Gray & Blue by Anthony Wood

Author:Anthony Wood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oghma Creative Media

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Best and Worst New Year’s Day, Ever

JANUARY 1, 1863

New Year’s ain’t always a good day to leave the past behind.

THE FIRST DAY of 1863. Though the recent stormy conflict has passed, the greater battle begins. Many a good soldier’s life, in blue and gray, has ended. While the town sends up rousing victory hurrahs for the valiant men in gray, preachers kneel to pray for the fallen. For some, New Year’s Day brings new life. To others it brings grim realizations.

Both fight for my soul.

We march the Yank prisoners to the rail station to board cars for prison camp. I hate to see them go to those horrible places of death, but we can’t guard or feed them.

The Yank with bandages on his hands nods. “God bless you, my friend. Pray I survive.” A corporal pushes him on with the butt of his musket. I just let it go.

After the prisoners are loaded, we get the rest of the day free. As I check for mail, I wonder if Jasper and James were in the battle. It’s been a month since I caught a glimpse of them. I guess it’s a big brother’s right to worry. I pick up two letters—one from Ma and the other from Mr. Gilmore. I shiver with excitement. That means one from Susannah. It’s been too long. I have mixed feelings. For some reason, I expect hard news.

I sit on a log by the river where all is quiet. I take a deep breath. “Lord, help me take whatever news I get.” I open Ma’s letter first since it’s dated more recent.

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