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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2847992" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">General Pleasants</span></p><p></p><p>Kate kept up the small talk on the way to the train station, answering his questions about her family and her father's life over the years. They arrived at the station in short order, and Conrad went to buy the tickets while the carriage was unloaded.</p><p></p><p>"Mr. Whitman, please thank your brother again for his kindness. And my thanks to you for the ride here." She held out her hand. "We will see you on Friday."</p><p></p><p>Whitman says, "Yes, the others and I are looking forward to it. There will be five of us in total, are you certain that your home has enough room for that many visitors? I wouldn't want to impose, we could always book hotel rooms."</p><p></p><p>"It will be getting a bit crowded," she laughed. "But I think we can find room for everyone. Have no worries, if it turns out a bit too tight we can make arrangements then. It's always more pleasant when you can have your guests stay with you."</p><p></p><p>Conrad adds, "And I'll have to check with my traveling companions but I believe that we were thinking about leaving on Friday, so the rooms that we are staying in now will be available by the times your friends arrive."</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded. "Yes, we've been away for quite a while and the trip back is long. The rest of our business should be finished by Friday and I have a ranch and a school that need looking after. I will be sorry to miss your visit, but I will continue to hope that you will arrive before we leave.</p><p></p><p>Any trouble getting the tickets?" she asked Conrad.</p><p></p><p>"None," he states and the three of them board the train. They take seats on two benches facing each other with a small table in between. Kate and Conrad sit on one bench and Pleasants sits across from them. The train soon starts up.</p><p></p><p>"It feels like we just arrived, it seems strange to be going back already. I hope to return for a longer visit someday, perhaps to go to the theater or a concert.</p><p></p><p>General, I know my father served with you, when was that? I don't believe he was at the Battle of the Crater."</p><p></p><p>"You're right, I met him much earlier than that. It was at the Battle of Antietam just outside of Sharpsburg, Maryland. September 16th, 1862, that battle was historic for being the bloodiest single day of the entire war. It should have been a great Union victory, probably would have ended the war right then, if we started the fight a day earlier when the armies met. We were prepared, they weren't. But old General McClellan hesitated and waited a day, by which time Stonewall Jackson had brought his forces up, doubling those of Robert E. Lee.</p><p></p><p>My Pennsylvania 48th helped to hold the line at the little stone bridge over Antietam Creek. That was General Burnside's folly, we should have forded the creek elsewhere. It wouldn't have taken long to engineer other bridges given the vast amount of trees in the area. The Confederates held their ground. They finally broke and ran but McClellan chose not to pursue them. Lee's army then regrouped, turned, and attacked the Union flank placing fresh troops in the front. Both armies fought until nightfall and then withdrew. Lee moved his army back across the Potomac and out of Maryland. The dead and wounded from that day were numbered over 12,000 for the Union to the Confederate's 10,000."</p><p></p><p>Kate closed her eyes and shuddered. "There were so many chances to end the war that were missed. I can't imagine being on those battlefields, and I don't think Papa likes to remember it. But sometimes he talks about it, usually about the good men he met, like you,' she smiled.</p><p></p><p>"Papa was discharged after Gettysburg. He was on Cemetery Ridge during Pickett's Charge. That's where he took the shot that cost him his arm. He's never mentioned taking any other wound there, but I remember how Maman looked after she heard. I still suspect he was hurt worse then he's ever told us."</p><p></p><p>"I suspect you're right. I don't mind saying that I wasn't anywhere near that awful place, in fact, 1863 was a rather quiet year for the Pennsylvanian 48th. We were stationed in Kentucky and Tennessee for most of that year, part of the seige of Knoxville. Holding that point kept the Confederacy divided, allowing the north to keep Lee at bay while good old U.S. Grant kept things hot further south. This will be the first time I've seen your father since the war, I sort of got lost down south and never quite found my way back."</p><p></p><p>"How could you stay down there after what happened?" Kate asked. "I would have thought the moment you were freed you'd want to get out of the South as fast as you possibly could."</p><p></p><p>"Well yes, Andersonville Prison was hell on earth. Due to my rank I was treated better than most. I still had some meat on my bones when we were released. How I wound up staying down there is a funny story. The train carrying us prisoners stopped to take on water and coal at Rocky Mount in Nash County, North Carolina. The train wasn't the only one that was thirsty and while we'd been warned to stay on the train I chose to ignore that advice and find myself a tavern during the layover.</p><p></p><p>Next thing you know I ran into another soldier, a Confederate Sergeant by the name of Nate Caudell who had just gotten off of a train heading back from Appomattox. I smiled at him and said, "Hello Johnny Reb, how goes it?" He smiled back and asked where they'd caught me. Before you know it we were sitting in the tavern together drinking up a storm and swapping stories.</p><p></p><p>When I went to get back on the train I found I'd stayed too long, it had left without me. So Nate suggested I stick around, said that the south had need of people with my engineering talents. From what I'd seen of the railroads bringing me to that point I concluded that he was correct.</p><p></p><p>I was hired on at a good salary to the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Only kept the job for a year though, was fired for treating the Ogre workers like men rather than something less than that. Didn't take kindly to the idea of being forced out though and Nate Caudell talked me into moving over to where he was at.</p><p></p><p>Bought me up some farm land and hired me some good hands. Found most of the local human boys were too lazy, both not the ogres and human immigrants. They were willing to put in an honest day's work. I treated them all fairly and honestly and soon had the most productive farm in the county. Stayed that way ever since, with me buying up adjacent land whenever I could.</p><p></p><p>Four years back I decided it was time to take things a little bit easier. I gave all seven of my long-time workers each a seven-percent share in the farm, still keeping the fifty-one percent majority for myself. They were grateful and thrilled to become landowners, but I assured them that they had earned it. That's freed me up to do some traveling and figure out what to do next in life."</p><p></p><p>"At least you could do some good there. I met an ogre in Promise City a few months ago, and he was still with the man who'd been his Master before the war. Sometimes I wonder if the war really changed anything, or if all those former slaves are only free on paper," she sighed.