A NATION AT WAR - The Second Civil War Book II (The Second Civil War - BOOK II 1) by Huffman Marshall

Author:Huffman, Marshall [Huffman, Marshall]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2013-11-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

In a rather obscure little place named Williamson, the town is divided between West Virginia and Kentucky. The people on either side of the Tug Fork River were easy going and existed pretty much as one community.

The Second Civil War had changed all of that. Family and friends on one side of the river had to choose which of the opposing forces they were going to support. Within weeks, the peaceful little town became a hostile environment.

The three main passages across the river were closed along with the railroad trestle. The West Virginia side had a large train yard which gave them a significant edge in transporting supplies. Armies of citizens on both sides of the river quickly formed and several fierce battles broke out. With all of the other skirmishes going on along border towns, it seemed like Williamson was destined to be merely another footnote in the history of the Second Civil War. All of that changed on a Friday night in late October.

Aaron Crocker was a rugged Kentuckian who had little use for fancy words. Brash and blunt, he had no problem speaking his mind when asked.

“We need access to more supplies,” the leader of the citizen’s army, Hanford Wilhouse said, “The few raids that we have made have only been marginally effective.”

“We can only bring back so much at a time,” one of the army members replied.

“I agree, but we have to find a better way. With Highway 19 closed, getting supplies is almost impossible. We know Lexington is having their own problems so we can't expect much help from them. We need to do something that is more effective,” Wilhouse said.

No one spoke up for several seconds. Finally one man stood up.

“Y’all ain’t gettin’ the job done cause you’re not committed enough,” Crocker told them.

“Of course we are. We take great risks every time we cross over and raid their facilities.”

“No sir. That ain’t gonna’ get it done. Y’all want results? Ya’ gotta’ go all out. Quit these hit and run raids. If y’all want to eliminate the problem then just do it,” he said and sat back down.

“You’re Mr. Crocker aren’t you?” Wilhouse asked.

“That would be me.”

“Sir, what are you proposing exactly?”

“Simple. Go over and get the job done. The right way.”

“The right way? What is the right way in your opinion Mr. Crocker?"

“Take the entire town. Do whatever has to be done to make sure y’all don’t have to fool around with these raids.”

“You are suggesting we take the entire town of Williamson even though it is technically in West Virginia?”

“Yep.”

“Don’t you think West Virginia may have something to say about that?”

“Yep. But holdin’ is easier than taking it back,” Crocker replied.

“Thank you Mr. Crocker. We will take that under advisement.”

“Nah, ya’ won’t. You don’t want it bad enough, like I already said,” he replied and stood up and walked out of the room.

****

It was a month later, with supplies at their lowest point that Wilhouse went to see Crocker. He lived back in a heavily wooded area off of Central Avenue.

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