A Daughter of the Union by Lucy Foster Madison
CHAPTER XXIX
MADAME FOR THE LAST TIME
Since leaving the La Chaises' Jeanne had seen nothing of her uncle andaunt, so she supposed that they had withdrawn from the city when GeneralPemberton had issued the order for the non-combatants to leave. Oneafternoon amid the rush and explosion of the shells, cries and screamsarose--the screams of women amid the shrieks of the falling shells. Theircuriosity getting the better of their timidity, Jeanne and Bob resolved tofind out what was the matter.
"Then I will go too," said Dick, "if you are resolved upon going, but Ithink it is foolhardy."
"Let's go," cried Bob. "I am so tired of this damp, ill-smelling, earthyhome that I almost think I would welcome death as a change. Let's go."
The three started forth, dodging the shells as they walked. Presentlythey came to a cave in a side hill around which a number of people weregathered.
"What has happened?" asked Dick of a man.
"It's the cave of the Vances and the La Chaises," was the answer. "Someshells struck the ground above and it caved in burying them. We don't knowwhether they are dead or alive."
With an exclamation of horror Dick darted forward.
"A spade," he cried. "A spade, or a pick, or a shovel! Anything that willdig! Why do you stand here, men?"
"We can't work with the shells flying around us," growled a man.
"You are not any more likely to be hit while working than you are standingstill," cried the boy. "Get something quick!"
Moved by his earnestness the men obtained picks, shovels, spades, andanything that would move the dirt, and in spite of the flying shellsbegan to dig out the unfortunate persons. Pale as death Jeanne stoodby, clinging to Bob, unwilling to leave the spot until she could learntheir condition. Her resentment toward her uncle and aunt was overcome bythe great catastrophe that had overtaken them.
Mr. Vance was found first. He was quite dead, as were also Mr. and Mrs. LaChaise. Madame Vance was alive but had sustained mortal injuries so thather death was but a question of a few moments. Her eyes lighted up whenthey fell upon Dick.
"My boy," she cried feebly, "you did like me, didn't you?"
"Indeed I did, Cherie," and Dick took the poor crushed form into his arms.
"I knew it," she whispered looking at him lovingly. "Forgive me, Dick,that I used you so. I wanted you to think as I did."
"It is all forgiven," said the boy tenderly. "Here is Jeanne, Cherie. Haveyou no word for her?"
"No," said Madame. "I never liked her. She was a child, but she took youfrom me, my boy.
"There is the property," said Madame suddenly to Jeanne. "That YankeeGeneral seized it in your name and declared that he should hold it foryou. It was to pay us for putting it in your name. It is yours, but Iwant Dick to have it. Will you give it to him?"
"Yes," answered Jeanne her tender heart very full of sympathy for heraunt's sufferings. "I will do whatever you desire, dear Cherie."
"Then give him the property and leave me with him. I don't want to die. Itis so cold. So cold! Where are you, Dick?"
"Here," and Dick held her tenderly.
"It is getting dark. My boy,--ah!" a gasp and all was over.
That night as the moon shed its softening rays over the besieged city,a little cortege consisting of Mr. Huntsworth, Dick, Aunt Sally, Jeanne,Bob and a few servants came forth from the cave to perform the last sadrites for all that remained of Mr. Vance, Madame and their relatives.
Even in the softening light of the moon the blighting hand of warfare wasvisible over the town. The closed and desolate houses, the gardens withgates half open in which were the loveliest flowers and verdure! Thecarelessness of appearance and evident haste of departure was visibleeverywhere, the inhabitants feeling only anxiety for their personal safetyand the strength of their cave homes.
The guns were still and peace for a time reigned over the troubled city.The stars shone coldly down upon them, twinkling as brightly as thoughno great strife was being waged beneath them.
Jeanne's tears were falling fast as she walked back by Dick's side in thecool fresh air of the morning.
"Dick," she whispered, detaining him as the others entered the cave, "youdon't harbor any bitterness toward me, do you?"
"Toward you, Jeanne? No;" and Dick folded her in a close embrace. "Whydid you think so?"
"You have been so still, so quiet since Aunt Clarisse died that I fearedthat you thought me to blame in some way."
"No, no, sister. I have been thinking of Cherie, and of what a mixtureshe was of tenderness and vindictiveness. I thought once that I shouldnever forgive her for turning me against you, and for trying to wean mefrom my country."
"But you do forgive her, don't you, Dick? She is dead now and can neverharm us any more."