</p><p></p><p>"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be maudlin. It sounds like things worked out well for you and those you helped. I hope there are many more stories like yours in the south.</p><p></p><p>What do you think you'll do now? Do you plan to stay north of the Mason-Dixon line for a while?"</p><p></p><p>Pleasants says, "Actually, that is the reason why I requested to join the two of you. I have been offered employment within the Arizona Territory. I am intrigued with the possibility, it would be a good job working for a man I respect, another retired Union Army officer. But I also have reservations, given how the press has been describing the events in the southeastern corner of that region. George Whitman mentioned that the two of you are from there so I hoped to hear a first hand account of what it is like."</p><p></p><p>"I think the press exaggerates, but it is rough. It would help to know where the job offer is, and with whom?"</p><p></p><p>Pleasants says, "It's in Cochise County. I'd be working for a Colonel Michael Seawell, he was the Army's Chief Geologist when he retired. His son Patrick co-owns a rapidly growing mining company with the Colonel as his General Manager. I've been offered the job of Director of Operations."</p><p></p><p>"Ah," Kate smiled. "As it happens, I sold young Mr. Seawell the building he is setting up for his offices in Promise City. Most of the people I've met have been very kind. I find life in Cochise County is very much what you make it.</p><p></p><p>It's a young town, surrounded by mines, but with quite a few families and children. There are a great many saloons, and the miners are a rough lot. There are merchants who just want to get on with their business and keep things peaceful. And there are your people overly concerned with everyone else's business. In other words, a typical small town.</p><p></p><p>The trouble you've been hearing about would be with the Cowboy Gang, I think. But the Gang has been broken and shouldn't be causing much more trouble. It is true that traveling alone isn't the best of ideas, most men go heeled. I'll be honest and admit that I keep my late husband's pistol with me at most times. There are those there to take advantage, but as long as your eyes are open you'd do alright.</p><p></p><p>Civilization is creeping in, though. A church has been completed, and I will be running a school when we return. There's a freedom of spirit there I like, everyone working toward their own future. Not like in society where so many have nothing to do but fritter away time."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, that is very helpful," Pleasants states. Conrad spends the next ten minutes adding to what Kate has said, with his own observations of the town.</p><p></p><p>Pleasants says, "Thank you, that is very helpful indeed. I figured that the newspapers were exaggerating, making it sound like gunfights in the street were the norm. Part of why I'm asking is that my best friend, Nate Caudell is looking to relocate as well along with his wife Mollie and son Melvin. His eldest, Nate Junior, is now away at the Augusta Military Academy in Virginia and without his older brother around to watch after him Melvin has been getting into trouble. But they want to find a place that will work for a fresh start and with opportunities for Nate to find good employment."</p><p></p><p>"There's always mining work to be found, but I'm not sure what else. My own work I've created for myself. I bought shares in a ranch, and I'm starting the school as a business. Ranch hands usually find ready employment.</p><p></p><p>What does Mr. Caudell do now?"</p><p></p><p>"With the exception of the war years he's always worked as a school teacher. But part of their wanting to start over is his desire to try something new. A teacher's pay has never allowed him or his family to have much in the line of opportunities. They couldn't even afford to send Nate Junior to the military academy, I've covered those expenses. Nate appreciates it, but would also like to pay me back."</p><p></p><p>"Of course. I'm afraid I'm not the best person to ask about employment, but I can't imagine someone willing to work being unable to find any. I'm certain your friend would find work to please him.</p><p></p><p>And of course, it would be a pleasure to have you as a neighbor."</p><p></p><p>"Why thank you. I still haven't fully decided but the job sounds like a good challenge. Colonel Seawell's expertise is in finding the silver, that's what he did for the military. Once it is found he has little to no interest in managing the extraction, which is why he now needs a Director of Operations. Apparently they are just beginning to get silver from their first mine but he expects another three or four to be producing before the year is done, so needs somebody on board soon. I suppose I would have the freedom to hire on Nate as a clerk until he found something else that tickled his fancy.</p><p></p><p>So, you say that you run the school in the town. What is it like? I'm certain that Nate will be asking me all sorts of questions about it before considering sending Melvin there. Melvin is now thirteen and unlike his older brother is rather sensitive and quiet. The other boys in school have been picking on him something awful and unfortunately that's not likely to change anytime soon."</p><p></p><p>"Unfortunately, children can be cruel, and it's difficult for a sensitive nature to bear.</p><p></p><p>I haven't quite started teaching yet and there are some ideas that still need finalizing. But I expect to start up about a week after we get back.</p><p></p><p>I bought a house from a man who was leaving town, and the front room will be set up as the schoolroom. My ward Ginnie I will use the rest of the building as our home in town. I'll teach the basics, of course; reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography, some sciences, probably agriculture once I've educated myself enough. Tuition will be twenty cents a week.</p><p></p><p>I was also thinking of offering other subjects as extras, either expanding the school day an hour for those wanting them, or adding an extra week to the end of the term. There I'd offer things like French, music, chemistry, some of the things I have studied in particular. For students who wanted those subjects I would add a few cents a week to tuition.</p><p></p><p>If your friend wanted to observe he'd be welcome to sit in for a day or two. There is also a tutor nearby, although I don't know his name. But the town doctor uses him, so it would be easy to find out. And Megan O'Hara and her two oldest children are beautifully educated as well and could probably tutor his boy if he would prefer."</p><p></p><p>"That's interesting. I'll contact Nate right away about it. He might be willing to help you out for your first week or two to get things off on the right foot. As I said, it's not what he's planning to do going forward but it is what he has decades of experience in and would have a vested interest if Melvin were to be going there for an education."</p><p></p><p>Pleasants asks, "So, what can you tell me about the area, not the people but the geography and geology. If I take on this job I'll need to learn what I can about the logistics." Conrad jumps in with that question and spends the next hour of the train ride telling everything he knows about the rocks, trees and terrain of southeastern Arizona.