The Wall

By Leigh Michael Hartmann

It is the closing days of the Civil War. Grant is pressing Lee harder than ever in Richmond. Lee has stashed some troops and supplies in a nearby town. With those supplies and reinforcements, Lee can delay the close of the war and sue for peace. The President and the Secretary of War have other plans. General Emmett Hanson is charged with capturing the supplies and troops-thereby denying Lee his only remaining hope for the South.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483625195

Leigh Michael Hartmann

Leigh Hartmann is an older gentleman that enjoys telling stories. Deciding to write them down and share them with more and more people is a thrill for him. He currently has 2 books in print and is working on not less than 7 other projects. He will likely keep us entertained for some time to come.

Book preview

CONTENTS

DEDICATION

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 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 30

AFTERWORD

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated first to the memory of my Mom, Victoria Hartmann. Her influence in my younger years allowed me to finally see what the real creative process is all about.

Next comes my loving wife, Elizabeth. She has been undaunting in her criticism of my work. Out of love and care for me to be sure. Her support and willingness to sit alone while I worked out the many different aspects ofplots, characters and facts that make up this book, is in every way a gift of enormous generosity. Thanx punkin.

My editor, illustrator and the many others that provided motivation, clarity of thought, spelling checks and simple grammatical goofs of which my first efforts at this were more than plentiful, my deepest thanks.

Last but by no means least my children. It means a great deal to know they were watching me finish this book and smile, give me a hug, a kind word of encouragement and the ever present, I love you, Dad!.

I am humbled and I thank you.

LMH 2012 Senoia, GA

CHAPTER 1

WASHINGTON D.C.

JANUARY, 1865

A cold and miserable rain descended on Washington that January. From time to time the droplets would freeze upon contact with the roads, sidewalks and monuments. A slight coating of white affixed itself to the wagons and carriages passing along Pennsylvania Avenue. Men in their top hats of varying heights, bundled in large bulky coats and woolen scarves wrapped snugly around their necks making their way along the sidewalks gave clear witness to the fact that it was cold, damp and dank.

On South Michigan Street sat a number of large homes, even a mansion or two. During the milder seasons, the homes sported lush grass and flowers of descriptions and colors that would boggle the mind. One ofthese houses was the temporary home of newly promoted Lt. General Emmett B. Hanson. On Christmas Eve just past, he received word that his Christmas vacation was approved and he had been promoted to Lt. General.

General Hanson didn’t need the money. He was a full partner in Hanson and Rush Shipyards, the chief builders of iron, actually steel, hulled vessels using the newest technology of screw type propellers. Although there was a of risk using the new propellers and the use of metal hulls all at once, Emmett Hanson and William Rush, both trained engineers, took up the challenge and made it work. There were problems at first and one by one they were conquered. As a result, Hanson and Rush Shipyard was enormously successful, bringing wealth to both Philadelphia and their families.

In 1863, Emmett was recalled to serve at the Department of War and at the rank of Colonel. Within months, he was promoted to Brigadier General. He was charged with ensuring that lines of logistics were created and maintained with all of the field commanders. From pencils to the 17,100 pound Siege Mortars, and everything in between, General Hanson worked out ways to move the supplies to the front lines or whatever supply depot needed the items. He became a master at the art and soon found himself solving supply chain problems for the Navy as well. His staff would simply stare in wonder as he would sort out the snarls and mistakes that made mischief with war plans.

Today, he would meet with the Secretary of War. Hanson was not told of the purpose of the meeting. He was informed that he would present himself at 10 o’clock with his Aide de Camp, Colonel Louis B. Hart.

Lieutenant Colonel Hart was a West Point graduate. He had finished sixth in his class, he chose the cavalry. He had proven himself early in his career along the Texas border with Mexico, chasing bandits.

During a patrol, tracks were discovered showing that a large number of recently stolen cattle had been driven along a dry creek bed. The patrol followed them for several miles before spotting the herd of about 100 head of cattle. The bandits fired a few shots. Having only single shot rifles and 5-shot pistols, he commanded his men to make every shot count. The cattle thieves rode away as fast as they could. At the same time, however, his patrol was attacked from the rear by some other bandits wanting the same herd of cattle. A gunfight erupted. Hart’s unit only suffered 2 men wounded, neither serious, and one horse killed. The second gang of bandits got away to Mexico but not before a few of them were killed or wounded.

After gathering the cattle and the other horses and all of the wounded, he returned to Fort Agua y Sal.(water and salt) Upon completing his report and those of his men, he was brevetted to Captain a week later. The Secretary of War, personally commended him, and when his tour in Texas was completed, he was reassigned to Washington.

**************************

Hanson had received the notice of the meeting on New Years Eve just as he was dressing for dinner and the accompanying festivities Annabelle had planned. She planned everything and wonderfully so.

Annabell Laura Ward was the daughter of a British Merchant Sea Captain. She had accompanied her father on a voyage to the Americas so that he could see the new vessels that a new shipbuilder named Hanson was developing. She was but just 18. The minute she laid eyes on Emmett Baker Hanson she was… well… smitten. He stood six feet tall and a trim build. He did not posses a beard or mustache, preferring a clean-shaven appearance. His dark wavy hair trimmed to his shirt collar, his bright blue eyes, a squared jaw, it all overwhelmed her senses. When her farther presented her by way of introduction, and he kissed her hand, Annabelle nearly fainted.

