William Newman's Adventures

By Julie Cabitto

Spy, horse whisperer, father of fourteen

William Newman 1744-1843

What would you ask someone who lived through three wars and watched the fragile dawning of a new country? William Newman's granddaughters fear his stories will die with him. Behind all the gray hair and wrinkl

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Cabitto
• Release date: Jan 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218083632

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William Newman’s Adventures

Copyright © 2022 by Julie Cabitto. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be stored or reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews without written permission from the publisher or author.

Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

JulieCabitto.com

Published in the United States by Newman-Gray Publishing

ISBN: 979-8-218-08364-9 (Paperback)

979-8-218-10423-8 (Hardcover)

979-8-218-08363-2 (eBook)

Cover designed by MiblArt.com

Dedication

This book is for my grandfather,

who asked me to write down the stories in my head, then told me he liked my fiction better

than my nonfiction.

And for my grandmother,

who took me to the National Archives

when I was ten years old

and showed me there were

real life mysteries in family history.

And for my mother,

who is strong and inspiring like the women

in this story. She is my cherished friend.

I love her fiercely.

Contents

Dedication

Family Tree

Prologue

Act I: MY CHILDHOOD 1744–1770

Chapter 1: Uncle Henry

Chapter 2: The Great Flood

Scene 1: A Raging River

Scene 2: Mother’s Surprise

Chapter 3: Court & Restitution

Scene 1: Uncle Henry’s Fears

Scene 2: Misunderstood

Scene 3: Restoring Honor

Scene 4: Alexander’s Plan

Scene 5: A Fearsome Judge

Chapter 4: Pray, Remember Me

Scene 1: Final Words

Scene 2: Despair

Scene 3: Mother’s Love

Scene 4: Meeting Jenny Dismal

Scene 5: Pondering

Chapter 5: Remember Reuben

Chapter 6: Fearnought

Interlude

Act II: MY LIFE WITH ANN 1770–1843

Chapter 7: True Love

Scene 1: Ann Challenges Me

Scene 2: Mother’s Reaction

Scene 3: The Baylors’ Surprise

Scene 4: Formal Attire

Scene 5: An Unforgettable Evening

Scene 6: My Firstborn

Chapter 8: An Invitation from Light-Horse Lee

Scene 1: Weedon’s Tavern Gathering

Scene 2: Quartering Redcoats

Scene 3: Operation Maude

Chapter 9: Annoying the Redcoats

Scene 1: Surrounded

Scene 2: Outmaneuvered

Scene 3: Chamber Pots

Scene 4: Gathering Intelligence

Scene 5: Prisoner of War Rescue

Chapter 10: The Counterfeit Ring

Scene 1: Facing Ruination

Scene 2: Sleight of Hand

Scene 3: Propaganda Money

Scene 4: The Exchange

Scene 5: Talking in Code

Chapter 11: Colonel George Baylor

Scene 1: Dr. Griffin’s Letter

Scene 2: Pursuing Missing Dragoons

Scene 3: The Blacksmith’s Assistance

Scene 4: Watching the Tavern

Scene 5: The Lenape’s Diversion

Chapter 12: Farewells & Houses

Scene 1: Mr. Garnett’s Summons

Scene 2: A Wounded Soul

Scene 3: Overwhelmed

Scene 4: Our Good Neighbor

Scene 5: Farewell Essex

Scene 6: Increasing Household

Chapter 13: My Soulmate’s Wish

Scene 1: A New Schoolhouse

Scene 2: A Worthy Battle of Wits

Scene 3: Formulating a Plan

Scene 4: Hardin Burnley Visits

Scene 5: Irresistible Ann

Chapter 14: New Frontiers

Scene 1: Ball Preparations

Scene 2: Surprising Our Ladies

Scene 3: Feast of Thanksgiving

Scene 4: Lively Fun

Chapter 15: The British Are Coming. Again

Scene 1: Fires too Close to Home

Scene 2: Christmas, a Time of Hope

Scene 3: Martha’s Friend

Epilogue

A Fulfilling Life

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Family Tree Chart

Family Tree

Prologue

January 1843

William’s home in Orange County, Virginia

My muscles ached and all my joints hurt. I tried to get comfortable in my favorite chair by the fire, but to no avail. I normally enjoyed reading, but I couldn’t focus today. I reached for a different book from the stack on the corner of my desk and managed to knock my spectacles onto the floor.

Ugh, annoying clumsy fingers.

