The Crow Legacy E-Book

John W. Wood

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Jedadiah Crow has been passed a legacy of valor, both from his father - a mountain man - and a Crow war chief.

While finding his way in life, Jedadiah builds his own reputation of leadership during the American Civil War, displaying integrity and courage.

After the war, Jedadiah leads a group of former soldiers to California, setting the stage for The House of Crow.

Leseprobe

The Crow Legacy

The House of Crow Book 2

John W. Wood

Copyright (C) 2019 John W. Wood

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2019 by Next Chapter

Published 2019 by Next Chapter

Cover art by CoverMint

Edited by Richard Wildbur

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

The Crow Legacy

Jedadiah Crow has been passed a legacy of valor both from his father a mountain man and a Crow war chief. While finding his way in life, Jedadiah builds his own reputation of leadership during the American Civil War, displaying integrity, and courage. After the war, Jedadiah will lead a group of former soldiers to California, setting the stage for The House of Crow.

DEDICATION

The Crow Legacy is dedicated to Rich Wildbur, no one could ask for a better friend (over thirty years). His editing and knowledge of so many subjects and his willingness to give of his time, has made the House of Crow Series a success.

IN APPRECIATION FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Mary Felix for your love and encouragement these many years Kenna McKinnon and Mari Collier Curt Beckner Historical Research Berkeley Rourke John W. Lesich James Farrell Harry Porter AND TO Publisher Miika Hannila and his staff atNext Chapter Publishing

A NEW BEGINNING 1862

San Diego was bustling with activity. The harbor was full of ships from all over the world. The discovery of gold in the north back in '48 had changed California forever. Men of every nation still flocked to the Golden State in hopes of becoming rich.

Jedadiah Crow was walking down a street close to the ocean when a voice called out, “Isaiah! Isaiah Crow!”

Jed turned to see a man, short in stature but powerfully built. He was dressed in black and wore a captain's cap. As the man rushed up with his hand extended, he stopped. With a look of surprise on his face, he said, “I apologize young man. I thought you were someone else.”

“You knew Isaiah Crow? He was my father.”

“Was?” asked the man.

“My father died a few years ago. I'm Jed, Jedadiah Crow.”

“I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. I'm Captain King. Your father saved me a great deal of money once. We became good friends. I even attended his wedding.”

“I'm headed for the cantina down the street. Would you care to join me?” asked Jed.

“Why yes, I feel the need for something to eat. My ship sails tonight and it will be some time before I'll have food from a cantina again.”

It was an enjoyable meal. Jed listened, fascinated by Captain King's stories. When it came time to go, Jed asked, “I know it's late notice, but could I purchase passage aboard your ship?”

“You want to go to Boston, do you?”

“Yes and no. I actually want to go to Washington. I have heard about the War of Rebellion and thought I would travel overland. However, if I can get passage on your ship…”

“You plan on joining the army, do you?”

“Yes sir, cavalry if they'll have me. I'm good with horses, and I can read and write.”

“Son, you are welcome aboard my ship and to sail for nothing. The money your father saved me paid your passage long ago. Say, you don't happen to own any books do you?”

“I have several of my father's books with me.”

“Yes, it will be a pleasure having you aboard. When we leave here, I'll show you where to be at five this afternoon. I will send a boat to pick you up.”

* * *

The sun was setting, and the sky was ablaze with color as The Boston Queen's bow sliced through the Pacific waters. Jed stood alone, breathing in the smell of the ocean. They were headed for The Cape of Good Hope, “Around the Horn,” as Captain King put it; around the Horn and on to a new life.

The trip to Boston took nearly seven months. Crow bid farewell to Captain King and went into Boston to purchase two horses; one for riding and another as a pack animal to carry his kit. Two days later, Crow was headed to Washington, where he hoped to join the Cavalry.

The trek to Washington took Crow twelve days instead of ten because he was fascinated with the countryside and the people he met. Arriving in Washington, he found a rooming house run by a widow lady. The widow introduced him to the man at the livery, and he boarded his horses there.

President Lincoln continued the construction of the capitol building during the war and Crow spent several days watching its development. One day, when Crow returned to the livery, the owner approached him. “Mr. Crow, I have something that might interest you.”

