The Long March Home

By Hannah N. Foust

Born in the hills of South Carolina, Ben Jameson, an illiterate young man of eighteen, finds himself volunteering in the burgeoning Confederate army with the nation on the verge of a civil war, after a horrible tragedy leaves him and his siblings orphaned.

Although he makes lasting friendships along the way, he struggles with his beliefs, trusting God, and the ways of war.

During one of the bloodiest battles, the Battle of Shiloh, Ben is fatally wounded and left for dead, lost, paralyzed, and with no memory. Can an unlikely stranger from his past bring him healing, renew his faith in God, and get him back home whole again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098079024

Book preview

Chapter 1

A New Beginning

December 1, 1860, Ben Jameson woke with the sunrise to a light dusting of snow. Even on the cold hard ground, he felt nothing could dampen his mood. Today he was heading home. After two long weeks of trapping, he was ready. He thought of his mother, Elisabeth Jameson, who by now might have had the baby. He thought of his two sisters, Lily Bell and Ida Rose, how good Lily could cook the game he was bringing home and how smart little Ida was with her reading and beautiful drawings, and of his father, a wise, strong man who taught him everything he knew about the forest.

Hurriedly he woke his two companions, Daniel Gower and a young Irish boy, Jack McClintock, Dan’s adopted brother, who tagged along to learn about hunting and trapping.

Wake up, you two lazybones! Dan, if you don’t wanna to miss LillaBell’s cookin’ and companionship, you best get movin’. She don’t take to tardiness! If you’re goin’ to marry her, you better learn that quick! Now let’s go!

Dan and Jack slowly rose and began to clean up camp, while Ben prepared the morning meal, humming a hymn he heard his mother sing often as she worked. Dan instructed Jack, or rather reprimanded him, on walking silently so as not to scare the game while packing.

You did pretty fair, Jack, but you still have a lot to learn about hunting and trapping. For you it seems you need to work on your skills of silence the most. I grant you, you are a crack shot, but that ain’t worth much if’n you scare the game away.

Jack looked down, ashamed, but tried to make it look like he was just busy counting how many pelts they would sell in town. I’m real sorry, guys, I’ll try harder to be more quiet, but it’s not easy when there is so many leaves and twigs on the ground.

Ben laughed. Don’t worry Jack, you’ll learn, and Dan’s not mad. Are you Danny boy? Winking at Jack, he added, He’s just practicin’ how to give his own boy a lesson. Jack looked up, smiling, and took the plate Ben offered him. Dan pretended offense and, after receiving his own plate, gave Ben a shove that sent him backward off the log he was using as a seat.

Together they cleaned up breakfast and headed for home, continuing their friendly banter, which made Jack wonder why any young man would rather be at school when he could have a better time with friends learning how to provide for a family.

Ben seemed to move with a speed even he wasn’t accustomed to and looked behind him to see Daniel was lagging again. This cold weather was hard on him, especially with that limp Dan would have for the rest of his days. He did not complain about it much, but it was easy to see that it troubled him more often than he cared to admit. When asked if he was all right, he would laugh it off and joke about the childhood accident that caused it and add that Lily had to marry him to make up for the pain she caused him and nurse him back to health. Although truth be told, Lily wasn’t really to blame. She was merely an unknowing pawn in the incident. Dan was more at fault for leaning too far on the tree branch to hear her play at the piano and losing his hold, which caused him to fall and break his leg, which, unfortunately, never did set right.

Don’t worry about me, Ben, he would say. You go on ahead. I know you want to get home and see if you have a new baby brother or sister. Jack will keep me company if I don’t catch up. So Ben continued on his way, barely containing his excitement and happy to yet again have plenty of food to feed his family.

What Ben called home was a quaint little cabin that his father built in the woods high in the hills of Cooper Valley, named for the river that ran down it, and farther from the town below of Newberry in the state of South Carolina. It had a total of three rooms, with a loft, which was where he slept. His sisters shared a room, while his parents had the other. The third room was the main room, where Ma did the cooking and served the meals.

