his home knew no bounds.
The farmhouse was solid and comfortable and his crops flourished. Life seemed complete with one exception. He would soon mend that. Tomorrow, he would saddle Victory, and start the journey east. At its end, Caleb would ask Amos Clark for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Together he and Abby would care for their land and raise a family. Their children would someday hear the story of their father’s part in helping to win their country’s freedom, and how they came to be the first generation born into this newly sovereign nation.
* * * *
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed. It recognized the full independence of the United States, the removal of the remaining British forces, and the setting of boundaries allowing for westward expansion. Among the signers were John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin.
* * * *
Note from the author:
While
Son of the Revolution
is a novel, two very real people inspired the story. Their names were Noel and Sarah Turner, and they were my fourth great-grandparents. Noel volunteered in the South Carolina Militia at the age of 14. He was involved in several battles, among them the Battle of Ft. Galphin. At that time, Noel’s unit joined a group led by Lt. Col. “Light Horse Harry Lee,” the father of future Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Family lore relates the meeting between Noel and Sarah when his unit was camped in a pasture belonging to Sarah’s father. Their attraction grew and when he left, Noel asked Sarah to wait for him. He returned several years later and found that she had indeed waited. The two later married and had eleven children. The family relocated several times and eventually moved to the Mobile, Alabama area. Noel is buried in Shady Grove Cemetery in Mobile County. Many of Noel and Sarah’s descendents still live in the area. Several years ago, on a cold New Year’s Eve, we located his grave. The light was fading and the cold numbing. Beneath the tombstone was a plaque dedicated to the soldier. It had been placed there by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1914. In 2002, the city of Mobile celebrated the 300
th
anniversary of its founding. On Veterans Day the following year, a memorial service was held at Noel’s gravesite. The service was conducted by the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Of the several readings, the following is my favorite and is read before every function or meeting of this organization.
“We descendents of the heroes of the American Revolution, who by their sacrifice established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against all foes.”
This story is for Noel, Sarah and their many descendents.
Noel Turner, Revolutionary War Soldier
May 11, 1764 – January 21, 1837
Be sure to check out June Venable’s other books!
HANNAH’S JOURNEY
ISBN: 9781603180443
The author’s first book, Hannah’s Journey, is the tale of a young girl sent to Texas aboard one of the many Orphan Trains that crossed our country from the mid-1850s into the 20th century. Hannah’s quest to be reunited with her father is filled with setbacks and joys but always with a sense of belief in herself and the kindness of others.
A taste of June’s current work in progress, TEXAS BOUND
When tragedy strikes the Bryan family, sixteen year old Rachael finds herself the sole caretaker of a younger brother and sister. She faces the decision of remaining with the wagon train headed for the unknown in Texas, or to accept the offer of a family who will take them in. Rachael struggles with what lies in her heart and her duty to the younger children.
ABOUT AUTHOR JUNE VENABLE
A native of Mobile, Alabama, but a Texan for many years, June Venable enjoys writing for the young adult reader. Son of the Revolution is her second YA novel and she is working on a third. Several of her short stories have been published in various magazines and when not writing, she enjoys reading and quilting. She is a member of San Gabriel Writers League and belongs to Story Spinners, a critique group.