</p><p></p><p>Kate was grateful for the chance to be quiet, although she listened with interest and added a few questions of her own about the flora and fauna. When Conrad finally ran out of steam Kate said, "As you can see, Mr. Booth has made a study of the area around Promise City." She smiled, remembering why he had done so. "I'd wager there aren't many who know more."</p><p></p><p>Pleasants says, "Okay, you've convinced me. Sounds like an opportunity worth taking. When we reach Boston I'll telegraph the Colonel that I accept the job and also send a wire off to Nate. I should have answers back before you leave for Arizona. This should be a busy weekend, I'm glad I'll be in the company of skilled engineers since my skills in that area are almost two decades out of date. I suppose while I am in Boston I could stop by both Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pick up the latest texts on the subject in order to get better prepared."</p><p></p><p>"That sounds like a good idea, sir. I'll be doing much the same myself, gathering the things I need for the school that are difficult to get out West.</p><p></p><p>When do you think you'd leave for Arizona?"</p><p></p><p>He states, "That will depend in part on when the Colonel wishes me to start, but I suspect that will be sooner rather than later. I'm planning to spend the next several days with my army friends and then I guess I'll head back to my family home in Pennsylvania to gather up some belongings. Then I'll go back to my farm in North Carolina to get other things. If I manage to convince the Caudell family to join me I'll take the train out with them. Figure a few weeks at the latest."</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded, relieved that his plans wouldn't risk exposing how she planned to travel back to Promise City. "The school will be well started by the time you arrive, then. I'm sorry to lose the chance to have help getting started.</p><p></p><p>You're going to have a very busy few weeks, with packing and travel. I did that last fall; I don't envy you."</p><p></p><p>He says, "It shouldn't take me that long. I'm not selling the family homestead in Pennsylvania, just putting together a trunk of stuff. Same with the farm, most of what's there my partners will still need. The Caudell's learned to travel light back in the war and have never accumulated too many possessions, so that shouldn't take too long either. Only thing that might take a while is selling their house, but I could leave that for my partners at the farm to handle for them."</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded. "Well, I wish them good luck in getting a good price for their house should they decide to come. A bit of money to get started with is always helpful.</p><p></p><p>Is there anything we can do in Promise City to make things easier for your arrival?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Well, you could help me find a place to stay. I won't be needing more than a room, so a good boarding house would probably work best. If the Caudells decide to come too they'd be needing to find a house. Don't make a commitment to that though until you hear from me."</p><p></p><p>"There are several boarding houses. I'll keep my eyes open for a house, although when I bought the house to use for the school it was the only building available. But if worse comes to worse, they could stay in my house on the ranch until we can find them something.</p><p></p><p>My father is coming to visit me at the end of month. It's quite likely you'll meet there as well. What a small world it is," she said, shaking her head.</p><p></p><p>Pleasants excuses himself to go get himself something from the dinner car. He is gone for a while, giving Conrad and Kate some time by themselves.</p><p></p><p>Kate sighed and leaned back against the seat. "The thing about strangers, no matter how pleasant, is that they're strangers and you eventually run out of things to say," she said. "I'll have to start watching my behavior, there'll be someone else to report back to Papa what I'm up to.</p><p></p><p>You really did learn all about the area around Promise City, didn't you?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Well yes, it was the best way that I knew to assist you. It was also very interesting. The geology stuff I learned mostly from miners at my gambling table. The more I get them talking about their jobs the less attention they pay to the cards."</p><p></p><p>"You'll have to teach me what you've learned. I think those lessons would be very pleasant, especially if we were to go driving so I can see what you're talking about," she discreetly squeezed his hand.</p><p></p><p>"I'm actually relieved to hear the school will be started before the General's friend arrives. I'm sure he'd be helpful, but I just.... I'm not comfortable with the idea."</p><p></p><p>Conrad asks, "Don't want somebody telling you how to do your idea? Or are you afraid the Vigilance Committee will hire him to be the town's schoolmaster instead?"</p><p></p><p>"No, and no, truthfully. It will be a private school, and if it gets the town moving on starting a free school so much the better. I would still have the ranch, and I hope there are some parents who would value me enough to keep their children with me.</p><p></p><p>And to be honest, I'm nervous about starting the school. I know I have the education, but I've never taught before nor had to discipline a room full of children. Experienced help would make my mind easier.</p><p></p><p>It's just.... " she stopped for a moment and looked over at Conrad while her face turned crimson. "He was a Confederate soldier. From what the General said he sounds like a good man, but every time I see him I'll see that uniform. Papa would be so disappointed. It's the thing that took my Papa away, the thing that gave those people the chance to try and take us from Maman...." She reached for her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's silly of me."</p><p></p><p>Conrad is thoughtful for a minute, apparently choosing the proper words. He then says, "I wouldn't exactly say silly, but I'd say that you might be blaming the wrong person. It's not like most of the Southern boys were really given a choice about enlisting.</p><p></p><p>From the sound of it Pleasants and Caudell have both managed to put the war behind them. Hell, they sound like they are bosom buddies and they met while both in uniform after Pleasants had just gotten out of the worst hell hole in the south and Caudell had just returned from his army's crushing defeat. Either one of them would have had sound reason for hatred, but instead they found friendship. If the example set in that story isn't one to teach to children I don't know what is."</p><p></p><p>"You're perfectly right. I know that in my mind, but all I can feel is that fear I felt when I was four years old and Papa left and I couldn't really understand why except to fight the men in that uniform. And the horror when he came home his hug wasn't the same hug I remembered and then I realized why.