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    Silver City Massacre
    Silver City Massacre
    Silver City Massacre
    Ebook301 pages5 hours

    Silver City Massacre

    By Charles G. West

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    About this ebook

    A former soldier must survive a journey more treacherous than any war in this novel from Spur Award-winning author Charles G. West.

    Joel McAllister is a lieutenant in the Confederate Army—or at least he was, until Lee surrendered. Now he’s determined to get as far away from war as possible, somewhere beyond North and South and maybe somewhere with some gold: Idaho Territory.

    Accompanied by his steadfast sergeant, Riley, the two former soldiers travel westward from Texas. But the trail to Silver City is littered with peril. When his traveling party expands to include a Bannock Indian and two women survivors of a Comanche raid, Joel will need to rely on what soldier’s instinct he has left in him to deliver everyone to Silver City alive—and keep them alive once they’re there.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Publishing Group
    Release dateJan 7, 2014
    ISBN9780698137370
    Silver City Massacre

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      Silver City Massacre - Charles G. West

      Chapter 1

      It had taken him a long time to make up his mind, too long, he figured, but at last he deemed it time to put this senseless war behind him and get on with the rest of his life. Joel McAllister could look himself in the eye, knowing that he had given all that he had originally pledged to the Missouri Volunteers and General Joseph Shelby’s Confederate cavalry. He had fought under Shelby’s command for over two years, distinguishing himself in countless raids and skirmishes, enough so that he was awarded a battlefield promotion to the rank of lieutenant.

      It had been more than two months since Lee surrendered at the little Virginia town of Appomattox, but Joe Shelby had defied orders to surrender his cavalry, saying he would never live under Yankee rule. Like several hundred of Shelby’s volunteers, Joel had followed the fire-eating general when he left Shreveport and marched into Texas, determined to take his troops to Mexico. A sense of loyalty to his general had been the reason Joel had made that decision.

      After some troublesome nights of serious thought, however, he found himself on the bank of the Brazos River near the little town of Waco, questioning the choice he had made. It was a hard decision to make, for he had felt it his duty to follow his superiors and not ask whether or not their orders were right or wrong. Over the last two days, he had labored over the question and he realized that he was ready to say good-bye to war. Choosing to leave with some honor, he had informed his company commander, Captain Grace, that he was departing in the morning, having decided that his future did not lie in Mexico. The captain was disappointed but assured him that the general would understand and wish him luck, just as he had with the majority of his command who had departed for home when the unit was in Shreveport.

      Where are you heading? Captain Grace asked.

      About as far from this war as I can get, Joel answered. I’ve been thinkin’ it over, and I’ve decided to light out for Idaho Territory.

      Idaho? Grace responded, obviously surprised. What in hell is in Idaho? That’s halfway across the world. You might as well go to California or Oregon.

      That’s a fact, I reckon, Joel replied. But maybe it’s far enough away so there’s no North or South, and this damn war ain’t the only thing on everybody’s minds. That ain’t my only reason, though. I’ve got a brother out that way, and I reckon he’d be glad to have a partner to help him work his place. I’ve been thinkin’ it over, and I ain’t cut out for a career in soldierin’. I’ve got nothing to go back to in Missouri. The only family I’ve got left is my brother.

      Well, I wish you luck, McAllister. You’re a fine soldier and a damn good man. I wish I could let you take your horse with you, but the general said any man who quits after we cross into Texas will leave on foot. I’m sorry. I surely am.

      I understand the general’s feelin’s on the matter, Joel assured him. Our horse stock is needin’ some help right now, so I didn’t expect it any other way. I’ve got no problem with that. I’ll turn my horse out with the others tonight.

      That’s mighty understanding of you, Grace said. I know the general will appreciate your attitude. You say you’re planning on leaving in the morning?

      Yes, sir, right after breakfast.

      Good, Grace said. I’m sure the general will want to have a word with you before you go. Maybe he’ll make an exception of his order and let you take your horse.

