An Honorable Soldier in General Washington's Army: Chapter 20
by Tami B.
Disclaimer: The following work has been written solely for the enjoyment of fans and not for monetary profit. The rights to the characters initially created for the Daniel Boone series belong to 20th Century Fox and Fess Parker. All other characters are of the author's own creation. No copyright violation is intended.
Days passed since Adam's illness and he had only gotten stronger. He could put in a full day's work and barely feel it. His father on the other hand felt every bit of it. The two of them were working on reshingling Cincinnatus' tavern roof. Markes made his son endure rest periods on the pretense that he was looking after his best interest but it was himself that needed the rest. His son probably knew that and allowed his father to think otherwise. When Adam once protested a protracted rest period, Markes threatened to tell Rebecca. Knowing he would lose any confrontation with Rebecca, Adam allowed his father to schedule the rest periods. And so the two of them worked or rested side by side as their relationship blossomed.
As Adam and his father worked for different people in Boonesborough, Rebecca and Jemima met with the other ladies of the community at Rand home. They conspired together on a project that was still unknown to the men except for Caleb and Cincinnatus who was sworn to secrecy. When the ladies met, Andy Rand was sent to the Boone cabin for Daniel to watch.
As Rebecca, Jemima, and Agnes approached, they saw Israel and Andy chasing each other in the yard. "Oh no," Andy said when he saw his mother. "I have to go home."
"Maybe your ma will let you stay a little longer," Israel hoped.
"She won't. She'll say 'Gotta get supper on. Your pa will be hungry.' That's what she always says," Andy remarked.
When the ladies were within a few feet of the boys, Israel addressed Agnes. "Mrs. Rand, can Andy stay just a little bit longer?"
"Not today, Israel. I gotta get supper on. His pa will be hungry," Agnes replied.
"Told ya," Andy said in an all-knowing tone.
"Thank Daniel for me, Rebecca. We'll see you all tomorrow," Agnes said as she made her way back down the trail with Andy running ahead of her.
"Bye, Agnes," Rebecca said as they made for the interior of the cabin.
Daniel was stirring a pot over the fire when he heard his family enter. "The mysterious ladies circle has ended for the day I see."
"Yes and Agnes said to tell you thank you for watching Andy this afternoon," Rebecca said.
"You can tell her she's welcome as always," Daniel said.
"Dan, what are you making?" Rebecca asked.
"Supper. The problem is I don't have it tasting just right," Daniel admitted.
"Let me try," she said, nudging him out of the way. Tasting the stew, she knew exactly what it needed. She went to her collection of herbs, extracted what she needed, and placed them in the stew. "Simmer it for awhile then your stew will be fit to feed this family."
"Thank you, my good wife," Daniel said.
"You're welcome, my good husband," Rebecca responded.
"Since we're all together and Adam's not here, I need to talk to all of you," Daniel said.
"Uh oh," Israel said. "This isn't going to be good."
Daniel ignored him as they all took their places at the table. "Since Mr. Markes is going to retract the bounty, there's nothing to keep Adam here anymore. He's free to join his unit. I don't expect he'll be around much longer."
"Are you trying to get rid of him, Dan?" Rebecca asked angrily.
"No, Becky," Daniel explained. "I'd like for him to stay, but he's a soldier and he made a commitment to the army. He's not going to run out on that commitment."
"Why can't we wait until the courier comes for him?" Jemima asked.
"There's no reason to wait for the courier. It would only delay the inevitable anyway. Adam's bound for the army soon and we all have to get used to that fact," Daniel said.
"But, Pa," Israel began, leaving his chair to stand beside his father. "I don't want Adam to leave. I'll miss him too much."
"I know, son," Daniel said, throwing his arm across his little boy's shoulder. "We all will. We all have a soft spot where he's concerned, but we have to let him go. He's not ours to keep like a pet. He belongs to General Washington and the Continental Army."
"I'm sorry, Dan, for snapping at you," Rebecca said mournfully. "I knew this day would come. iIt just seems it came all too soon."
"And if Adam had been an unwelcome guest, you'd think this day would have never come," Daniel observed.
"Pa, maybe we can talk Adam into staying," Israel suggested.