"Yes; I forgave her when she was lying there in my arms," said Dick. "ButI will never forget how good you have been, Jeanne. You stood by me asno sister ever stood by a brother before. Why, had it not been for you Imight have been made to sign that paper."
"I do not believe that you ever would," cried Jeanne.
"And you saved me," and Dick kissed her tenderly. "How proud father andmother will be of you, Jeanne."
"Do you think that we shall ever see them again?" asked the girlmournfully.
"Yes, I do," said Dick positively. "I feel sure that the city will betaken soon. It cannot hold out much longer. The soldiers have only peasoup to live on now, and men can't fight on a diet like that. Oh, if Iwere only in it!" and the boy looked wistfully over at the Federal fleetas it lay on the broad bosom of the river. "My place is there, and yethere I am mewed up like a girl! If ever I do get out I'll pepper the rebsfor this."
"If the Federals take the city you will soon be free," comforted Jeanne.
"Come, you must go to your rest," said Dick. "Isn't it fine the way weare giving it to them, Jeanne? I just stand and watch those shells inwonder. General Grant has worked for months for this and now the end isnear."
"What makes you so positive, Dick?"
"Yesterday there were some people who tried to pass out," answered theboy. "They sent a flag of truce to the Federals asking permission toenter their lines, and Grant sent back word to stay quietly in the cityas he would be in possession the Fourth of July. And he will, Jeanne.Mark my words, if Grant says so, he will be here."
"Oh, Dick," and Jeanne clapped her hands for joy.
"Hush! not a word," said Dick. "I am sorry for these people. They are nicefolks, and Bob will never get over it. But of course we just had to win."
"I wonder where Snowball is," mused Jeanne, as she retired.
The morning brought the answer. As the shelling was resumed with morefrequency than ever for the delay, a number of negroes rushed into thecave.
"We 'longs ter yer now," said Snowball acting as spokesman for the others."Hyar's me, an' Jeff, an' Feliciane, lill' missy. Missus Adele's niggasdone gone ter her folks, an' we reckoned we 'longed ter yer an' MassaDick."
"To me?" exclaimed Jeanne bewildered. "Why, what in the world will I dowith you all?"
"Dunno. Yer'll hab ter take keer ob us, I reckon," and Snowball seatedherself on the floor in happy unconsciousness of the fact that taking careof them implied any responsibility. "You won't whip us nohow. Will yer,lill' missy?"
"I certainly won't do that," answered Jeanne, "but it will be a problemto feed you."
And so it proved. Supplies were running very low in the city. Starvationstared the inhabitants in the face. And yet, despite the privations andthe constant play of artillery and musketry through every minute of theday, when Minie balls were accompanied by Parrott, Canister, solid shotand shrapnel shells, and projectiles of all kinds, the soldiers becamealmost indifferent to them, and frequently sang amid the pattering of theballs.
One evening as they sat in front of the cave a young officer passed themsinging words to the air of the "Mocking Bird." He seemed more concernedabout the melody than he did about the shots that were flying through theair, and they watche
"''Twas at the siege of Vicksburg, Of Vicksburg, of Vicksburg, 'Twas at the siege of Vicksburg, When the Parrott shells were whistling thro' the air. Listen to the Parrott shells, Listen to the Parrott shells; The Parrott shells are whistling thro' the air.
"'Oh! well will we remember, Remember, remember, Tough mule meat June sans November, And the Minie balls that whistled thro' the air Listen to the Minie balls, Listen to the Minie balls; The Minie balls are singing in the air.'"
"Jeanne," said Bob, "do you hear that? Do you think you have any Yankeesthat are as brave as our people?"
"As brave perhaps," replied Jeanne, "but no braver, Bob. I think no peoplecould be more courageous than your people have shown themselves throughthis siege. I am proud of them as Americans, but I am sorry that theircourage is shown for such a cause."
"Ah, we'll win yet," said Bob, her eyes shining, "and then we will showyou that we can be as generous as we are brave."
And the days passed by.
CHAPTER XXX
THE END OF THE SIEGE
It was the morning of the Fourth of July. Jeanne awoke from a deepsleep. Generally about four o'clock the shrapnel shells were thrownmore furiously than at any other time of the day. She listened for a fewmoments and then turned to Bob excitedly.
"Bob, Bob," she cried, "wake up. The shells have stopped falling."
"What!" cried Bob, awake instantly. "Are you sure? Why it is true! Howquiet it is! What can be the matter?"
The girls began to dress hurriedly and then went outside the cave to learnthe cause of the cessation of the firing. People everywhere were runningout of their caves to find the reason. A painful calm prevailed, and solong had the constant firing been kept up that the stillness was actuallyoppressive.
