Share
Discussion
“Tell us, how are the city militia boys keepin’ up?” Cordia’s father asked, a large piece of pot roast poised on his fork as he asked Carey Adams questions about the war over dinner.
Carey chewed a bit before answering. “Very well, sir,” he replied. “We are in fine shape to hold off even the most deliberate of guerrilla raiders. Why, I assure you, even Quantrill himself would not be able to step foot within our city limits without our forces crushing him and his men. Not even the army of Gen. Grant would stand a chance against our fine Lamar fighting troops,” he continued, his chest puffing with pride.
Cordia couldn’t help but snicker. “Do you mean the same Gen. Grant who has Braxton Bragg and his forces high-tailing it to Chattanooga? That must be quite some force of farmers and merchants you’ve put together there.” She had begun an intricate process of moving small portions of her food from one p
Related chapters
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Intentions
“Lovely evening, isn’t it Miss Cordia?” he asked. He was walking on her left side so that his right arm, his only arm, was near her, and she anticipated that, eventually, he would offer it to her. Despite his disability, Carey seemed to do everything any other man could do, and it was quite easy for her and others to forget that he had returned from war less than whole.She peered up at the stars for a moment, considering the question. If he were speaking of the works of God that surrounded them, then, yes, it was a lovely evening. If he were referring to the company, her answer would be far different. Finally, she replied simply, “The sky is gorgeous.”“So it is,” he agreed without so much as glancing up. “As are you, Miss Cordia,” he added, trying a bit of charm.Ignoring his comment and hoping to remind him a bit of the sorrow that hung over her now as she made a familiar journey with a less familiar indiv
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Vicksburg
The battles leading up to the siege of Vicksburg were bloody and had put a strain on Will’s division. He had recently been promoted to captain and was leading a company. Though the position had been offered to him several times before, he had not accepted because he did not want the responsibility of having the lives of other men in his hands. However, after the Battle of Raymond when they had lost their captain, he had been all but ordered to assume the responsibility, so he had reluctantly accepted this time. Now, perched on a hill outside of Vicksburg, congregating with other leaders, he wasn’t sure exactly what he had gotten himself into.It was May 21, 1863, and the plan they were devising was to be carried out the next day. From the beginning, all involved had known that it would not be an easy assignment. Yet, they recognized that, if they could find a way to force Pemberton and his troops out of Vicksburg, they would have the port city at last, and with it
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Engaged
As Cordia pulled into the drive that led to the barn, she noticed a familiar horse tied outside of the stables. She found it rather odd that Carey Adams would be at their house this early on a Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t quite super time yet, and though he had been a frequent guest of late, he usually didn’t arrive until much later in the day. She also noticed that her father’s cart was in the barn, which meant that he was also home. At first, her heart caught in her throat, afraid they had some terrible news to tell her. But then she realized that no one had any idea that she was in love with Will. If something happened to him, she would have to find out from Julia or his aunt. Her parents would never think to break such news on her lightly.Neither would Carey Adams. He would probably be sufficiently delighted to find out that something awful had happened to Will, simply because Carey seemed to be pleased anytime another human being suffered. The though
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Whirlwind
The next few hours were a whirlwind of gifts and baked goods, congratulator hugs, followed by a meal, piano playing, and dancing. Cordia was obligated to dance with her new fiancé though it was awkward to say the least, not just because of his missing arm but more so because she could not stand to be held so closely to him. Everyone clapped and cheered, some insisting that the new couple kiss, to which Cordia was able to draw the line, based on her own modesty.At the end of the evening, the visitors slowly started to file out. Cordia had found her way out to the porch swing, where she was sitting with Susannah, who was going on and on about how unfair it was that Cordia’s husband would never have to go off to fight again. Cordia was lost in her own thoughts and barely noticed exactly who was stopping by to tell her they were leaving until Susannah finally stood and hugged her goodbye, her little ones pulling on her skirts as they made their way down the porch st
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Obedience
The next morning at breakfast, Cordia’s mother wanted to know if everything was okay between herself and Carey. Though it seemed like a prime opportunity to completely enlighten her mother, Cordia did not do so. She simply replied that nothing had changed between herself and Lt. Adams; their relationship was just as it had always been. Jane took this as good news and finished the meal with a smile on her face.As soon as the post office had opened that morning, Cordia had been there, letter in hand, ready to inform Will of everything that had transpired. “Good morning, Mr. Wheeler. How are you this morning?”The older man smiled at her, his spectacles sliding down his nose. “Just fine now, my dear. Long as this sun don’t burn me alive!”It was intolerably hot outside again already, and Cordia completely understood the sentiment. “Yes, I am certainly looking forward to some nice fall weather! Mr. Wheeler, I need to get th
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Devestation
After Vicksburg had fallen in early July, Will’s company was back to its usual routine: travel around a bit, encamp, engage the enemy, repeat. Though there were no major battles, there were plenty of skirmishes and plenty of opportunity to get shot. His enlistment would be up on September 1, and should he choose to do so, he could go home. Back to Missouri—back to his sister and to Cordia. Though he longed for the familiarity of home and the peace it would bring, he could not help but feel that he had not yet found atonement for his brother’s death. As long as even one Rebel stood against the Union, he found it hard to leave the war effort.And, yet, he knew Julia was not doing well. His sister did not write as much as she used to, and when she did, the correspondence was not as long. Clearly, she was struggling. Cordia did not mention her as often, which led him to believe she was not able to visit as frequently, probably due to Julia’s illness. His A
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Guidance
October 1863The fireplace blazed away as Cordia sat in the straight-backed chair in her bedroom, her mother brushing out her long plaits of hair, just as she had done when she was a small child. The dressing mannequin across the room was an ominous presence, dressed as it was in the now nearly finished wedding dress. It had been almost two months since she had sent word to Will asking him for his consent to let her disclose their relationship so that she could terminate her engagement to Carey, and yet she had heard nothing. Every day, she stopped by the post office, hopeful that Mr. Wheeler would have some news for her, but each time, he shrugged, reluctantly. Cordia was curious to know whether or not Julia had heard from her brother, but she had been so ill recently, Cordia had scarcely been allowed to visit. The one time she had stopped by a few weeks ago, she hesitated to mention him because Julia was already struggling to breathe, and she didn’t want to u
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Slip
A few moments after Cordia knocked on the front door, Margaret opened it, a broad smile on her face. “Cordia!” she exclaimed. “It’s so nice to see you!” She embraced Cordia warmly, gesturing for her to come. “How are you, dear? I bet you’ve been so busy planning the wedding. It seems like it’s been ages since we’ve had a visit from you.Cordia stepped in, offering the bread to Margaret before taking off her coat and hanging it near the door. “I know, I have been busy. I’ve also been hoping to give Julia some time to recuperate. How is she doing?”Margaret took the pumpkin bread. “Oh, thank you! You didn’t have to do that. You’re so thoughtful.” She paused for a moment, considering Cordia’s question. “She has her good days and her bad days. She has not fully recovered from her last spell, but the doctor does say he thinks she is on the mend. He says any alleviatio
Latest chapter
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Over
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Fire
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Defense
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Trouble
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Goodbye
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Family
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Jules
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Evil Plans
- Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss Hurry