They were not rich by any means, and the townspeople generally treated them as part of the community, though some of the richer folk considered them ignorant and distasteful.

Pa, Henry Jameson, was what they called a gandy dancer, working sometimes for months on end on the ever-growing railroad. He was also secretly a part of the Underground Railroad organization, helping runaway slaves of both Irish and African descents escape to freedom.

Each step Ben and his friends took, they got closer and closer, till they were sure they could smell Lily’s stew and could see smoke from the chimney just over the rise. Just then, eight-year-old Ida came running toward them, chattering excitedly, Benji! I’m so, so, so glad you’re home! Mama is worried Pa and Lily aren’t back yet, and I made dinner, and Mamma needs Mrs. Gower to come quick. She says the baby might be coming right now! She took a deep breath as she finally reached them and jumped into Ben’s arms to give him a bear hug, which he returned, and he threw her up on his shoulder.

Whoa, slow down, Rosey Gal. I didn’t catch all that. You were talkin’ way too fast. This time, Ida took a breath and began to explain more plainly as they approached the front door, but before she could finish, their mother opened the door.

I’m so glad you are home! She reached as far as her protruding stomach would allow to welcome Ben with a hug and peck on his cheek. I’m worried about your pa and Lily. They went to Winnsboro three days ago and should have been back this afternoon… Am I just being overly emotional? I nearly sent Ida to fetch Tammy Gower to help me with this baby, but it was just a false alarm… Daniel, Jack, come in out of the cold and have some supper before you go home, Ida made it herself!

Ida hurried around the small room, setting plates at their table, excited for everyone to try her stew. She had worked so hard to make it perfect and follow Lily’s example, while the boys cleaned up and took their places at the table, hungry as bears. Ma thanked God for their meal and prayed for the protection of Lily and Pa and for their return. She had hardly said, Amen, before Ida jumped up to serve the food. Taking the ladle, she generously loaded each plate and looked expectantly for them to each try a bite and tell her if she was a good cook or not. Ben took the first bite without the least bit of worry. It smelled good enough to eat but was still surprised it tasted just as if Lily made it. It’s bully!

Dan smiled as he also took a bite and exclaimed, Well, Ida, Ben won’t have to worry about missing Lily’s meals, with you around to take care of him.

Everyone looked at Jack expectantly, waiting to see what he thought about the stew. He looked first at his plate, then at Ida, skeptical of an eight-year-old’s skill at making a decent meal. Finally, he took a nibble, and everyone laughed as his eyes grew wider. Then he began to shovel in several mouthfuls. It’s mighty good, Ida. Thanks.

While they ate and conversed, Ma mentioned again her worry over her husband and Lily. Benjamin, I think we need to go looking for them and make sure everything is all right. It’s getting dark now. The wagon might have gotten stuck, and it’s too cold for either of them to sleep in the woods tonight. I’ll pack you some food and extra… Elisabeth grabbed both sides of the table and bent over, gasping in pain. Ooh! Dan, please fetch your mother. It’s time… Ida, pack your brother what’s necessary to… go find Pa and Lily. There was a lot of commotion and rushing about, as they helped Elisabeth to her room. Dan left immediately to fetch his mother and bring back horses for himself and Ben to search for Lily and Mr. Jameson, while Ida, Jack, and Ben took care of Mrs. Jameson and packed for the journey. When Dan returned with his mother, Mrs. Gower went straight in to her friend and shooed them all out of the room, and Dan and Ben mounted the horses to begin their search.

For two hours, they had been searching to no avail, and now it was too dark to see without a light. They each lit a lantern and continued, calling out every few minutes, then stopping to listen for a reply, but they met nothing but dead silence.

As they neared the riverbank, Dan called out and thought he heard a moan. He silenced Ben and listened for it again. This time they both heard it. Hoping they were moving closer to the sound, both dismounted and walked toward it, holding the lanterns out in front of them. Ben spotted her first and went running toward her, dropping down to his knees beside her. Dan following behind.