</p><p></p><p>It's not blame; I realize this man did what he had to, and considering his friendship with the General he must have some greatness of spirit. It's my spirit that's small. When he arrives, I'll do the best I can to help him and his family and try not to let my lesser instincts get the better of me."</p><p></p><p>She stopped and wiped her eyes again. "Those were hard years, I don't like to think about them. At least I know once I get to know this man it will be alright. Just don't ask me to trust a cleric."</p><p></p><p>Conrad says, "I understand. Let's change the subject. What should we do with Ginnie? I think the girl can use some more challenges and it would probably be better if we thought some up for her before she comes up with some on her own."</p><p></p><p>It took Kate a moment to say anything, a bit thrown by the abrupt change in the conversation. She was grateful for it, though. A public train wasn't the place for falling apart.</p><p></p><p>"I'd be thrilled to hear any ideas you might have. I don't know what to do, sometimes. And I have been pulled in so many directions with the Cowboy situation that I haven't spent the kind of time with her I should.</p><p></p><p>I can tell you she hates to ride, so lessons in that are out. Once she's competent I'll let her stop those. Mr. Gonzales is tutoring her in his specialty. Once school starts, she won't be able to do her lunch run anymore. She's interested in so many things it's hard to find one thing to focus on, and she has so much energy there's no wearing her out. At least with the O'Hara girls around now there are some girls her age she can be friends with.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps some botany lessons?"</p><p></p><p>He exclaims, "You think that I have the patience to teach a twelve-year-old girl? No, I was thinking more along the idea of buggy riding. She may warm more to horses if she's not atop the back of one. And by buggy I don't mean a carriage, I mean the two-wheel kind used for mostly racing, otherwise she'll just feel like she's being forced to be a wagon driver. Once she's proficient she could use that to get back and forth from the town to the ranch and you could certainly spare a horse for her to use."</p><p></p><p>"I don't suppose it's any more dangerous than riding, and I would be glad if she were at least more comfortable around horses. They can pick up her discomfort, which is half the problem she has when riding.</p><p></p><p>She's got a good head on her shoulder's so I can't see her getting into too much trouble with it, and it would certainly be a challenge for her. The problem with the idea is that I don't have that kind of buggy and I don't remember seeing any in town. Nevermind the expense of buying one."</p><p></p><p>"Don't worry about the expense, I'll pay for it. Better yet, I'll buy two. The second will be for those O'Hara twins. Ginnie will take to learning it far more willingly if they're learning simultaneously. Those girls also know horses and will help teach Ginnie, she may listen to them better than she does to you.</p><p></p><p>As for my cash outlay, I consider it an investment. Based upon how well those O'Hara girls did in the festival riding competition I should be able to get back what I spent and then some once I get them onto the harness racing circuit. And harness racing is actually much safer than saddle racing is."</p><p></p><p>"Harness racing? Are there even races in the area? I don't know if I'm comfortable putting Ginnie in such a thing, even if it is safer. How would you make your money back, betting? Is it a decent thing for a young girl to be doing?" She stopped and laughed at herself. "Listen to me, society seems to have gotten back into me."</p><p></p><p>"It was just an idea," Conrad says with a smile. "Tell you what, we'll wait to see what Meagan O'Hara has to say before I finalize the purchase."</p><p></p><p>"It's a good idea, Conrad. Active and probably exciting for her, and it would get her used to horses to boot. I respect Megan O'Hara. If she doesn't mind, there can't be anything wrong in it," she said lightly.</p><p></p><p>"I certainly wouldn't mind having something to drive, myself. Especially once I'm too cumbersome to ride.</p><p></p><p>I don't suppose you can think of anything else to go along with that?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, I suppose I could buy you a carriage. I believe that Drover's has a rather fancy one that is now slightly used and was once partially damaged. I could probably talk him into a good price if you are interested."</p><p></p><p>Kate laughed. "How about you negotiate, and I'll pay. You've already spent quite enough money on me this trip. And if you insist on buying it, then you must consider it partially yours."</p><p></p><p>"A gift to you is a gift my dear," Conrad says, "once given I surrender all rights to it. Purchasing buggies for girls is another matter altogether, in that arrangement I would be their race manager. And in response to your earlier question on harness racing, it hasn't spread into Arizona yet but is quite popular in California. And don't worry about what I have spent, rumor has it that I am a wealthy gambler."</p><p></p><p>"I've heard that one. Thank you," she said, surrendering. "I only wish I could do as much for you as you do for me. Perhaps I could come sit at your table again, if it helped you at all. What I really meant was anything else for Ginnie to do. Of course, we could just ask her what she might like to do. At least then I have a yes or no vote."</p><p></p><p>"Given how she and Gonzales are captivated by your father's books I'd suggest a shopping spree for the both of them. Seeing as how he arranged for my transportation from Arizona and Boston and I presume the return I would like to pay him the equivalent amount that it would have cost me had we taken the train under the condition that the money be spent on books for him and his apprentices."</p><p></p><p>"You would be their hero, although I think Mr. Gonzales might argue with you a bit before he agrees. And you could spend some more time getting to know Ginnie.</p><p></p><p>I worry a little about her spending too much time in study, but if you get the buggies that would get her out of doors."</p><p></p><p>Kate stopped and thought for a moment. The plan had an advantage for everyone. The girls get exercise and eventually money from winning races, if they won at least. Conrad would probably share the purses and bet. She had no problem with gambling at cards, why should racing be any different? Why should Conrad not gain something as well as the girls? He had been honest about the advantage to him.</p><p></p><p>She took both his hands in hers. "We're lucky to have you looking out for us."</p><p></p><p>He smiles and replies, "And I am lucky for having you fall into my life."</p><p></p><p>"Fall is the word, isn't it? Who would have thought we would owe anything to Curly Bill Brocious and Irby Cole? Or would you have introduced yourself eventually?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I dare say that our meeting was only a matter of time given that I dine at the El Parador twice a day."</p><p></p><p>The conversation remains light for the next hour. As they are nearing the west suburbs of Boston Mr. Pleasants returns and takes his seat across from them. He comments, "Boston is one place I've always wanted to visit but never found an opportunity to. Could you recommend a good hotel? It doesn't have to be fancy, just clean and safe."