Gunnerson's War

By Michael O'Gara

During the opening days of the civil war, both sides are disorganized which provides opportunities for the smart and ambitious. The successful Gunnerson brothers see the opportunity to increase the family’s political influence and profit from the war while doing their patriotic duty. The brothers’ young nephew, Raif Gunnerson, has the skills and experience that the family leaders need in order to implement their plans. Raif's agreement to participate in the plan will involve him in dangerous political intrigue, espionage, fighting, and romance. In the process he will become a respected leader and soldier. He will also profit both the cause of the north and his family. Raif is about to set out on an adventure and challenge that will shape his life, future, and reputation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael O'Gara
• Release date: Jul 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310296444

Michael O'Gara

-story-telling multi-genre author selling internationally -MFA, MBA -author of 40+ novels -husband, father, grandfather, disciple -Content and joyful (mostly). Giving life my best shot. -Very happily married for decades.

Book preview

Gunnerson’s

War

By Michael O’Gara

Copyright © 2012 Michael O’Gara

Published by Heartland Indie Publishing LLC

All rights reserved.

eBook Edition

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a fictional work coming from the author’s imagination. Any similarity to actual persons, events, places, organizations and companies, is purely coincidental.

Published by Heartland Indie Publishing LLC

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 1

The general looked at James and Edward Gunnerson and said, I appreciate what you gentlemen are doing for the cause. It is no small thing to fund a militia unit. I have no objection to the appointment of Charles Bleeker as Colonel. He is, after all, a graduate of the Virginia Military Academy. I am, however, concerned about the appointment of your nephew as a captain. He is very young.

The general got up and went and looked out the window. He knew that the good will of these gentlemen was important to his success in raising an adequate force. The general was the governor’s political appointee and in reality knew little of soldiering except what he had read. He sighed and turned.

James Gunnerson said, It is true he is young. However, he is a very unusual and competent young man. He has trained his company and they are most proficient for the task at hand.

The general nodded, I’ll give you my answer in a couple of days.

The general realized he had not inspected these troops yet. He would go tomorrow to inspect two companies and the young Gunnerson’s company would be one.

Edward Gunnerson said, Thank you, General.

The general said, Thank you for coming, gentlemen, and shook their hands and they left.

The general called out, Major Spence.

The general’s adjutant came in, Yes, sir.

Have we the report on that young Gunnerson fellow yet?

Yes, sir.

Well tell me what it says.

Major Spence said, Some of it is hearsay and unverified, but from seemingly reliable sources.

The general interrupted, Get on with it, Major. Short version.

Yes, sir. Raif Gunnerson inherited a huge cattle ranch and is quite well off. His father was brother to James and Edward Gunnerson. His mother died in child birth and his father was recently murdered. The son was present when his father was gunned down in an apparent robbery attempt and he shot and killed the three attackers. We know he later took bounty on two men wanted for numerous crimes including murder. He is apparently an excellent marksman and a natural killer according to some. He’s an outdoorsman having been on numerous trail drives. It seems he is quite accomplished. Raif Gunnerson came here to tell the family of his father’s passing.

The general looked at his adjutant, Very well. Thank you, Major.

The next day the general went on an inspection tour. At the first site, he watched the men in various platoons training. He kept an eye out for Lt. Curtis Kemp who was married to James Gunnerson’s daughter Marjorie. For some reason the Gunnerson brothers had not mentioned him and the general was curious to know why. The general finally came to where Kemp’s platoon was training and watched the man from a distance.

The general was not impressed with Kemp’s soldiering. The general was really a business manager and he knew the way Kemp interfered with his sergeants, on minor matters best left to them, was inefficient.

The general looked at the Major, Spence, have someone go tell that officer to come here.

Yes, sir.

A sergeant was sent for Lt. Kemp. Kemp came on the run when he could easily have mounted his horse and come. The general sighed. The fact that infantrymen were going into battle led by nitwits like this made the general’s blood boil. At the moment though, there were things he would just have to accept and men like Lt. Kemp were among them. Recruiting enough volunteers was the priority at the moment. The general kept his temper under control.

Kemp came to the general and saluted, Sir.

The general said, At ease, Lieutenant.

Thank you, sir.

I understand you are married to one of the Gunnerson women?

Yes, sir.