Lily lay there on the ground, soaking wet and shaking, barely conscious as they sat her up and wrapped her in the blankets they brought. Ben had so many questions to ask her, but they would have to wait until she came to all the way. Dan quickly built a small fire for them and mounted his horse to continue looking for Mr. Jameson, praying Lily would be okay, as well as her father, hoping he wasn’t far off.

Meanwhile, Ben carried his sister over by the fire and rubbed her face and hair dry, trying to rouse her from unconsciousness and keeping her from drifting off again. As she began to warm up, she opened her eyes. For a moment he saw her fear as she shied away from him and tried to move, and she then recognized him. Tears filled her eyes as she hid her face on his shoulder and wound her arms tightly around him.

Gently he rocked her and held on as she cried, trying to comfort her. When it seemed she could cry no more, he tried to get her to explain what happened.

LillaBell, I need ya to look at me, and try your best to explain everything. Where is Pa? Are you hurt?

Lily pulled away from his grasp and replied shakily, No, I’m not hurt much… Pa… We… We were ambushed… soldiers… They shot Pa… I escaped… by jumping in… the river… I tried to swim… but it… was too… cold. When I… reached shore, I… guess I couldn’t move and… lost… Lily started coughing and crying and couldn’t finish, so Ben just held her hand as she calmed down again and drifted back to sleep, waiting and hoping that Dan would return with his father and that the shot was only a wound in need of tending; but in his heart, he knew his father didn’t make it and was angry he could do nothing about it.

About one hour later, Dan returned tired and empty-handed. He was unable to locate Mr. Jameson, and Lily needed to get home and out of the cold. Ben lifted Lily up to Dan and explained what she had told him, as he put out the fire and mounted his own horse. The trio set off for home, weary and downhearted over not being able to locate their pa. Dan couldn’t think of anything to say or do to be of comfort, and neither Lily nor Ben seemed in the mood for conversation, so they rode in silence. When they reached home, Ben dismounted and began to tie the horses, and then he heard the baby cry. He had already forgotten, and instead of being happy to have a new sibling, he found himself angry, angry that the baby might never know his father, and angry with God for allowing this to happen.

Mrs. Gower smiled as she greeted them at the door with Ben’s new brother, which didn’t even dissuade his feelings.

Life could and never would be the same for the Jameson Family. Everything changed in just a matter of hours. That day that started out so wonderfully he never imagined could end in the worst possible way. He wasn’t gullible enough to believe they would never suffer hardships, but for the moment, he didn’t think he could endure any more. Tomorrow would be a new beginning, full of joys and sorrows, ease and hardships; and it was now his job as man of the house to take it in stride and put on a mask of cheerfulness, for his family to trust and lean on, should his pa not return with him.

Chapter 2

Orphans

First light peeked through the window, arousing Ben from his perch in the chair beside Lily’s bed. Quietly he rose so as not to wake her. She seemed to be resting peacefully, though she still felt feverish. He hoped she would continue to sleep so Ma didn’t have to care for her and the baby while he was away. The smell of breakfast greeted him as he stood, and one look to the bed in the corner told him who was fixing it. Good mornin’, my little autumn rose! This was his nickname for Ida. Food smells great. Could you pack me a bite to take on my trip?

Where are you going? she asked.

Shhh, I have to find Pa now and bring him home. He reached for the rifle over the mantle and quietly checked it over, as Ida packed him a bite to eat.

Before he could reach the door, his mother walked out with Isaac in her arms. Wait, Benjamin, we need to talk. Nodding assent, he leaned his rifle against the door post and followed her, positioning himself on the stool beside her rocking chair.

Elisabeth looked into her son’s eyes and saw anger and hatred. She feared for him greatly. I don’t want you going alone. Get Dan to go with you. It’s dangerous out there. We don’t know who might be lurking these woods or if those soldiers are still around. But most of all, be mindful of your heart. Don’t let anger get in the way of sound thinking. Remember what the Good Book says? Vengeance is not ours, but the Lord’s! You just take care of finding your pa and bring him home. Do you hear me?

Yes’m. Ben headed out toward Daniel Gowers, shutting the door behind him, as his mother watched and sent up a silent prayer for her son’s protection and her husbands’ life.

