Send Off

On Friday afternoon, the whole town seemed to shut down early. When Isaac Pike had heard that there was to be a big send-off for all of the boys going out to fight, he insisted on hosting it at his house. And no one protested, as the Pikes were known for throwing some of the best social events in the county. After the double wedding at the First Baptist Church, they all walked or drove their horses and carriages the few blocks to the stately, two-story brick house on Broadway. Frieda had stayed behind to ensure everyone would have plenty of libations when they arrived. It was almost like a parade, Cordia noticed, as she walked along beside her parents making their way back home. Some of the fighting men were in their uniforms, many carrying their guns, sometimes firing them up into the air. And though not all the uniforms were the same, some for one side, some for the other, no one seemed to be disagreeable or ready to fight the folks from their own town. This was the last celebrati