I reached instead for the newspaper to look at big headlines. Carriage robbery on the way to Orange. Horrible subject to read when waiting for loved ones to arrive.

I gazed out my window and looked above the stables. My view of the Blue Ridge mountains always inspired me, even after eighty years of living here. I looked out across the boxwood and holly. Squirrels played while two cardinals swooped and chased each other. My heart still ached at times like this because I cannot share this with Ann anymore.

Reuben galloped up the lane on Silvertail and headed toward the stables. My son dismounted jauntily and ran around with a spring in his step. Silvertail’s ears twitched. My hearing was not as keen as in my younger years, but Reuben’s arrival probably meant the carriage was within sight. Reuben turned towards the turnpike with a radiant smile.

I struggled, trying to put on my riding jacket and tighten up my cravat. I heard footsteps so I reached for my walking stick.

Knock, knock.

Come in, come in, I called out.

The door burst open. Grandfather, I’m so happy to see you. Please don’t try to stand up. I fear you will fall again, so soon after your illness. No need to stand for us Grandfather, and yes we will still consider you a gentleman.

Varinda, so wonderful to see you. It’s been too long.

Varinda leaned forward to kiss my cheek. I love you and have missed you tremendously.

Skirts swished and Martha said, Grandfather!

Martha kissed my other cheek then looked at me tenderly. Grandfather, let’s get you comfortable. May we help you remove your jacket and cravat? We can cover you with a quilt instead.

I sighed. That would be very nice, thank you. I am so delighted to see you both. How was your journey? Varinda and Martha helped me sit forward to lift my arms, tugging at my sleeves, then Varinda left the room.

The roads have much improved. It was a pleasant journey for us, thank you. I only got carriage sickness once. We stopped to eat, and I bought a bag of peppermints to help the rest of the way. Martha held out some letters. These are from your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Would you like your spectacles for reading, or would you like me to read them to you?

I would like my spectacles because I want to see how their handwriting is progressing. They fell on the floor somewhere.

Varinda entered the room with two quilts, setting them on my desk. She picked up my inkwell. I don’t remember seeing this before, WH.

I smiled. My steadfast friend, Will Halbert’s inkwell. His family gave it to me after he died.

Martha draped a quilt around me. Did Grandmother make this quilt?

"No, your great-grandmother made this one. My mother and her friends began this quilt as soon as I announced my engagement.

I had Cook prepare some of your favorite treats and arrange this side table for our visit. Help yourself to a drink and some refreshments.

Varinda admired her cup. Oooh, your China tea set from Williamsburg. Martha, I’ll pour. Mmm, hot cocoa and gingersnaps. Heavenly. You remembered my favorite treats.

Do you mind putting these letters on my desk? I asked Martha. I’d like to savor them more after we visit awhile.

Martha moved the letters then set a tray on my lap. Cocoa and gingersnaps for you. Oh, I hear someone. Let me get the door.

She moved to open the door. Uncle Reuben!

He pulled her into a crushing hug and kissed the top of her head. My little friend, how I’ve missed you.

She pulled back to look at him and squeezed his hands. How is Nancy?

I think there is still hope for me yet. She just told me she is considering selling her house. I think I am ready to declare my love for her.

"I already know you love her. But I think she needs to hear those words, as often as possible."

Reuben came further in the room to hug Varinda.

I winked at Reuben. I suppose this explains your buoyant riding.

He chuckled. Yes it does, Father. Let me add some logs to the fire. Looks like I need to get more wood and another chair.

Martha placed the second quilt on my footrest, then sat at my large oak desk. She pulled some paper out of the top drawer and looked around the room smiling. I’ve always loved your green toile wallpaper with horses, so perfect for this house. She looked at me with concern. How are you faring, Grandfather?

Staying in bed has been so tediously boring. Dreaming about being young again, daredevil racing my horse through the woods and fields with Ann . . . then waking up to a creaky, old, achy body that refuses to do what I want it to. Depressing. What news do you bring from home?

Martha gave me a sympathetic look then she grinned. We have new neighbors who are Irishmen. They all hail from County Armagh. John Gray bought the farm adjoining mine. He has very piercing blue eyes and a beautiful accent. I think my children are a bit in awe of him.

Reuben returned with a chair, placed it by the fire, and nodded at Varinda. I’ll return with firewood.

Varinda sat in that chair. Grandfather, as we mentioned in our letter, we want to spend a month with you listening to your memories. We realized no one has written down your history before. You are beginning your ninety-ninth year, so I imagine you can tell us all sorts of interesting things we haven’t heard before. We pray you will be in good health long enough for us to write down as many stories as you can remember. We want to hear all about your adventurous days in Essex and Orange. We hope you will tell us about being a dragoon and about you and Grandmother.

