Gabriel's Journey by Alison Hart

Author:Alison Hart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: 2007-08-25T04:00:00+00:00

Dear Ma and Annabelle,

Captain Waite is writing these words for me, but they are my thoughts. We rode for too many days in heat and dust, camping under the stars at night. We met up with several brigades at Prestonburg. All are mounted. Unlike the 5th, most regiments have fought together in many skirmishes. The 30th Kentucky Mounted is especially a sight to behold. All their horses are white and they shine from grooming and good feed. When they march past, we stare in awe.

The 5th is the only colored regiment on this march. We’ve joined the 11th Michigan and 12th Ohio cavalry regiments. The white soldiers delight in taunting us. Coloreds can’t fight, they say. They’re cowardly slaves. One night the men of the 11th swiped about ten of our bridles and hung them high in trees. I and a few other nimble soldiers had to climb like squirrels to retrieve them.

Today we marched through Pikesville. A small party of Rebels attacked the front lines, but do not worry, Ma—the 5th saw no fighting. The soldiers in my squad have kept up their spirits with singing, joshing, and prayers. Pa rallies us well. He tells us we are marching for freedom, not for the white soldiers’ praise. Captain Waite continues to treat me fair, and I have made friends with several privates. Private Black has two sons about my age. He misses them dearly. I am proud to be marching with them all.

Tomorrow Sept. 26th we cross into Virginia and head over the mountains. I hope you are both well. Keep us in your prayers,

All my Love, Gabriel

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