The Territory

By Stuart Griffin

Eric Tanger has move back to Yreka Cal with his newly married wife and son, they left Stone ridge leaving close friends behind. Sally and Byron

are their closes neighbors in Yreka, Byron is like a father to Eric. Rufus Burns unexpectedly comes into t

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Jun 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781647538132

Stuart Griffin

Stuart F Griffin is the Author of Northbound which the Territory is the sequel to, also Mr. Huck's and his colorful trucks is his first Children's book along with a number of songs and poems. He didn't publish any of his works until his retirement. He was raised in Southern California and spent most of his life in New England; his now divides his time between Florida and New England. He' inspired to write by his faith, his love of nature, history family and friend.

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The

Territory

Stuart Griffin

The Territory

Copyright © 2021 by Stuart Griffin. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of URLink Print and Media.

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Published in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021909121

ISBN 978-1-64753-812-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64753-813-2 (Digital)

10.03.21

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

Introduction

History has been one of my favorite studies throughout my life. I thought I’d start The Territory with a small snapshot of early American history which I believe will help set the mood of the story. Please enjoy and thank you for your interest.

Stuart F. Griffin

As 1855 made its appearance, a number of social and political changes also rode in on the shirttails of the New Year. The methods of gold mining, for instance, had gone through an evolution in which hard work and old fashioned ingenuity led to the development of a number of time and labor saving inventions. The miner with his gold pan and pick ax had been replaced in part by the two man rocker, also called the cradle and then came along the tom and the sluice box. Please indulge me as I explain these three clever inventions in more detail. The two man rocker was a simple rectangular wooden box set on legs like a rocking chair. Rocks, gravel and dirt were put into the top of the rocker with a bucket or two of water added. The rocker was then rocked back and forth which moved the dirt and fine gravel along with the gold to the bottom of the box. The larger rocks and gravel would stay in the top of the box which was held back by the sieve, which is a metal screen with half inch or quarter inch openings. The gold would then be trapped in the riffle at the bottom waiting its removal. The riffle, also called the blanket riffle, is made from a piece of canvas or material that is similar. The one costly problem that the rocker had was that the very fine gold, called flour, would be mostly washed away. It was not held in place by the riffle. On the positive side, it was easy to move from place to place on the job site, making it very convenient for the miners.

Now the tom or long tom was a redesign of the rocker. A ten foot long or more trough averaging a foot wide was added to the original rocker box. The trough had sheet metal attached to its bottom with holes drilled to allow the dirt, fine gravel, and gold to fall to the bottom and be trapped in the riffle. The tom needed a constant supply of water to keep it running smoothly and a crew of two or three men to keep up with the work. The sluice box was an enlarged version of the long tom. A number of sluice boxes were joined together in a row and a crew of miners would work together to maintain and operate the sluice boxes. As the methods of mining evolved from the two man rocker to the sluice box, the need for water increased, which put a strain on many of the water sources.

Let’s step back three years to 1852 when a Frenchman, perhaps unbeknownst to himself, was the first to use hydraulic mining by attaching a large hose to a water source. He also may not have known what impact his idea would have on the future of mining. This high pressured water quickly washed out the sand, rocks and debris from the side of river banks and the side of hills. Then one year later near Nevada City the first known metal nozzle was connected to the end of a water hose increasing its pressure even more, once again improving the infancy of hydraulic mining. Improvements continued to come and the hydraulic monitor was born, which was commonly called the water cannon, a major improvement of the hose and metal nozzle, all but perfecting hydraulic mining. Only time will tell where these innovations will lead the mining industry in the future.

Now back to the present, 1855. The large mining companies, which have the resources to fund full scale mining operations, are well on their way to taking over to a greater extent the search for gold. The mining companies brought with them employment opportunities for the independent miners that had gone broke and/or were in debt to the local merchants for needed goods to survive. Some chose to return home and escape the difficult and exhausting life of a miner but those who stayed and worked for the mining companies did earn a steady wage though the work was still filled with long, exhausting back-breaking days and were coupled with danger and, at times, death. Most of the men and a few women that came west and worked the gold fields for the dream of getting rich quick found their dreams shattered and some, their bodies broken. Isn’t that the way it is? Do you know what the wise man said, For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle towards heaven.