In the daylight, it did not take the boys more than a few hours to find the place where Lily said she and Pa were attacked. The moment Ben saw the overturned buckboard, he slid down from his mount, rifle in hand, and rushed to his father’s side.

Pa! Dan, come quick!

Henry had managed to crawl away from the wagon and rip a bit of fabric from his shirt to staunch the blood flow, but it wasn’t enough. The bullet was in too deep, and he was weak, but it was enough to have one last talk with his son. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked up into Ben’s. Is LillaBell safe? Is she home?

Yes, Pa, she’s fine, and you’re gonna be too. Dan! Help me get Pa in the wagon so we can get’m to Doc’s!

Henry sighed. No, son, I ain’t gonna make it. You’re the man of the family now. Be strong and care for our gals. Ma’s gonna need help when that baby comes.

Silent tears ran down Ben’s face. This wasn’t supposed to happen, and he berated himself for not searching sooner. He might have even been there to prevent his father from being shot and his sister from going into the river and getting a fever.

Yes, sir, the baby was born last night. His name is Isaac Levi.

Smiling weakly, Henry reached for Ben’s hand and gripped it tightly. Teach him to be a man, just like his big brother, to serve God, be a hard worker, and protect the women. Looking beyond his son, he said to Dan, You take good care of our LillaBell when the time comes. I would have enjoyed having you for a son-in-law.

Two days later, the funeral for Henry Jameson was short and bittersweet, as friends gathered with the Jameson family for support and sympathy. Elisabeth stood over her husband’s grave, leaning on Ben, barely able to stand. She had not yet gained her full strength since the birth two nights ago, and her sorrow made her feel that much weaker, but she was determined to go and say her final goodbyes regardless. Poor Lily had to stay in bed and was home alone, so she was glad of the excuse to hurry back to her and get away from the political discussions of the townsfolk. Since President Lincoln’s election, the talk of a possible war was not something she wanted to hear.

When Elisabeth woke the next morning, she leaned over the cradle beside her bed and watched Isaac as he lay quietly sleeping. She was deeply saddened by the loss of her dearest friend and husband but couldn’t help feeling that God had given her this little one to love so she could cope with his loss.

Upon hearing the children up, she tried to get out of bed but found herself too exhausted to rise. Giving birth just wasn’t as easy as it used to be. After a couple more tries, she finally got up and prepared for her morning. When she opened her door, the most precious scene tore at her heartstrings. Ida stood over the spider stirring up breakfast, silent tears adding to the mixture, and Ben sat at the table, his face solemn, while he tried to get Lily to drink some tea, as she leaned on his shoulder for support. But before she could enter, Isaac began to whimper, so she returned to his cradle and lifted him gently to attend to his feeding. When Isaac had his fill, she brought him out to greet his siblings. Ben looked down at his brother and tried to smile. Lily shakily brushed his tiny little cheek lovingly, then quickly looked away as she started coughing. Ida bravely wiped her tear-stained cheeks and held out her hands. May I hold him please, Mama? Elisabeth readily granted. Carefully, Ida held him in her arms and got in the big rocking chair, sitting near the edge so her feet touched the floor. Benji, can you play Papa’s favorite song on the fiddle? The baby began to cry, but as the music filled the tiny room, his crying stopped, and he seemed to listen with wonder as Ida sang the words to the cheerful tune, his little eyes closing in innocent slumber.

The world is all a-fleeting show, for man’s illusion giv’n;

The world is all a-fleeting show, for man’s illusion giv’n;

The smiles of joy, the tears of woe,

Deceitful shine, deceitful flow,

There’s nothing true, but heav’n,

There’s nothing true, but heav’n,

There’s nothing true, but heav’n!

And false the light on glory’s plume, as fading hues of even;

And false the light on glory’s plume, as fading hues of even;

And love, and hope, and beauty’s bloom

Are blossoms gather’d for the tomb…

There’s nothing bright but heav’n,

There’s nothing bright but heav’n,

There’s nothing bright but heav’n!

Poor wand’rers of a stormy day, from wave to wave we’re driv’n;