Would you like to begin now? I am ready.

Varinda tapped her finger on her cheek. I want to know, what was it like working with racehorses and for Mr. Baylor?

As a young child I was extremely timid. I found it much easier to speak to animals than people. My family and Mr. Baylor helped me gain confidence. At one time or another I have visited with many officers in the Revolution, signers of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. They visited both here and at Newmarket whenever they were wanting a new horse. I had the best job in the world when James and I worked with fifty of this country’s best stud horses.

Martha dipped a quill in the inkwell, then looked at me. Let us begin with stories of your younger days in Essex.

Hmm. Stories to share with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren . . ..

Act I

My Childhood

1744–1770

Chapter 1

Uncle Henry

October 19th, 1750

Near the Rappahannock River and William’s home,

Essex County, Virginia

A walk along the river after I completed my chores was just what I needed on this day that I could not stop feeling sad. Watching the birds fly around the Rappahannock River helped me feel better. I wished for my father every day, but knew I could not see him anymore. Mother married a nice man whom I had known all my life. I did not want to call him Father. If I said or thought that word, I cried. I did not really know what to say or do most of the time. I worried about being sent to school in England. Latin classes in Fredericksburg held no interest for me. I felt like I was lost in a scary forest, with thick fog everywhere.

I saw a pretty shell sparkling in the sun. I reached over to pick it up but lost my balance and fell forward into the river, which was extra high from recent storms. The water pulled on me. I felt a rush of fear because the riptides of the Rappahannock were very strong. I remembered a little too late that people drown in this river every year, which is why I promised my mother I wouldn’t go into the river. I fought the current but seemed to be going further away from the shore. I could swim, but the current was too difficult to fight that day. Just as my head started to go under, a strong hand grabbed my shirt. A strong arm wrapped around me and pulled my head above the water.

I’ve got ahold of you William. Stay on your back and face the sun, Mr. Motley said. Even as terrified as I was, I couldn’t think of him as Father.

I was dragged through the river a bit, then I felt myself lifted up out of the water and thrown over my rescuer’s shoulder. The water was waist deep for Mr. Motley. Sticks and loose pebbles hit our legs. Mr Motley pounded my back with his strong hands. I coughed out the water I had swallowed. He gently set me down on a fallen tree log.

He grasped both my shoulders with concern. William, can you breathe well enough now?

I took in a deep breath and silently nodded.

May I look at your feet to see if you have any injuries? You were smashed into a big log.

I pushed my feet forward without speaking.

He gingerly removed my boots and carefully rolled my stockings down to remove them. Then he looked me over for injuries. He pointed, This ankle looks painful with bruising and swelling. Try to wiggle your foot about. Very good. Did that hurt at all?

I nodded my head, trying to tell him the pain was not unbearable.

William, I was actually looking for you to see if you would go on a picnic with me. I know just the place. I wanted to spend some time with you and celebrate that yesterday you began your sixth year. Are you willing?

I smiled and nodded my head again.

He looked at his horse. Since it is so soon after your tangle with the river, I will help toss you up onto Grasshopper. He swung me up in one swift movement. It is probably better to keep your boots off that ankle for the rest of the day. He took a blanket out of his saddlebag, draped it around me like a cape, and tied the corners under my chin. Then he handed me the reins.

When he turned his back to put his stockings and boots back on, I leaned forward and whispered, Greetings Grasshopper. I stroked his mane affectionately. The horse turned his head, and his ears twitched back a friendly greeting.

Mr. Motley had seen me after all. He looked gladdened that the horse and I had greeted each other. After lifting a heavy looking food basket, he picked up the jacket he had thrown aside to jump in after me. Mr. Motley draped his jacket over the large picnic basket. As we traveled along a trail that ran alongside the river, water dripped off Mr. Motley’s hair. His wet shirt looked plastered to his skin. He walked beside me while I rode in silence for a half mile. We entered a clearing in the trees with three large flat rocks that looked like a stone table and two benches. He set the heavy basket on the center rock that we used as a table. With his hands, he brushed off the piles of recently fallen red, yellow, and orange leaves. He returned to take me off the horse and set me on one of the rocks that we used as a bench. He motioned for me to prop my feet up.