Everyone loves news and oftentimes it comes by way of new arrivals to our great North West. It was said that the state of Michigan was opening a state university and there was much excitement over it. For those that had the money to attend, it would be a fine thing. The U.S. Mint had made a new addition to its half penny by introducing the new 1855 braided hair half penny. The little lady had liberty written across the side of her head, and she is very finely done. The modern age is coming and is already here—the cities of San Francisco, Marysville, San Jose, Stockton, and Sacramento have been blessed to have the miracle of telegraph installed since 1852. This year the California State Telegraph Company has started to place the poles and string the wire to reach us right here in Yreka. We are all very excited for what the telegraph could do for our growing city.

All of these time saving and life changing inventions are bringing exciting new opportunities to our area. On Febuary12 the Sacramento Valley Railroad started to lay steel which will connect Sacramento to Folsom. It’s going to greatly improve all forms of business and personal and public transportation. Carrying the mail between the two cities will also be an extra blessing.

The rates for mail delivery as of April 1 have gone up. It is now three cents for every letter less than 3,000 miles and 10 cents for letters more than 3,000 miles. These new rates are for U.S. domestic routes. With any new change comes some resistance and the rise in postal rates was no exception. There were a few strong minded souls who stated that if the postal service was going to raise the cost of a stamp to that whopping of a price then they’d never lick and stick a postal stamp again, for as long as they should live.

Also, Yreka elected a new sheriff, Wayne C. Barlow. Many of the voters were in hope of some law enforcement improvements but the new hospital (which would be Yreka’s first hospital) brought more excitement and hopes to the city than their newly elected sheriff. The highly respected physician, Dr. J. Allen Little, was the man that took the lead to own and operate this hospital.

Politics. Well, I was taught that it was an issue that a man should know and understand and that he should peacefully hold his opinions. There isn’t much else besides his faith in God and his love for his family that he could become more passionate over. For you see, there is a strange change taking place in our great land of America. It has to do with all of the growth as a nation and for the sake of time I’d like to bring to your attention just a few things that I haven’t already mentioned.

Farming has been revolutionized with the invention of the cotton gin, the reaper and the mower, which increased the production many times over with much less time and effort. This has contributed to many of the hard working farm hands becoming unemployed. These inventions have eliminated jobs and displaced many families with the yearly harvest no longer needing them. With the completion of the Erie Canal and the Cumberland Road, America gained the ability to move large amounts of goods quickly and many more people, many searching for a more satisfying life in the cities of the north.

I feel compelled to say there is a huge shift in the thinking of the people. The minds of men and women are being opened to a higher moral calling that demands individuals to desire and work toward social changes. They want the children of this nation to be better educated, the conditions in the prisons to be improved and the indulgence of alcohol to decrease, or in the minds of some, to stop completely. And slavery, this inhuman practice that one man should own and rule over another, that the slave is of less value than the horse that he walks behind, must change!

This is all part of the second great awakening that is taking hold of the people. Large numbers of these individuals have moved west and many more will. They are bringing with them the strong belief in manifest destiny, that the God of Heaven wants the principles of Protestantism and the belief in democracy to blanket America like the grass which covers the prairie. There is a rumbling, something is astir and at times it doesn’t feel right. Our great land could step by step be pulled apart and crack.

Chapter 1

Monty leaned against the doorpost and hooked his right thumb onto his belt. The fresh air felt good as he filled his lungs. He quietly watched his nephew Ed as he sat on the flat rock in the shade and wondered what he was up to. Ed seemed to be talking to himself, mumbling something, so Monty asked loudly, Nephew! Are you talking to yourself?

Ya, Uncle Monty, I was and a little dreaming too. I was thinking about my education.

I thought it must be important ’cause you were lost in it. I can’t fault you for dreamin’. I’ve done plenty of it myself.

