Since the boys’ mother died, I ain’t done too good. I been hitting the bottle, gambling, and leaving young Rob with all the farm work. He’s a good boy and deserves better.
I told my boys this ain’t our war, but Billy joined up, and now we’ve not heard from him in months. Both sides plague us here in Morgan County, and it’s true I’d rather be a horse thief than a hero in any army. I ain’t gonna be taken by no conscript gang, don’t matter what I have to do.
I tried to tell Rob to steer clear of that no-good Fields boy, but the two of them went and robbed a canal boat. Once they grabbed the Union cargo, they were stupid enough to fire the barge. Then they needed me to save their butts, so I rightfully took a bigger share.
When I found a wounded Yankee soldier on the road, I carried him home and doctored him best I could. I didn’t see no reason why I shouldn’t help myself to a few of his belongings. Rob looked at me like I was stealing from widows and orphans, not a enemy soldier. He put me in mind of his mother then.
Rob’s a quiet, brooding boy, but he’s a hard worker. Billy was always the one to joke and laugh. Now I fear he’s dead on some flatland battlefield with none of his kin to bury him.
Comments are closed.