</p><p></p><p>"You know you'll be welcome at my father's house, it's really not necessary to get a hotel room. But if you insist there are several places. If you want to stay close to our house your choices will be fancier." Kate went on to name several places she knew near Beacon Hill, and then a few a bit further out. "I'm afraid I don't know too much about the hotels here, I never needed to use them."</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I plan to stay there with the other officers beginning on Friday, but wouldn't wish to impose prior to that, especially if you already have many guests. I'll see what is over at Beacon Hill and let you know where I'm staying."</p><p></p><p>"Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. I hope you'll be coming to the house today though, I'm sure Papa will be anxious to see you."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2847992, member: 12815"] [SIZE=3]General Pleasants[/SIZE] Kate kept up the small talk on the way to the train station, answering his questions about her family and her father's life over the years. They arrived at the station in short order, and Conrad went to buy the tickets while the carriage was unloaded. "Mr. Whitman, please thank your brother again for his kindness. And my thanks to you for the ride here." She held out her hand. "We will see you on Friday." Whitman says, "Yes, the others and I are looking forward to it. There will be five of us in total, are you certain that your home has enough room for that many visitors? I wouldn't want to impose, we could always book hotel rooms." "It will be getting a bit crowded," she laughed. "But I think we can find room for everyone. Have no worries, if it turns out a bit too tight we can make arrangements then. It's always more pleasant when you can have your guests stay with you." Conrad adds, "And I'll have to check with my traveling companions but I believe that we were thinking about leaving on Friday, so the rooms that we are staying in now will be available by the times your friends arrive." Kate nodded. "Yes, we've been away for quite a while and the trip back is long. The rest of our business should be finished by Friday and I have a ranch and a school that need looking after. I will be sorry to miss your visit, but I will continue to hope that you will arrive before we leave. Any trouble getting the tickets?" she asked Conrad. "None," he states and the three of them board the train. They take seats on two benches facing each other with a small table in between. Kate and Conrad sit on one bench and Pleasants sits across from them. The train soon starts up. "It feels like we just arrived, it seems strange to be going back already. I hope to return for a longer visit someday, perhaps to go to the theater or a concert. General, I know my father served with you, when was that? I don't believe he was at the Battle of the Crater." "You're right, I met him much earlier than that. It was at the Battle of Antietam just outside of Sharpsburg, Maryland. September 16th, 1862, that battle was historic for being the bloodiest single day of the entire war. It should have been a great Union victory, probably would have ended the war right then, if we started the fight a day earlier when the armies met. We were prepared, they weren't. But old General McClellan hesitated and waited a day, by which time Stonewall Jackson had brought his forces up, doubling those of Robert E. Lee. My Pennsylvania 48th helped to hold the line at the little stone bridge over Antietam Creek. That was General Burnside's folly, we should have forded the creek elsewhere. It wouldn't have taken long to engineer other bridges given the vast amount of trees in the area. The Confederates held their ground. They finally broke and ran but McClellan chose not to pursue them. Lee's army then regrouped, turned, and attacked the Union flank placing fresh troops in the front. Both armies fought until nightfall and then withdrew. Lee moved his army back across the Potomac and out of Maryland. The dead and wounded from that day were numbered over 12,000 for the Union to the Confederate's 10,000." Kate closed her eyes and shuddered. "There were so many chances to end the war that were missed. I can't imagine being on those battlefields, and I don't think Papa likes to remember it. But sometimes he talks about it, usually about the good men he met, like you,' she smiled. "Papa was discharged after Gettysburg. He was on Cemetery Ridge during Pickett's Charge. That's where he took the shot that cost him his arm. He's never mentioned taking any other wound there, but I remember how Maman looked after she heard. I still suspect he was hurt worse then he's ever told us." "I suspect you're right. I don't mind saying that I wasn't anywhere near that awful place, in fact, 1863 was a rather quiet year for the Pennsylvanian 48th. We were stationed in Kentucky and Tennessee for most of that year, part of the seige of Knoxville. Holding that point kept the Confederacy divided, allowing the north to keep Lee at bay while good old U.S. Grant kept things hot further south. This will be the first time I've seen your father since the war, I sort of got lost down south and never quite found my way back." "How could you stay down there after what happened?" Kate asked. "I would have thought the moment you were freed you'd want to get out of the South as fast as you possibly could." "Well yes, Andersonville Prison was hell on earth. Due to my rank I was treated better than most. I still had some meat on my bones when we were released. How I wound up staying down there is a funny story. The train carrying us prisoners stopped to take on water and coal at Rocky Mount in Nash County, North Carolina. The train wasn't the only one that was thirsty and while we'd been warned to stay on the train I chose to ignore that advice and find myself a tavern during the layover. Next thing you know I ran into another soldier, a Confederate Sergeant by the name of Nate Caudell who had just gotten off of a train heading back from Appomattox. I smiled at him and said, "Hello Johnny Reb, how goes it?" He smiled back and asked where they'd caught me. Before you know it we were sitting in the tavern together drinking up a storm and swapping stories. When I went to get back on the train I found I'd stayed too long, it had left without me. So Nate suggested I stick around, said that the south had need of people with my engineering talents. From what I'd seen of the railroads bringing me to that point I concluded that he was correct. I was hired on at a good salary to the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Only kept the job for a year though, was fired for treating the Ogre workers like men rather than something less than that. Didn't take kindly to the idea of being forced out though and Nate Caudell talked me into moving over to where he was at. Bought me up some farm land and hired me some good hands. Found most of the local human boys were too lazy, both not the ogres and human immigrants. They were willing to put in an honest day's work. I treated them all fairly and honestly and soon had the most productive farm in the county. Stayed that way ever since, with me buying up adjacent land whenever I could. Four years back I decided it was time to take things a little bit easier. I gave all seven of my long-time workers each a seven-percent