You know I want to teach, don’t you?

Monty scratched his oversized belly as he said, I heard you say it once or twice but I didn’t know it meant that much to ya. I guess we’ll have to talk it over and see what the possibilities are.

You’d do that for me? You’d help me finish my education?

I said, if it’s possible. Isn’t that what family is for? he replied.

Ed stood to his six foot height and missed by a hair a low hanging branch he had forgotten about for the moment. He walked over and hugged his uncle.

Alright, enough of this hugging. You know I’m not big on all that. Besides I don’t like having my face buried in your armpit, his uncle said as he wiggled free.

Sometimes a handshake isn’t sufficient, sometimes it takes a hug to say thanks.

Alright, sometimes it takes a hug. Now can we get back to work and finish up the day? he said making an about-face and headed back to his own office.

Ed’s mind was filled with hopes and dreams as he tried to concentrate on the stack of receipts and shipping documents that were piled high on top of the filing cabinet. After finishing the stack on the cabinet, he turned his attention to his desk and spotted a bill that he hadn’t noticed before. It read:

For the repair of two wagons. Hardware, lumber and labor $61.23. It was signed E. Tanger.

He must have put it there when I was outside. The fact is, he wasn’t surprised. Eric Tanger was the kind of man that could move as quiet as a fox without even trying. He placed the bill in the top drawer of his desk. He’d cut a check first thing in the morning.

It’s the 15th day of August already. Where has this summer gone? Kate said as she repositioned Seth, their six-month old, on her hip.

Into the past like today will be and fall will be here before we know it. I have work on the cabin to finish and whatever else comes up, Eric said as he stood, put his hat on and moved closer to Kate.

The garden did so well, I thought about drying some part of the vegetables for winter soups. What do you think of that? she asked.

That would be a good thing! I love your soup, just like Clay does, he replied.

"The breeze feels good but not this fly that’s been trying to land in my hair.

Hon, are you going to work on the barn?"

I want to, but you know how my time is Kate.

I know if you can, you will, she said looking up at him standing near to her. Then she added, Seth has a dirty diaper.

You’re a good Ma, Hon.

Thanks she said, smiling as she walked to the cabin with Seth on her right hip.

A few minutes later Eric heard a horse snort then whinny as two riders came into view. As they rounded the corner they headed straight toward him. He put a little distance between the riders and his cabin by walking out to meet them.

What can I do for you men? As he waited for an answer he quickly eyed them and discovered that they were both heavily armed and rode fine horses with expensive saddles. They weren’t average men, one of them wore cologne that made Eric’s nose tingle.

We’re looking for the man that calls himself Eric Tanger. Now would you be that man? the rider closest to Eric asked. Just then Max appeared at Eric’s side, with the hair on his back standing up. The man continued by saying

Your dog doesn’t look too friendly.

My dog doesn’t know you any more than I do, Eric stated. He then repositioned his hat to keep the sun out of his eyes.

We’ve come in peace. We’re not looking for trouble. Are you Eric Tanger?

And I asked you, What can I do for you?

The two of us work for Robert Wilkes, a wealthy businessman from Marysville who has moved part of his business here to Yreka. He’s interested in hiring your services. He’d like you to locate a certain man that is believed to be somewhere in the territory. Mr. Wilkes is willing to pay handsomely for your work.

How much is handsomely?

Five hundred dollars to be exact, the man replied.

Just locate the man and bring him in? That’s all you’re asking? He must have done some real damage to your boss, Eric said and thought, something isn’t right about this.

I almost forgot to mention, he can be dead or alive. It makes no difference to us or to Mr. Wilkes.

I’m not a bounty hunter. I’m not interested, so you have wasted your time coming out here, Eric said firmly. He then walked back to the cabin, stood on the porch and watched them ride away. As the two men rode off one said to the other, In due time Mr. Tanger will see it our way.

As Eric walked into the cabin, Kate asked, What was that all about?

They were looking for a bounty hunter and I told them I wasn’t interested. They work for a man named Wilkes.

