Chapter Two - The Journey

The light scattering of dew had already begun to evaporate and the Louisana sun was well into morning by the time Bill and Tolliver had awakened. They had both stayed up far later than was their custom, talking and laughing as they passed the bottle of fine Tennessee sippin' whiskey that Bill's father had carefully hidden in the folds of Bill's bedroll. During the evening they had talked and reminesced over childhood memories, hopes and dreams for their future, and how winning this war would change their lives. They good-naturedly teased each other over the fact that both of them had sought after and courted the beautiful Caroline Holliday. But from the first time Caroline had looked into those blue eyes the color of heaven's clouds and heard his voice she became his, his forever. As the whiskey in the bottle became less and less, the talk invariably turned to what talk usually turns to among young men in the prime of their sexual interest. Although neither one of them had ever ventured very far from the small town of Bon Temps, they had heard stories of the fancy, painted women who lived in places like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. They had listened with rapt attention at social gatherings when older, more experienced men had regaled them with tales of these women and the things a man could enjoy, things offered to a man that a wife couldn't be expected to know.. Things a marriage bed wasn't made for. But there was one thing that wasn't spoken of, the one thing both of them kept hidden in the dark part of their soul, but yet was as real and palpable as the very bottle they were sharing. A man's worth is measured by his courage and both of them could not help but wonder how they would measure up. And more than that, each man wondered if perhaps fate would ordain that theirs be the lifeblood that would spill and soak into the very earth they were fighting to protect.

Although neither man felt especially hungry that morning, Tolliver did manage to find a few pieces of wood for a small fire and finally got the coffee boiling. Due to the fact that Bill was an excellent marksman they had both enjoyed a fine supper. As luck would have it when they made camp the previous evening, they happened upon a small covey of quail while walking to the creek to refill their water canteen. In addition to roasted quail there was a loaf of bread Delilah had wrapped in white muslin and the small wheel of cheese made by Bill's mother. After drinking their morning coffee, Bill and Tolliver packed up their belongings and trying to ignore the throbbing in their temples, mounted up and continued on their journey.
They reached the outskirts of Monroe just past noon on their third day of traveling. Bill was very glad to see the end of this journey. Bill had been a farmer all his life and although he sat a horse as fine as any horseman, he wasn't accustomed to being in the saddle for three days running. He felt sore, stiff, tired and bruised. As soon as possible Bill intended to enjoy a long, hot soak in a tub. As they approached the town Bill could clearly hear the sounds of loud, racous laughter, someone was playing Dixie on a fife and everywhere he looked there were people all seeming to be in a great hurry to get somewhere. And young men, young men much like he and Tolliver, all decked out in their Confederate gray uniform, proudly strutting about the town much like a banty rooster. After a few inquiries, they managed to find the County Courthouse where they would sign up, receive their uniform and other military equipment and hopefully find out some information as to where they would be headed.

Later that afternoon Bill and Tolliver both looked at each other, gave a shout of laughter and began to good naturedly tease each other at the sight of themselves in their uniform. Later they were shown where the men would be quartered until orders were received. Soon Bill was settled in and sitting down on his bunk, he began to write:

Monroe Louisana
September 13, 1862
Dear Father and Mother,
I have arrived in Monroe in good health after three days of travel. The journey was uneventful and at times quite pleasant. Father, I especially appreciate your thoughtful packing of the bedroll and I do hope the picking of the cotton is going well and both of you are in fine health. I have been issued my uniform and must say that Tolliver and I make quite the handsome, distinguished pair! We have not yet received orders as to where we will be headed, but hopefully we will not have a long wait as everyone here seems to be quite anxious to get into battle.

With loving regards,your son,
William Thomas Compton
After carefully folding and sealing the letter, Bill took out another piece of paper and began:

Monroe Louisana
September 13, 1862
My Darling Caroline,
As you can see, I have arrived in Monroe and am in good health. The ride was pleasant, but I was quite ready for it to end. It seems as though I am not the horseman I fancy myself to be. I have received my uniform and weapons, and other necessities. I fear you would laugh if you could see the picture Tolliver and I make in our uniforms! Although Tolliver does fancy himself as being quite handsome.
I do hope both you and the children are doing well. There is already a profound ache in my heart from the missing of you and the children. Please give them a hug from their loving Papa! Caroline, my love, I have found myself upon awakening these past few mornings reaching out , searching for the touch of you. I long to hold you tightly and feel your skin next to mine. I am praying that it will not be very long before we are together once again.

Your loving husband,
William Thomas Compton