Walking to the Valley in the Sky

By Richard D. Smith

This is a story of love and struggle in 1876 America about a family nearly penniless traveling west on the Oregon trail in search of a better life like countless thousands of families who went before them. This is a story about the Leland family and how they interact with their fellow travelers and how they deal with and overcome the harsh realities of the Trail. The arguments and violent tempers within their group, the violence they are subjected to by others, and the insecurity they must live with after the massacre of the 7th Cavalry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468579703

Richard D. Smith

Richard D. Smith, born and raised in California with a passion for The Old West, Richard uses his love of historical references to bring life to the pages of the books he writes. In this first publication, his readers will find themselves captured in the era feeling as though they are living the adventure and struggles of the characters in his book.

Book preview

Chapter I

Mules shake their heads and jerk on the reins as a dust devil crosses the trail. It is most unwelcome to the settlers after a long and stressful day on a hot and dusty trail. Women handle the reins as the men plod the ground, rifles in hand, and children wander to and fro to feed their curiosity and fend off boredom. All are tired and hope to make camp soon.

There’s Bendix!! someone shouts seeing their escort on a rise just ahead.

There goes Brownie, mommy! Becky Leland says, pointing at the Weber’s dog, barking, as it races ahead to greet Bendix.

Shut up!! Bendix shouts at Brownie as his horse steps back shaking its head, pulling hard on the reins.

Bendix rides down the shallow and rutted slope to the lead wagon, a defiant Brownie still barking as he runs and jumps at Bendix’s side.

We’ll camp just passed that rise!! Bendix shouts as he rides passed.

See any sign of strangers or Indians, Mr. Bendix? Alan Hatfield asks as Bendix nears.

No! Bendix answers riding passed.

Hatfield stumbles on a rock as he looks at the expression on Bendix face.

Here comes Mr. Bendix, mommy! Becky says.

Yes baby, I see’em. her tired mother, Jenny, says as Bendix pulls his horse to a stop next to her husband.

What’s Mr. Bendix sayin’ to daddy, mommy? Becky asks.

I don’t know, baby. Jenny says, trying to keep her eyes open I can’t hear’em.

Becky and her mother watch Nathan grab his rifle more tightly as his eyes open wider.

Nathan? Jenny calls as Bendix turns and rides back to the lead wagon Is anything wrong?"

Everything’s fine. Nathan answers looking over his shoulder.

What did Mr. Bendix say, daddy? Becky asks.

Don’t bother daddy, Becky. Jenny says, bumping her knee against Becky’s.

Jenny looks about as her stomach knots up. The stories she heard at Fort Laramie of the massacre at the Little Big Horn fill her heart with terror again. The decision to hire Alexander Bendix at Fort Laramie is some comfort to Jenny as she watches the wagons come to a stop one at a time, yet still keeping a watchful eye on every bush, every rock, and a keen eye on the horizon.

Hold up there, Mrs. Leland!! Bendix calls out to Jenny as Bendix rides back.

Whoa. Bendix says calmly as he walks his horse in front of her team of mules.

Becky jumps to the ground anxious to join her father. Arching her back, Jenny too, is anxious to feel the ground under her feet again.

Is it safe to make a fire, Mr. Bendix? Nathan asks.

Don’t matter. Bendix says dismounting It’s no secret we’re here. Just keep a sharp eye.

Mr. Bendix? William Woodard calls out walking up Did ya’ see anything up ahead?

No. Bendix answers adjusting his hat.

It’s what ya’ can’t see that’ll kill ya’! Arthur Weber says walking up, tightly gripping his Spencer repeating rifle.

Is there trouble ahead, Arthur? his nervous wife, Eloise, asks, their two small daughters holding her hands.

Bendix eyes glare at Weber as he says You talk too much.

I can say any damn thang I want!! Weber shouts We hired ya’ to get us to Oregon!! We din’t hire ya’ to git us scalped!!

Mama! the Weber’s daughter, Louisa, cries pressing her face against her mother’s crotch.

Please calm down, Mr. Weber. Nathan says Gettin’ the children upset ain’t gonna help things any.

Mommy? Becky moans, pulling on her mother’s hand.

It’s alright, Becky. Jenny whispers sliding her fingers over Becky’s neck You know how Mr. Weber is.

I won’t calm down!! Weber shouts, twisting his hand around his rifle barrel.

