Winds of Change

By Roger D. Sullivan

Winds of Change is the story of one familys convictions to God, country, family, and friends. This includes the Choctaw Nation of southwest Alabama, as well as the unfortunate souls who were branded as slaves. All concerned were treated with dignity and respect to always be in compliance with the Declaration of Independence, which stated that all men are created equal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: May 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452552125

Roger D. Sullivan

Roger D. Sullivan is an avid history buff, and his greatest desire has always been within the realm of the Civil War era. He honestly believes where we arrived at this point in our lives is directly connected to where we came from and how we got here. He is first and foremost a writer of songs and poetry and a musician who derives great pleasure from playing music with his friends, which he does about every third Saturday night after their country store in Bloomburg, Texas, closes at 8:00 p.m. He and his wife live in the community of Smyrna, which is five miles from Atlanta, Texas. He married his very best friend and is the proud father of two daughters. He has three adult granddaughters and twin grandchildren who are nine years of age. He has one great-grandson who is going on three years of age and another great-grandson due in September. He considers himself the most fortunate man on this planet.

Book preview

Chapter One

Nathanial Winslow Grayson, the youngest son of wealthy cotton plantation owner, Winston Edmond Grayson III, was a little slow in what was considered normal advancement for a child of his age. In fact, when he was about four years of age, he later recalled, he over-heard his father arguing with his mother a few times saying that he was dumb as a post and not nearly as useful. That must have been quite a strain on the mind of such a needy child.

Winston was a proud southern gentleman with breeding and could not accept the fact that he had produced an offspring of such limited capacity. Therefore the youngster was seldom seen at social gatherings and no one dared asked about his well- being. The young Nathanial was more or less confined to the thirty thousand acres known to all in Grayson County, Alabama, as Hillshire.

Grayson County was so named for Winston’s Great Grandfather, Winston Edmond Grayson I, before Alabama gained statehood. He named the plantation for his wife’s namesake, Sarah Jane Hillshire. Sarah wanted to call it Hillshire Farms, but Winston I did not think it proper for a self- respected southern gentleman to call his stead a farm. Therefore, the name Hillshire took root and was known to all as the same for generations to come.

Nathanial’s mother was born Earline Abigail Winslow, in Habersham County, Georgia. Her father was Colonel Andrew Jackson Winslow and her mother was Lucinda Caroline Hewlett. Colonel Winslow was a veteran of the war of 1812 and a man of considerable wealth.

Nathanial’s mother was simply called Miss Early by the domestic help in her charge. They all respected her for her devotion to her family which included the servants as well. She treated everyone kindly but would chastise all according to their discretions. Rules were rules and all were treated the same according to the rules. Winston managed his estate within the same guidelines of those very rules. He referred to all his laborers as domestic help rather than slaves. Everyone had a job to do and that was the order of the day. The laborers could not leave his employment, for he was the rightful owner, however, no one ever tried to for this was their home and they were well taken care of and treated with respect as human beings. Winston truly understood and agreed with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. That would always be a time honored tradition within the Grayson family.

When Nathanial was eight years of age, it was time for his formal education to begin. It was decision time for Winston and Miss Early. They searched their hearts and souls for the best means of education that would allow him to receive the very best education for a lad with his special needs. They wanted their son to have everything within their power to function within the realm of society. They would not dare discuss this matter with anyone outside the confines of Hillshire, for they thought it not in Nathanial’s best interest. They did, however, have their discussions in the presence of the domestics of the household.

One afternoon in the parlor the subject of education arose while Creasy was going about her chores of dusting the furniture. The suggestions went back and forth about three of four times and she could not restrain herself any longer.

She said, Mister Winston, Miss Early, I don’t means to intrude in y’alls conversation, but has you ever thought of lettin’ Nat, I mean, Nathanial go down and hang around Tabitha and Old Gray?

Miss Early quickly asked, why Creasy, whatever do you mean by that statement? What could they possibly know about educating the future heir of Hillshire? After all he is our youngest child and it is customary for the youngest to inherit the homestead.

Creasy simply replied, Madam, the both of you knows that Old Gray is the one that makes sure that all the coloreds do they jobs every day and folks around here looks up to him. Why, if he was a white man, you all be calling him straw boss just like the coloreds do. Why, he the very one that keeps this here cotton farm doing all that it do every year and I believes you both knows it.

Winston could not contain himself and he said. Now Creasy, Hillshire is a plantation, not a farm. I know you have heard the story of how it got its name, so if you will, keep that in mind when you make mention of her, alright?"