      Joel smiled and nodded. They shook hands then and the captain turned and walked back toward his tent. Joel watched him walk away, remaining there on the bank until Grace entered the tent. He then returned to his own tent and the chestnut gelding tied beside it. The horse had been with him since his first day assigned to the regiment. It had more or less picked him to partner with. On the day they met, the gentle gelding left the herd of extra horses and walked right up to him when he approached them, bridle in hand. At the time, Joel had had no particular preference, so he accepted the chestnut’s easy invitation, and there had been no reason to regret the decision ever since. Concerned about the horse’s performance in battle, Joel had been pleased to find the chestnut willing and able during a cavalry charge, and fleet of foot whenever a quick retreat was ordered. That characteristic of willingness inspired Joel to name him Willing, which he soon shortened to Will.

      The captain had been right when he said the Idaho Territory was half a world away from Waco, Texas. But being the practical man that he was, Joel had no intention of walking that distance, and certainly no thought of leaving Will behind. He figured the regiment owed him a horse at the least, and a packhorse to boot, which he planned to liberate from the herd of extra horses grazing in the narrow valley as soon as darkness set in a little more. There was a strong possibility that Grace was right in thinking Shelby would let him take the horse. But Joel preferred to bank on a sure thing, so he planned to leave that night, in spite of what he had told the captain.

      He was about to enter his tent to finish packing up his saddlebags and bedroll when the familiar figure of Sergeant Riley Tarver suddenly appeared in the diminishing light of evening. Even in the poor light, there was no mistaking the squat, solidly built Tarver as he approached on short legs, appropriately bowed for a cavalry trooper. Joel paused to await him. The sergeant was always found close to his lieutenant whenever the regiment was in battle. Joel was not oblivious of the fact that Tarver seemed to have taken a responsibility upon himself to ensure his safety. He had to chuckle when he stopped to think about it—Riley Tarver had selected him to watch over much the same as Will had. And while he had never voiced it, he sincerely appreciated the sergeant’s apparent devotion to him.

      Evenin’, Sergeant, Joel greeted him. You lookin’ for me?

      Evenin’, Lieutenant, Riley returned. Yes, sir, I was thinkin’ on havin’ a word with you, if you don’t mind.

      All right, Joel replied, thinking he caught a sense of concern in the sergeant’s manner. What’s on your mind?

      Tarver hesitated while he sought to organize his words. Sir, can I talk kinda frankly?

      Why, sure you can, Riley. Nothing ever stopped you before. Is something botherin’ you? It occurred to Joel that he was going to miss the burly sergeant.

      Riley pushed his campaign hat back far enough to enable him to scratch his curly white hair, still hesitant to come out with what he had come to say. Finally he spat it out.

      Lieutenant, you know, we’ve been in some pretty tight places over the past two years, and I hope you won’t think it disrespectful if I say I’ve come to know you pretty well.

      Joel stifled a chuckle. He was well aware of the sergeant’s admiration. Not at all, he answered. I reckon we both know each other pretty well.

      Well, sir, Riley went on. It looks to me like you’ve been thinkin’ pretty heavy on somethin’ for the last week and a half—like maybe that somethin’s botherin’ you. And if I was to take a guess, I’d say you ain’t too damn keen about goin’ down to Mexico. He paused when he saw that his comment had caused Joel’s eyebrows to rise, but Joel made no reply, so he continued. It ain’t none of my business, but I just wanted to tell you that I ain’t lost nothin’ in Mexico. If you’re thinkin’ about musterin’ out of this army anytime soon—and you could tolerate a partner—why, hell, I’m your man. I’m ready to be done with this war, and the farther I can get away from it, the better.

      Joel was stunned. Had he been that transparent? Or was Riley so devoted to him that he had learned to read his mind? He had given absolutely no thought toward having a partner on his long journey up the face of the country. It made for an interesting suggestion, however, one that called for his consideration. After he’d thought about it for a few long moments, it suddenly struck him as an amusing proposition, considering the timing. And he had to admit that if he were to pick one man with whom to partner, it would have been Riley Tarver.

      Joel’s lengthy pause caused Riley to worry. If I’ve spoke out of line, Riley quickly offered, I wanna say right here and now that I didn’t intend no disrespect.

      Joel needed no more than another moment to reply. How soon can you be ready to go? ‘Cause I’m leavin’ tonight.

      Riley’s jaw dropped in surprise. You mean I can go with you?

      If you can get your gear together to leave tonight, Joel answered, ’cause I ain’t figurin’ on ridin’ another day closer to Mexico.