Crow followed the man to the back of the stables. There, the liveryman stopped at the last stall. “He's in there.”

In the stall was a magnificent black stallion. As Crow approached, the Black charged the gate. “Watch him,” called out the Liveryman, “He bites!”

Crow held his hand flat, and the horse went for it. Quick as a Cobra, Crow had the Black by its upper lip in a vice-like grip. The Black froze in place. Crow reached out with his other hand and gently stroked the Black's nose, whispering. Then Crow released the lip of the Black and it backed away. Crow continued speaking in a low voice, and the horse came back. But his time, he bumped Crow's hand to ask for more attention. “I ain't ever seen anything like it,” said the Liveryman in a whisper.

“Is he for sale?” asked Crow.

“Yes, sir, he is and cheap too, only a hundred and fifty dollars. The man who owns him can't control him, and it bites him.”

“See if he would be interested in a trade, my mount with saddle and tack for the Black. If you can convince him, I will give you my pack horse.”

The next day Crow owned the Black and the Liveryman owned a pack horse.

Crow spent the next four weeks training the Black as his father had taught him.

One day, Crow left the livery and walked to a building with a sign that read Henry Repeating Arms. Inside, Mr. Hall, the proprietor, was surprised by the number of pistols and the Henry Rifle purchased by the young man named Crow. Crow impressed Mr. Hall, even more, when he paid cash for it all. “It has been a pleasure serving you, Mr. Crow. Should you ever need anything in firearms in the future, I hope you will call on me.”

Crow carried two canvas bags containing his purchases. Crow saw a sign that read, “Red Rooster Saloon.” 'I think I'll stop for a drink and some food,' thought Crow and stepped inside.

A CHANCE MEETING

Earl Stump, 1st Sergeant, US Cavalry, stood with his back to the room. He leaned against the bar, resting on one arm while lifting his drink with the other. Three malicious looking men eyed the man standing at the bar in the Red Rooster saloon. “I'm a gonna gut that son-of-a-bitch,” the big one said to the others. The big man stood up and drew a heavy bladed knife from a scabbard attached to his belt. The assassin advanced on the unsuspecting1st Sergeant and prepared to thrust his blade into the back of his victim. From out of nowhere, a chair crashed down on the big man's head, dropping him like a shot deer.

Earl Stump jerked around to face the commotion. The big man's friends charged the tall man with the broken chair in his hand. Earl grabbed a bottle from the bar to use as a weapon. Before he could engage the two advancing men, the man with the chair threw it across the floor tripping the second attacker. The third attacker fell over the second, landing hard on top of him. Before either could move, two quick blows from the stranger's closed fists knocked them both out.

“Damn son, was it something they said?” asked Earl, with a lopsided grin on his face.

“The one with the knife was about to stick you in the back. 'Just didn't strike me as being right.”

“I'm obliged to you. The one with the knife took exception to me taking up space at another saloon a couple weeks ago. I tried to beat some sense into him, but apparently, it didn't take. 'Don't know the others though. 'Must be friends of his.” Earl Stump stuck out his hand, “I'm Earl Stump.

Shaking Earl's hand, the man said, “I'm Jedadiah Crow.”

There was a groan from the man with the knife as he began to regain consciousness. “I think we might want to move on from here,” said Earl. “How about I treat you to a good meal?”

“I'll take you up on that! I'll just get my kit.”

As Jed gathered his kit, Earl noticed that the man with the knife had gotten to his hands and knees. Earl leaned over him and said, “I didn't get a chance to give you a proper hello!” With a punch that heavyweight champ Tom Hyer would have been proud of, Earl knocked out the would-be assassin.

“Now that we've got the pleasantries out of the way, let's go eat.”

Leaving the Red Rooster, Jed carried a canvas bag over his right shoulder and another in his left hand as he walked along with Earl. The streets of Washington were filled with people on horseback, in carriages and like themselves, just walking. “I'm not used to so many people,” said Jed.

“Where are you from?”

“I'm from California, near San Diego. You?”

“Born and raised in Michigan. Here, give me one of those bags to carry.”

Jed handed the bag he had in his hand to Earl. “Damn! What have you got in here?”