"What is the matter?" asked Bob as an old gray-headed soldier passed onthe hillside near the cave. Stopping and touching his cap the man replied:
"It's all over. The white flag floats from our forts. Vicksburg hassurrendered!"
With a cry that Jeanne never forgot Bob turned and passed into the cave.A feeling of gladness and thankfulness welled up into Jeanne's heart,succeeded by a great wave of pity for these people who had fought so longand well.
"Bob," she called, softly, following after the girl and putting her armsabout her, "Bob, don't grieve so."
"Don't," cried Bob, throwing her off passionately. "You're glad! You knowyou are."
"Yes, Bob. Just as you would be if your side had won, but dear, dear Bob,I am sorry for you and for your brave people who have fought so well."
"If they cheer, I'll hate them," said Bob fiercely. "Oh, Jeanne, Jeanne,my heart is broken!"
Jeanne's own tears were falling fast, and Bob seeing that she did nottriumph over her let her head fall upon her shoulder and thus ColonelPeyton found them.
His face was very pale and he seemed bent and broken. He took his daughterinto his arms but he was more in need of comfort than capable of giving it.
"It is the beginning of the end," he said brokenly. "When Vicksburgfalls it is but the beginning of the end of the Confederacy. Our causeis doomed. We are fighting for a forlorn hope. Oh, my country, my country!"
He bowed his head upon his daughter's and the great tears fell fast.
Jeanne stole from the cave and met Dick coming for her.
"See!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Those are Federal soldiers, Jeanne. Weare in the United States once more. Look at the Court House Hill! What doyou see?"
"The Stars and Stripes," cried Jeanne, tears of gladness rolling down hercheeks. "Oh, Dick, how good it is to see our own flag once more!"
"Isn't it? I could shout and sing for joy if it were not for these poorfellows who have fought and starved so long. It is a hard thing to be onthe losing side."
"True, for you, my boy," said Colonel Peyton joining them with Bob on hisarm. "We are fortunate in having so chivalrous a foe. There have been butfew cheers and no exultation over our poor unsuccessful fellows. Not ajeer, nor a taunt from a Federal soldier."
"And the river flows on as calmly as ever, and the sun still shines, yetVicksburg has fallen," said Bob bitterly.
"Bear up, daughter. A soldier must learn to accept defeat as heroically asvictory," said her father. "Look, what a grand sight it is to see thosetransports round the bend. See how serenely they draw up in the very teethof those grim batteries that were dealing death but yesterday. Now theyare silent, and their Conqueror comes boldly to their very sides."
"What are all those people running down there for?" asked Bob. "Surelythey are not welcoming their victors!"
"Bread, daughter. The Federal transports are full of supplies which arebrought for the starving people. It is a magnanimous foe!"
"Transports," cried Jeanne eagerly. "I wonder--where is Snowball?'"
"Hyar, missy," cried the girl, running forward. "Oh, missy, Massa Linkum'smen done say we all's free. Dat Fader Abe done set us niggas free waylong las' Jan'wry."
"It may be so," cried Jeanne delightedly. "I don't know, but come and letus see if the transport that your mother is on is down there."
With a howl of delight Snowball went scampering down the hill towardthe boats, Jeanne following after her. The Gem City lay at anchor closeto the shore. Captain Leathers was dealing out supplies to the starvingpeople that surrounded the boat.
"Captain Leathers," cried Jeanne breathlessly as they reached his side.
"Why, bless my heart, if it isn't my little friend," cried the Captainin surprise. "What are you doing here? Yes; Tenny's right there on deck."
"I'll tell you all about it just as soon as I see Tenny," said Jeannesmiling at him brightly. "Come, Snowball."
She ran quickly to where old Tenny stood. "Tenny," she cried, "look here!"
The old woman turned and catching sight of Snowball gave a shriek of joy.
"It's my babby," she screamed. "Kum hyar ter yer mammy, yer bressed chile!Kum dis bery minnit!"
Laughing and crying she caught the girl to her capacious bosom.
"It's the lill' missy dat bringed me," cried Snowball. "Oh, mammy, deysays we's free!"
"'Course we is, honey chile. Whar you been dat you didn't know dat? MassaLinkum done say dat long ago. Whar you been?"
"Hyar in Vicksburg. Whar you bin, mammy?"
"Eberywhar, chile. Ef I hadn't er cooked fer de sojers dey couldn't a tukde city. Cap'n Leathers say so. But hyar we is. Not mindin' our mannersan' a thankin' de lill' missy fer brungin' yer ter me."