This beautiful young lady, broad shouldered and clearly strong. Her brown hair with just a hint of red, a fair complexion, deep rich brown eyes and a smile that could stop a gale force wind, struck Emmett Hanson as never before. He was 10 years her senior. Before he could ask her father if he could call upon her, she had advised her father that she wished to see him whenever he might call. Silas Ward knew well the strong will of his daughter and he approved of Hanson anyway. The visit to America became extended and at the 7th month, Captain Ward had acquired a son-in-law.

The honeymoon was brief, only 6 days. During their courtship, Emmett’s lifelong friend and fellow engineer, William Rush had proposed that they combine their efforts and create a shipbuilding yard. Each of the men had been supervising the building of ships for others. Now they would be in charge of and take the risks of being the designers, architects and builders of their own ships. It was a great risk, worth the investment, according to Homer Watson, President of the Pennsylvania Guaranty Trust Bank. The first 2 ships were built in less time than planned and required less funding than planned. The result was an extended profit and credit worthiness.

Emmett and Annabelle had to delay their honeymoon an additional day in order for him to sign the papers creating the partnership.

Annabelle’s mother had come over to help with the wedding and getting the young couple started. Cecilia Ward was so proud of her daughter she was about to give her an enormous dowry. Silas had to step in and remind her that it would have been all they had in the world and that a little something less would be in order.

Annabelle refused the money. Emmett is all I need to start a life of my own. It’s all yours.

Mother Ward argued to no avail and an agreement was reached, the sum of $300.00 was set down. Not at all the entire of the account, but compromise was the word of the day and Emmett was able to help.

**************************

At the house on Michigan Street, Time seemed to get away from everybody. There was Emmett to get out the door and Col. Hart was waiting. The children, young adults to be sure, Brandt, 17, Stephanie, 16 and the twins Marshall and Marie, 14, were dashing about the house trying to gather up all of the items they had brought from their home in Philadelphia. They had to be back in school in 2 days and needed one of those for traveling. Annabelle and Mason, the butler, would ride with them. Annabelle handled each and all of the problems with the same smooth manner she had always exercised.

Brandt, be a dear and help the twins bring their bags down to be loaded into the carriage. And Stephanie kiss Papa good bye. She simply sailed about the house herding children, servants and her husband on their way. Annabelle would return to DC in a couple of weeks after the children were settled into their schools.

General Hanson was finally ready at the door. As if by magic, Annabelle was there.

Have a safe trip, my love. He told her as he slipped his hands around her waist. You are as lovely as the day we met. He smiled, kissing her softly on her cheek.

You must promise to take care of yourself until I return. She cautioned. Emmett nodded concurrence

I’m not sure what this is all about, but I feel strangely ill-equipped. He confided.

Do I hear a word of doubt? She asked. He tried to look away. Emmett could always tell her anything at all and somehow Annabelle would ease whatever burden he was carrying.

Lest I remind you, who was third in his class at West Point, fought bravely in ’46 and was decorated. The same man that captured my heart, swept me away and together we brought 4 wonderful children into the world. The very same man that along with a friend and classmate began a most successful venture and has shared with all of us a sumptious lifestyle and is now a three star General of the Army of the United States of America… and he expresses a word of doubt? She told him, lovingly. I should hope not, and I pray not.

Well, if you put it like that, I would suppose not, as well.

Col. Hart was standing by the door, ready to leave, General, we have only forty minutes to get to the War Department.

Hanson nodded and the Col wished Mrs. Hanson good bye and a safe trip and left to get their horses.

You look so handsome with that added star. And if you don’t get out of here right now, I shall out flank your appointment, drag you to our bed chamber and you won’t get free until well after the lunch hour. It was a playful threat, although that had happen once before.

He kissed her again. The children came to him and said goodbye and he left. As he closed the door the rain and sleet had turned to snow. Not an omen, he thought.

CHAPTER 2

The thirty minute ride to the War Department was a bone chilling experience. The men arrived at the stables and the grooms took the horses into the heated barn. Both men shook off the snow from their capes.

On the second floor, the office already had a line of officers and civilians awaiting their time to speak with the Secretary.

Hanson approached the lieutenant at the desk and presented the telegram that had assured an appointment time.

The Secretary is waiting for you, Sir. Mr. Harding will see you in quite shortly. The young officer told the them.

The outer office was well appointed, considering that a war was being run from this office and the White House. The space was almost never absent of people. Janitors had trouble keeping the area clean as people would often spend the night prior to their appointment on the hard benches and chairs. Enterprising young boys both black and white would go out and get food and drink for the appointment holders and in the process earn themselves a handsome tip and some free food.

It took only a few minutes when a tall chunky man of about 20 years came out and greeted the General. He quickly showed them through a private door and into the Secretary’s office.

Mr. Secretary, General Hanson and his aide, Colonel Hart.

Thank you, Harding. Good Morning General..Colonel. The Secretary said, looking up from an interminable pile of papers.