The general smiled, So you know her cousin Raif Gunnerson.

Yes, sir

The general asked, I’ve never met him. What’s he like?

The lieutenant paused and the general ordered, Spit it out, Lieutenant.

Sir, he’s an arrogant killer who has no business being an officer.

The general said, You know for certain he’s a killer?

Yes, sir. I know he’s killed at least five men.

The sergeant who had fetched Kemp was thankful he was not under Kemp’s orders. He knew the man was incompetent and a lot of men would die under his command. The sergeant also now knew that Lt. Kemp was not to be trusted.

The general asked, How long have your men been training?

Two weeks sir.

The general really had to hold onto his temper. The infantrymen should be doing much better than Kemp’s were. Their enlistments were only good for three months and time was of the essence. The general just nodded and turned his horse and rode away. His adjutant followed him. Lt. Curtis Kemp was left standing there not knowing what to do. He returned to his men.

The sergeant watched Kemp leave then returned to his own men. He knew some of Gunnerson’s men and they respected the young captain. The sergeant wished he was serving with them. A report of this betrayal by a relative should find its way to Captain Gunnerson.

At the next stop, the general watched from a hilltop. Men were riding downrange on horses at a full gallop shooting at targets with rifle and pistol. The general watched the targets fall and the men on horses then draw sabers and slice targets set up on stands made of straw.

The general turned to his adjutant, It seems these men of Colonel Bleeker’s command are doing much better.

Major Spence said, Indeed sir.

The general watched two more groups run the gauntlet. He saw an officer conferring with his sergeants after each run. The sergeants then went and coached those who needed some correction. From a distance, it was obvious the men were taking the advice and practice seriously.

The sergeants would watch the practice runs from various angles and then go and talk with the officer. The general was impressed.

Major, let’s go down and talk to that officer.

Yes, sir.

The general rode down and a sergeant came with a private and said, Sir, may we see to your horses.

The Major said, You did not salute, Sergeant.

The sergeant said, Sir, and snapped to attention before continuing, I have been instructed not to do so. In the field a salute will just tell the snipers who to shoot at and we will be working behind enemy lines.

The general said, Who gave that order?

The captain, sir.

Which captain?

The sergeant pointed, Captain Gunnerson, sir.

The general dismounted and said, Thank you, sergeant, and handed the reins of his horse over as did the Major.

Captain Raif Gunnerson did not see the general and major coming, but he sensed them and swirled around his hand on his pistol’s butt. He immediately relaxed then came to attention and saluted. The sergeants with him did likewise.

Raif said, Sir.

The general returned the salute and said, So you are Gunnerson, the one in charge of this company?

Raif said, Not officially yet, sir. Our unit status has not been confirmed nor my commission.

The general nodded and asked, Did you give the order to do away with military courtesy, Gunnerson.

Yes, sir.

Do you think that was wise?

Yes, sir.

The general asked, Why?

Raif said, Sir, respectfully, because I want to have the best chance possible for me and my men to live.

The general asked, How long have your men been training?

Raif said, This group has been training for about three days sir. Those who have finished this training are doing other training.

The general asked, Can they march in formation and do close drill?

No, sir.

The general asked, Then, just what can they do?

Raif said, Sir, they can efficiently and effectively kill the enemy behind the enemies’ own lines, scout, and forage.

The general said, Captain, come with me. Sergeants, carry on.

Raif looked at the sergeants who hesitated and said, You heard the general, snap to!

The sergeants hurried away.

The general said, Walk with me, Gunnerson.

Yes, sir.

As they walked the general said, I see you have no lieutenants around.

Raif said, No, sir.

"I have also heard that you have asked your colonel not to assign any. Why is that?’

Raif said, May I speak freely, sir.

The general raised an eyebrow, Yes, but carefully.

Yes, sir. The kind of men we are recruiting need, well, a certain kind of leadership and sometimes rough handling but not brutal. They respond well to leaders who earn respect rather than demand it. Sergeants are better suited to these type of men.

The general said, Then why do I need to make you a captain.

Raif said, Sir, so lieutenants can’t interfere with our mission.

The general said, And what is your mission as you see it?

