“At ease, men. Close the door!” ordered Captain Taylor. He had assembled the men of I Company in the Howell County courthouse. There was a feeling of anticipation as the troopers waited for their company commander to speak. Taylor looked sternly at the men, making sure he had their full attention. “How many of youContinue reading “Chapter19: Bloodied”
Tag Archives: Reuben DeLay
Chapter 16: Camp Rankin
“DeLay, I’m promoting you to Quartermaster Sergeant.” “That’s fine, Sir. What is a Quartermaster Sergeant?” “You’ll be responsible for all the company supplies and equipment.” Reuben glanced down the barren street assigned to the company. Some of the men had made half-shelters out of the blankets they had been issued the evening before. The restContinue reading “Chapter 16: Camp Rankin”
Chapter 15: Enlistment
Chapter 15: Enlistment “You did what?” fumed Margaret, her eyes flashing angrily. “I enlisted,” was Reuben’s meek reply. “Damn you Reuben DeLay! Did you not think of us?” “I did. This is about protecting you and the kids. If we hit the Secessionists hard from the git-go, they’ll fold like they did in Kansas.”Continue reading “Chapter 15: Enlistment”
Chapter 14: Mounted Riflemen
Chapter 14 Mounted Riflemen “Yer out!” Cheers erupted from the crowd of spectators. The Country Boys had just defeated the Centerville Nine by a score of 3-2. They had finally learned to work together as a team and make the best of each player’s skills. There were Huzzahs all around and the opposingContinue reading “Chapter 14: Mounted Riflemen”
John Brown’s Body
John Brown’s Body A lot can happen in a week. At 4:30 AM on April 12, 1861, the guns of the Confederate States of America opened a bombardment on Fort Sumter. The fort had been designed to defend Charleston Harbor from attacks by sea. It’s defenses were pointed the wrong way, and it was stillContinue reading “John Brown’s Body”
Part II: War
Chapter 12: Better Angels Crack! Reuben slung the bat behind him and dashed for first base. He looked up to see the direction of the ball as he ran. It was fair, but flying high. As it started on its downward trajectory, the man on third base ran towards it. His bare handsContinue reading “Part II: War”
Chapter 9: 1857
“This court is now in session. Would the defendants please rise?” The three men looked around as if seeking allies in the crowd. Two of them slowly began to stand. “Git yer sorry ass up!” demanded the farmer serving as both guard and bailiff. He nudged the reluctant man with the butt of his SharpsContinue reading “Chapter 9: 1857”
Chapter 7: Sam
“Sam?” Reuben asked dumbfounded. “You heard me Brother DeLay. You are taking Sam with you,” Montgomery retorted. Many thoughts ran through Reuben’s mind as he pondered Montgomery’s demand. Sam was the slave he encountered on his first day in Linn County. How could he get him safely out of Kansas? What wouldContinue reading “Chapter 7: Sam”
Chapter 6: Retribution
Kapow! Kapow! Kapow! Reuben had just settled down for a good night’s sleep when he heard the three shots. There was trouble, but where? The gunfire obviously came from one of his Sugar Creek neighbors. Reuben scanned the night as he exited his canvas shelter. A red glow came from Mace Johnson’sContinue reading “Chapter 6: Retribution”
Chapter 5: Fort Montgomery
There it is, Reuben thought as he rounded a bend and first gazed on Montgomery’s place. It was built against a hillside and was larger than most frontier cabins. The only visible window was on the attic level. The little window offered a commanding view of the approaches to the cabin. As Reuben rodeContinue reading “Chapter 5: Fort Montgomery”
Outlaws, Outrages and Outright Lies 