His face red, Weber shouts I don’t intend to end up like, Custer!! I say we go back to Fort Laramie!! At least there’s soldier’s there!!

You’re a damn fool, Weber. Bendix says.

The farther West we go the farther we get from the Little Big Horn. Bendix adds as he notices Weber twisting his hand even more tightly around his rifle barrel, his face growing redder.

Weber shouts How do ya’ know there ain’t a couple’a thousand’a them red bastards up ahead’a us!! Not to mention the thieves an’ murderers sellin’ guns an’ whiskey to’em!!!

Sheldon Ainsworth, an old friend of the Weber’s, says calmly Arthur, we realized the dangers before we left Knoxville. We discussed it at length before we began our journey.

Weber snaps back I don’t care!!! I din’t come all this way to get murdered like them Yankee soldier boys!!

Mommy. Becky sobs as do other children.

As Nathan begins to speak Bendix fist blurs passed his face and crashes into Weber’s.

Oh no. a woman murmurs as Weber falls to the ground, his rifle lying across his chest.

Blood pours out of Weber’s nose as Bendix reaches down and takes Weber’s Spencer.

You’ll get this back when you start showing better judgment! Bendix exclaims.

Rubbing his knuckles, Bendix says angrily to the others We’re closer to Fort Fetterman than we are to Fort Laramie! If any of you want to quit, you can quit there!

Let me help you up, Arthur. Sheldon Ainsworth says reaching to Weber as Bendix walks away, Weber’s rifle under his arm.

I don’t need any help! Weber says angrily, slapping Ainsworth’s hand away.

Weber wipes blood from his face shouting We’re not finished, Bendix!!!

Bendix ignoring him, Weber looks at the blood on his hands and his shirt then shouts at his wife, Eloise Look what that son of a bitch’ did to me!! Do ya’ see it?

Eloise stands paralyzed, her children clinging to her, afraid to utter a syllable.

Please Arthur, warring amongst ourselves can come to no good end. Sheldon Ainsworth implores Mr. Bendix knows this country, we don’t. He understands the dangers out here far better than we do.

I don’t give a damn!! Weber shouts.

Please Arthur. Ainsworth says calmly If Mr. Bendix feels it is better to proceed to Fort Fetterman we should accede to his judgment.

His judgment!! Weber shouts I can remember when a Yankee was the last ‘son of a bitch’ on God’s green earth you’d listen to!!

That was a long time ago, Arthur. Ainsworth replies calmly.

Weber stands, angrily pushing passed Ainsworth, murmuring The hell with ya’.

Eloise is silent, trembling, holding her terrified children tight against her as her husband storms passed. Everyone in the small caravan watch Weber as he walks to his wagon cussing Bendix with his every step.

Arthur’s temper seems to grow shorter with each passing day. Ainsworth says shaking his head. I just hope we can get to Fort Fetterman without further incident.

Alan Hatfield, rubbing his chin, says Custer and his men getting killed has changed everything.

William Woodard steps closer saying That’s fer sure.

Nathan glances over his shoulder at Weber and says softly I sure hope Mr. Weber won’t try pullin’ out an’ goin’ back on his own. I don’t know if him an’ his family’d make it. There’s no tellin’ what’s behind us now.

As they watch Weber washing the blood from his face Alan Hatfield murmurs He seems quiet now.

Sam Bussinger looks at Nathan and says Maybe he’s startin’ to think more sensible now.

Eloise. Jenny murmurs, touching her shoulder I’m sorry this happened.

Ruth Ainsworth adds We all are, Eloise.

Yes, yes. the others agree.

Eloise, why don’t you stay with us a while. Jenny says Give’em some time to himself.

Yes Eloise. May Hatfield agrees, her own children wrapped around her Give Arthur some time to himself, please.

Eloise looks over her shoulder at her husband three wagons away I hardly recognize him anymore.

Eloise murmurs He wasn’t always like this.

Truly he wasn’t! Eloise mumbles, her words filling with emotion He was a much different man before, before the war that is.

Arthur Weber was once a happy and successful owner of a lumber mill. His life was everything a man could hope for. But, one day, came Succession. Then war. Then the Union Army. Then the loss of the Weber’s only son to a Yankee bullet. All Arthur Weber had worked for, all of his dreams, his way of life, were swept away. Bitterness runs deep in Arthur Weber and being escorted by Alexander Bendix, an ex-Union Army officer, only stokes the fire consuming what is left of his soul.

