Chapter 4

October 25, 1865

Abigail POV

Today, I was leaving to travel the seven hundred plus miles deep into Indian Territory to meet my Henry. I was excited, yet at the same time, fearful. I can’t wait to see him again. It has been a long time and I miss him very much. I am fearful that perhaps my father has found me and will try to make me return home to New Orleans with him.

George was unable to find anyone snooping around. After several days, it was decided that my imagination was probably working overtime because I didn’t know for sure whether or not my father had given up searching for me. I could only hope that he had.

It was still very early in the morning as I dressed for the day and finished packing the last of my belongings in my trunks, and I thought back over the last few weeks. The girls had helped me to make four quilts for my journey. Sergeant Major Levi had told me that it would be important for me to remain warm and the more quilts and blankets I had, the warmer I would be. I also made two wool dresses that I would be able to change every few days.

I have spoken several times over the past several weeks with Sergeant Major Levi in regards to our journey. He came the day after we met and relayed to me that Henry had responded to my message and said that Wohali would meet me at Fort Gibson. I was saddened to know that Henry would not be there to collect me himself, but I understood that he was probably needed at Fort Sill.

I felt that Sergeant Major Levi needed to understand my situation. So, when he came to provide me with an update on our travel arrangements last Friday, I shared with him the details of my past. He now understands my need for secrecy and assures me that those under his command are all decent men and will do everything they can to protect me. None of them want to face Henry if something happens to me. Apparently, my Henry is a very important man in Indian Territory. That thought makes me very proud.

I was ready to leave before the sun was even up. My excitement had kept me awake. I also didn’t want to delay the trip because I failed to be ready when the soldiers came to collect me. I quietly made my way downstairs, leaving my trunks in my room. I would ask the men to carry them down for me when they arrived.

I made my way to the kitchen to put on the coffee pot and found Mrs. Sheffield already working on breakfast. “Good morning, Mrs. Sheffield,” I told her as I moved to pour myself a cup of coffee that she had ready and waiting.

“Good morning, Abigail. Are you packed and ready to go?” she asked quietly.

I took a drink of my coffee and murmured, “Mmmm,” swallowed and said, “Yes. I will ask Sergeant Major Levi, if the men can help carry my trunks downstairs.”

“Good. I’m sure they will be happy to help,” she smiled at me and then turned back to the stove. She was making pancakes and had eggs cracked in a bowl, ready to cook after she finished the pancakes. “Be a dear and place this pan of biscuits in the oven,” she asked me.

I moved to place the biscuits in the oven. She had three pans of biscuits ready to go but only one would fit at a time. “Why so many biscuits?” I asked her.

“I am sending them with you,” she said. “I’m not sure what kind of food you will have on your trip. But at least, you will have biscuits and jam. Go and collect a jar of jam from the pantry to take with you.”

I did as she instructed and grabbed a jar of strawberry jam. It was my favorite. As I made my way back to the kitchen, I said, “Mrs. Sheffield, thank you. But you know that won’t last the whole trip.”

She shook her head, “I know. But I feel like I should send you off with something. Each of you girls are special to me. Especially you, with your determination and kind heart. I want you to send a wire from Fort Gibson so that we know you have arrived safely. Then you make Henry send another wire when you are together.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I smiled at her. She cared so much. She was truly the type of woman that I hoped to be. A woman who showed love, compassion, and strength. Although, Mrs. Sheffield tried to put on a stand-offish appearance, she really was an old softie with a heart of gold.

It wasn’t long before Emily, Mary Jane, and Charlotte joined us in the kitchen. Mrs. Sheffield sent us to set the table for breakfast as she pulled one pan of biscuits out of the oven and replaced it with another. As I was gathering the cutlery for our meal, I watched as she placed the warm biscuits into a basket, along with the jar of jam, and covered them with a cloth. I would remember her kindness always, but most especially over the next few days each time I ate one of those biscuits.

Once the biscuits were baked and placed in the basket, she was able to finish our breakfast. The whipped eggs didn’t take long and soon we were sitting down and enjoying the meal. As we ate, I looked at each one of the women sitting at the table. This was my family and I would miss them all dearly. We didn’t linger over the meal, knowing that my military escort would be arriving at any time.