      Glory be! the sergeant exclaimed, scarcely able to believe it. I knew there was somethin’ workin’ on your mind. I was wonderin’ why you pitched your tent kinda off here by itself. Yes, sir, I’m ready to go right now. His grin was so wide that his face could scarcely contain it. Where you figurin’ on headin’? Not that I care one way or the other.

      Idaho Territory, Joel answered.

      Idaho? Riley responded, as much surprised as Captain Grace had been, but unlike the captain, he thought it was a grand idea. Well, now, there’s a piece of luck, I’d say, ’cause I’ve spent some time up that way, back before this war. I followed the rest of them fools out to California lookin’ for gold. He paused for a little chuckle when he recalled, I didn’t find enough to buy tobacco for my pipe.

      Maybe you’ll have better luck this time, Joel said. My brother’s sittin’ on a claim out there near a little town called Silver City. At least that’s what his letter said, but I didn’t get the letter until six months after he sent it. I reckon he’s still in the same spot. That’s what I’m countin’ on, anyway. I can’t say for sure what we’ll find when we get out there. My brother mighta moved on somewhere else.

      I didn’t know you had a brother, Riley said.

      Yep, Boone’s two years older than I am. He went in the army about six months before I did, got his leg torn half off by a load of grapeshot at Vicksburg—crippled him up pretty bad, so his soldierin’ days were over. Boone ain’t the type to let anything stand in his way, though. So when there was news that folks had found gold in Idaho Territory, he decided he’d go, too. Accordin’ to his letter, he thinks he’s sittin’ on a mountain of it. He said there were a lot of folks who went to California that came back to prospect in Idaho. There may not be any gold left to find when we get there, but I figured I might as well go out there and see the country for myself. So if you’re sure it’ll suit you, then welcome aboard.

      It suits me just fine, Riley assured him. I’m ready to go. We’ve done lost this war.

      There are a few things we have to take care of tonight if we’re gonna get outta here before anybody knows we’re gone, Joel told him. How do you feel about horse stealin’? He went on to remind him about General Shelby’s policy regarding the horses. I told Captain Grace that I wasn’t leavin’ till after breakfast tomorrow, ’cause I’m plannin’ to borrow another horse to use as a packhorse tonight. I kinda gave him the idea that I was gonna turn my horse in with the others tonight and leave on foot after breakfast. Looks like we’ll need two more now, and I wanna be long gone from here before reveille.

      Yes, sir, Riley exclaimed, excited now with the prospect. Horse stealin’ runs in my blood, on my mother’s side, and I can get my possibles ready in no time. I’ll go see if I can get us a little extra bacon and beans from the mess sergeant while he ain’t lookin’, and I can rig us up a couple of packsaddles for them horses we’re gonna need. He paused to give his new partner a grin. It’ll most likely be a little easier to steal a couple of horses from that herd if there’s one of us to distract the guard.

      I reckon, Joel replied with a matching grin. He reached out to accept Riley’s extended hand, and the two parties sealed the partnership. We’ll need a couple of stout packhorses, ’cause I’m plannin’ on loadin’ ’em down with weapons and ammunition.

      One thing the regiment had was plenty of both. After the surrender of the Confederacy, there were any number of arms stored at various magazines across Texas, and General Shelby had taken advantage of the opportunity to proceed to Mexico well supplied. Riley understood the lieutenant’s thinking. The arms would be useful as trade goods to exchange for whatever supplies they might need along the way; plus, there were a lot of Indians between here and where they were going.

      Joel wanted to make sure that Riley had considered all the risks involved, so he paused to ask a question. Are you sure you wanna make a long ride across this territory when it’s just the two of us? You know there have been reports of Cheyenne and Arapaho raids all over parts of Colorado since that massacre at Sand Creek about a year ago, and the Comanches ain’t ever been peaceful.

      Yessir, I’m aware of that, but I figure we’d be watchin’ our asses pretty careful, and we’ll have plenty of firepower to make it costly for any Injuns that light into us. Besides, I got me a strong hankerin’ to see those Rocky Mountains again.

      All right, then. Get your stuff together, Joel directed, and bring it to my tent after the camp settles down for the night. Then we’ll see about gettin’ ourselves a couple of horses.

