Nathaniel's Run E-Book

Tim Baker

• Herausgeber: Spines
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

In the heart of a nation divided, a young Franco-American, Nathaniel Belanger, leaves the familiarity of his Maine homeland to grapple with the tumult of the Civil War. His journey from a boy to a battle-hardened soldier is marred by the pangs of adolescence, the horrors of war, and a steadfast determination to stand for justice. As he navigates through the blood-soaked fields of America's defining conflict, Nathaniel's courage is tested in the fiery crucible of history's most brutal trials, leading him to the precipice of adulthood and the harrowing realities of survival. This is a tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the arduous road to finding one's place in a world on the brink of change.

Leseprobe

NATHANIEL'S RUN

NATHANIEL'S RUN

TIM BAKER

Cover IllustratorJENNIFER WORSTER HARRIMAN

Tim Baker

Nathaniel's Run

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2025 by Tim Baker

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by Spines

ISBN: 979-8-89691-282-8

CONTENTS

1. Leaving Smyrna Mills

2. The Journey South

3. Arriving in Calais, Maine

4. The Holyoke House

5. Camp Mason

6. Antietam

7. Prisoner of War

8. Man down

9. Gettysburg

10. Andersonville

11. Saving Chamberlain

12. Returning to Maine

"For Sue, my greatest love and truest friend.

Your belief in me and constant push became the momentum that made this happen."

1

LEAVING SMYRNA MILLS

"What do you think, Donald?" Nathaniel asked his best friend as they sat on the shore by the creek.

“I don’t know, Nate; it could be too risky, with Donald picking up a pebble and chucking it into the rippling stream.

“Donald, It’s 1862. We’re both fourteen years old, and we should stand up and fight for what is right,” Nathaniel argued. “I have struggled to fit in, no matter where I’ve gone, so that I can relate to the black folk.”

“I know, Nate. What happens if they send us back home to our parents, or if they do let us join?” Donald’s voice dropped. “What if we die?”

Nathaniel, born in Baker Lake, New Brunswick, had moved to Smyrna, Maine, with his family. His family was Franco-American, and he moved to Maine to start a new life on Maine soil when he was seven years old.

Donald Bennett, who was the same age as Nathaniel, had always lived in Smyrna. He was the oldest of the Bennett family's eight children, and as such, he was responsible for tending to the family farm.

“Through the years, Donald, we have been by each other’s side. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I need to think about this a little more.” Donald reached down to pick up a stick and drew in the sand.

“Maine offered a bonus of five hundred and two dollars to anyone who will join the 20th Maine regiment. Think of all we can do with this money. Start our farm, move away, so many things, Donald.”

“I like it here, Nate. It’s safe. Besides, my family needs me here. My father is sick, and I must tend to my family’s farm.” Donald, tired of this conversation, stood up.

Donald’s father had battled pneumonia for some time now and was failing as the days went by, as his family couldn’t afford the proper medicine his father needed. Although he would join if he could, he knew his responsibilities were to his family.

“All right, Donald, I understand. I need to leave in the morning. Please do not tell anyone where I am going or my intentions. Nathaniel stood up and stared at Donald.

“I will not. Nate, you’re my friend; I will respect your wishes.” He reached out to shake Nathaniel’s hand.

“I need to head home now, Nate; I’ll talk to you soon.” Donald turned to walk away.

“Goodbye, Donald.” Nate turned and ran in the opposite direction.

That afternoon, Nathaniel went home and thought about the supplies he needed to take with him. He hid items in a gunny sack that he kept hidden under his bed for a while now. Nathaniel had saved up a hunting knife, some crackers, matches, beans, an extra pair of socks, his canteen, and a couple of dollars. Nathaniel kept thinking all afternoon about what else he thought he might need to take. That night, Nathaniel took his father’s 1853 Enfield musket, which was hidden behind the homestead door, and hid it in the hay stall in the barn. He planned to grab it before heading towards the fields first thing in the morning.

That night, Nathaniel’s mind raced with thoughts of how he would make his way to Portland. He thought about his friend Donald, hoping he would change his mind and accompany him on this journey. He tossed and turned all night, replaying how he would sneak out without anyone knowing. His goal was to get up before everyone else in the house. Soon after that, he finally fell asleep.

Nathaniel woke to the sun shining through his window. He realized that he had slept longer than he wanted. He slipped on his trousers and buttoned them up. Then, Nathaniel laced up his brogues. He grabbed his shirt, reached under his bed, and found his gunny sack, where he had stored his supplies. Nathaniel stopped by his sister Cora’s room. He pulled the blankets up over her to cover her up. Cora woke from the disturbance in a startled manner.

“What’s going on, Nate?” Cora questioned.