She simply replied, Yes Sir.

By this time she had Winston’s attention and he wanted to know in more detail what she had on her mind. He fully understood why she made reference to Old Grey, for he was indeed, the key man in the daily operation of managing the labor force. He was his father’s key person before he himself took the reins of Hillshire. He then asked Creasy what role Tabitha could carry out in the education of his son.

She said, Well, I know she can read and write and she teaches the others reading and writing too, at least them that has the desire to learn. So, I know she can at least teach your son the same even if he don’t want to learn. She has a way ‘bout her that makes folks do what she say do. You know what I mean, Sir?

He could not argue with that logic and he did not. He told her he would consider her proposal for he believed it had some merit. Nathanial could begin his education with the bare basics of plantations life. Who knows, that just might be what it takes to make him acquire a thirst for learning what he needs to know to be successful in the years to come.

He said, Creasy, you’ve been more observant of the everyday activities of this plantation than I realized. You don’t miss much, do you?

She just smiled and nodded to him and immediately went about her chores. She felt quite proud of herself when Miss Early winked at her with somewhat of a grin.

The next morning after breakfast Old Gray brought Winston two little cigars as he had done like clock-work for quite some time. The two of them went out on the gallery and enjoyed their smoke. They discussed the plans for the day ahead and addressed any problems that might have occurred. The subject of Nathanial’s education came up and to his surprise, went very well, until he mentioned Tabatha’s role. Old Gray seemed a little edgy talking about that particular subject. He would make very few comments about it each time Winston began to ask questions.

Finally Winston said, Gray, you’ve got something on your mind about this matter and you might as well go ahead and state your opinion.

Well, Sir, he said, I always glad to do my share of what need doing ‘round here, but now, Tabatha, well, she not as tolerant as me and you when it come to the way things ought be done. She has a lot more rules and none of ‘em gonna be broke, not without some serious side effects, I’m afraid. I don’t want to see no problems come ‘bout, ‘cause I know her, she whup that boy if he get out of line. That’s the God awful truth. So if yall all bent on this being so, I think you and Miss Early ought to discuss this with Tabitha herself. Anyway, that’s what I think, and I recon you might agree with me.

Winston replied, Gray, what would I do without you?

Well Sir, don’t you go thinking about that all that much, Gray replied, ‘cause you got some young bucks comin’ long that can do some of the same things that I been doin’ all these years, course, they ain’t got the years that I got, you know. Still the same, don’t go thinking ‘bout it, alright?

Winston asked, Gray, do you remember when my father passed the reins of Hillshire along to me?

He said, Lord, Mister Winston, I sure do.

Well then, you also remember how green I was and you had to pretty much lead me by the hand in the enormous task of the everyday operation of this vast endeavor.

Oh, yes sir, I surely do remember that, he replied. Well, you just keep that in mind every time you are reminded of those young bucks you mentioned a while ago, alright?

Yes Sir, I keep that in mind like you said, but now, y’all gonna talk to Tabitha, ain’t you?

Chapter Two

With that question answered, Winston and Miss Early made the journey down to the quarters to meet with Aunt Tabitha, as all his kindred had always called her, for she had birthed his father before him. As they rolled up toward the little house in the buggy, to their surprise, Tabitha was waiting on the front porch to greet them.

Winston observed and commented, Well, look at that Earline, this might go smoother that I had anticipated. I think she knew we were coming for a visit today.

Earline only replied, Creasy.

They both were smiling as Old Gray helped Miss Early down from the carriage. The two men only nodded to one another as Tabitha was coming to greet them, saying over and over:

Oh Lord look at the two of you. What a wonderful surprise on this beautiful day. I was thinkin’ ‘bout y’all just this morning. If I’d knowed you was comin’ for sure, I would been better prepared and just look at the two of you, right here in my little front yard. My, oh my, Mister Winston, I believe you get more handsome as time goes by and Miss Early, you as pretty as the first flowers of springtime and it make my heart glad just to see you today.

Winston quickly commented, Now Aunt Tabitha, no sense in you carrying on so just because we came to visit with you today.

She replied, Lord, Lord, it ain’t very often that the Mister and Misses of Hillshire come down here just to visit me, they usually something about to happen when I has this pleasure. Is somebody ‘bout to give birth who I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout?

Earline took her by the hand and said, Come on Aunt Tabitha, let us go in the house and let these gentlemen have a word or two. They can follow us in directly.

