‘These men ask for just the same thing: fairness, and fairness only. This is, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.’
Abraham Lincoln
- Two weeks had passed since the Commander's astounding recovery from his injuries, an event that had rippled through Camp Davis like wildfire. His name was on everyone's lips, transforming the once-disinterested union soldiers and officers into a throng of admirers. They approached him now with newfound respect, hands outstretched in eager anticipation. The Commander, ever gracious, clasped their hands in camaraderie, their belief in his fortune a superstition he gladly indulged.
In the shadow of this awe-inspiring reputation, Reeves had chosen to confide in Koddles, sharing the truth of that fateful night when he had been ambushed. The tale unveiled a sinister twist, it hadn't been a run-of-the-mill Confederate attack. At least one of his assailants was of Russian origin, a revelation that sent shivers down their spines. The identity of the one who had escaped remained an enigma, a haunting mystery. Both Koddles and Reeves were convinced that the attack had been targeted, a consequence of their progress in molding a new breed of soldier, a revelation that set them on edge.
With the impending graduation ceremony just around the corner, the atmosphere at the camp was tinged with anticipation. Recognizing the need for respite, Koddles and Reeves had granted the men a well-deserved break before the grand parade scheduled for September 27th. On that day, under the watchful gaze of the President and esteemed members of Congress, their new soldiers would proudly march forth, a testament to their arduous training and the unbreakable spirit of unity.-
- Camp Davis -
- Parade Area, 10:00hrs -
On the crisp morn of September 22nd, 1862, an unforeseen ripple of excitement swept through Camp Davis, like the first gusts of a coming storm. The news coursed like wildfire, President Abraham Lincoln graced their hallowed grounds. Guided with speed and precision, he was led to the Parade ground, where his gaze fell upon a tableau of disciplined magnificence. 'The Black Watch' regiment, a bastion of order and resolve, embarked upon their parade drills. Their movements, a symphony of synchrony, resounded through the air, a living testament to their unyielding commitment.
Within the midst of this meticulously orchestrated exhibition, a surge of awareness surged through the ranks, catching even the perceptive eye of Sergeant Koddles. In a swift maneuver, his command echoed, and the regiment snapped to attention, a tide of uniformed warriors aligning with immaculate precision. At his signal, they parted like the waves, unveiling a space that lay in hushed reverence before the President.
From the heart of this organized tumult emerged Commander Reeves, a visage of unyielding resolve. Swift strides melded into a purposeful sprint, his form a blur of determination as he traversed the gap between him and the President. The resonant thud of his boots bore witness to a fervent urgency, in rhythm with the galloping beat of his heart. His single-minded intent was palpable, an indomitable current propelling him forward, leaving no space for doubt or hesitation.
The distance diminished, and Reeves came to a sudden halt, his breaths ragged and chest heaving with exertion. The President, flanked by his steadfast guards, stood before him, an aura of authority and solemnity encircling him. Their eyes, two unwavering beacons, converged in an instant of profound connection, a wordless pact that bridged the abyss between leader and warrior, a shared vow to uphold a cause that dwarfed their individual selves.
Amid the sweltering furnace of the moment, Commander Reeves stood, his shirt unbuttoned and hanging loosely, a testament to the arduous training regimen he had endured. Caught off-guard by the President's sudden arrival, a fleeting thought swept his mind, a reminder that this man had once seen him in a state of raw vulnerability. He gasped for air, his body still throbbing from the strenuous training, as he addressed the Commander-in-Chief with a touch of chagrined apology, "Mr.… Mr. President, had I… I... I…. known of your impending visit, I would have been… better prepared."
The President's reply echoed with a comforting ease, his gaze raking over Reeves with appreciative recognition. "No need for concern, Commander. Your dedication is commendable." His attention wandered to the platoon of soldiers, standing there drenched in sweat and adorned with the soil of their training grounds, a testament to their relentless preparation. "How's the progress?" he inquired, shifting the focus of his inquiry to the ongoing development.
Reeves nodded toward the steadfast assembly before them, a deep well of pride resonating in his response. "Witness it for yourself, Mr. President. They've journeyed a considerable distance."
The conversation then veered to a pointed subject, a letter of invitation prompting Reeves to highlight the oversight. The President's eyes narrowed, a furrow etching his brow as irritation brushed against his demeanor. His gaze, laced with a dash of frustration, fell upon his secretary. "Unacceptable, " he muttered with a terse edge, his voice tinged with vexation. "Commander, rest assured, this negligence shall be remedied."
As a resolute pair, they moved toward the formation of soldiers, each footfall resonating with purpose and determination. Sergeant Koddles, an embodiment of command, issued orders that sliced through the atmosphere, infusing the air with urgency. In response, soldiers snapped into motion, each rifle shifting with precision as directed.