"We'd be wasting our breath," Jemima piped in. "It's like Pa said, Israel, Adam's a soldier and if he doesn't go back, he'll be a deserter."
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Israel asked, desperate for something to cling to.
"Yes, we'll make Adam's last days with us something he'll remember for a long time," Rebecca said.
"How are we going to do that, Ma?" Jemima asked.
"We'll do things together. Go on outings and such," Rebecca said.
"That sounds like fun," Israel said brightening.
"Will you tell him when he should go, Pa?" Jemima queried.
"No, he's a smart one. He'll tell me," Daniel said with a chuckle.
The subject of their conversation came through the door just then, suspicious of finding the family gathered around the table. "You all look like General Washington gathered with his top aides to discuss strategy," Adam said as he leaned his rifle and cartridge pouch against the wall near his bed then made his way to the table. "I hope you don't mind if I came home early..." Adam suddenly stopped embarrassed. "Did I barge into a family meeting?"
"No," Daniel answered. "We were just talking."
Adam took the chair beside Jemima. "Since we're all here, I'll like to let you all in on a decision I've arrived at recently. Is that all right?"
"Go ahead, Adam. What's on your mind?" Daniel urged.
"My mission here has been accomplished. There isn't a British threat to the survival of the settlements and no longer a bounty on me. My father and I discussed that we could travel together until we must part ways. He for New York and me to rejoin the army," Adam explained.
"What's your plan, Adam?" Daniel asked.
"I have a few obligations to meet and after those are completed, I think I should leave with your permission, of course, Colonel," Adam said a little sadly.
"We'd like to spend a few days with you, if you wouldn't mind," Daniel suggested a slight deviation in his plan.
"Certainly, Colonel. It would be a pleasure," Adam agreed.
"I wish you could stay," Israel said for all of them.
"I wish I could too, Israel," Adam said. "It won't be easy to leave. But you all have to remember I will be back. And that's a promise."
After Adam and Markes completed their tasks, Adam devoted himself to the Boones. They went fishing, picnicking, and took long walks in the woods. Markes sometimes joined them on these ventures, but tended to let the Boones have Adam to themselves. Adam played almost every game imaginable with Israel. Rebecca made the finest meals her talents allowed. At one such meal, Adam pronounced that his future wife would have to master the art of cooking and intended Rebecca instruct her to which Rebecca agreed. Adam made Rebecca promise not to withhold any secrets from his future wife. Rebecca was committed to reveal all. Now all Adam had to do was find a wife. When the war was over, that's exactly what he intended to do.
On this sunny day, Adam showed his father three possible areas he'd like to live and build a farm. His father approved of each of them. The soil was rich and should provide sufficient crops, barring infestation, drought, or flooding. Adam deposited soil samples from each area into a flask Cincinnatus had given him. When his father asked why he was collecting the dirt, Adam's response was that he wanted to take a piece of Kentucky back with him.
The two of them headed for the fort because his father wanted to check with Caleb Rand concerning the progress he was making on getting their horses shod. Adam would be given the British lieutenant's horse for his immediate use and then the animal would become the property of the Continental Army.
As they walked through the gates, a rousing cheer of 'hip hip hoorah' rang out. Gathered in the courtyard was what seemed to be the entire population of Boonesborough. As Adam walked through the crowd, he was patted on the back. When he finally reached the Boone family with Mingo standing with them, he asked, "What's this all about?"
"We're having a hoe-down for you, Adam," Israel answered.
"Very generous but why?" Adam queried.
"You've made a great impact in the settlement and everyone wanted to show their appreciation for everything you've done for them," Daniel explained.
"I don't know what to say," Adam said, practically speechless.
"I do," Cincinnatus announced. "Enough jawin'. Time for dancin'. Grab a partner everyone." He began to play his fiddle as couples formed and began dancing.
"Colonel, may I..." Adam began to ask before he was interrupted..
"Permission granted," Daniel answered as Rebecca led him away.
"Jemima, may I have the honor of this dance?" Adam asked.
"Yes," she said, taking his hand.
Israel joined Andy Rand for a round of roughhousing and general boyhood mayhem.
After some time when Adam thought he had danced with almost every woman or girl in Boonesborough, he realized there remained one who he hadn't and she presented herself now. "Corporal Adam Liberty, are you deliberately avoiding dancing with me?" she asked annoyed.