      I’ll see you in about an hour, Riley said. He paused just before lifting the tent flap. I reckon you’ve figured on how long it’ll take us to get to Idaho Territory. It’s almost September now, and we ain’t likely gonna be able to do much travelin’ when the snow starts.

      Yeah, I know, Joel replied. But I reckon I’ve got the rest of my life to get there, so I ain’t worried about whether or not I make it before spring.

      Me, too, Riley said.

      •   •   •

      True to his word, Riley Tarver returned when the campfires had died down among the lines of tents in the narrow valley. He was leading his horse, a dark sorrel, with several canvas sacks and half a dozen rifles to add to those Joel had already managed to acquire. They were tied on loosely behind the saddle. He found Joel packed as well, and ready to go.

      I didn’t wanna wait too much longer, Riley said. He nodded back the way he had come. It looks like about a quarter moon lyin’ low on the prairie, and I figured we’d best get our business done before it gets high enough to give out much light.

      I expect we’d better lead these horses on up the river a ways and tie ’em up in the bushes while we go after the packhorses, Joel said.

      You plannin’ on strikin’ that tent? Riley asked.

      No. The sentry’s already passed by here once, and I reckon he’d wonder what was goin’ on if it was gone the next time he came around, Joel replied as he looked hurriedly around him in case he might have overlooked anything. And it’s damn near time he showed up again, so let’s get goin’.

      No more time was wasted as the new partners led their horses down a gentle slope toward the line of trees and shrubs that bordered the river, picking their way carefully to avoid any holes that might cause the horses to stumble and create a noise.

      This oughta do, Riley said when they came to a bunch of tall bushes. How we gonna do this thing? he asked when their mounts were secured. Damn! It suddenly occurred to him. I got the packsaddles, but I didn’t get no bridle.

      I didn’t get an extra one myself, Joel replied, unconcerned. I’ve got rope, though, so we’ll make bridles.

      Good thing, Riley said, ’cause I didn’t even think about bringin’ rope. He shook his head and joked, I guess that’s why you’re an officer and I’m just a sergeant.

      Carrying nothing but the coil of rope, they went back down the river for a hundred yards before leaving it at a spot that put them even with the herd of extra horses standing peacefully in the treeless valley. They paused there waiting to locate the guards, before moving on in toward the horses. The sentries were not obvious against the dark background of the milling horses, but after a few minutes, Joel spotted a solitary figure slowly pacing his post. They continued to watch until the figure met up with another figure near a large clump of sagebrush. The two sentries paused there for a short while to exchange conversation before parting to reverse their steps. That’s where to catch ’em, Riley said. He turned to Joel. Who’s gonna do the stealin’, and who’s gonna do the talkin’?

      I expect I’ll steal the horses, Joel said. You’ve got a better chance of distractin’ the guards. They’re more likely to chew the fat with you. If I did it, they’d be tryin’ to act real alert and watch everything goin’ on.

      Riley agreed, so they waited until the guards completed another circuit of their posts and met again at the sagebrush, before scurrying out across the narrow valley.

      Hello, the horse guard, Riley called out as he approached the two soldiers.

      Who goes there? one of the guards demanded, and both men reacted alertly.

      Nobody but ol’ Tarver, Riley answered, just takin’ a look around the camp—makin’ sure everything’s all right.

      Both men relaxed when they recognized the stumpy, bowlegged sergeant. Evening, Sarge, one of the men greeted him. What are you doing, wandering around out here in the dark?

      Like I said, just keepin’ an eye on things, makin’ sure you boys ain’t takin’ a little nap out here. Anything goin’ on?

      Nary a thing, the other guard replied. Quiet as a whore in church.

      That’s always good, ain’t it? Riley said. Maybe one of you boys has got a match, so’s I can light my pipe.

      The two sentries were content to pass a little time with the sergeant, giving his accomplice ample time to select two stout horses and fashion bridles with his rope. Happily distracted, they took no notice of the lone figure leading two horses away from the herd, even when he was obliged to stop and chase a few horses back when they started to follow. After finishing his smoke, Riley took his leave and the two sentries resumed their responsibility. A little over an hour later, the two horse thieves rode up the bank of the Brazos and set out for Idaho.