Raif said, To go into enemy territory to disrupt enemy supply lines, scout, and forage. To rely on our wits to provision on the move or gather intelligence knowing we will encounter stiff resistance to our mission. In short sir, we are prepared to raise hell behind enemy lines with hit and run operations.

The general looked at Raif, How old are you, Gunnerson.

Seventeen, sir.

The general smiled and said, In a rat’s ass. Still, you are able beyond your years and if you can get these sergeants to respect you then you must know what you’re about.

Raif said, Thank you, sir.

The general said, Where is the colonel camped?

About a half mile further up the road, sir.

The general nodded, Carry on, Captain.

The use of the rank was not lost on Raif who said, Yes, sir.

As the general walked away, Raif turned around and headed back to the training.

The general arrived at Colonel Bleeker’s headquarters to find a flurry of activity. When he walked in the call to attention was made.

The general said, At ease.

Everyone in the tent went back to work and a Captain came to the general who asked, Where is Colonel Bleeker?

The captain said, Sir, he’s down in the valley watching the men training in formation for mass fire.

The general said, Well, send someone to fetch him.

The officer said, Yes, sir, and went to see it was done.

The general was shown to a shelter overlooking the valley where training was taking place. Coffee was brought and the general and his adjutant waited drinking coffee.

Colonel Bleeker arrived five minutes later and saluted the general.

Good morning, sir.

The general did not get up, but said, It is indeed, Charles. Have a seat. How is the training going?

Charles sat down, Unfortunately it’s a mixed bag. We really have not time for proper training. I suspect the enemy will be in the same situation.

The general said, Indeed. I met young Gunnerson. Unusual young man.

Yes, sir.

The general asked, What do you think of him?

I wish I had a dozen more just like him. Unfortunately, as you say General, he is unusual. In a week he’s selected and trained over sixty capable men. It is an undersized company, but most are. The last platoon is almost ready.

The general said, I was impressed with their ability to kill, but they lack military precision.

Charles said, Yes, sir, but at this point there is little precision in any unit. Gunnerson’s men will surely carry out their mission. I’m afraid that many of the rest of us will just be cannon fodder.

The general asked, Where are Gunnerson’s other men now?

The platoons are travelling the back roads making crude maps and finding river crossings and such. It’s a sort of scout training.

The general said, That will be useful. Your idea?

No. Captain Gunnerson’s.

The general nodded, Well, thank you for the coffee, Charles.

You’re welcome, sir.

The general said, I think I may make Captain Gunnerson’s unit a detached one as has been suggested. They may be of more use that way.

Charles said, Yes, sir. I expect so.

Back at the training site of Gunnerson’s men, Corporal Cummings was running to fetch Raif and he almost stumbled as he came to a stop, Captain, ya better come quick like. Gilson is up to no good.

Raif mounted his horse and pointed to another already saddled horse. Corporal Cummings mounted and led the way. They rode quickly and when they came to where Gilson was, Gilson and two men had another man tied to a tree and Gilson was beating him with a belt.

Raif rode right for the sergeant at full speed and too late Gilson realized the rider was there as the horse knocked him over. Raif dismounted quickly, but Gilson was already on his feet.

Gilson spat, You weak lily livered…

Raif was on him and hit him. The blow knocked Gilson down. Gilson rolled over and jumped up starting to draw his pistol, but he wasn’t fast enough. He hadn’t cleared his holster and was looking down the captain’s pistol barrel a foot from his face.

Raif said in a calm tone, You want to die today? Go ahead.

The sergeant let his pistol drop back in the holster. Raif, quick as lightening, struck the sergeant on the side of the head with his pistol butt. Gilson collapsed.

Raif looked at the two men who were with Gilson, Pack up your things. You are being transferred. Take off those corporal’s stripes, Kirby.

Raif looked to Corporal Cummings, Sergeant, tie up Private Gilson and see those stripes are taken from his uniform. See these two gutless wonders with him are also made ready to go to the battalion adjutant for transfer to the infantry. The three of them have failed their training.

Cummings smiled realizing he’d just been promoted, Yes, sir, Captain.

Raif could tell one of the two men was deciding whether to draw down on him. He stared at the man.

Contrary to what happened with Gilson, I will kill you if you so much as touch your side arm.

The man moved his hand away.

Raif said, Sergeant Cummings take those side arms. They belong to the unit.

