But there in the Picayune was the little paragraph of
half a dozen lines that was to affect our lives for years to come, and
which had the immediate power to change our condition of indolent
content, into one of the greatest activity and excitement!
Faye went at once to the telegraph office and by wire gave up the
remainder of his leave, and also asked the regimental adjutant if
transportation was being provided for officers' families. The distance
is so great, and the Indians have been so hostile in Montana during
the past two years, that we thought families possibly would not be
permitted to go.
After luncheon we packed the trunks, carefully separating things so
there would be no necessity for repacking if I could not go, and I can
assure you that many an article was folded down damp with hot
tears--the very uncertainty was so trying. In the evening we went
around to say "good-by" to a few of the friends who have been so
cordial and hospitable during the summer. Early this morning we came
from Pass Christian, and soon after we got here telegrams came for
Faye, one ordering him to proceed to Pittsburg and report for duty,
and another saying that officers' families may accompany the regiment.
This was glorious news to me. The fear and dread of having to be left
behind had made me really ill--and what would have become of me if it
had actually come to pass I cannot imagine.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167