      Chapter 2

      Traveling slowly but steadily, so as to get as much distance as possible behind them before having to rest the horses, they followed the course of the river to the northwest. Just after daybreak, they rode through a grove of cottonwoods close by the riverbank and dismounted on a sand flat near the water’s edge.

      Joel figured that they had gained a reasonable head start on any patrol the general might have sent after them, especially since he felt certain no one had seen them leave. The odds were slim that Shelby would delay his troop movement south to chase them, anyway. With these thoughts in mind, the new partners were comfortable in giving the horses a good rest and cooking a little breakfast for themselves.

      I wanna do a better job of packin’ these horses, Riley said as he pulled the packs from the horse he had been leading. I was in too much of a hurry when we loaded ’em back yonder. I’ll unload yours, too, Lieutenant, soon as I get this’n off.

      Might as well settle something right now, Joel said as he pulled the saddle off the chestnut. We ain’t in the army no more, so there ain’t no more lieutenant or sergeant. We’re equal partners on this deal, and I’ll be splittin’ the chores with you fifty-fifty. So don’t call me ‘Lieutenant’ anymore. All right?

      "Yes, sir, Joel," Riley replied, grinning broadly when he emphasized the name. He wouldn’t have expected anything different from the broad-shouldered young officer, but he knew he would continue to regard him as his leader. The man had far and away earned his respect with his conduct under fire.

      I know I plan to get outta this uniform first chance I get, Joel went on, and find some decent clothes. By the time we get to Idaho, we’re gonna be needin’ something a helluva lot warmer than these ragged uniforms.

      The last comment was without doubt, because at his guess, they would be lucky to get to Silver City before spring, and it would be cold in the high mountains.

      I expect you’re right about that, Riley said, having already thought about the country they were heading for, and the winters he had seen for himself when out there before. Makes me crave a cup of hot coffee just thinkin’ about the way that snow piles up in them mountain passes. I’ll make us a fire and we’ll cook us some breakfast.

      The morning passed uneventfully, with no sign of pursuit, so after resting the horses, they started out again. They divided their cargo of twelve Sharps carbines and extra ammunition between the two packhorses. That, added to their food supplies, cooking utensils, coffeepot, frying pan, coffee cups, bedrolls, and other useful items, made for a reasonable load for the horses to carry.

      As for their personal weapons, both men carried Spencer carbines in their saddle scabbards as well as Navy Colt revolvers holstered on their belts. The Spencers, captured from Union outfits, were favored by both since the weapons were repeaters and designed to take a .54-caliber metal cartridge, while the Sharps took a combustible paper cartridge. The problem during the fighting was the lack of the metal cartridges to fit the Spencer, which the Confederates didn’t have. But their unit had been lucky enough to capture a Union supply train, so they now had an ample supply of ammunition. Joel was of the opinion that the Spencer packed a more powerful punch than the Sharps, which he planned to utilize in hunting for big game.

      The first full day of travel found them still following the general direction of the twisting and turning Brazos, aided by the existence of a well-worn trail that reminded them that they were riding in Comanche territory. The river managed to maintain its contact with the travelers, although it often took leave to turn away from them before coming back again. The country looked the same, with no indication that it would ever change in appearance, the gently rolling prairie broken only by the occasional line of hills.

      On the second day of travel, upon entering a wide valley bordered by a long ridge on their right, they came upon a recent campsite that Riley determined to be Indian.

      Not more’n a day old, he told Joel as they both tested the ashes of the campfire.

      I agree, Joel said. I expect we’d best keep a sharp eye.

      He walked around the clearing among the cottonwoods, inspecting the tracks, seeking to get an idea of the size of the hunting party. It was plain to see that they had come upon a popular camping spot, for there were many older tracks as well as the remains of a couple of other campfires, long dead. He returned to focus his attention on the fresh tracks.

      They’re Indians, all right. None of these horses are shod. Doesn’t look like a very big party, maybe three or four at the most—may not be that many—could be one or two and extra horses.

      Maybe they’ll take off in some other direction, Riley speculated. He was not overly concerned about a fight with hostile Indians, if these were indeed hostile. Depending upon how well armed the Indians were, they would most likely be able to ward them off.

      From the looks of these tracks, they left here in the same direction we’re headin’.

      But like we said, Riley replied, they’re most likely a day ahead of us.

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