They wanted you to be a bounty hunter, Pa? Clay said with a tinge of excitement.

Yeah, that’s what they wanted and they’d pay five hundred dollars for me to do it. Something didn’t feel right about it. The pay is too high for the job. There’s more to it so I said no.

I thank God for your strong principles and that you stick to them, Kate responded.

Bounty hunters don’t always give the justice that’s due to a man. There’s been innocent men killed by bounty hunters, my dear.

The topic quickly moved from bounty hunters to work needing to be done so Eric started on the barn and as the sun hid itself for the night he had put a fair size dent in it. Clay worked on his never-ending job of stacking the firewood and with the babies wide awake, Kate lost her opportunity to start drying her vegetables.

With fall and cooler weather around the corner coupled with the joy of knowing that the bugs would be disappearing, the hard work of preparation became a little lighter. They did try to find time for fun and relaxation to mix in along the way, for they knew what all work and no play can do to a soul.

With each sunrise, the family was up and at it. Breakfast had to be made, the babies cared for and for Clay, his school work on top of his chores made for a busy day. Eric ate and was out the door for an early start. This job was an important one for a well-to-do businessman and if all went right, it would lead to more work. Eric’s heart had not yet been touched with the sense of God’s love and protection. He couldn’t see the Maker’s hand. Just the week before his uncle had finished the last job on his list and was available to work on Eric’s addition. This was a real benefit to Eric seeing that his uncle was an excellent carpenter with years of experience. The Lord has ways of blessing us, to draw us to Him even when we don’t have faith in him.

With the long day behind him Eric quickly stopped by Monty’s to pick up his check and then on to the post office. He was surprised to have a letter waiting for him. A sense of satisfaction over a good day’s work was settling over him and it felt good. He looked forward to a night at home. He placed the letter in his shirt pocket until he and Kate could read it together. She would be pleased to hear from two of their closest friends. Once home he brushed the road dust off, stomped his boots on the porch, which usually alerted someone that he was home, then pulled the latch to let himself in.

Your timing is just about perfect, Eric. Dinner and the likes will soon be ready, Kate said as she continued with her work. Eric hung his coat on a peg by the front door. The twins played contentedly on the blanketed floor which was uncommon these days but welcomed.

I have some good news, Hon, a letter came from Will and Emma.

What did it say? I can’t wait to hear, she quickly responded.

I don’t know. I wanted us to read it together.

Then read it, Mr. Tanger.

Eric ripped open the top of the envelope and read:

Eric, Kate and Clay,

I hope this finds you well and blessed. Our lives here are filled with busyness almost continually. Loretta will be eight soon, how time moves on. Eric, I did make it through the election last month. I won over Conner, the man that took your position. Conner quit after he lost the election, so I hired Michael O’Brien, a tall Irishman with a bright red beard. He’s working out well.

I wish I didn’t have to give you this news. We are still in shock and sick over it. Joey was murdered last month, almost to the day as I write this. It happened sometime in the early morning when a man broke into the stable. After killing Joey, the man rode off with Shasta. You know her well so keep an eye out for her. I have no idea where the man is, but if God is willing, we can find him. Emma is trying to be strong but she’s been crying off and on since she heard the news. Joey and her had a special bond with the kidnapping and all. She will always miss him. I hope you’re able to lay your hands on the man, Eric. Joey never carried anything but a small knife for whittling. I’m so angry and sick over it. It was senseless.

Kate, all the ladies say ‘Hi’, especially Elizabeth and Mary. They send you their love. Emma said that she longs to see you. I have saved the best news for last. Emma is going to deliver our second baby next month. All of her friends say it’s a boy with no chance of twins and I look forward to a son. We would enjoy hearing from you and I will keep you informed on the baby and the rest of our doings. Please say ‘Hi’ to Byron and his wife Sally and tell Clay ‘Hi’ too. May God bless you. Will and Emma.

The news is like a storm of emotions. I’m joyful over the baby and sick over Joey. I think I understand better than ever why Will is a law man. He may feel as though he has a little more power to stop some of the evil in this world, Kate said soberly.