Winston said, I declare Gray, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you had warned her of our intensions.

Now Old Gray wasn’t about to let that go unanswered. No Sir, I didn’t have a thing to do with it. If I was a bettin’ man, I’d bet a pod of okra it was Creasy who let that cat out of the bag.

Winston patted him on the back and said, I think you are right so let’s just end it there.

Yes Sir was the only reply.

They entered the little house to begin the visit. The sweet aroma of freshly fried side pies was in the air. The coffee pot was on the stove beside the kettle and it was obvious that it to was fresh. Once again, it was decision time for Winston and Earline. Should they begin the visit or comment on the pies and coffee first?

They chose the latter and Winston asked, Why, Aunt Tabitha, do I smell the aroma of peach side pies? And is that fresh coffee I see there on the stove? I declare, I do believe you knew we were coming to see you today.

She just smiled at Winston and said, Well, I’m not gonna say I did and I’m not gonna say I didn’t, but things don’t stay all that quiet ‘round here. When it’s brewing in the air it gets blowed ‘round and about. Why, I know you been told ‘bout the little bird that flies when things are brewing in the air. That was Tabitha’s only reply as she grinned from ear to ear.

Winston said, Well now, I have only one more question. Do we get right down to the business at hand or do you expect us to eat side pies and have coffee before we begin? He was hoping for the pies and coffee.

Tabitha laughed and said, Lord, Mister Winston, that remind me of the first time you come down here when you was ‘bout young Nat’s age, but I guess that another story. Someday I just might set down and tell Miss Early some of the things you done back then.

Gray said, Now Tabitha, some things sacred and others ought not know ‘bout all of ‘em. Gray seemed to have a certain tone in his voice that rang true.

She only nodded as a reply, however, I do believe she sparked an interest in Earline.

She said, I have a question if you don’t mind.

The others looked at each other with somewhat of a question in their expression.

Why do you call those side pies instead of simply fried pies as Creasy does when she serves them to us at home? I do believe they are the same, aren’t they?

She noticed Winston and Gray grinning and nodding to each other and could not resist the question. What are the two of you doing? It’s an honest question and it deserves an honest answer, does it not?

Tabitha said, Miss Early, you see that old black iron skillet there on the cool side of the stove? You can’t put but two pies in that thang at one time, one on the left side and one on the right side. That why we call ‘em side pies and it just that simple.

The giggles from Winston and Old Gray did not amuse Earline to say the least. They quickly had a straight face for neither one was born yesterday.

Tabitha said, Miss Early, don’t you let them two get your goat. Why, I might just tell you how Old Gray there keep count on them cotton wagons when they comin’ out of the field.

Gray immediately took control of the situation and said, Now Tabitha, ain’t no sense wastin’ these good folk time with all that nonsense. They didn’t come all the way down here to the quarters to hear ‘bout how you cook side pies or how somebody keep count of them cotton wagons. I thank it time to enjoy some your famous side pies and a cup of fresh coffee. I thank all will agree with me.

With that said each received pie and coffee and the conversation was somber. After the accolades were given the business of Nathanial’s education commenced.

Winston presented his point of view and Earline presented hers. All had to take into consideration his limitations and remember that it was each ones perception of what they thought his limitations were. Winston believed his son was limited simply because he was different from his older brothers. He did not seem to see things the way normal people did. Earline believed he was different because he was special and simply looked at his world in a different light.

Chapter Three

When the process began to bog down, Old Gray offered his point of view.

He began, When my Pappy was but a boy in Georgia, his folks had it a lot worse than we do today. That plantation life was all about money. It didn’t matter how many folk it took to plant and gather the crops ‘cause all they was doing was toiling to stay alive. Now that didn’t change for a long time. I remember his recalling them working long days in the fields and still had to go home to what little they had and work some more. They still had to take care of they own little gardens and what chickens, pigs and goats they was allowed to have. They lived short lives but they off-springs lived on to repeat the same process here at Hillshire. At that time both sides started to change a little bit and they finally realized you could catch more flies with honey than vinegar. This plantation life today is still about money but just like your father before you understood, you know that if you treat your labor force as human beings instead of the old fashioned niggers of yesteryear, they will truly work for you with a pride unequaled by any man. Now I’m not saying that everybody got it all figured out but the only reason that things has changed on both sides of the fence is that change was bred into both sides. The way I see it is that change only comes about when the folks change themselves and the next generation takes that change a little bit farther. Hillshire changed for the better when your father took the reins and changed even more when you took the reins, Mister Winston. Now, I believe that young Nat is different from what we are used to because he is destined to bring about even more change for the better of all of us. We don’t understand him ‘cause we can’t see the changes that are yet to come. I thank Nat senses them changes and that why we don’t understand. That’s the way I see it, whether you agree with me or not.

