Field of Honor

Field of Honor

Suzanne Marsh

Jake Matthews rode quickly over the high road toward Millington, the plantation he inherited from his father. He was not happy; he had just gotten into another argument with Malachi Edwards, whose father owned the next plantation downriver. Jake had no desire to antagonize Malachi; there always seemed to be a competitiveness. Both men wished to marry beautiful Catherine Oliver, whose father wanted to purchase Millington. Trouble arose when Catherine did not wish to marry either of them; she wanted to marry Conrad Miller, the bank clerk. This was ridiculous; both of the men had money, and they could not imagine what Conrad Miller had to offer her.

Jake galloped down the plantation road, his big bay horse prancing; he waited patiently for Malachi and his older brother Matt. They had come home on leave for the Christmas holidays, and it had already been two long years of death and destruction. Plantations were being burned, women raped and friends dying in their arms, now the Second Rebellion was just down the road from Millington. Jake rested the big bay, knowing they would soon be heading for Gettysburg in Pennsylvania; he fervently hoped that this would end the Rebellion. He heard the horses before he saw Matt and Malachi riding through the pine trees as if the devil himself was chasing them. Malachi motioned for Jake to move out quickly, as the two brothers rode up and past him toward the Rebel camp. Once they arrived at the camp, Matt strode toward the general’s tent to inform him of the Yankee patrol that chased them from their home of Applewood Plantation.

Jake asked Malachi what happened; Malachi explained they had left home to meet up with Jake, when suddenly a large patrol of Yankees appeared on the horizon. They went through Henson Swamp, then into the forest, finally onto the camp road. Jake simply shook his head; he wanted to tell Malachi and Matt about the meeting at Millington with General Robert E. Lee, General James P. Longstreet, and General Ambrose P. Hill. The three men were very impressive as they sat down to dinner with Jake. They explained to Jake that they needed horses, which Jake kept hidden, out of sight of the Yankees. Jake agreed immediately; they told him that it had been determined that they were going north into Pennsylvania; Lee wanted to end the hostilities, and two years was a long time to be gone from home. The meeting broke up shortly after dinner; Jake promised he could deliver at least twenty-five prime mounts for the cause, although he wasn’t sure the cause was worth all the lives that were lost.

Jake and Malachi waited for Matt before going to their respective companies. Later that evening, the Yankees attacked; they were hidden in the trees, horses, and sabers at the ready. Jake fought long and hard that evening, sustaining a slashed wrist that required the “doc’s” attention. Jake then went to find Malachi and Matt. Malachi was unscathed; Matt had not been that lucky; he had a belly wound. He had been taken to the hospital tent, where he succumbed later that day. Malachi had the body sent home; Jake ordered several of his men to escort the body back to Applewood, burial with full military honors. Jake felt bad, especially since Matt always looked out for Malachi; he decided to have Malachi transferred to his unit until the battle in Gettysburg was settled.

The march began north several weeks later; General Robert E. Lee General CSA, leading. They marched or rode, depending on rank. Malachi was confused as to why Jake had him transferred to his company, but knew Matt would want Jake to watch over Malachi; that was agreed upon two years ago. Once they got to the Chambersburg Road, it was a quick march into Gettysburg. The first day of battle, Jake led several attacks; the second day, he led a charge up toward Little Round Top, and his company was pushed back several times. Jake made sure Malachi stayed behind the lines; he was determined to keep his promise to Matt to keep him safe. The third day of battle was humid, making both sides uncomfortable. Jake was in reserve; most units were, except for Longstreet’s men. General George Pickett led the attack. Jake thought about the senseless slaughter he was witnessing. He could not understand Lee using a frontal charge against the small clump of trees. When the charge ended, there was nothing left of Pickett’s battalion. Jake began to think of leaving, but he knew that would not help an already bad situation. The Second Rebellion lasted another two years before the Confederacy surrendered

Jake and Malachi, after signing papers, headed south toward home; peace was now a priority instead of war. Malachi watched Jake’s face as they passed burned-out plantations and cities, some still burning. The men arrived home safely once again the rivalry began to take hold. Catherine Oliver had not married Conrad; he was killed during the fighting. Jake and Malachi heard about Catherine once they arrived home. Jake sent word to Catherine via his man Montgomery that he would like to see her; she sent word back that it would be fine. Montgomery returned with her answer. Malachi sent word to Catherine that he was interested in seeing her once again; she replied that she had a male friend coming later that evening, but she would like to see him. Malachi wondered out loud who would be visiting Catherine. He wondered if Jake had already started pursuing her; he decided to ride over to Catherine’s there were some tall pines he could watch from. At six o’clock, Jake rode up to Catherine’s door. She opened the door; they embraced happily. Malachi saw that he was not a happy man; he really liked Catherine; she was a rare beauty in the south, blond hair, blue eyes an hourglass figure. He had found himself looking deeply into those blue pools more than once. Malachi was angry, and he decided to challenge Jake to a duel. Malachi needed a second, so he sent word to his cousin in the next county. His cousin arrived, and Malachi informed him about the duel. The cousin asked who the girl was. Malachi replied to Catherine Oliver. His cousin then asked who he was going to duel with and what weapons. Malachi replied to Jake, his longtime friend, Jake Mills. The cousin knew Jake well; they were friends; he told Malachi that Jake was a very accurate shot, he had dueled before, and that he did not stand a chance. The cousin told him not to challenge Jake. Malachi fussed; their cousin rode over to Millington confused and agitated. Jake was seated on the front porch, a Springfield rifle in his hands. The cousin did not mince words; he explained to Jake the situation. Jake had no desire to duel Malachi; the families had been friends for five generations. Malachi’s cousin cut to the chase; he told Jake where and when, pistols at ten paces. Jake said he would be there with his second Montgomery.

The fog rose on the field of honor just above Millington’s main house, and the duel was set at dawn. Montgomery rode ahead of Jake as was customary. Jake hated the thought of even winging Malachi, maybe there was another way. Malachi was seated at a small table, wine in a cut crystal glass, waiting for Jake.

News spread about the duel, Catherine Oliver arrived, she strode over to Malachi, demanding that he call off the duel, that Jake could kill him. Malachi was not phased; he was a good shot; he proved that at Gettysburg. Jake dismounted, walked over to Malachi, he inquired if he was ready to proceed. Malachi nodded yes. They lined up back to back, the seconds loaded the pistols, and the count began. Both of the men turned at the same time. Jake winged Malachi in the arm, and Jake won. Catherine ran over to him, kissed him on the lips. Malachi realized that Catherine and Jake were in love and planned to marry. The duel made no sense to Malachi; there were plenty of other southern belles to choose from. The duel was over both men lived; there would not be any mention of that duel.