But with the first word of thanks Jeanne darted away. She stopped for amoment to talk to the Captain and explain her presence in the city, andthen went back to the cave where Dick awaited her.
"Come," said the boy. "General Grant is expected in the city soon. TheConfederates are coming from the camp to be registered and paroled."
"When can we go home, Dick?" asked the girl as they passed into thestreets again.
"Any time now, Jeanne. I want to see the General about sending a messageto father. How quiet it seems after the bombardment! Restful, isn't it?"
"It's heavenly," sighed Jeanne contentedly. "I am so happy, Dick, and thesilence enfolds me like a garment. To think that I will really see fatherand mother once more! It has been a year lacking a few days since I sawthem. How little I thought that so much would happen before I should seethem again. How anxious they must be! But now! a few more days and I shallbe with them."
"There comes General Grant," said Dick suddenly.
A glittering cavalcade of Federals and rebel officers at full gallop camedown the Jackson road from the camp without. In the midst of the throngthere appeared a man, small in stature, heavily set, a broad face coveredwith sandy beard, habited in a plain blue uniform of flannel with twostars of a major-general upon his shoulders. His face was impassive butthere was the faintest gleam of satisfaction in his cold gray eyes.
"'Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, He is tramp
sang a low voice beside them. "Children, this is a glorious day." Mr.Huntsworth's voice was tremulous with emotion and his eyes were misty. "Itis a sad spectacle to see brave men humiliated and humbled, but asidefrom my sympathy for the Southerners it makes my old heart beat with joyto be under the Stars and Stripes once more. Let us greet the General."
He stepped forward briskly. General Grant stopped his horse as theyapproached.
"We want to give you welcome, sir," said Mr. Huntsworth extending hishand. "We are Unionists released only by your successful siege from'durance vile.' Welcome, sir, welcome!"
"You must have found our shells pretty warm," said Grant shaking hishands. "How did you live?"
"Sir," replied the old gentleman whimsically, "you made us like theSoutherners' favorite bread: dodgers."
Grant smiled, and then asked. "And are these Federals too?"
"One is a soldier, the other a--what shall I call you, Jeanne? A blockaderunner or what?"
"I am a Union girl," said Jeanne smiling into the gray eyes above her."A Union girl longing for home."
"Where is your home?" asked Grant. "Suppose you three come along with meand tell me the whole story."
They did as he requested. The man of iron will heard them silently. Thenhe spoke.
"Get your dispatches ready," he said. "I will send them with mine toWashington and then have them forwarded. You will take your sister home ofcourse."
"I ought to get back to my regiment as quick as I can, sir."
"Nonsense! I will write your General concerning it. If you have been inever since the war opened it's high time you had a furlough. I will standresponsible. You shall all start to-morrow."
It was a sad leave taking for Bob and Jeanne.
"I will see you again," said Jeanne tearfully as she told Bob good-bye."Something tells me that we will meet again. And when the war is over,Bob, we will have fine times together. Where do you go from here?"
"To Richmond," answered Bob drearily. "You're not leaving us muchterritory, Jeanne. We are being narrowed down. I fear, I fear----"
With a burst of tears she ran from them and it was many a long day beforeJeanne saw her again. With saddened hearts they left the city of terracesbehind them, and at last Jeanne was en route for home.
Home! One of the sweetest words in the English language. The brilliantverdure of the Southland receded from view, and the more sober vegetationof the Northland came in sight. To Jeanne's longing eyes it had neverappeared more beautiful. As they boarded a train they heard the newsboyscrying--"Victory at Gettysburg! Grand victory at Gettysburg! Paper,sir? Paper?"
"Here!" called Dick and Mr. Huntsworth in one breath, and they were soonemersed in the details of the fight at Gettysburg.
"It's the turning point of the war," said Mr. Huntsworth. "It cannot belong surely before Lee will surrender."
"It would seem so," cried Dick with exultation. "But who can withstandus? We have freed the negroes! We have taken New Orleans, Vicksburg, themighty, has fallen, and Lee's army defeated in his invasion of free soil.Hurrah!
"'In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make them free, While God is marching on!'"
he broke out boyishly. Mr. Huntsworth joined in and soon another andanother took up the terrible Battle Hymn of the Republic until it rolledin one grand volume above the rush of the train.
"Jeanne, there's father," cried Dick as the train drew in at theCincinnati station.
The girl looked out to see both Mr. and Mrs. Vance standing on theplatform watching the outcoming people eagerly.
With a cry of thankfulness she darted forward and flung herself into hermother's arms.