share in the farm, still keeping the fifty-one percent majority for myself. They were grateful and thrilled to become landowners, but I assured them that they had earned it. That's freed me up to do some traveling and figure out what to do next in life." "At least you could do some good there. I met an ogre in Promise City a few months ago, and he was still with the man who'd been his Master before the war. Sometimes I wonder if the war really changed anything, or if all those former slaves are only free on paper," she sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be maudlin. It sounds like things worked out well for you and those you helped. I hope there are many more stories like yours in the south. What do you think you'll do now? Do you plan to stay north of the Mason-Dixon line for a while?" Pleasants says, "Actually, that is the reason why I requested to join the two of you. I have been offered employment within the Arizona Territory. I am intrigued with the possibility, it would be a good job working for a man I respect, another retired Union Army officer. But I also have reservations, given how the press has been describing the events in the southeastern corner of that region. George Whitman mentioned that the two of you are from there so I hoped to hear a first hand account of what it is like." "I think the press exaggerates, but it is rough. It would help to know where the job offer is, and with whom?" Pleasants says, "It's in Cochise County. I'd be working for a Colonel Michael Seawell, he was the Army's Chief Geologist when he retired. His son Patrick co-owns a rapidly growing mining company with the Colonel as his General Manager. I've been offered the job of Director of Operations." "Ah," Kate smiled. "As it happens, I sold young Mr. Seawell the building he is setting up for his offices in Promise City. Most of the people I've met have been very kind. I find life in Cochise County is very much what you make it. It's a young town, surrounded by mines, but with quite a few families and children. There are a great many saloons, and the miners are a rough lot. There are merchants who just want to get on with their business and keep things peaceful. And there are your people overly concerned with everyone else's business. In other words, a typical small town. The trouble you've been hearing about would be with the Cowboy Gang, I think. But the Gang has been broken and shouldn't be causing much more trouble. It is true that traveling alone isn't the best of ideas, most men go heeled. I'll be honest and admit that I keep my late husband's pistol with me at most times. There are those there to take advantage, but as long as your eyes are open you'd do alright. Civilization is creeping in, though. A church has been completed, and I will be running a school when we return. There's a freedom of spirit there I like, everyone working toward their own future. Not like in society where so many have nothing to do but fritter away time." "Ah, that is very helpful," Pleasants states. Conrad spends the next ten minutes adding to what Kate has said, with his own observations of the town. Pleasants says, "Thank you, that is very helpful indeed. I figured that the newspapers were exaggerating, making it sound like gunfights in the street were the norm. Part of why I'm asking is that my best friend, Nate Caudell is looking to relocate as well along with his wife Mollie and son Melvin. His eldest, Nate Junior, is now away at the Augusta Military Academy in Virginia and without his older brother around to watch after him Melvin has been getting into trouble. But they want to find a place that will work for a fresh start and with opportunities for Nate to find good employment." "There's always mining work to be found, but I'm not sure what else. My own work I've created for myself. I bought shares in a ranch, and I'm starting the school as a business. Ranch hands usually find ready employment. What does Mr. Caudell do now?" "With the exception of the war years he's always worked as a school teacher. But part of their wanting to start over is his desire to try something new. A teacher's pay has never allowed him or his family to have much in the line of opportunities. They couldn't even afford to send Nate Junior to the military academy, I've covered those expenses. Nate appreciates it, but would also like to pay me back." "Of course. I'm afraid I'm not the best person to ask about employment, but I can't imagine someone willing to work being unable to find any. I'm certain your friend would find work to please him. And of course, it would be a pleasure to have you as a neighbor." "Why thank you. I still haven't fully decided but the job sounds like a good challenge. Colonel Seawell's expertise is in finding the silver, that's what he did for the military. Once it is found he has little to no interest in managing the extraction, which is why he now needs a Director of Operations. Apparently they are just beginning to get silver from their first mine but he expects another three or four to be producing before the year is done, so needs somebody on board soon. I suppose I would have the freedom to hire on Nate as a clerk until he found something else that tickled his fancy. So, you say that you run the school in the town. What is it like? I'm certain that Nate will be asking me all sorts of questions about it before considering sending Melvin there. Melvin is now thirteen and unlike his older brother is rather sensitive and quiet. The other boys in school have been picking on him something awful and unfortunately that's not likely to change anytime soon." "Unfortunately, children can be cruel, and it's difficult for a sensitive nature to bear. I haven't quite started teaching yet and there are some ideas that still need finalizing. But I expect to start up about a week after we get back. I bought a house from a man who was leaving town, and the front room will be set up as the schoolroom. My ward Ginnie I will use the rest of the building as our home in town. I'll teach the basics, of course; reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography, some sciences, probably agriculture once I've educated myself enough. Tuition will be twenty cents a week. I was also thinking of offering other subjects as extras, either expanding the school day an hour for those wanting them, or adding an extra week to the end of the term. There I'd offer things like French, music, chemistry, some of the things I have studied in particular. For students who wanted those subjects I would add a few cents a week to tuition. If your friend wanted to observe he'd be welcome to sit in for a day or two. There is also a tutor nearby, although I don't know his name. But the town doctor uses him, so it would be easy to find out. And Megan O'Hara and her two oldest children are beautifully educated as well and could probably tutor his boy if he would prefer." "That's interesting. I'll contact Nate right away about it. He might be willing to help you out for your first week or two to get things off on the right foot. As I said, it's not what he's planning to do going forward but it is what he has decades of experience in and would have a vested interest if Melvin were to be going there for an education." Pleasants asks, "So, what can you tell me about the area, not the people but the geography and geology. If I take on this