Good morning, Sir. To what do we have the honor this cold and frigid day.

Have a seat, gentlemen. Take off your coats, this is going to take some time. Simpson rang a bell on his desk and almost instantly Harding reappeared. He had a large bundle of maps and papers under his arm. Warren Harding stepped to a side table and began to spread out the documents and maps. Organizing the paperwork as he went, he soon finished, made a cursory examination of the display and nodded to Simpson that he had finished.

While Harding worked on his layout, the men exchanges pleasantries and inquiries of each others families. The most important being that Colonel Hart had just become a father again at the prime age of forty. A wonderful little boy in good health and number nine so far.

That’s your reward for being such a good Catholic! The Secretary chided.

I am as well. Hanson added.

You produce them two at a time, as I recall. It wouldn’t take you long to catch up. The men shared a good laugh. The Secretary stood up and walked to the table Harding had prepared. He motioned for the men to come over and look with him. Harding, would you bring us all some coffee? And I want you to stay for the meeting. Harding left the room.

What you see before you, gentlemen, are some maps and reports from several of our spies in and around the Richmond area. The maps show about where Lee is planning to make a stand and about how he will do so. He has carefully positioned some supplies and cannon in places where they will be useful to him in the defense of Richmond. What we have come to know over the past several months is that he has cleverly set up a supply and troop replacement area right about here… He said pointing to the small town of Thomasburg, . . . and we think he is building up a force to catch General Grant cold with a flank attack or a reinforcement of Richmond.

Hanson studied the map for a moment. He rested a finger on the town of Thomasburg. There he noted that there was a railroad and a surface road nearly paralleling the rails. Separate bridges for the rails and the road crossing the Wassahachee River just to the north of the town. There were also some rough sketches drawn depicting a deep swamp on the East side and covering an area, he judged to be, 700 feet to the West and ending against steep, heavily wooded slope leading downward on the other side to the river as it turned Northward. A defensive wall was what came to his mind. There was, give or take 50 feet, of soft sand beach along the South side of the river edge. At a mid point along the beachfront was a dock and the word Liberty. A short distance further to the West, an X on the map and the word Crystal.

What do the X’s mean, Mr. Secretary. Hanson asked.

I am coming to that in a bit, however allow me to continue, if you please. Simpson replied.

When we first found out about this, we sent a force of about six thousand men and about fifty pieces of artillery to capture everything in sight. Not only were they defeated and beaten back, but they suffered heavy casualties and over a thousand men taken prisoner. We sent another seven thousand men and over a hundred pieces of artillery again in November. General Harlan Norris did his best in trying to take the town. He attacked three different times, and on the last attack was beaten back so severely that a large number of his troops simply broke ranks and ran. Can’t blame them much, they were facing captured Gatling guns we had sent up river on those two steam packet boats. The Rebs grabbed them and all of the supplies. Norris didn’t have a chance. Those supplies were for Norris and his men to use for the campaign.

Hanson stood silent. He recalled that he had authorized the use of the 2 boats to position the supplies for General Norris.

Sir, I sent those boats up that river. But I never knew anything about a Confederate force of any size being in Thomasburg.

Don’t worry, we didn’t know the size of the force either. Since then, our informants have told us that the Confederate force has grown. The Secretary walked to the front of his desk and leaned on it. The room was silent with just the sound of Harding entering with the coffee was heard.

Finally he said, General, you are here to help me prevent that center of supply from becoming effective. The Confederates are holding on to that town as part of a plan they have conjured up to stymie Grant. If they do that, then this war will go on for another two, three, five or more years. That just can’t be allowed to happen. Simpson let the statement fall on the 2 officers. Nobody in the office heard the door open or close and thereby didn’t see who entered. Simpson immediately recognized President Lincoln.

His tall, almost too thin, frame allowed for his coat to hang about him loosely. His face was drawn and there was pale color to the skin. The President mustered a small and brief smile and he stepped to the two officers. He put out his hand, shaking theirs. Good to see you, Gentlemen. Thank you for coming today. As Secretary Simpson so eloquently stated, this war must come to an end. The people are tired, the troops are tired, the nation as a whole has had enough bloodshed. Grant is the man to force Lee to terms in Richmond and will need your help ensuring nothing interferes with that. The President concluded. Everyone in the room understood what that meant.

I am at your service, Mr. President. Hanson stated. Colonel Hart nodded, he too was ready to serve.

Well, men, the secretary has all of the particulars and will want to discuss them with you. I just came by to let you know just how important a mission this is. Lincoln looked over at the coffee. Mind if I try some of that, got kind of a chill.

The President poured himself a cup of coffee and watched as the men went back to the table and began to go over the notes, documents and maps. After half an hour, Lincoln left, bidding all his very best.

After the President had left, Hanson walked back to the table again and looked at the maps. Carefully he studied each mark and then called Hart over. Hanson would point to one position and then another and try to estimate the distance. He took up several of the reports that spoke of the wall and its dimensions. Each time he would direct Hart to make notes. From time to time, Hanson asked the Secretary questions about the fortress or the manpower.

"We don’t know for sure just how many men are there.