Chapter II

After two more anxious days and nights the small group of settlers arrive at Fort Fetterman. The sight of soldiers is welcome to all. Even Arthur Weber seems more relaxed. Members of two other small wagon trains greet the Bendix group. Their enthusiasm is tempered by the losses they sustained at the hands of rogues who raided the wagons, killed as they pleased, and took their pleasures with those who were left. Women, children, and the handful of men still living and able to walk gather around the arriving wagons, walking alongside, introducing themselves, asking endless streams of questions. Bendix looks at the surviving, but scarred, wagons of the Halverson party. He had seen the burned and wrecked remains of six other Halverson wagons two days ago. Bendix had steered his own group away from their path and the hastily dug graves they left behind. Bendix knew the scene he observed would cause certain panic in his group.

As conversations swirl about him, Bendix looks passed the Halverson wagons at the surviving wagons of the Wilke group just beyond.

So, you’re bound for Oregon? now widowed, Edna Sorensen asks Jenny.

Jenny is stunned by the vacant expression in her face. The face of a woman who watched her husband murdered. The face of a woman who lie in the dirt beside her daughter, Lilly, as they were raped again and again. The face of a woman who helped dig her husband’s grave and bury him as best she could.

We’re going to Oregon! Edna says, half laughing Yes, we are! Yes, we are!

Her eyes growing bigger, Edna laughs My husband, Karl, my daughter, Lilly, and I are going to Oregon!

A chill races through Jenny as Edna laughs hysterically Yes, we are!! Yes, we are!!

Mommy? a nervous Becky murmurs squeezing her mother’s arm.

Come along, Edna. a fellow traveler says consolingly, putting her arm around Edna, as a stunned Jenny feels the reins slide through her hands.

Yes, we are!! Edna says over and over, near hysteria, as another female survivor of the Halverson group joins her suffering friend.

Yeah, they jumped us four days ago. Irving Roy says Me, an’ Lon Halverson rid ahead to look the trail over fer washouts. We had a hard rain the night before an’ the goin’ was kind a’ tough in places.

We heard shootin’ behind us. We knew it was the wagons. Irving Roy says scratching his neck We found a damn bloody mess by the time we got back. Wagons scattered. Half the men wounded. Two of’em dead. Two more that was gonna be. A couple’a wagons burnin’.

A couple’a other wagons an’ some’a the women gone. Irving Roy says scraping the dirt with his boot.

What’d ya’ do? Sam Bussinger asks.

Well, we got lucky, plain an’ simple. Roy answers There were only four’a them bastards there when we got back. The rest rid off with the other wagons. Between my Winchester an’ Halverson’s Henry, plus that big bored Sharp’a his he’s always totin’ with’em we was able to sneak up some an’ make’re shots count an’ count fast! Then we went after them wagons that were missin’.

Some of the women join their husbands as Irving Roy continues saying We found the Metcalf wagon first, three’a them vultures was fightin’ over’er. Mrs. Metcalf, that is.

Her kids in the wagon watchin’ it all. Irving Roy arches his back saying Them rotten bastards was so busy with her they didn’t see us comin’.

Shaking his head Irving Roy says As luck would have it one’a the children saw us an’ gave us away.

That’s when Halverson got a bullet in his leg. Irving Roy smirks a bit saying Luck came back to us though! Halverson got one of’em with that big Sharp a’his an’ blew that ‘son of a bitches head to pieces!

An’ I do mean pieces! Irving Roy says seeming proud as some of the women grimace We got one more an’ the other got on his horse an’ lit out!

What’d ya do then? Michael Mautino asks.

The Metcalf mules was pretty played out but Mrs. Metcalf, ’spite all she’d just been through, was able to get’er wagon back with the others. Irving Roy answers.

You didn’t drive the wagon for’er? Alan Hatfield exclaims.

Hell no! Irving Roy snaps We didn’t know if anymore’a them ‘sons a’ bitches’ was gonna come at us! We needed to keep’re gun hands free!

So, what about the other wagon? Alexander Bendix asks.