Just as we finished clearing the table, a knock sounded at the door. Being so early in the morning, Mrs. Sheffield went to answer it. She returned a few moments later, with George following closely behind her.

“I had to come and say goodbye to you, Abigail. I want you to know that I will miss you so very much. But I am very proud of how you have handled yourself since you have been here. I will continue to keep an ear out concerning your father, but I truly do not think you have anything to worry about. Soon you will be with your husband and no one can change that,” he told me, then pulled me into a hug. His words made my eyes tear up and I had to take a deep breath to hold my tears at bay.

“Thank you, George. Your friendship means the world to me,” I told him as I squeezed him tightly once more before letting go. He truly was like a big brother and I would miss his friendship.

I cleared my throat and looked around the room at my family. Saying goodbye was going to be so hard. These girls had taught me so much and I felt like a better person for knowing them. As I smiled at each of them, another knock was heard at the door. George moved to answer it.

It was Levi. He was here to help me get loaded up. “Good morning, Miss Abigail. Are you ready?” he asked with a smile on his face.

I nodded and motioned to the stairs, “My trunks are upstairs. I have three of them. Henry said I could bring as many as I needed.”

Levi smiled and said, “Yes, Ma’am. Give me a moment and I will have several of the men collect them for you.” He turned and walked out the door, returning a few moments later with six men. George offered to lead them upstairs and show them where the trunks were because Mrs. Sheffield did not allow men on the upper floors. George was the only one because he was family.

I turned to Levi and inquired once again about our trip, “Levi, I want to make sure that I understand our journey. You told me that because of the massive amount of supplies we are delivering to Indian Territory; the journey will take us close to twenty-one days to get to Fort Gibson. Is that correct?”

He nodded, then explained, “We should be able to travel close to twenty or twenty-five miles each day. We will travel from sunup to sun down. We do not want to injure the horses because they stepped in a rut or hole. We are also traveling over many hills and wooded areas. The horses may have difficulty pulling the weight. But my goal is to reach Springfield by November the fourth. We will stay there for a full day to rest the horses and all of us will have several hot meals before we journey on. The next part of the trip will be another eleven days until we reach Fort Gibson. Once there, Henry has requested that you rest for two days before making the final journey to Fort Sill. My latest correspondence with Fort Gibson has indicated that an Indian named Wohali will escort you by horse to Fort Sill. The men will bring the supplies later. Traveling by horse, you should arrive at Fort Sill within two days.”

As he spoke, I nodded, remembering all he had told me. I turned to Mrs. Sheffield and the girls who had been listening. “What do you think?” I asked.

“It’s a solid plan. You promised to send a telegram when you arrive at Springfield. Then another when you arrive at Fort Gibson,” Mrs. Sheffield requested.

“Of course. I want you to know that I have arrived safely.” I smiled at her, then turning to Levi, “I wish to send a quick telegram to Henry. Do you think we can stop before we leave town?”

“Yes, the telegraph office is just a few blocks from here. We can detour that direction. Do you have it prepared?” he asked and I nodded in response. Hearing noise at the stairs, we turned to see the men hauling my trunks from my room.

Levi directed them to place my trunks in the front of the wagon that was designated to be mine for the duration of our trip. I donned my wrap and woolen stocking cap, grabbed my reticule, then gave everyone another round of hugs. Mrs. Sheffield handed me the basket of biscuits and jam and I quickly followed Levi outside to the wagons, afraid that my tears would fall if I lingered.

The girls, Mrs. Sheffield and George all stood on the porch and watched as I climbed into the wagon. Unfortunately, it was not covered but I wasn’t worried. I had plenty of quilts to keep me warm. I opened one of the trunks and pulled out two of the quilts. I placed one down to sit on and used the other to cover my legs. It was not particularly cold today, but I wanted to be prepared for anything.

As we pulled away from the boarding house, I waved at my family with tears streaming down my face. Tears of sadness as I said good bye to the family that had kept me safe for the better part of two years. But they were also tears of joy. I was finally on my way to my Henry. When we stopped in front of the telegraph office, I pulled my telegram from my reticule and hopped from the wagon.

Levi escorted me into the telegraph office and I walked to the counter and smiled at the man on the other side, “Good morning. I have a telegram to send to Fort Cobb please.” I handed him the telegram and he glanced at it and smiled, “I take it you are sending this to someone special?”