Winston was about to make a comment when Tabitha said, Pardon me Sir, I got something I got to say. Everything Gray said is the truth, and I know it ‘cause you was different too. I don’t mean different like Nat but you always come across as smarter than your age accounted for. That when things really started changing ‘round here. I birthed you and I watched you grow into the fine gentleman you is today and all these changes we enjoy this very day is ‘cause you had the ability to see ahead in the future and make predictions ‘bout what you thought the future would hold for all of us. Not just for your kind but our kind too. I agree with Gray ‘bout Nat and the future of Hillshire. I believe it will survive all that is headed our way for that very reason. So, please Sir, give Nat the benefit of doubt and let him develop into the fine gentleman that we all know he can be. We all will work with you and Miss Early to help him get a good education. Me and Old Gray would love to do our part in bringing about a change for the better of all at Hillshire.

Winston and Earline could not see anything negative about all that was said. They both agreed this was in Nathanial’s best interest and were willing to let him begin his formal education under the direction of Gray and Tabitha. Because it was Friday it was decided that Monday morning would be the day of commencement. All concerned seemed very pleased with the arrangement and the deal was sealed with Earline and Tabitha hugging each other and Winston and Gray sharing a little cigar on the front porch.

While on the buggy ride back to Hillshire Earline could not refrain from asking Winston if they were doing the right thing. He reassured her that it was the best for Nathanial and he would keep a close eye on his progress.

He said, I myself, did in fact, spend some time with Tabitha and Gray as part of my education to acquaint myself with the everyday doings on the labor force. We are all in this together and it is beneficial to all concerned to have an understanding of what makes everyone tick. Yes, we all do tick just like a clock. We best make sure that all clocks are set at the same time. Nathanial will be just fine under their direction, as surely as I was, when my time came for that portion of my education. I assure you, you have nothing to worry about, my dear.

She only replied, I have always trusted your judgment, Winston, and I shall rest better tonight, as you have always been there for me through the most difficult of times. I have never taken that for granted and I will not now. Thank you for understanding and comforting me in this particular one, the most difficult of all.

He could only respond, You are so very welcome, my dear, and I thank you for the trust you have in me. This too, is a trying time for me as well, and your support is greatly appreciated.

Saturday morning all were gathered around the large table enjoying their usual family breakfast. Clarice, the Hillshire family cook had prepared fried ham, link sausages, hominy grits, biscuits, gravy, and eggs to everyone’s preference, which varied from scrambled to the sky is the limit.

The children were not allowed to speak at the table except to ask if someone could please pass the butter and jam. If they wanted another helping, that too was always done with permission. They understood all too well not to take more than they could eat. After all, people in China were starving and waste could not and would not be tolerated. The young folks could not understand however, how that particular sacrifice could possible help the people of China. That question would not be asked but once in a young person’s lifetime. When it was asked for the first time the response was a valuable lesson that all would remember for the rest of their lives.

When the meal was complete Winston excused everyone from the table except Nathanial. He and Miss Early began to explain to him the plan they had for his education. At first he had very little to offer about the subject.

When he did his first question was, Papa, why do you call her Aunt Tabitha? Is she really our kinfolk? Do we really have black folks in our family that we are related to? When did?

Miss Early quickly stepped in and said, Slow down just for a moment Nathanial. Your Father can only answer one question at a time.

He quickly turned his attention to Winston with his eyes full of more questions. I’m sorry Papa but I just don’t understand. If I can’t ask questions how can I get answers?

Nathanial, he replied, when someone asks a question it is not polite to ask another before receiving an answer to the first one. It is the natural order of things. That’s the only way the one being asked the question can be allowed the amount of time required to respond with an honest answer. When both parties have satisfactorily agreed that the question has been answered then another one can be asked without provocation. Do you understand what I’ve just said to you?"

I think I do Papa but I don’t know what provocation means. Is it time for me to ask another question?

The reply could only be Yes it is.

What does provocation mean Papa?

Winston looked at Earline with somewhat of a questionable expression on his face. She simply gestured with her hands. For lack of a proper explanation of the true meaning of the word he said:

Son when two people have a problem understanding one anther it sometimes leads to a much bigger problem because the person doing the explaining did not explain in terms that the other could understand. Does that help you understand a bit better?