Well. Irving Roy answers We was able to track down the Sorensen women later that evenin’. Halverson was hurtin’ somethin’ fierce with that bullet in his leg! Damn near more’en he could stand but he stayed in the saddle til we found Mrs. Sorensen an’er daughter! The wagon was burned. The mules an’ a dairy cow was gone. The two women was layin’ on the ground, abused, an’ more.

Why didn’t they take the women with’em? Nathan asks.

Would’a slowed’em down! Irving Roy answers Sides, they had their fill of’em.

Besides. Alexander Bendix says There will be other wagons for them to take from.

That’s fer sure. Irving Roy replies.

Anymore news out of the Little Big Horn? Alan Hatfield asks.

Nothin’. Irving Roy answers Nothin’ but stories.

Yeah! a Sergeant says walking up to the group And each story bigger than the next!

The Sergeant comes to a crisp stop and asks Which of you is the leader of these two new platoons wagons?

I am, Sergeant! Alexander Bendix replies quickly then seeing the three stripes and three chevrons responds Master Sergeant! Alexander Bendix is my name!

Welcome to Fort Fetterman, sir! the Sergeant says Welcome to all of you! I am Master Sergeant Peter McNally! With Major Tyler’s compliments, Mr. Bendix, please report to his office!

As Bendix and the Sergeant walk across the parade ground of the recently constructed fort, Bendix asks Master Sergeant is Colonel Harraday still the commanding officer here?

No sir. the Sergeant replies Major Tyler is in command for now.

Is the Colonel out with the troops, Master Sergeant? Bendix asks.

No sir. the Sergeant responds somberly.

What happened to the Colonel, Master Sergeant? Bendix asks.

Dead. the Sergeant replies bluntly.

Indians? Bendix asks, stunned.

Small Pox. the Sergeant replies.

When did it happen? Bendix asks.

This past February, sir. the Sergeant answers We lost Captain McCabe, twelve troopers, five wives, six children, and the finest Colonel that ever I served under.

The Sergeant returns the salute of a new recruit walking passed as he asks Did you know the Colonel, Mr. Bendix?

Yes Master Sergeant, I did. Bendix answers I served under him during the war. He was a great officer.

Yes sir. the Sergeant says somberly That he was.

Where is your regiment, Master Sergeant? Bendix asks, aware of the lack of activity in the compound.

The Regiment was dispatched to General Crook. the Sergeant answers looking to the north Too late to do the Seventh any good I’m afraid.

Bendix and the Sergeant walk quietly, thinking of the horrific deaths the men of the Seventh must have suffered, their reflection broken only by a group of children, laughing, and kicking a small block of wood about.

It looks like you have some wagons hold up here, Master Sergeant. Bendix says.

Yes sir! the Sergeant answers as he rubs one small boy’s head They’re sticking close for now! They’re licking their wounds! Too scared to go on and too scared to stay here.

The children ‘whoop’ as one girl kicks the block passed her younger sister and onto the Sergeant’s path.

They best be making up their minds, and soon! the Sergeant replies as he kicks the block well passed the children sending them all running after it in laughter.

Winter snows wait for no one. the Sergeant adds turning back to Bendix.

As the children retrieve their toy the Sergeant asks Where is your group destined, sir?

Oregon, the Washington Territory, and Central California, Master Sergeant. Bendix answers.

Ahh, we have some others destined for there! the Sergeant responds Most are headed for Portland. Some for Seattle. The other wagons are destined for California. Sacramento, the Salinas Valley, places like that!

The Sergeant pats a horse on the rump asking Where are you from, sir, if you don’t mind me asking?

California, Master Sergeant. Bendix answers reluctantly.

Are you now, sir? the Sergeant chortles I believe you to be the first person I have met, male or female, to leave California! And what, sir, may I ask brings you here?

Sometimes I wonder, Master Sergeant. Bendix answers sounding rather melancholy.

Nearing the Headquarters door, the Sergeant says Well, here we are, Mr. Bendix, Major Tyler’s office!

Come right in, sir! the Sergeant says opening the door.

Thank you, Master Sergeant! says a Lieutenant standing next to his desk.

Sir! the Sergeant says crisply Please let me introduce Mr. Alexander Bendix, just arrived with two platoons of settlers!

Welcome to Fort Fetterman, Mr. Bendix! the Lieutenant says extending his hand to Bendix.

I am Lieutenant Martin Shryer! Are you just arrived from Fort Laramie, sir?

Yes Lieutenant, we are! Bendix answers.