Thankfully it is a warm day, but let me get a fire going to help us dry off. He gathered some dry wood, piling it close to me, then he started a nice cozy fire. He reached for the blanket around me and spread it out on a large rock to dry in the sun. William, we should remove your jacket to help you dry off better.

I wriggled out of my jacket and handed it up to him. He found two large sticks and stabbed them into the sandy ground then hung the shoulders of my jacket on the tops of each stick.

Mr. Motley looked unsure about what to do next. His hand ruffled through his dark wet hair. I had heard Mother tell her friends she loved it when he messed up his hair a bit. She also told them that his cleft chin made him look extra dashing. I watched him carefully, waiting to see what he would do. He paced back and forth then stopped to look at me. I shyly patted the rock beside me. He noticed I was watching the river, so he sat beside me and looked at the river too. The newly built fire warmed and dried our backs. Our wool pants and billowy linen shirts slowly dried. As we sat, a red hawk swooped down as fast as lightning to grab something at the water’s edge. I could feel the power of the hawk’s hunt. I smiled up at Mr. Motley then looked back to the sky until the hawk disappeared.

William, you have not spoken to me or your mother for two months now. You are a good worker, but we can see you are burdened with great sadness and worries. I have been pondering what I can do to help you.

I looked away.

I was very sad when my parents died. I only had one brother, but he died a few years ago. He was named William, like you. I was very sad when your father died. He had my full attention with that. He continued, "I am still sad and miss him very much. We were friends our entire lives. I loved and needed the visits from you and your father, at my family farm. Your family’s friendship helped me through all of my difficult times. I wanted to tell you that it is normal to be sad or confused, hurt or angry, all at the same time."

Your mother wants you to call me ‘father’ like George does. But I can see the word ‘father’ makes you sad. I would be honored if you would call me Uncle Henry like you did before I married your mother. Does that sound a little better?

I thought for a moment, smiled shyly, and nodded my head in agreement.

I have one other thing to tell you before I pull out the food. I want you to know that I love you and will try to be the best uncle and father that I know how to be. I was lonely until I married your mother and came to live with you. I have not been a father before, and I don’t know what to say most of the time. So I was hoping since we both miss your father, maybe we could help each other?

I looked up at him curiously and nodded my head.

Mr. Motley seemed content with that. He stood and rummaged through the basket then pulled out two of our etched pewter plates, two forks, and two linen napkins. Cook packed us lots of delicious food. Roasted pheasant, baked beans and dried apples, and a jug of spring water. But first--he leaned towards me mischievously– I am feeling the need for a molasses cookie. Let us eat our cookies before the meal. What do you say?

I nodded my head vigorously.

He chuckled and handed me two cookies. We turned to face the fire, savoring our treats. Smells and tastes heavenly. He sighed with content. My favorite. I heard they were your favorite, too, so I asked for them special.

Mr. Motley prepared servings of food on our plates while he explained things to me. Did you know I am your legal guardian now? No? Well, I am the guardian for you, Mary Ann, and George. Your oldest brother Thomas is the guardian for James and Alexander until they reach their majority of twenty-one. A guardian is supposed to provide a good education. Your mother and I don’t want to send you to England. Instead, we want to have a tutor come live with us. You do not need to be concerned with going away to school next year. We are going to stay together.

My shoulders relaxed. I had been so afraid that I would be sent far away to England.

I felt a horse nudge me. Uncle Henry looked up, Oh, Grasshopper broke free. I will . . .. He stopped and watched me in amazement.

I giggled because Grasshopper tickled me by sniffing my ears and face. I stood up carefully, wincing a bit then balanced on my other foot. Grasshopper took a step forward and rested his nose on my shoulder. I threw my arms around his neck and cried into his hair while he nuzzled me. I stepped back to kiss his nose and whispered, Thank you for my hug Grasshopper. I know that he told me, You are welcome, before he went off to eat some grass.

Uncle Henry seemed as if he had been holding his breath, not daring to move. While I sat back down he looked at me thoughtfully. William, I think I understand something important now. You need animals. You can speak to them without even needing words. You have an amazing gift. I have an idea. Come with me. Let us visit my stables.

Uncle Henry quickly packed up the picnic. He put the fire out then took a small hand trowel out of his saddlebag. He shoveled nearby sand onto the hot cinders then checked to make sure everything was safe and cleaned up before we left.

Up you go again. Grasshopper looked back at me as if to reassure me he thought this was a good plan. We walked through the Motley farm toward his barn. Uncle Henry shouted, Finn!

A young man ran out of the barn. Uncle Henry met him at the door and gave his instructions quietly.