Let’s eat, Hon and we will get through this. Is Clay over at Byron’s?

Yes, he finished his chores so I let him go over there she said with pain in her voice. I’ll get him.

Hurry back, the food will be on the table. As Eric walked out, Kate placed the food on the table and sat down. Unbelievable, she said out loud. Blessings and a curse in just a few words. Lord, I don’t understand your ways some of the time. Please, can the man be arrested for what he’s done and please, can it happen soon? Thank you, Jesus. She stood and walked to the other side of the room to check on the babies. She sat again in the nearest chair to them and after a few minutes her men walked in, with Max almost running into a table leg as he ran past Clay. That was fast, she said.

Pa raced me all the way, Clay said, sitting at the table next to Pa’s seat.

Eric sat at the end of the table next to Kate. She reached for his hand and held it tight. Let’s pray, she said with her head bowed. Lord, we thank you for this food and for all of the blessings you shower on us. Lord, be with Emma. The letter said her heart is aching over Joey. Please give her strength and courage and help us all to understand your purpose. We ask this in your name, Jesus. Amen. A few words passed between Kate and Clay but Eric hadn’t said a single word. She noticed Eric staring at the wall straight ahead. Joey’s on your mind, isn’t he?

If I was there, I could have helped Joey in some way. Even if the man got away, I could have tracked him down and brought him back. If he shows up here with Shasta, may the God you trust in have mercy on him because I may decide not to take hold of him and put him behind bars, I may just…. He stopped his thought and said, I know that Joey was a little slow minded but he wasn’t stupid. There was something about him that drew me to him; it was something inside of him more than his smile or his trusting ways. I don’t know what it was but I felt comfortable around him and I owe it to him to find the man. Kate noticed a small tear running part way down his left check. She had never seen him cry before. Joey’s friendship meant more to Eric then he himself had realized until the letter arrived.

I know it would give you peace and a great deal of satisfaction to find the man but please realize that the man may never come up this way. I will pray that you are given the privilege of finding him, Eric.

I know he may never come this far. He could be anywhere. I can only hope I get lucky, Eric stated.

Kate nodded her head in agreement and pushed her hair from her face asking Eric if he wanted any more carrots or beets. They won’t last, Hon.

Yeah, I do and give half to Clay.

How is the work going on the house?

We got the layout done and some of the floor joists up. Working for a man with money makes the job much easier. When Uncle and I got there the foundation was complete and in plumb as promised. I want you to come and look at it sometime. It’s going to be a fine addition.

The next time we go into town I can look at it. Then I can give you my opinion and I’m sure that’s just what you need, my dear, Kate said hoping to brighten up the mood.

I’d like that because you’ve got good taste.

I married you, didn’t I? she said with a smile.

Right from the start I perceived that you were a smart woman, Kate, so for you to marry me was just the most natural thing to do.

Yes, the natural thing to do, she said as she reached over and hugged him around the neck. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take the pie over and share it with Byron and Sally tonight. It’d be nice to have a casual visit, wouldn’t you say?

It would. I need to talk to him about a few things anyway and this is a good time for it, Eric responded.

Pik whinnied and was answered by another horse which caught Eric’s attention. He got up, grabbed his rifle and as he headed for the door said, Clay, stay here with Ma because I’m not expecting anybody. He stepped out onto the porch, closing the door behind him. The approaching man sat tall in the saddle, maybe six feet tall with thick black hair almost to his shoulders and held the reins to a pack horse that was loaded. You can stop right there and tell me what you need, Eric ordered.

I’m Luther Heddwich, sir, and I apologize for disturbing you at this time but I took a wrong turn back at the fork and have lost my way.

Who are you looking for Luther Heddwich?

Sorry for being awkward. I’m looking for Mr. Byron Alexander. He comes highly recommended for the work I do. I could really use his help. Do you mind if I get off my horse?

Why don’t you get to the point. What is it you need, Eric said quickly.

"I’m an artist. I paint landscapes, animals, portraits and I write. I