Jeff’s expression changed without warning. All of the bottled-up anger was there again. “There’s something else,” he said as he reached in his pocket. “Seems the sheriff in Austin has been holding this for some time. Took him a mighty long time to realize you were the George Randolph on this letter.”
George took the envelope. It had been opened. “You read it?” He wasn’t upset. Just curious.
“Part of it. I couldn’t finish it.”
That made George even more curious. The letter was from a Colonel Jonah Marsh.
“What does he want with us?”
“Read it yourself. Read it to all of them,” he said, gesturing to his brothers. “They’ll be happy to know our father is a real, honest-to-God hero.”
George was stupefied. There had to be some mistake. He opened the letter and started to read.
Dear Mr. Randolph,
I had meant to write you earlier, but the rigors of returning to civilian life have up until this time prevented me from having the time I felt necessary for this letter. For months I’ve felt a growing, urgent need to tell you and your family about the last months of your father’s life. He was a truly remarkable man. The Confederate cause owes much to his leadership and his bravery.
George looked at Jeff, unable to believe what he was reading.
“It gets worse.”
George didn’t know why he did it, but he handed the letter to Rose. She took it, unsure of what she was expected to do, then began to read.
I only knew your father briefly. He joined my regiment after the battle of Atlanta. Because of his age and experience, I immediately gave him a command. It was the best decision I ever made. He was like a father to those boys. There was no trouble too small for his—
Rose broke off as Hen jumped up with a curse and slammed out of the room. She looked at the others, but only Zac met her gaze.
“Go on,” George said without looking up.
—too small for his attention. He was tireless in his efforts to weld them into a single-minded fighting unit.
We couldn’t do more than harass Sherman as he ripped the heart out of Georgia, but it wasn’t long before he and his men came to know your father by name. He gave them cause.
He was fearless. When he thought the danger was too great for the youngsters in his command, he went in himself. I can’t tell you of the wonders he achieved. He was intrepid. But while he had many great successes, it was his valiant courage which finally brought about his death.
Rose paused. All the sons were aware their father had been killed, but she wasn’t sure they would want to hear about it in a letter. Only Zac showed any interest. Tyler’s face looked blank. George and Jeff’s expressions showed tightly controlled anger. She thought Monty would pop from the effort he was making to control himself. Feeling more unsure than ever, she continued.
Mine was a small unit. Sherman sent a large patrol against us hoping to finish us off so he could continue his march to the coast unhampered. They caught us by surprise. We needed a diversion to give us time to melt into the surrounding woods. Without warning, your father rode straight at the union patrol, straight for their leaders. I’ve never seen anything like it. Firing with both hands, using every weapon he possessed, he knocked a half dozen men out of the saddle. Even though he rode into the teeth of their fire, he got so close the line broke before he got hit.
Our troops got away with no casualties. We sent a special detachment into the union camp for his body. After what he had done, he had to be laid to rest by the men he died for.
Rose looked up, but she got no reaction. Monty got up from his seat and walked over to the window and looked out, but he didn’t say anything. She resumed reading.
He didn’t leave much beyond his pistols and uniform, but we’ve entrusted these to one of the men who means to head west when the fighting’s done. He will look you up in Texas. His name is Benton Wheeler.
“Salty!” Zac exclaimed happily.
He was in your father’s command, so he can tell you even better than I what a fine man he was. Know we all share your loss, but we realize our loss as friends and fellow soldiers can’t compare to the loss felt by his family. He was a credit to his name and his country, God rest his soul.
My blessings go with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Col. Jonah Marsh
“Son-of-a-bitch!” Monty cursed.
“Watch your tongue,” George said. “Rose is here.”
“I wouldn’t care if God himself was here, I’d still damn the bastard,” Monty said, his anger so great he could hardly remain still.
“That’s not the worst of it,” Jeff said. “They’re going to have a parade in his honor in Austin. They’re expecting all of us to be there.”