- After soldiers enter his hotel room in the dead of night, Jason is reminded of events one night ten years ago when he was a Lieutenant in the Civil War. It was a strange bonding that would forever leave him bonded with an important General.—Michelle
- A Destiny Which Made Us Brothers It was the middle of the night. Jason was sleeping soundly in his bed. Unbeknowest to him, three soldiers were outside his door. Without a sound, they snuck into the room and walked up to his bed. McCord? one of the solders called. McCord didnt stir. He reached out and grabbed Jasons shoulder. McCord! Jason naturally was defensive since these men had just awakened him from a sound sleep. He immediately went into action and started fighting the three shoulders.
Grabbing one of them, he shoved him up against the wall. Alright, for too many years now! he said between clinched teeth. Im sick of being set up! The solder tried to stop him. I may have to take it from civilians, but NOT from the army! Not anymore I dont! The soldier assured him they werent there to roust him. They had orders. Orders? Jason questioned. Whos orders?
Im not at liberty to say.
Well then what orders?
The soldier pulled a letter from his pocket. At exactly three AM on May 16, 1873, to be delivered by hand to the hand of Jason McCord. The soldier flung the letter and pouch toward Jason. Jason told him hed carried out his orders and to get out!
After the men left, Jason opened the letter and read.
On the Eve of any battle, there is a destiny that makes some men enemies and some men brothers. And so ten years ago tonight, destiny made a choice.
The words made Jason remember. He went back in time back to May 16, 1863 to a house he rushed into. His gun was drawn on a man with his back to him. Alright, hold it! Jason ordered. He told the man to come out of the dark.
Youre just in time, the man declared as he came forward so Jason could see him.
General Grant, Jason muttered in surprise.
In time to have a drink with me, Lieutenant!
They were alone. General Grant closed the door while Jason announced the time was 3:10. Jason explained to Grant that he had gotten separated from his company. He needed to get back because there was a rumor they would attack in the morJason stopped there as Grant stared at him. There is, huh? Well in every war, there are as many rumors as there are rifle shots. Jason apologized then asked Grant if he was hit. Should he help him get back to headquarters.
I fell from my horse, Grant explained. The rumor is I was drunk. The truth is I havent slept in three days. Jason assured him he believed it. Grant admitted that he hadnt had a drink since many dead men ago. Grant assumed Jason was a West Point graduate from the top of his class. He was almost right. Grant was feeling sorry for himself. He felt like a failure. Jason kindly reminded him of all the victories he had won. They werent failures. They were victories. Jason convinced Grant that he was the reason they won at Shiloh.
Whats your name? Grant questioned. He told him he was Jason McCord of the tenth Indiana. Any relation to Josh McCord?
Jason smiled. My grandfather, Sir.
OhWe served together during the Mexican campaign. Fine officer. How is he?
Jason smiled. Well sir, hes uha little too old and too tired for this one.
I know how he feels, Grant said as he held up a bottle of whisky. They call this pain killer. Well, if ever there was a man in pain Jason thought his leg was bothering him. No, not my legand not that fever from Panama, nor the ague or this headachethis thundering headachethe pounding boots of a thousand ghostly battalions battering at this brainThe men I sent to diethe men I willthose like you. Do you know what its like to bury four thousand men in one grave? I do.
General, someone has to give those orders. Theres no one wed rather follow.
McCord, all my life Ive been a failure. He named the army, farming, real estate. When the war broke out, I was a clerk at my fathers store. Not exactly like those dashing rebel generals.
Youre the only one whos made those rebel generals run, sir, Jason reminded him.
Grant named some of those rebel generals. Each one a successbrilliantBetter than my own Generals. What do they think of me?
Jason stepped toward him. Theyd run for you through hell-fire, General. But Grant wondered how long he could keep the Generals respect.
How long before I fail again? Ive got a feeling, McCord.
Youre tired, sir! Jason declared.
Tired, yes. VicksburgIve got a feeling Vicksburg will be my biggest failure, and Ill take the lives of tens of thousands of men down with me. Do you know what itll cost to take Vicksburg?
I know what itll cost if we dont, Jason answered.
Yes of course, youre right. Take Vicksburg and we take back the Mississippi and split the Confederacy. Without it the war goes on for years.
And during those years a lot of soldiers die. Soldiers on both sides.
My words made Grant mad. I can hit Pemberton where he least expects it! Grant declared this as he slammed the bottle down on the table. He took a piece of paper from his coat, telling me he had a plan. If the plan failed, it would be a death warrant. One common grave for the armies of Tennessee and Ohiol.
Suddenly, the door opened and a man rushed in pointing a gun at us. The man called us Yankees. The man declared Jason a prisoner of war, then demanded Grant to turn aroundexcept he didnt know it was Grant. Boy, were they shocked when they discovered who it was. Well nowLieutenant Lawrence, just look what you have bagged here!
The Lieutenant stared at Grant. Sir, are you?