Cummings went to retrieve them and the first man took a swing at him and found Cummings was not a man to be taken lightly. Cummings was very tough and very fast. He blocked the blow and hit the man three times rendering him unconscious. He then took the men’s side arms and then tied Gilson up.

Raif said, Well done, Sergeant. Now get this lot packed up and over to my headquarters.

Yes, sir.

Raif went to the man tied to the tree and cut the ropes holding him up. The man could not stand and Raif held him up.

Raif said, They did a real number on you, Wasserman.

Yes, sir.

Raif asked, How did they get the drop on you?

I was takin’ a piss and one of ‘em snuck up and hit me on the noggin’ from behind with somethin’ hard. My head feels like I bin on a four day drunk. When I come to, I was tied to this tree and they went to having their revenge.

Raif had been informed about how Wasserman had laid a beating on Gilson’s flunky who was bullying one of the smaller men in Wasserman’s tent. The man had thought, as it turned out incorrectly, that everyone would stand off out of fear of Gilson. Raif had turned a blind eye to Wasserman’s intervention and his laying a deserved beating on the man. It was a square and fair fight, but Gilson had apparently taken it personally that his man had been beaten.

Raif put Wasserman on a horse and took him to his tent. There he helped Wasserman down and into the tent. Wasserman was having trouble standing and Raif assisted him until he was laying on his stomach on his cot.

Wasserman said, Thank you, Captain.

Raif said, You need to have that back treated. I’ll get it looked to. You rest up.

Wasserman said, I’m obliged, sir.

Raif left the tent and found someone to go fetch some medicine for Wasserman’s back. He gave orders Wasserman was to be woken every hour and that a runner was to come if Wasserman could not be woken. Raif went to his command tent. Gilson, Kirby, and the other man were tied up and sitting sullenly on the ground. Cummings was supervising the removal of the stripes from Gilson and Kirby’s uniforms.

Raif ignored them and went into his tent and wrote a transfer order. He finished it and gave it to Cummings.

Sergeant, when you’re ready, take these men under guard down the road and give the orders to the adjutant.

Yes, sir.

Raif looked at Cummings, And before you go, make sure those stripes are on your uniform.

Yes, sir.

Raif went back to supervise the training.

Sergeant Cummings got his charges to the adjutant’s tent and delivered the orders. He was told to wait. About twenty minutes later the adjutant came out and Cummings and the two privates with him jumped to attention. Cummings saluted reckoning that here it was necessary to observe the niceties.

The major said, The fellow named Gilson claims that Captain Gunnerson laid him out and threatened him. Any truth in that Sergeant?

Cummings was no fool. He said, Sir, with all respec’, I was sure the Captain would shoot him outright when Gilson tried to pull his pistol on the Captain. The Captain is fast as lightin’ with a pistol draw.

The major asked, What? How did that come about?

Sir, Gilson and his two butt kissers, pardon me, sir, had for reasons personal, without any soldiering reason, tied a private to a tree and were whippin’ him raw with a belt. The Captain wouldn’t have none of that and put a stop to it right quick soon as he found out. Gilson was some angered at the Captain, but he ought not have tried to shoot him. Captain took his stripes on the spot, but didn’t have the miserable ‘scuse for a soldier sent for trial. Ungrateful is what Gilson is. A transfer and demotion instead of prison is more ‘an fair. I guess the Captain figured the army needed fighters more ‘an prisoners. In ranks they couldn’t do much harm.

The major said, Practical reasoning, I suppose. Thank you, Sergeant. We’ll take good care of these fellows and keep an eye on them. You may return to your unit.

Cummings said, Yes, sir, and saluted.

A couple of hours later Sergeant Cummings came to Raif, Sir, it’s done.

Any problems?

Cummings told about his meeting with the major. When he finished, Raif nodded, Well done, Sergeant.

Cummings asked, What’s your orders?

Tell the other sergeants we’ll finish training at four o’clock. There’ll be inspection in the morning at eight o’clock. This evening the sergeants will come here at seven for a meeting. You have that?

Cummings repeated the message.

Raif said, Carry on, Sergeant, and Cummings left.

The men were surprised when training ended early and they were dismissed until late inspection in the morning. Raif went to the mess tent to eat with the men. During training everyone ate the same food. This served two purposes. Raif knew that his men were being well fed and the men knew their leaders were eating the same as them.