"Black Watch. Black Watch… Attun… Hun!" The sergeant's words reverberated, a cutting wind through the tense air.
In a blink of unison, the soldiers transformed before their very eyes. Bodies snapped into a rigid posture of attention, rifles aligning with their legs in a display of unyielding discipline.
"Black Watch… Port Arms!" The command hung in the air, a directive executed with seamless precision, rifles moving as one in a harmonious ballet of unity.
As if directed by the hand of a master conductor, the soldiers moved in a symphony of synchronized response. Their right hands seized rifle barrels, hoisting the weapons diagonally across their bodies. Elbows held low, left hands steadying the handguard just ahead of the slip ring. A swift transition followed, right hands sliding to the base of the stock. Rifles held diagonally, forearms level, elbows drawn close.
Reeves and Koddles watched with swelling pride, their gazes akin to those of parents witnessing their children's triumphs. The President's astonishment shimmered in his eyes, captivated by the hypnotic precision unfolding before him. The flawless harmony of motion momentarily left him spellbound, the commanding cadence of Koddles' voice momentarily enveloping him.
"Black Watch… Present Arms!" The command boomed like thunder, electrifying the very atmosphere.
In an orchestrated dance of response, the soldiers swung their rifles with deft finesse. The weapons ascended to a vertical salute, poised along their bodies with meticulous symmetry. Rifles began their descent, forearms leveling until they rested in a parallel stance with the ground. Their salute, a feat of military perfection, stood as a testament to their unswerving dedication.
Amid the rhythmic applause of pride that enveloped the scene, a symphony of approval orchestrated by Commander Reeves and Sergeant Koddles, even the President found himself swept into the celebratory fervor. Their jubilant ovation reverberated, an accolade in honor of the flawlessness displayed before their eyes. The Commander's exultant claps mingled with Koddles' enthusiastic pats on the back, creating an exuberant rhythm that resonated through the air. It was a salute not only to the soldiers' remarkable display but also to the dedication and discipline that had sculpted such a display of precision.
Cutting through the echoing applause, the President's voice, infused with genuine awe, sliced through the atmosphere. "Gentlemen, words elude me, a rarity indeed given my reputation for speeches." His gaze swept across the assembly of disciplined soldiers before him, a smile of genuine admiration curving his lips.
However, the President's focus returned to Commander Reeves, his next command issued with authoritative clarity. "Dismiss your men, Commander, and join the Sergeant and me in your tent." As the President turned away, his voice continued to carry on the wind, shared excitement evident as he engaged his aides in animated discourse.
"Incredible, have you ever borne witness to such a spectacle? I must hasten to share this with Mary without a moment's delay." The enthralling display had etched a vivid memory in his mind, one he was eager to impart to his closest confidante.
- Commander Reeves Tent -
- 10:21 HRS -
Amidst the shadow-kissed interior of the Commander's tent, an atmosphere abuzz with anticipation enveloped the air. Here, President Abraham Lincoln was embroiled in spirited discourse with Mariah, their voices weaving threads of lively conversation. The velvety fragrance of freshly brewed coffee mingled harmoniously with the seductive allure of sticky buns, crafting an olfactory symphony that wrapped around the senses like a comforting embrace. In this moment of sensory delight, a purposeful entrance stirred the air as Commander Reeves, flanked by the resolute footsteps of Sergeant Koddles, strode with an air of purpose. The President's hand, raised in an inviting wave, beckoned them forward, extending an invitation into this intimate confluence.
"Join us, gentlemen. Allow yourselves a seat. These delectable buns, a testament to Mariah's culinary prowess, beckon, " the President's words were laced with genuine delight, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a warmth that bespoke his sincerity.
Mariah's laughter danced like sunlight, a melodic response to the President's appreciation. "I'm overjoyed that they find favor with you, Sir."
Bound by a bond of camaraderie, Koddles and Reeves eased themselves into the embrace of their seats, the air charged with a palpable sense of togetherness. Mariah, the ever-watchful guardian of their gathering, orchestrated the graceful ballet of pouring steaming coffee into awaiting cups, pairing each with a sticky bun placed upon delicate China plates.
As the collective excitement coiled and unfurled, the President's hand ventured into the recesses of his coat's inner pocket. Drawing forth a rolled parchment, the movement acted as a summons, capturing the rapt attention of both Commander and Sergeant. "Commander, I dare say curiosity must have tugged at your mind, pondering the reason for our assembly."
An eager chuckle, tinged with a note of anticipation, slipped from Reeves' lips, his enthusiasm barely contained beneath the veneer of composure. "I'll concede, Mr. President, the thought did cross my mind."