“Yes, my proxy husband, Captain Henry Spertzel,” I replied with excitement in my voice. “I can’t wait for him to tell me what Mein Leibe means. He has been writing that in our letters for quite some time now,” I gushed out.

Levi leaned close to my ear and whispered, “I didn’t know that you were unaware of its meaning. He calls you ‘his love’.”

I gasped at the realization that he has loved me for a long time. I smiled at the man behind the counter and said, “Can you please send that to Captain Henry Spertzel at Fort Cobb?” My telegram said

Mon Couer. I leave today. See you soon. Mein Leibe.

The telegraph clerk nodded and said, “I’ll send it right now.” And he did. When he was through, I paid him and then I climbed back into the wagon and we were finally on our way out of St Louis.

A few hours later, I was in desperate need of a privy. I had held off as long as I could but the slight chill in the air only made my need worse. “Sergeant Major Levi,” I called out to him. He was riding a horse just a few paces ahead of the wagon I was in. He slowed his horse until he was riding next to me.

“Yes, Mrs. Spertzel,” he said, calling me by my married name. Although strange to hear, I liked the sound of it. We had decided to try to keep it formal for added privacy. Most of the men in our group knew I was Abigail, but we didn’t want any passersby to hear, in case they were sent by my father.

“I am sorry to bother you. But I need a couple of private moments,” I blushed while asking for a privy.

“Oh, I am sorry. I failed to think of that. Most of us are conditioned to go several hours without needing a privy,” he told me quietly, then spoke to the group, “Alright men, let’s stop and take a few moments.”

As our group came to a stop, I scrambled from the wagon. I looked at Levi and said, “I’ll be quick. I promise.”

He chuckled and shook his head as he dismounted. Then he began to follow me. I was going to ask him why until he said, “I will stand guard.” We walked several paces into the tree line and he said, “This should be fine. Just behind this tree. I will turn my back.”

As he did indeed turn his back, I moved behind the tree and lifted my skirts, saying, “Thank you.” I quickly concluded my business and straightened my skirts about me, then stepped back to Levi’s side.

He chuckled, “You really were quick.” He teased me much like I assumed an older brother would. We made our way back to the group and he offered to help me up.

“Would it be alright if I walked for a bit? I fear I will die of boredom if I do nothing but sit for the next three weeks. The walking will be good for me and I promise to keep the pace,” I told him, tilting my chin and pushing my shoulders back. I was trying to show authority that I didn’t have but felt the need to prove myself anyway.

“Sure. If you decide you wish you ride, let me know and we will assist you,” he replied with a smirk. With his words, I took off in the direction we were heading.

“Um, Ma’am. Where are you going?” he asked with laughter in his tone.

I kept walking and told him over my shoulder, “Breaktime is over. Let’s go. We have a long way to go and I want to get as many miles behind us as we can. Indian Territory awaits!”

The men laughed and I quickly heard them mounting up and the wagons began moving. We had four wagons of supplies plus mine. Two soldiers rode on each wagon and another two rode horses on either side of each wagon. In total there were twenty-two of us headed to Indian Territory.

I walked for several hours and I overhead several of men talking when we stopped for a break in the midafternoon. They were saying that they were quite impressed that I had chosen to walk part of the way and not just sit in the wagon. I didn’t comment but it bolstered my esteem knowing that I was doing well. Levi was always near me. We chatted throughout the day about all manner of things, getting to know one another.

The next several days passed in much the same manner. We rose before the sun was up, ate a quick meal of tack and coffee. Tack was a hard biscuit like cracker that was great for traveling because it wouldn’t spoil on long journeys. I would join the men and have a small portion of tack but then would enjoy one of Mrs. Sheffield’s biscuits. After a couple days, they weren’t much better than tack but each one made me think on my time at the boarding house.

Following breakfast, we would head out as soon as the sun began to peak over the horizon. The earlier we started, the more time we had to travel and I was determined to push for twenty-five or more miles each day. I refused to allow them to take additional breaks on my behalf. If the men could go several hours without a privy, then so could I. We would eat lunch as we traveled, only nibbling when the need arose. At dusk, we would find a spot to stop for the night, build a camp fire and warm the tack as best we could. And drink coffee. Lots of coffee. It was the one thing that helped to keep us warm in the cool of the evening.