Raif entered the tent and a sergeant called, Attention!

All the troops stood and Raif said, At ease.

Everyone went back to eating and Raif went and got in line as he usually did. The line was short as Raif had arrived late. Tonight’s fare was a beef stew with vegetables, raw onions, and freshly baked bread. Raif went to a table in the corner. Mostly he ate alone as everyone seemed to think they should keep their distance. Tonight was no different and they were right to give the captain his space.

After eating, Raif returned to his tent. The sergeants arrived together at the appointed time. Raif was sitting outside his tent in a campaign chair sipping coffee.

Raif motioned to the log pieces that served as chairs and said, Have a seat, Sergeants.

The sergeants sat and Raif’s orderly, Private Simms, brought coffee for them without being asked. The loss of three men required some consideration. Raif’s company was purposely under strength. It had been decided the unit would be restricted to sixty because of the nature of what they planned to do. The sergeants only commanded twenty man platoons and one corporal. They now only had a half dozen men in reserve in case some were drummed out during training.

In most militia units the men elected their officers. This company was different and the men did not object. The company had been outfitted by the Gunnerson family and were being paid by them.

Raif said, With Gilson and Kirby gone, we need to figure out what to do about replacing them and bringing up three more men.

First platoon sergeant, Mike Kronk, said, Good riddance to them.

Raif said, Agreed. How are the other five who were forced on us doing?

Daws Filcher, second platoon sergeant answered, They are fitting in well. No problems.

Mike, looked at Cummings, and asked, Is Carl going to take over Gilson’s men?

Raif shook his head no, Carl is going to be first sergeant.

Carl said, What is I comin’ to? Glorified go fer.

The men laughed including Raif. Raif watched the other sergeants’ reaction for Carl had just been promoted from corporal to ranking sergeant. None of the sergeants gave any looks or cues that they had a problem with the appointment. Carl had been a sergeant before coming to Raif’s unit, and had been busted for fighting by an officer who should have known better. He had in a fit of anger lost a good sergeant without knowing all the facts. Raif did because he’d made the proper inquiries, bypassing the officers and going to the actual witnesses.

When the laughter settled, Raif said, Carl put on the appropriate stripes and give yours to the new platoon sergeant. Raif looked around and asked, What are your thoughts about a replacement for Gilson?

Mike said, Pete Wilker. Knows the business and’s a good leader. Men respect him.

Daws piped in, Agreed.

Raif looked at Carl who nodded agreement.

Raif said, Then Pete is the new sergeant of third platoon. What about a corporal to replace Kirby?

There were several good candidates and the sergeants couldn’t agree.

Raif said, Seeing as you can’t agree, it’ll be Wasserman unless you can give me a good reason why he’s not suitable.

The Sergeants all looked at each other, then Raif, and nodded agreement.

Raif continued, Tomorrow, I’m declaring the company ready. We’ll continue the field scout training. Tomorrow, after inspection, the men will take a day for camp clean up.

The sergeants smiled. The camp was always kept up, so the company would have a day of rest and relaxation.

Raif looked at Carl, Better have Wilker come see me.

Yes, sir.

Raif said, The meeting is over.

The sergeants left and a few minutes later Carl came back with Corporal Pete Wilker.

The corporal came up and said, Sir.

Raif said, Take a seat, Corporal.

Pete sat down.

Raif smiled, How would you like to be sergeant of third platoon?

Pete smiled, I reckon I’d like it just fine, Captain.

Alright, Sergeant. Get stripes on and I’ll expect you on parade with your platoon in the morning. You’re excused.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Pete got up and left.

In the morning at eight o’clock, the entire company was formed for inspection. The sergeants had done a preliminary and they took up stations where the junior officers would normally be. Raif was pleased with the results of the inspection. The men were ready.

Raif announced, Third platoon is now ready to take its place with the company. Sergeants, carry on.

The company was dismissed. Carl approached Raif, Captain, kin we talk?

Raif nodded.

Carl continued, The other sergeants and me was havin’ coffee when a friend came to camp to tell us about talk was listened to between the general and a Lieutenant. Kemp. We’s told this lieutenant is kin by marriage to you.

Raif said, Go on.

"We figured you should know your kin done you