Copperhead Gore: Benjamin Wood's Fort Lafayette and Civil War America

CHAPTER VII

[ 124 ] CHAPTER VII. Several gentlemen of the neighborhood, whom Beverly, upon hearing little Phil’s story, had hastily summoned to his assistance, now entered the cabin, together with the male negroes of his household, who had mounted the farm horses and eagerly followed to the rescue of their young mistress. They had been detained without by an unsuccessful pursuit of Rawbon, whose ¶ight they had discovered, but who had easily evaded them in the darkness. A rude litter was constructed for Arthur, but Oriana declared herself well able to proceed on horseback, and would not listen to any suggestion of delay on her account. She mounted Beverly’s horse, while he and Harold supplied themselves from among the horses that the negroes had rode, and thus, slowly and silently, they threaded the lonely forest, while ever and anon a groan from the litter struck painfully upon their ears. Arrived at the manor house, a physician who had been summoned , pronounced Arthur’s hurt to be serious, but not dangerous. Upon receiving this intelligence, Oriana and Harold were persuaded to retire, and Beverly and his aunt remained as watchers at the bedside of the wounded man. Oriana, despite her agitation, slept well, her rest being only disturbed by ¤tful dreams, in which Arthur’s pale face seemed ever present, now smiling upon her mournfully, and now, locked in the repose of death. She arose somewhat refreshed, though still feverish and anxious, and walking upon the veranda to breathe the morning Fort Lafayette by Benjamin Wood [ 125 ] air, she was joined by Harold, with his hand in a sling, and much relieved by the application of a poultice, which the skill of Miss Randolph had prepared. He informed her that Arthur was sleeping quietly , and that she might dismiss all fears as to his safety; and perhaps, if he had watched her closely, the earnest expression of something more than pleasure with which she received this assurance, might have given him cause for rumination. Beverly descended soon afterward , and con¤rmed the favorable report from the sick chamber, and Orianaretiredintothehouseto assistin preparing themorning meal. “Let us take a stroll by the riverside,” said Beverly; “the air breathes freshly after my night’s vigil.” “The storm has left none but traces of beauty behind,” observed Harold, as they crossed the lawn. The loveliness of the early morning was indeed a pleasant sequel to the rude tempest of the preceding night. The dewdrops glistened upon grass-blade and foliage, and the bosom of the stream ¶ashed merrily in the sunbeams. “It is,” answered Beverly, “as if Nature were rejoicing that the war of the elements is over, and a peace proclaimed. Would that the black cloud upon our political horizon had as happily passed away.” After a pause, he continued: “Harold, you need not fear to remain with us a while longer. I am sure that Rawbon’s confederates are heartily ashamed of their participation in last night’s outrage, and will on no account be seduced to a similar adventure. Rawbon himself will not be likely to show himself in this vicinity for some time to come, unless as the inmate of a jail, for I have ordered a warrant to be issued against him. Thewholeaffairhasresulted evidently from some unaccountable antipathy which the fellow entertains against us.” “I agree with you,” replied Harold, “but still I think this is an unpropitious time for the prolongation of my visit. There are events, I fear, breeding for the immediate future, in which I must take a part. I shall only remain with you a few days, that I may be assured of Arthur’s safety.” “I will not disguise from you my impression that Virginia will Copperhead Gore [ 126 ] withdraw from the Union. In that case, we will be nominal enemies . God grant that our paths may not cross each other.” “Amen!” replied Harold, with much feeling. “But I do not understand why we should be enemies. You surely will not lend your voice to this rebellion?” “When the question of secession is before the people of my State, I shall cast my vote as my judgment and conscience shall dictate . Meanwhile I shall examine the issue, and, I trust, dispassionately . But whatever may become of my individual opinion, where Virginia goes I go, whatever be the event.” “Would you uphold a wrong in the face of your own conscience ?” “Oh, as to...