"Certainly not, Mrs. Boone," Adam said defensively. "I'll obtain permission from the colonel right now."
Rebecca stopped him by grasping his upper arm. "You don't need his permission. Mine is sufficient."
"If you say so, Mrs. Boone," Adam said with reluctance.
The two of them danced and Adam made sure he didn't step on her toes -- not even by accident. Jemima and a few others hadn't gotten off so lucky. He had a tendency to get a bit aggressive when he danced. However, with his colonel's wife, he intended to take every precaution.
After the dancing session, Rebecca and Adam headed towards the tables lined with food where Mingo had already taken up residence. Taking a plate, Adam heaped his full.
"Better pace yourself, Adam. I made apple pie especially for you," Rebecca suggested.
"And this one is especially delicious," Mingo said, munching on a slice of it.
"I'll have plenty of room left over. You'll see," Adam said as he sat down to partake of what he considered delectable treasures. Jemima joined him and the two of them began a conversation.
Rebecca had eaten earlier and moved to the other end of the table to tidy the food items up a bit.
"A wonderful party, Mrs. Boone," Markes complemented as he approached her.
"I'm delighted you're enjoying yourself, Mr. Markes," she sincerely told him.
"I have something for you," he said, reaching into his jacket pocket he extracted multiple English pounds. "Please accept these with my gratitude for extending such kindness and care towards my son. It's not a payoff I assure you, Mrs. Boone. You and your family have treated him as a beloved son. I am a grateful father."
"Mr. Markes, what I did for Adam, which really wasn't that much, I didn't do for money," Rebecca explained politely.
"I realize that, Mrs. Boone. It is not my intention to insult you. I promised to compensate you and this is the only way I know how to do that. Please, take it with my great appreciation," Markes said.
"If it'll make you feel better, Mr. Markes, I will," Rebecca said, taking the money from his proffered hand.
"Thank you. Now, would you honor me with a dance?" Markes requested.
"I will," Rebecca said, reaching for his hand.
Daniel passed them as they made their way towards the other dancers and as he made his way to towards Jemima, Mingo, and Adam. "There's something I never thought I'd see," Daniel remarked as he came to stand beside them.
"What's that, Pa?" Jemima asked.
"Your ma and Adam's pa dancing together like they're long lost friends," Daniel replied.
Adam choked on a mouthful and began to cough. Jemima gave him a mug of water and he drank. Then he looked at the dancers and there in their midst was his father and Rebecca. They exchanged smiles and did seem to be enjoying themselves. "Goodness gracious, Colonel. If this keeps up, they'll be calling each other by their first names."
"Don't be surprised, if it happens. Lately, one miracle has been followed by another," Daniel said.
Moments later, Cincinnatus laid his fiddle aside and flexed his fingers to work out the stiffness. "The fiddle player needs some eats and after that we'll commence dancin' again," he announced. He went to the food table where he found Daniel, Jemima, Mingo, and Adam nearby. Adam, of course, was consuming his third piece of pie. He had planted himself near the food and had no intention of budging.
Rebecca and Markes joined them. "It was a pleasure dancing with you, John," Rebecca said.
"The pleasure was all mine, Rebecca," Markes said.
Adam choked again and began coughing. Jemima handed him another mug of water which he drank.
"Adam, are you all right?" Rebecca asked.
"Fine. Just fine. I must be eating too fast," Adam answered, wondering if his amazement showed on his face. His father and Rebecca were actually becoming friends. He looked towards the prophet Daniel Boone.
"I told you not to be surprised," Daniel said almost in a smug tone.
"Daniel, you never cease to amaze me," Mingo said with mock awe.
The townspeople were gathering around Adam as he finished the last bite of his pie. He was considering getting another piece when he noticed it had become very quiet. He turned to ask Jemima what was happening, but, she was no longer sitting beside him and didn't appear to be anywhere in the vicinity. He went to stand by Daniel for a measure of comfort.
Rebecca motioned for him to join her in the middle of the crowd. He was reluctant. Daniel nudged him forward. "Go on, boy. She's not going to bite you," he quipped.
Adam did as he was told, but being the center of attention was unnerving him.