Yes Sir, I believe it does. Provocation is when someone asks me a question and I don’t give the right answer, then they start teasing me and I get mad because it was the only one I knew and I pout a little bit, maybe even cry, and they call me a titty-baby. Is that right, Papa?

Winston again looked at Earline with a smile on his face and answered, Why yes it is Nathanial and I’m very proud of you and judging by that glowing smile on your Mother’s face I’d say she is also.

The lad felt quite proud of himself and as he queried more the answers came more easily for both parents. It truly was a God send and Winston and Earline both were satisfied they had made the right decision on their son’s behalf.

I have one more question if it is the proper time, Nathanial asked, can I go play now? I’m kind of tired of all this educating on a sunny Saturday morning. I’m getting behind on that end of it.

His request was more than eagerly granted. They did not expect to hear such things from the lips of their youngest son who seemed so challenged in life. To say the least they came away with different points of view. They knew not what to expect next. They did, however, have the balance of the day to reflect upon it. Neither discussed the matter again until they had their private time at the end of the day.

Chapter Four

It was customary for Winston to meet with the key people in his stead every evening after supper. When the talking was done he and Old Gray would always enjoy their little cigars. No one ever knew what they discussed or why the ritual had become a tradition. It was never questioned for everyone had their own little quirks. Even Creasy would steal away in the moonlight to do whatever it was that she did without questions being asked.

That night Winston and Earline both were somewhat taken away by the events of the day. The visit with Old Gray and Tabitha had gone off without a hitch. Nathanial surprised them both during their visit about his education. He had shown more promise than had been anticipated. Could it be that the hired help knew more than they were telling them about Nathanial’s education? Times were changing rapidly in the south and nothing would be taken for granted. Their way of life was a time honored tradition for three generations.

Winston Edmond Grayson I settled in this area when it was part of the Mississippi Territory. In 1800 Washington County was created in honor of the first President of the United States of America. By that time the thirty thousand acres known to all as Hillshire was in operation and flourishing. He migrated south from North Carolina to Georgia after the American Revolution where he honed his skills in the cotton industry on his future Father in Law’s plantation in Georgia. After he and Sarah were married, on the advice of her Father, he traveled to the Mississippi Territory where he soon was able to acquire his vast holdings. The particulars of the acquisition are not known to this day. Before the county received its’ name however, his little corner of the world was known as Grayson, County. When Alabama was granted Statehood Grayson County became part of Washington County and was no longer part of the Mississippi Territory. Therefore Hillshire became part of Washington County, Alabama.

Three sons were born of Winston and Sarah, John William, Charles Marion, and Winston II. John William fell at the battle of Princeton in 1777. Charles Marion was mortally wounded in the battle of Yorktown in 1781. Winston would not lose another son to the revolution. Winston Edmond Grayson II served under the command of Colonel Andrew Jackson Winslow in the war of 1812. His son, John Marion was but ten years old at the time. John Marion was named after both his Uncles who paid the ultimate price for the cause of freedom. John Marion’s son, of course was named Winston Edmond III after both his Father and Grandfather.

The Grayson family men agreed with all the principals that the United States of America was founded on. The price for freedom and equality was extremely high. These values could not and would not be taken lightly. All men were created equal and should reap the rewards of their labor.

The laborers of Hillshire were always treated with that respect in mind. When abuse was encountered their opposition was voiced without constraint. No one dared challenged their opposition for it was written in the Constitution of the United States of America. Patriotism was a way of life for the family Grayson.

Three flags always waved at Hillshire. Old Glory, one that bore the image of a snake with the words Don’t Tread On Me and one that bore the image of a single rose with the words Lest We Forget. This was also observed each day. The flags were raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset, religiously. No bugle played at either occasion, just an observance, for all arose at sunrise and retired at sunset. That too was the order of the day. You might say the Grayson family held these truths as self-evident of God’s Master Plan for mankind. There are rules and they apply to everyone, notwithstanding race, creed, or color of one’s skin. The success of Hillshire will always be contributed directly to those values.

Even a war that was yet to come and divide the nation they fought so very hard to help create would break their undeniable devotion to the purpose and cause of the basic principles this great country was founded upon. Winston III was once quoted in the newspaper as saying, The most important things in life are God, Country, Family, and Friends. Everything else is trivial to me.