job I'll need to learn what I can about the logistics." Conrad jumps in with that question and spends the next hour of the train ride telling everything he knows about the rocks, trees and terrain of southeastern Arizona. Kate was grateful for the chance to be quiet, although she listened with interest and added a few questions of her own about the flora and fauna. When Conrad finally ran out of steam Kate said, "As you can see, Mr. Booth has made a study of the area around Promise City." She smiled, remembering why he had done so. "I'd wager there aren't many who know more." Pleasants says, "Okay, you've convinced me. Sounds like an opportunity worth taking. When we reach Boston I'll telegraph the Colonel that I accept the job and also send a wire off to Nate. I should have answers back before you leave for Arizona. This should be a busy weekend, I'm glad I'll be in the company of skilled engineers since my skills in that area are almost two decades out of date. I suppose while I am in Boston I could stop by both Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pick up the latest texts on the subject in order to get better prepared." "That sounds like a good idea, sir. I'll be doing much the same myself, gathering the things I need for the school that are difficult to get out West. When do you think you'd leave for Arizona?" He states, "That will depend in part on when the Colonel wishes me to start, but I suspect that will be sooner rather than later. I'm planning to spend the next several days with my army friends and then I guess I'll head back to my family home in Pennsylvania to gather up some belongings. Then I'll go back to my farm in North Carolina to get other things. If I manage to convince the Caudell family to join me I'll take the train out with them. Figure a few weeks at the latest." Kate nodded, relieved that his plans wouldn't risk exposing how she planned to travel back to Promise City. "The school will be well started by the time you arrive, then. I'm sorry to lose the chance to have help getting started. You're going to have a very busy few weeks, with packing and travel. I did that last fall; I don't envy you." He says, "It shouldn't take me that long. I'm not selling the family homestead in Pennsylvania, just putting together a trunk of stuff. Same with the farm, most of what's there my partners will still need. The Caudell's learned to travel light back in the war and have never accumulated too many possessions, so that shouldn't take too long either. Only thing that might take a while is selling their house, but I could leave that for my partners at the farm to handle for them." Kate nodded. "Well, I wish them good luck in getting a good price for their house should they decide to come. A bit of money to get started with is always helpful. Is there anything we can do in Promise City to make things easier for your arrival?" He replies, "Well, you could help me find a place to stay. I won't be needing more than a room, so a good boarding house would probably work best. If the Caudells decide to come too they'd be needing to find a house. Don't make a commitment to that though until you hear from me." "There are several boarding houses. I'll keep my eyes open for a house, although when I bought the house to use for the school it was the only building available. But if worse comes to worse, they could stay in my house on the ranch until we can find them something. My father is coming to visit me at the end of month. It's quite likely you'll meet there as well. What a small world it is," she said, shaking her head. Pleasants excuses himself to go get himself something from the dinner car. He is gone for a while, giving Conrad and Kate some time by themselves. Kate sighed and leaned back against the seat. "The thing about strangers, no matter how pleasant, is that they're strangers and you eventually run out of things to say," she said. "I'll have to start watching my behavior, there'll be someone else to report back to Papa what I'm up to. You really did learn all about the area around Promise City, didn't you?" He replies, "Well yes, it was the best way that I knew to assist you. It was also very interesting. The geology stuff I learned mostly from miners at my gambling table. The more I get them talking about their jobs the less attention they pay to the cards." "You'll have to teach me what you've learned. I think those lessons would be very pleasant, especially if we were to go driving so I can see what you're talking about," she discreetly squeezed his hand. "I'm actually relieved to hear the school will be started before the General's friend arrives. I'm sure he'd be helpful, but I just.... I'm not comfortable with the idea." Conrad asks, "Don't want somebody telling you how to do your idea? Or are you afraid the Vigilance Committee will hire him to be the town's schoolmaster instead?" "No, and no, truthfully. It will be a private school, and if it gets the town moving on starting a free school so much the better. I would still have the ranch, and I hope there are some parents who would value me enough to keep their children with me. And to be honest, I'm nervous about starting the school. I know I have the education, but I've never taught before nor had to discipline a room full of children. Experienced help would make my mind easier. It's just.... " she stopped for a moment and looked over at Conrad while her face turned crimson. "He was a Confederate soldier. From what the General said he sounds like a good man, but every time I see him I'll see that uniform. Papa would be so disappointed. It's the thing that took my Papa away, the thing that gave those people the chance to try and take us from Maman...." She reached for her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's silly of me." Conrad is thoughtful for a minute, apparently choosing the proper words. He then says, "I wouldn't exactly say silly, but I'd say that you might be blaming the wrong person. It's not like most of the Southern boys were really given a choice about enlisting. From the sound of it Pleasants and Caudell have both managed to put the war behind them. Hell, they sound like they are bosom buddies and they met while both in uniform after Pleasants had just gotten out of the worst hell hole in the south and Caudell had just returned from his army's crushing defeat. Either one of them would have had sound reason for hatred, but instead they found friendship. If the example set in that story isn't one to teach to children I don't know what is." "You're perfectly right. I know that in my mind, but all I can feel is that fear I felt when I was four years old and Papa left and I couldn't really understand why except to fight the men in that uniform. And the horror when he came home his hug wasn't the same hug I remembered and then I realized why. It's not blame; I realize this man did what he had to, and considering his friendship with the General he must have some greatness of spirit. It's my spirit that's small. When he arrives, I'll do the best I can to help him and his family and try not to let my lesser instincts get the better of me." She stopped and wiped her eyes again. "Those were hard years, I don't like to think about them. At least I know once I get to know this man it will be alright. Just don't ask me to trust a cleric." Conrad says, "I understand. Let's change the subject. What