The man called Finn brought a wagon towards me. Uncle Henry reached up for me. Let us get you into this wagon William. Here is a blanket to sit on. Cover your ears. He whistled ear-piercingly loud. A red and brown colored hound dog came running from the fields with puppies following close behind her.

William, meet Lady Charlotte, my revered hunting dog. She has grown up on this farm. But I am going to see if I can get her to come live with us. What do you think? I see you like that idea. His hand smacked the back of the wagon while he commanded, Lady Charlotte up. Go sit by William. And now William, meet her four pups. I have not named them yet because I had planned to sell them. But I have changed my mind. I will keep them and you can help me train them at your place. On the way home, think about which one you want to have as your own dog. He reached down to scoop up one puppy at a time. Uncle Henry climbed in the back with me and helped settle the dogs a bit. Finn climbed into the driver’s seat and led us towards home.

I tugged on Uncle Henry’s wrinkled sleeve. He stopped to look at me. I gulped nervously and took a deep breath. Thank you, Uncle Henry. For rescuing me. And the animals.

He grabbed me around the waist, swooping me up into a crushing hug. Thank you, William, he whispered into my hair. Thank you for calling me Uncle Henry. He sat me back down. He had tears in his eyes when he looked up to the sky and whispered, Thank you.

One of the puppies’ cold noses kept tickling my foot while another puppy licked my hands.

Uncle Henry told me, I have a cousin named Bernard. His wife recently died, and then most of his friends in the village died from a cholera epidemic. He was the village school teacher in England, and he needs a new start too. Maybe the three of us who are grieving for our family could all help each other with a new start. Would you help me welcome my cousin? I think you will find him a most fascinating teacher.

Yes, Uncle Henry, I would like to help you. I will be a good student for him.

I will send Bernard a letter and payment for his ship passage. I would like for you and George to tell me some things that interest you. I will inform Bernard of them in the letter and ask him to purchase some things in London for the school room.

Uncle Henry? He smiled so content that I hesitated. If your cousin is needing family, would it help if . . ..

Yes, William?

If I called him my uncle as well?

His face showed surprise and wonderment. He reached out to squeeze my hand. Oh, William. This pleases me so much. I thank you for being so thoughtful. That will be just the thing to help Bernard feel a part of this family. Every time I hear either ‘Uncle Henry’ or ‘Uncle Bernard’ I will feel so proud and joyful.

We approached the stables. My mother knelt by her garden, looking towards us. She anxiously alternated between twisting her handkerchief into knots and snipping herbs and flowers. She readjusted her white mob cap a few times. She placed her cuttings in her basket then retucked her hair into her cap. Her hair was so fair, it almost matched the color of her cap. I felt guilty and looked up to Uncle Henry.

He whispered, Don’t worry. She will be glad when she knows we’ve had an adventure together.

I nodded but was not convinced.

Uncle Henry helped me down and handed me my boots. Then he held a finger to his lips. He pointed to my mother then gave me a conspiratorial look. My brother Alexander exited the barn and reached for the reins. Henry snuck up behind mother and quietly tapped her on her shoulder.

She jumped. Garden shears and flowers flew in every direction. Oh, Henry! She looked up at him wistfully then frowned, noticing my wet boots. She gave him an inquiring look.

He began to return the strewn flowers and herbs to their basket while he told her, William and I had an enjoyable picnic. All is well now.

Mother unexpectedly lifted her long green apron to her eyes and burst into tears. Uncle Henry ignored the basket. He rose quickly and wrapped his arms tightly around my mother while he rubbed his hands over her back soothingly.

I glanced at Alexander in alarm.

My brother tried to reassure me with, I think those are tears of relief. Don’t worry. Women can be confusing like that, but I believe that means she is happy. A gust of wind blew Alexander’s hair out of his hair tie. He tucked his dark brown hair back behind his ear. George had golden hair and blue eyes like Mother. The rest of us looked just like our father with very dark brown hair and dark brown eyes.

Another breeze blew, so Alexander brushed the brown wisps of hair back off his face and plucked a red leaf out of his hair. He leaned over to quietly ask me, What do you think of him, William? We watched while Henry pulled Mother to the garden bench and talked quietly to her as if to reassure her.

I had an accident and fell in the river. He rescued me and took me out for a picnic. He told me he misses father too. Did you know that?

Alexander said, I did not, but it makes sense being neighbors and good friends for so long.

"He asked if I would call him Uncle Henry. I was afraid he