At sunrise on Sunday morning Winston was enjoying his coffee on the balcony and observing the raising of the two flags when he heard the undeniable sound of Creasy jingling the tray and urn as she brought more coffee. When he turned to receive a re-fill of his cup he caught a glimpse of Nathanial behind her.

After thanking Creasy for the coffee he immediately said, Well, good morning Nathanial. Why are you up and about this time of the morning? You’re usually dead to the world at daybreak. You got something on your mind, do you, son?

Nat stood there momentarily wiping his eyes and replied, Papa, I’ve been thinking about our visit yesterday after breakfast and I’m not sure I understand all that was said. That part about provocation is bothering me. I know you said you and Mamma were proud of me but I’m not proud of myself.

Winston asked, What part are you not proud about, Nathanial?

Well Sir, I remember the part when I said they called me a titty-baby. I ain’t no titty-baby and I just wanted you to know that. I know full well that John and Charles are a whole lot older than me but I will grow into a man someday and I don’t recall you and Mamma ever having an accident. I really don’t know what that word means but it don’t sound very good to me. They tease me and say I had to suck the hind tit is why they are so much older than me."

Winston replied, Nathanial, I give you my word as a loving Father and a gentleman, I will speak to them both as soon as they return from Charleston. We will lay this matter to rest. Will that relieve your mind, son?

Yes Sir, was his reply.

Earline met Nathanial leaving as she was entering upon the balcony. She was surprised by his presence but chose to enjoy the coffee before asking the inevitable question. What in the world is Nathanial doing up this early in the morning? He always comes to me first when he is feeling poorly.

Winston gave her a good morning kiss on the cheek and replied, Think nothing of it darling he simply had to have a father to son talk. I know the bond between a mother and her child is very special, however in times of despair a son will always turn to his father for answers. He was concerned about that titty-baby thing that’s all.

Thank God, was her only reply.

They continued to enjoy their coffee and casual conversation together. The aroma of fried bacon slowly drifted up the stairs with Creasy as she brought more coffee and announced that breakfast would be served soon.

The family soon gathered at the table and the traditional repast began. Sunday meals were special occasions. The breakfast always consisted of pancakes and fried bacon with a desert of fruit. All ate somewhat lightly to have more room for Clarice’s fried chicken when dinner time arrived. This had been a Sunday tradition for many years.

When the breakfast meal was over, in general conversation, Earline asked, Aren’t John and Charles due to return from Charleston today? I declare it seems to me they are going more and more these days. I don’t mean to sound as if I’m prying into company business but I can’t seem to keep track of them anymore. They are grown men now or so they believe, however, as their mother I feel as though I am losing control of my parental right to know where they are and what they are doing. I don’t know if I’m ready for the changes I must encounter very soon, I fear.

Winston said, Mother, they should be here in time for fried chicken this very day. You need not concern yourself of the future. It, my dear, will be whatever it shall be. John and Charles are bringing needed supplies from Charleston. We are low on smoking tobacco for one. Gray is in desperate need of material for repairing our farm equipment. Clarice needs more lids and rings for canning jars. Creasy has need for a new mop and broom.

Earline interjected, Winston, you need not carry on so about our demise in such detail. I’m sure it will be self-evident when all is delivered. I’ll just be so glad to see those two young men again. That’s all I meant by my earlier remarks.

Both only smiled and nodded their heads in agreement.

True to form, about eleven o’clock that morning, the wagon load of supplies rolled into Hillshire. Earline had a glow about her and Winston had a smile on his face. They were more than eager to greet their two sons and check out the supplies. Earline was somewhat expecting a surprise. She never quite knew what her husband was up to when they were in need of supplies. She soon discovered powder and lilac water was among the much needed supplies. She was pleasantly surprised when she spied the hat box. It was the very one she had admired so when she was last in Charleston.

All was well at Hillshire, once again. The entire family smiled through the servings of fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy. For desert, warm apple pie was served with fresh crème and sweet milk. Everyone was dismissed from the table, as was the custom, and Winston immediately followed John and Charles outside.

He inquired of their journey and wanted an up-date of what was occurring in Charleston. He knew full well the winds of change were blowing. One must keep abreast of all situations in order to make a decision as to the direction one must take to survive in the changing world they live in.

After he was informed of the general mood of the people in South Carolina, he began his speech about Nathanial’s harassment by the two of them.

"I know neither one of you would deliberately cause any anxiety for Nathanial, however, he is most definitely concerned about being labeled a titty-baby. Did either one of you, by chance, ever imply