should we do with Ginnie? I think the girl can use some more challenges and it would probably be better if we thought some up for her before she comes up with some on her own." It took Kate a moment to say anything, a bit thrown by the abrupt change in the conversation. She was grateful for it, though. A public train wasn't the place for falling apart. "I'd be thrilled to hear any ideas you might have. I don't know what to do, sometimes. And I have been pulled in so many directions with the Cowboy situation that I haven't spent the kind of time with her I should. I can tell you she hates to ride, so lessons in that are out. Once she's competent I'll let her stop those. Mr. Gonzales is tutoring her in his specialty. Once school starts, she won't be able to do her lunch run anymore. She's interested in so many things it's hard to find one thing to focus on, and she has so much energy there's no wearing her out. At least with the O'Hara girls around now there are some girls her age she can be friends with. Perhaps some botany lessons?" He exclaims, "You think that I have the patience to teach a twelve-year-old girl? No, I was thinking more along the idea of buggy riding. She may warm more to horses if she's not atop the back of one. And by buggy I don't mean a carriage, I mean the two-wheel kind used for mostly racing, otherwise she'll just feel like she's being forced to be a wagon driver. Once she's proficient she could use that to get back and forth from the town to the ranch and you could certainly spare a horse for her to use." "I don't suppose it's any more dangerous than riding, and I would be glad if she were at least more comfortable around horses. They can pick up her discomfort, which is half the problem she has when riding. She's got a good head on her shoulder's so I can't see her getting into too much trouble with it, and it would certainly be a challenge for her. The problem with the idea is that I don't have that kind of buggy and I don't remember seeing any in town. Nevermind the expense of buying one." "Don't worry about the expense, I'll pay for it. Better yet, I'll buy two. The second will be for those O'Hara twins. Ginnie will take to learning it far more willingly if they're learning simultaneously. Those girls also know horses and will help teach Ginnie, she may listen to them better than she does to you. As for my cash outlay, I consider it an investment. Based upon how well those O'Hara girls did in the festival riding competition I should be able to get back what I spent and then some once I get them onto the harness racing circuit. And harness racing is actually much safer than saddle racing is." "Harness racing? Are there even races in the area? I don't know if I'm comfortable putting Ginnie in such a thing, even if it is safer. How would you make your money back, betting? Is it a decent thing for a young girl to be doing?" She stopped and laughed at herself. "Listen to me, society seems to have gotten back into me." "It was just an idea," Conrad says with a smile. "Tell you what, we'll wait to see what Meagan O'Hara has to say before I finalize the purchase." "It's a good idea, Conrad. Active and probably exciting for her, and it would get her used to horses to boot. I respect Megan O'Hara. If she doesn't mind, there can't be anything wrong in it," she said lightly. "I certainly wouldn't mind having something to drive, myself. Especially once I'm too cumbersome to ride. I don't suppose you can think of anything else to go along with that?" "Well, I suppose I could buy you a carriage. I believe that Drover's has a rather fancy one that is now slightly used and was once partially damaged. I could probably talk him into a good price if you are interested." Kate laughed. "How about you negotiate, and I'll pay. You've already spent quite enough money on me this trip. And if you insist on buying it, then you must consider it partially yours." "A gift to you is a gift my dear," Conrad says, "once given I surrender all rights to it. Purchasing buggies for girls is another matter altogether, in that arrangement I would be their race manager. And in response to your earlier question on harness racing, it hasn't spread into Arizona yet but is quite popular in California. And don't worry about what I have spent, rumor has it that I am a wealthy gambler." "I've heard that one. Thank you," she said, surrendering. "I only wish I could do as much for you as you do for me. Perhaps I could come sit at your table again, if it helped you at all. What I really meant was anything else for Ginnie to do. Of course, we could just ask her what she might like to do. At least then I have a yes or no vote." "Given how she and Gonzales are captivated by your father's books I'd suggest a shopping spree for the both of them. Seeing as how he arranged for my transportation from Arizona and Boston and I presume the return I would like to pay him the equivalent amount that it would have cost me had we taken the train under the condition that the money be spent on books for him and his apprentices." "You would be their hero, although I think Mr. Gonzales might argue with you a bit before he agrees. And you could spend some more time getting to know Ginnie. I worry a little about her spending too much time in study, but if you get the buggies that would get her out of doors." Kate stopped and thought for a moment. The plan had an advantage for everyone. The girls get exercise and eventually money from winning races, if they won at least. Conrad would probably share the purses and bet. She had no problem with gambling at cards, why should racing be any different? Why should Conrad not gain something as well as the girls? He had been honest about the advantage to him. She took both his hands in hers. "We're lucky to have you looking out for us." He smiles and replies, "And I am lucky for having you fall into my life." "Fall is the word, isn't it? Who would have thought we would owe anything to Curly Bill Brocious and Irby Cole? Or would you have introduced yourself eventually?" He replies, "I dare say that our meeting was only a matter of time given that I dine at the El Parador twice a day." The conversation remains light for the next hour. As they are nearing the west suburbs of Boston Mr. Pleasants returns and takes his seat across from them. He comments, "Boston is one place I've always wanted to visit but never found an opportunity to. Could you recommend a good hotel? It doesn't have to be fancy, just clean and safe." "You know you'll be welcome at my father's house, it's really not necessary to get a hotel room. But if you insist there are several places. If you want to stay close to our house your choices will be fancier." Kate went on to name several places she knew near Beacon Hill, and then a few a bit further out. "I'm afraid I don't know too much about the hotels here, I never needed to use them." He replies, "I plan to stay there with the other officers beginning on Friday, but wouldn't wish to impose prior to that, especially if you already have many guests. I'll see what is over at Beacon Hill and let you know where I'm staying." "Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. I hope you'll be coming to the house today though, I'm sure Papa will be anxious to see you." [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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