With a practiced grace, the President ushered forth the parchment, a scroll heavy with the gravity of historical significance. "After careful consideration, embracing the voices of representatives spanning every corner of our nation, a resolute accord has been forged. The time has come to unveil the Proclamation of Emancipation, a decree that shall bestow freedom upon all who have languished in enslavement within the expanse of the United States of America."
In the breath-held stillness that draped the tent, the room seemed to hush its very breath as Commander Reeves unfurled the parchment and allowed his gaze to traverse its profound contents. The weight of the words, like an anvil of history, pressed deep into his soul, each syllable reverberating with the impending change they heralded.
"Commander, " the President's voice assumed a gentle cadence, "would you indulge us with the honor of reading this proclamation aloud, in the presence of Mariah and Sergeant Koddles?"
Agreeing with a subtle dip of his head, the Commander's voice rose, its timbre infusing the space with a sense of historic gravity as he embarked on the journey of reading the proclamation aloud, each word resonating like the clarion call of transformation.
“Proclamation of Emancipation..........Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States and Congress, containing the following, to wit:
“That on this day twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, all persons held as slaves within all The United States, the people shall be then, thenceforward, and now forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom......”
The Commander pauses briefly, his hands shaking as his nerves took over, remembering back as a child reading this very Proclamation during a history lesson at school. Now, being the man that was holding said Proclamation, the gravity of being part of this history was sinking in rapidly. Taking a mouthful of coffee, he looks at Koddles.
“You better keeping reading Mister.” Koddles said, gesturing at the document.
Giving a slight cough to clear his throat.
“.....Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this day twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two and in accordance with my purpose as President of the United States of America, I do publicly proclaimed from this date above mentioned, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States....
.... And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order, along with The United States Congress, that all persons held as slaves within all American States, henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons....”
Taking a breath and steadying his hand......
... “And I hereby enjoin upon the people, so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defense; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages and reasonable accommodations. I declare that all rights and privileges be given to all freed slaves as born Americans receive, that all free slaves be declared full Americans and be treated with dignity, respect, and tolerance as any other American citizen, and I enjoin furthermore that the families which had been dispersed by slavery are reunited with the help of the Freedmen’s Bureau......”
........ We believe that every freed slave should be given the chance in which they can better their condition, so I declare that all claimed lands that have been abandoned by its plantation owners and or lands that had been forfeited by non-payment of taxes during the war, will be divided into no more than 40-acre plots for all former slaves to farm as their own and as such will receive the said deeds to these plots........
........ And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, to man vessels of all sorts in said service and receive reasonable wages for their service......”
Looking at the President, he continues reading.
......... “And upon this act, I do sincerely believe to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity and as an act of humanity and equality for all, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God......
..... In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.... Done at the City of Washington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh...... By the President Abraham Lincoln......”
The commander lays down the document and looks at the President, “I....I.... this is unbelievable Sir... I mean.... I don’t know what to say.”
The President leaned in, his fingers plucking a piece of the bun and conveying it to his mouth, a fleeting moment of indulgence. A casual gesture, yet one that carried a sense of unity with the shared fare. A flicker of a smile graced his lips, the taste of the treat mingling with the gravity of the proclamation. With a swift wipe of his hand on a linen napkin, he placed it on the now-empty China plate, an echo of the moment's sweetness lingering.
"Words are not needed, Commander, " the President's voice, a reflection of his convictions, resonated with unwavering assurance. The harmony of Congress on both sides, their consensus on the path forward, was palpable. The rightness of the decision transcended mere politics; it was rooted in a moral obligation that extended beyond the tumultuous currents of war. "As a God-fearing nation, how can we be true Christians if we don't treat everyone with the same regard?"
With a graceful rise from his seat, the President brushed a few stray crumbs from his coat, a simple act that spoke of his composed demeanor even in casual moments. The tent's interior seemed to acknowledge his presence, the air infused with a certain weightiness, an awareness of the historical import that encompassed them.
His next words carried a gentle finality, a need to fulfill his duties beyond this gathering. "Now, if you will all excuse me, I must return to the White House. Mary does abhor solitude for too long." The President's humanity shone through, a glimpse into the personal life that existed beyond the office he held.
In a synchronized gesture, the Commander, Koddles, and Mariah rose from their seats, an unspoken understanding that this was the cue for departure. The Commander's hand extended, reaching out to bridge the space between them. A firm grip, an expression of mutual respect, brought them closer. "You are a good man, Commander, and a fine gentleman, " the President's words held a resonance that stretched beyond mere titles, encapsulating the essence of character.
As the President's hand was released, it transitioned seamlessly to shake Koddles' and Mariah's hands, a final gesture of camaraderie. With no need for further words, the President turned and made his exit, his footsteps marking the end of this chapter within the tent's canvas walls. The tent itself, once the stage for discourse and revelation, exhaled its breath of history, settling into a moment of quiet contemplation.