Thats right, Grant answered. Im a prisoner of war. One of the soldiers was really having a good time with this, which didnt make the Lieutenant very happy. The Lieutenant apologized for the mens behavior.
I do believe that youve grabbed hold of a heap more than even you can handle here, Darcy declared to the Lieutenant.
The soldiers with the Lieutenant even offered to help him get the prisoners back to the camp. He could be the shiniest hero in the south! The men with Lieutenant Lawrence were deserters. Lawrence explained he was taking them back to trial. Some trial! one of the soldiers declared. Me and my brother wouldve just been shot!
Any man that runs from battle deserves to be shot, the Lieutenant explained hastily.
The men thought they had hope for their future now that the Lieutenant had captured General Grant. He would be more interested in him then the deserted soldiers, they figured. The men all knew how much of a asset Grant was. Lawrence was so excited, he could hardly stand it! He figured Grant was their ticket to peace. Then he surprised his two prisoners. Gentlemen, will you give me your word that you wont try to escape?
No, Jason answered.
Nor would I, sir, if I were you, Lieutenant Lawrence said. The deserters laughed.
It appeared the soldier was in quite a position. His prisoners made fun of him, wondering if hed trust them with guns, or if hed risk losing the prize. The Lieutenant knew he couldnt chance Jason and General Grant getting away. Alright, get their guns.
General Grant, if I had you in my sights on the battlefield, Id pull the trigger without any compunction. But you are a prisoner of war, sir. And I dont wish any harm to you. Im going to do everything I can to get you safely to Vicksburg.
I understand, Grant answered. Youre a good soldier, Lieutenant.
Suddenly, Darcy turned the gun he was holding on Lawrence. He held the cocked gun right up to the Lieutenants temple. Jason decided to act fast. He went to punch Darcy, but Darcy held the gun up to him. Ill turn your belly to red, he warned.
Theres no one to give orders, the other Darcy brother declared. So Ill promote myself and Ill give orders to everybody! Aint that right, Brother?
Thats right, Brother Joe!
Order number oneBrother Jim, fetch me that bottle of corn that Generals drinking.
Thats a good order, Brother Joe! Jim declared. Joe threw the bottle to Jim, and the two started drinking it.
Next order Joe pointed the gun at the General. General Grant
Darcy Jason stepped forward. Ill give you my word. We wont try to escape.
Youre too late, Yankee, Joe declared. Then he announced they were going to kill the General.
Darcy, NO! Lawrence shouted.
Yeah! And then youre going to get it, Lieutenant. And then high-pockets. And me and my brothers going to be the high-mucking heroes! Nobodys ever gonna know we was legging it! The Lieutenant begged Darcy not to do this by promising not to bring up the matter of his desertion. Oh, indeed you will not, Lieutenant! Because youll be dead!
Alright, kill me, Lawrence said then. But take General Grant back to our lines.
Hes worth more to the Confederacy alive, Jason tried to point out calmly.
Not to me, he aint. Dead men dont talk! Darcy declared.
You do this and both your souls will burn in hell! Lawrence threatened then. But they werent concerned about the here-after. They were concerned about the here and now. Darcy cocked his gun and pointed it at the General.
Lieutenant Lawrence made a move, getting himself shot in the process. It was a struggle as Jason and Grant fought the men. Before his eyes closed, Lawrence was able to shoot one of his prisoners. Grant and Jason walked over and kneeled down beside the Lieutenant. You alright sir? Jason asked Grant.
Yes, I believe so, Grant answered. Thanks to youand him.
Suddenly, they heard horses riding up. Jason hurried to peer out the window. Grey or blue? Grant asked.
Blue, Sir, Jason answered as he went to open the door. It was quite a group that busted into the house just then. Grant introduced them as Generals Wallace, McPherson, Sherman, and Sheridan. They wondered what happened.
Never mind. I thought my orders were that you four should never ride together. They said they were looking for him they had disobeyed orders. Uh huhWell, McCord here tells me that theres a rumor were going to attack here this morning.
According to your orders, Sir. We are awaiting your word to hit Clinton. Grant announced that he and Jason had made up some new plans. Isnt that so, McCord?
Jason gave a brief laugh. Yes sir.
We storm Champions Hill instead. Grant started giving the Generals orders. While doing so, Jason picked up the mapped plans of Grants from the floor and handed it to him. We never did have that drink together, did we? Grant asked Jason.
No sir.
Well, maybe someday in Heaven or Hell or somewhere in between. What time is it, McCord?
Three-thirty, sir.
Then Grant was gone in the night.
Present time, back in Jasons hotel room, sitting on the bed reading his letter.
And so, McCord, on the Eve of that battle, Destiny had chose to make us brothers. Its been ten years now. About time we had that drink.
Jason took the flask from the clothed bag and took a drink.
In the White House, Grant took a drink as well. Then he broke the glass into the fireplace.
They would forever be bonded
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