Did you encounter any trouble along the way? Shryer asks.

No Lieutenant, we were lucky. Bendix replies.

Damn lucky! the Sergeant says.

Sorry sir. the Sergeant says dropping his chin a bit in response to the Lieutenant’s stare.

Well. Shryer murmurs glancing out the window The Master Sergeant is right. Small trains don’t stand much of a chance out here right now. I’m not sure it’s all that safe for big trains either. The entire territory is getting worse by the day. Everyone is on edge now. Things were difficult enough out here with the Indians, lest I forget all the white renegades running loose out here, but now things seem worse than ever. Things will settle down eventually but for now life will be difficult for most if not for all.

This is a discouraged man. Bendix thinks seeing the tired expression on the Lieutenant’s face.

Mr. Bendix served with the Colonel, Lieutenant sir! the Sergeant interjects.

Well! Shryer says cheerfully Did you, now? And when was that, Mr. Bendix?

During the war. Bendix replies I was certainly sorry to hear of his death from the Master Sergeant. Colonel Harraday was a fine officer. I learned a lot from him.

Yes, he was a fine officer. Shryer agrees glancing out the window again It seems as though if it isn’t one thing out here it’s another. Indians, white trash of all kinds, murdering, raping, looting, burning, then disease on top of all that, Measles, Chicken Pox, Small Pox, Cholera. There just doesn’t seem to be any end to the list of problems we face now.

Shryer steps over to the window saying And now we have settlements springing up along the trail, most of them as lawless as the rest of the frontier. Our patrols pass through them but it seems to be as dangerous for our men as the open country.

We’ve lost almost as many of our lads in the settlements to the murdering ‘riff raff’ as we have to the Indians! the Sergeant interjects.

I’m afraid the Master Sergeant is right about that. Shryer says.

I came through here four years ago with a wagon train, Lieutenant. It didn’t seem as bad as you’re describing. Bendix says Has it changed out here that much?

Hmph! Shryer chortles Four years ago.

It’s changed plenty! the Sergeant blurts out.

It sounds worse out here than I have been told. Bendix thinks as he asks Are there any Sheriffs or Marshalls out here, Lieutenant?

The bigger settlements do. Shryer answers Some are becoming small towns. They’ll become cities someday, I believe, but for now they’re as dangerous as the Indians. As far as peace officers are concerned the few men who do pin on a badge don’t last long.

Or live long. the Sergeant interjects.

That’s true. Shryer says And the ones who do survive do so because they are peace officers in name only. They are either too scared or too corrupt to enforce any kind of order.

Hmph. Bendix murmurs.

I’m sorry to paint such a dark picture for you, Mr. Bendix! Shryer says turning to look at a map of the territory on the wall But as bad as it was behind you it is, no doubt, going to be worse ahead!

Shryer presses his fingers against the map saying And we won’t be much help to you I fear. We are simply spread too thin now. We’ll do what we can, of course, but for the most part you are going to be on your own between here and Fort Caspar.

The office door flies open and the Lieutenant and the Master Sergeant snap to attention.

Sir! Shryer says sharply as Major Tyler hurries into the office, the Major quickly looking over his shoulder before closing the door.

Lieutenant? the Major asks excitedly, his hand on the flap of his holster Who is this man?

Sir! the Lieutenant snaps back This is Mr. Alexander Bendix! He is escorting two platoons of settlers, just arrived!

Shryer quickly steps around the desk saying Mr. Bendix, please let me introduce you to Major Thadeus Tyler!

Bendix sizes up Tyler instantly by the smell of his breath.

Bendix extends his hand to Tyler’s saying I’m pleased to meet you, sir!

Hmm? the Major murmurs seeming preoccupied.

Then noticing Bendix hand says Oh, welcome.

Bendix, is it? Tyler asks, jerking his hand from his holster.

Yes sir! Bendix answers looking at Tyler’s blood shot eyes.

Ahh yes, welcome! the Major says, shaking Bendix hand, the odor of liquor strong in his greeting Just in from Fort Laramie, are you?

Yes sir! Bendix replies.

Run into any trouble along the way, Mr. Bendix? the edgy Major asks quickly returning his hand to the flap of his holster.

No sir, we were lucky. Bendix replies.

Hmph! the Major shrugs Damn lucky, I’d say!

Tyler looks out the window