Stitch of Courage by Linda K. Hubalek

Author:Linda K. Hubalek
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: kansas history, historical fiction, civil war women, pioneer letters
Publisher: Butterfield Books Inc.
Published: 2016-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

Pledging the Union

Wednesday, April 6, 1864

Franklin, Kansas

DEAR CAROLINE,

The James Pieratt family left for California this week. Having little left to their name, they decided to pack their meager belongings and head west to start over again. After painful consideration, they decided not to try to reclaim their Missouri farm, because it could mean years of waiting before they could go back. I’m sure they would have to start over from scratch, for there would be nothing but burned rubble left.

They wanted to get away from the war and escape its problems. The oldest boys were of age to be drafted into the army, so they decided to clear out before this happened because the war continues to escalate.

It will take months of travel on the California Road to reach their destination. At least they won’t be the first. Many have made the trip in the past two decades, so there are a marked trail and trading posts along the way.

Making one long overland journey in the past helped them pack for this one. They acquired two study wagons, strong oxen to pull them, and livestock to herd to their new home. The wagons were stuffed with new bedding, clothing, cooking utensils, and a few household items they were able to salvage from Missouri. They did not want for food after we offered provisions from our cellars.

One of the few treasures they were able to save from their plight in Missouri was James‘s fiddle. When they first arrived in Kansas, it took Mr. Pieratt a while to play it because of his depression. But Sarah Pieratt begged him to pluck some of the tunes she remembered on the trail from Kentucky. Once he got started, the tunes and memories of their trip flowed out of all of them. I spent hours listening to their funny and harrowing stories.

They asked John Pieratt if he wanted to join their trek, but he is making a good living with the store and farm and did not want to leave Kansas.

I was glad that was his decision because I didn’t want to move to California and leave my Kennedy family. You see, James Monroe Pieratt and I have become engaged. We have not set a wedding date yet, though. I want to get married and start a family of my own, but at the same time, I’m hesitant because of the war. What if James gets drafted and killed in a battle? I’d be a young widow, probably with children to worry about.

Friends say to go ahead and enjoy wedded life while I can and not worry about the uncertain future. William James said he would give me his consent since I am underage. What do you think I should do?

My other concern is the lack of items in my hope chest. The circumstances of others this past year has taken my supply of bedding and linens to almost nothing. I think we should wait until winter to marry so I can remake my trousseau. Aunt Margaret said to go ahead and get married this summer.

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