"Adam, the ladies of this community decided to do something special for you. Something that you would take the greatest satisfaction in," Rebecca began. "When you came here, you were the raggedest taggedest soldier in the Continental Army that we knew of. We're going to change that. When you return to the army, you'll be far from raggedy and taggedy. Jemima!" Rebecca called to her daughter who emerged from the tavern holding a blue and buff uniform. The outfit was complete for it included shirt, vest, pants, and the jacket bore a corporal's green stripe on the right shoulder.
Overwhelmed, Adam stared at the uniform as Jemima approached him. It was magnificent. He wanted to utter his gratitude, but the words were frozen in his mouth. Jemima handed him the uniform and he held it gingerly like it was a newborn that he feared he would drop.
"Whatcha waitin' for?" Cincinnatus asked him. "Go put it on."
"Your boots are in the tavern," Jemima informed him.
Adam couldn't tear his eyes away from the uniform. He recognized that it wasn't the uniform, as beautiful as it was, he treasured as much as the labor of love behind it. The ladies went to extensive effort and the least they deserved was an expression of gratitude. "Criminitly," Adam exclaimed. "Not even General Washington's uniform can match the splendor I hold in my hands. I am his honorable soldier and now I will be the best dressed one as well. Thank you, ladies. Thank you very much," he said, relieved that he came up with something to say as inadequate as it was.
Another round of 'hip hip hoorah' resounded as Adam made for the tavern.
Markes stood by allowing his son to have his moment. Although, he didn't approve of the uniform or what it represented, he refused to interfere. He couldn't help but be happy for him, however. The two of them had taken great strides the last few days to mend their relationship and it was coming along nicely. A uniform wasn't going to take away what they were building between themselves.
Stepping through the tavern door, Adam advanced towards the townspeople bearing a broad grin. Spontaneous applause and cheers rang out for the resplendent clad soldier. He was slightly embarrassed and there was a tinge of red in his cheeks to show for it. Once he reached Rebecca, he embraced her while uttering his gratitude. He did the same for Jemima and all the ladies of the settlement.
"Ma!" Israel shouted to his mother. "Will you make me a uniform like Adam's?"
"We'll see," Rebecca replied.
"That means no. It always means no," Israel groused, slightly disappointed.
"Not necessarily," she said.
The uniform already forgotten, Israel scrambled back to Andy Rand to resume their playing as Cincinnatus picked up his fiddle to resume the dance.
"Mrs. Boone, may I have the honor of this dance?" Adam asked gallantly. "With your permission, Colonel."
"I told you Adam you don't need his permission," Rebecca said, taking his hand.
"Granted," Daniel said. "Just bring her home before dark."
"Yes, sir," Adam said as he lead her towards the other dancers.
"Your wife is a lovely woman, Mr. Boone," Markes said as he came alongside Daniel.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Mr. Markes," Daniel concurred.
"Your wife and I decided friends should call each other by their first names. May I address you as Daniel?" Markes asked.
"Yes," Daniel said wondering what Adam would choke on next when he learned this bit of news.
"And you, sir?" Markes politely asked Mingo.
"Certainly," Mingo said, wondering what other name he would use. Mr. Mingo? Even Adam never addressed him with a title.
"Mingo it is then," Markes said, smiling. "Excuse me, gentlemen, I'm going to cut in on my son."
"Desirous of dancing with him, are you?" Mingo asked in jest.
Markes grinned and at the appropriate time made his move to dance with Rebecca. Adam graciously moved aside and immediately snatched Jemima before anyone else had a chance.
"In all of your wildest dreams, did you ever imagine we'd be standing here partying with the man who wreaked havoc on your family and Adam?" Mingo asked.
"I knew it. I knew it all along," Daniel answered with confidence and went to cut in on Markes. He didn't want him getting overly friendly with his wife.
Only a few days after Adam's party, the time came for Adam and his father to begin their journey. Markes had purchased supplies from Cincinnatus and Rebecca supplemented with her own. The horses were packed and all that remained were Adam's personal items in the cabin.
Adam stood at the table and carefully folded his new uniform into his pack. Closing the pack, he scanned the cabin with his eyes. "I'm really going to miss this place and the people who reside here," he told Rebecca. "I leave, having not learned to wrestle or handle a whip. Perhaps, I can remedy that when I return."