We were lucky that the weather had not yet turned cold when we left St. Louis. The warm October weather was a welcome comfort during the day for it allowed us to travel more swiftly and comfortably. The weather held and we arrived in Springfield on November 3^rd, a full day ahead of schedule. Once we checked into the hotel, I found the telegraph office and sent two telegrams. The first to Henry:

Mein Leibe has arrived in Springfield. Resting horses for a day. Plan to leave Sunday.

And the second to Mrs. Sheffield and the girls:

Have arrived in Springfield. Love, A

Levi accompanied me for dinner and then walked me to my room. He said that he would see me in the morning. I was grateful for his escort. This journey would be lonely without him. He told me that he would be filling a position under Henry’s command and that warmed my heart. I was adding more and more people to my family.

Levi wasn’t the only soldier with whom I had formed a bond. Ezekial and Daniel were the two assigned to drive my wagon. They were both young, in their early twenties and seemed to love the adventure serving in the army brought. Both had joined after Gettysburg and were fortunate to not see any battles. Ezekial, or Zeke, as he preferred to be called, shared with me that he hoped to finish his time in the army and then somehow strike it rich and take off for California. He didn’t know how he planned to strike it rich, but that was his plan. He had such fantastic dreams that to me, seemed impossible to achieve. But he had determination and he just might make it happen.

As I settled down to sleep in a bed for the first time in over a week, I silently thanked the Lord for keeping the weather at bay and for the incredible progress we had made thus far.

The next morning was Saturday and I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Springfield. Not as large as St. Louis, the town of Springfield was still rather large. As I made my way down the boardwalk, looking in each of the store front windows, I once again had the feeling I was being watched. I casually looked around and didn’t see anyone staring in my direction, so I decided I was once again imagining things and shook myself to drive away the feeling.

A short while later, I found a watch shop and walked in. I said hello to the shopkeeper and he offered to show me some pocket watches. After looking at several pieces, I decided to purchase a silver watch on a chain. I thought it would make a lovely wedding gift for Henry. I had managed to save up a little money over the years. I handed the shopkeeper $13 and he handed me the watch. I tucked it safely into my reticule, smiled, thanked him and walked back to the hotel. I placed the pocket watch in one of my trunks for safe keeping.

Then made my way to the hotel dining room for lunch. I found a seat in the corner of the room. From this position I could see who came and went and I also had a view of the window. I enjoyed watching the people scurry by as they went about their busy lives.

The hotel was serving beef stew for lunch and I wiggled in my seat at the delicious flavors. It was a welcome delight to enjoy a hot meal once again. I knew that all too soon I would be eating hard tack and coffee, so I was determined to enjoy the stew.

Taking another bite of my stew, my gaze moved to the window of the hotel and I froze, the spoon halfway to my mouth. I had just caught a man turning from the window and he looked just like my father. My heart began to beat wildly in my chest and I dropped my spoon back into the bowl. “Oh dear, God! He found me!” I began to sob, fear rocking me to my core. As I sat there frozen in fear, I saw Levi enter the dining room. My eyes met his and he hurried to me.

“Abigail, what has happened?” he asked, worry lacing his tone.

“I think I just saw my father,” I gasped out, struggling to breathe. My fear was paralyzing me. If it was my father, I would be powerless to stop him. He would force me to return with him. Henry would not be able to reach me in time to save me from the clutches of Mr. Rossi.

“Zeke! Daniel! Get over here!” Levi shouted and soon both men were standing by the table. “Watch her! Do not let her out of your sight!” he commanded them. Then leaning down and looking into my eyes, “I will go and see if I can find him. I have a good idea of what he looks like based on your description. I’ll be right back. Do not leave this room.”

I couldn’t say a word, so I only nodded. I was frozen in fear. I watched as Levi quickly strode from the room. Daniel leaned down next to me, took my hand and said, “It’ll be okay, Miss. Sergeant Major Levi will find out what is going on.” I nodded once again and he stood back up and turned to face the door, standing just as Zeke was, on guard.

I sat frozen in my chair, unable to move. My hands were fisting in my lap. I tried to calm myself because I knew that panic would not help me remain alert. I began to take deep breaths to settle my fear. It didn’t take long and Levi had returned. I watched as he made his way to me and knelt in front of me.

“I didn’t find anyone suspicious, Abigail. I will remain here with you until you finish eating. The boys and I will take turns standing guard outside your door tonight, just in case. I promised you that I would see you safely to the captain’s side and I aim to fulfill that promise,” he quietly told me. Then he reached out and grasped my hands, “Abigail…. you must eat. It will be many days before we have another hot meal.”

I nodded and he rose from squatted position and took a seat opposite to mine. Even though I had no appetite at the moment, I knew that he was right, so I lifted the spoon once again and dipped into the stew, willing my hands to stop shaking. As I brought the stew to my mouth and took a bite, its warmth helped to calm my nerves.

Once I had finished my stew, Levi, Zeke, and Daniel, all walked me back to my room. Once there, I turned to the three of them and said quietly, “thank you. I am going to rest for just a while. Will someone wake me when it is time for supper?”

Levi smiled, then nodded, “yes. I will come for you. You can join me for supper. Zeke, I want you on watch this afternoon. Daniel, you will take this evening and I will have several of the others divide up the night hours while Mrs. Spertzel sleeps.”

Zeke and Daniel both nodded their heads in response to his command. I had learned on my journey that Levi was not officially an officer. However, because he held the highest rank on our journey, the men were required to defer to his authority. I trusted Levi because he had been nothing but kind to me since I met him just over a month ago.

I closed the door and went to my bed. Sleep was hard in coming but I did manage to at least rest my body. I focused on the comfort of the bed, knowing that it would be close to two weeks before I would have such a comfort again. All too soon, I heard Levi calling for me at the door to join him for supper.

I quickly rose and adjusted my hair which had pulled slightly from the bun I had fashioned this morning. Once I felt presentable, I opened the door and smiled at Levi, “Thank you for seeing to my safety. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it. But, before we go to supper, I must find the privy,” I whispered the last to him.

He nodded and together we walked to the privy that was located downstairs and out the back door of the hotel. It was awkward to use the privy knowing that Levi was right outside, but given my worry over being found, I pushed my embarrassment down and took care of my needs. Then Levi escorted me back inside to the dining room.

During dinner, Levi did his best to distract me from the events of earlier in the day. But it was always in the back of my mind. I realized that I wasn’t paying attention when he went silent. I looked up at him and blushed sheepishly. “I am sorry, Levi. I was just thinking. I need to put it behind me and just focus on getting to Henry. What time shall I be ready in the morning?”

“I understand, Abigail. As I said earlier, the men are on watch and we will take care of you. I have asked the owner of the hotel to have a hot meal ready for us by six o’clock. That will allow us a good half an hour to eat a hot meal once more before we head out at daybreak. I feel it best to put as many miles between us and Springfield tomorrow as possible,” he shared his plans with me confidently.

I wished that I had half his confidence. Seeing that person today who looked like my father, really scared me.

Levi continued, “Previously, you talked of pushing for thirty miles each day. Do you still feel as though you can keep up? I know that you prefer to walk as much as possible.”

“Yes. You mentioned to me the other day that it was close to two hundred miles to Fort Gibson from here and that it would take us close to eleven days to get there. If we can push for an extra five miles each day, that should get us there in just under a week!” I exclaimed, after I quickly did the calculations in my head.

“Yes, probably six full days and good portion of the seventh day,” he confirmed. “I assume that is acceptable to you?” he chuckled.

I nodded and grinned. Just then, Zeke came into the dining room. “Sergeant Major Levi, a telegram arrived for you.” He handed the envelope to Levi.

Levi opened the envelope, then glanced at Zeke, “Thank you Zeke, you may go.”

After Zeke had left the room, Levi handed the telegram to me. “It’s for you, Abigail. It seems Henry received your telegram,” his grin reaching from ear to ear.

I snatched it from him, in a hurry to read the message from my love, and Levi chuckled at my eagerness. I quickly read the telegram, then read it again, and again:

Mein Leibe. Eager to see you. Travel safe. Seulement les Tienes.

Once we finished our meal, Levi escorted me to my room and as promised, Daniel was standing outside my bedroom. I bade both of them goodnight and closed my door, knowing that in the morning, I would be one day closer to Henry.