"You don't have to leave," she informed him.
"You know I do," he said sadly.
"We're really going to miss you too," she said, grasping his upper arms. "You'll be back. I realize that." Then she took him in her arms. "Take care of yourself, Adam. Don't step in front of any lead balls. I or my soup won't be there to put you back together again."
After returning her embrace, he chuckled and said, "I will heed your advice, Mrs. Boone."
Breaking apart, Rebecca went to the alcove and retrieved an item. "I made more jerky," she said, handing him a wrapped cloth.
"Thank you. I hope the horses can carry all that you've given us already," Adam stated, putting the food into his pack. "Mrs. Boone, ever since I came here, you've accepted me as your own. I never felt like a stranger in your home. There's a warmth and closeness here that I've experienced only on a few occasions. Your hospitality was meant for nobility, not for a corporal. You are the essence of charity and generosity. You'll always hold a special place in my heart only slightly lower than my own dear mother."
"Adam, stop. Are you trying to make me cry?" Rebecca asked, quickly swiping an eye with her index finger.
"That wasn't my intention. Because of your kindness, my firstborn daughter will bear your name," Adam informed him.
"Your poor little girl," Rebecca said with pity.
Puzzled, Adam said, "Your name is beautiful. Don't you like it?"
"I think calling her Mrs. Boone is slightly cruel, don't you?" Rebecca teased.
Adam laughed. "You got me on that one. My daughter's first name will be Rebecca."
"Oh, that's much better," Rebecca said approvingly.
Picking up his pack, he said, "I better get going before this becomes too hard for the both of us." He paused at the door to retrieve his rifle and cartridge pouch then, without a look back, went outside. Rebecca followed, f inding it difficult to control her emotions.
Daniel assisted Adam in securing his pack onto the horse. Adam passed him his rifle to hold onto for a short time. He approached Mingo extending his hand to him. "Mingo, it has been a pleasure and a honor knowing you. That scare you gave me will never be forgotten. Fear gripped me that day," Adam said with a smile.
Shaking his hand, Mingo said, "I like to make a grand impression. Success is mine. Good fortune to you, Adam."
Nodding his head, Adam moved towards Jemima and took her hands in his. "Good bye, Jemima. I enjoyed our time together," he told her then with a sideways glance at Daniel he quickly kissed her lightly on the cheek.
Jemima's face reddened. "How presumptuous. You didn't even ask permission," she teased.
"If I had, I would have lost my nerve," he told her honestly.
She giggled then said, "Good bye, Adam. I'll pray this war ends soon and you make it through all right."
"Thank you," he said, releasing her hands.
"Israel, if I had a brother, I would have wanted him to be just like you," Adam said. "When I return, I promise, you and I will go on a hunting trip, just the two of us."
"Really?" Israel asked. "And Matthew and Mark and Luke and John can come too?"
"Why not? Bring the whole frog family," Adam agreed, shaking the younger boy's hand.
At last he came to Daniel who handed his rifle back to him. "Colonel, it's been an honor to serve with you," he said, coming to attention and saluting.
Daniel returned the salute that fell far short of being snappy. "Corporal, you serve your army and country with great distinction."
"My duty, sir," Adam stated.
"I have some dispatches that you must deliver to General Washington," Daniel told him as he passed them into the corporal's hand.
Adam took them and placed them in the inside pocket of his jacket. "Rest assured, Colonel, they will be delivered."
"One of them is a letter of recommendation for you to receive a lieutenant's commission," Daniel said.
Adam was awed and thrilled simultaneously. "Thank you, sir. I know the general esteems you most highly. Your recommendation will not go unnoticed."
Rebecca gave Adam a final embrace and then he and his father mounted their horses and rode east. Adam waved and the Boones waved back. Rebecca dabbed at her eyes as Daniel placed a comforting arm across her shoulders.
"There he goes," Israel said when Adam was out of sight. "There goes an..."
"Honorable soldier in General Washington's Army," they all said in unison and their voices rose in laughter.
Previous page: An Honorable Soldier in General Washington's Army: Chapter 19
Next page: An Honorable Soldier in General Washington's Army: Epilogue