“I stopped and picked up a few things. I hope to join the cavalry.”

Earl stopped, “You don't say! How about after we eat, I take you to our commanding officer? He might be interested in talking to you. Do you ride or know anything about shooting?”

“My family raised horses, and I know a bit about shooting.”

LIEUTENANT CROW

Stump liked Jedadiah Crow. The young man was unpretentious; though it was obvious he was of high intelligence. After their meal, Earl led Crow to the tent of Colonel White, his commanding officer. Colonel White granted Crow twenty minutes to convince him that he should allow Crow to join his unit. The meeting lasted over an hour. When the flap to the colonel's office opened, the colonel called for his aid, Lieutenant Gilroy.

Gilroy left the commanding officer's tent with Crow, took him straight to the quartermaster and authorized uniforms of a lieutenant to be issued to Lieutenant Jedadiah Crow, United States Army. Lieutenant Gilroy then took Crow to the tent of Captain Murphy. Crow was told to wait outside the tent while Gilroy talked to the captain. Crow stood outside the tent, his arms full of uniforms. A few minutes later, a uniformed young man came out of the tent and ran down the company street. Crow saw him stop in front of a tent and then saw 1st Sergeant Stump appear. Stump followed the runner back to the captain's tent and entered.

Stump stepped out of the tent and said, “You sure as hell don't let any grass grow under your feet… sir! Follow me.” Stump led Crow to his tent and held the flap for Crow to enter. “Drop your uniforms on the cot and take a seat… sir.

“Captain Murphy will see you in the morning after you get settled and you are in uniform. Today and tonight, you will stay with me. We will go back to the quartermaster's to get the rest of your equipment, and I will show you how to wear it. It will take a while to get you a mount, but we can get you a saddle and tack.”

“I have a mount. I bought him four weeks ago. I will also have to pay for my room and pay the livery whatever I owe them.”

Stump looked at Crow, trying to figure him out. “I can send one of my men to take care of your room and livery if you want. He can also bring your horse. We have a lot to do tonight, and it would save us time.”

Crow looked over at the two sacks of his belongings that Stump kept for him while he met with the colonel. “I have some personal things at my room that the landlady is keeping for me. I will have to write a note, or she won't give them to him.”

Stump stood up and went to the tent opening and yelled, “McCauley!”

A handsome young man with pitch black hair appeared at the entrance of the tent. “McCauley, this is Lieutenant Crow. He has a horse and some personal things in town. I want you to get a wagon and go and get them and bring them back here.”

McCauley stepped into the tent, “Lieutenant,” McCauley addressed Crow. Crow stood up and reached into his pocket and withdrew several coins. “Here are fourteen dollars. The landlady gets eight, the livery gets six. It is more than I owe, but they have been helpful to me. I will draw you a map and give you a note for each of them explaining who you are.”

“McCauley, go there and straight back, no stopping along the way.”

Crow took two more coins and with a wink, handed them to McCauley, “It's not official yet, me being an officer. So for doing this for me, here is some extra for when you can stop along the way.”

Grinning ear to ear, McCauley replied, “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir!”

COLONEL WHITE

Colonel White adjusted the wick of the lamp on his field desk. Leaning forward in his chair, he pushed a bottle of whiskey across the table to his second in command, Lieutenant Colonel Gibson. The lieutenant colonel, known to all as “Gibbs”, picked up the bottle and poured two fingers worth into his empty glass. White said, “We got a new man today, Jedadiah Crow. I'm most impressed with him, he's from California. I'll introduce you to him in the morning. Then I want you to take him around to meet the other officers.”

“You commissioned him then?”

“I did. If Crow passes muster, I think I'll have him lead our scouts when we move out.”

“That might upset a few officers. Every lieutenant in the regiment wants that job.”

“Yes, I've thought on that, but none of those lieutenants have lived with the Indians, had a father that was a Mountain Man or a grandfather that is a war chief. Now, that's all on his word. That's why I want you to watch him close and evaluate him. Oh, and by the by, Crow saved 1st Sergeant Stump of Twelfth Troop's, life today. Remember the man that attacked Stump a couple weeks ago? He and two of his friends followed him to a saloon today. Well, when they tried to kill Stump, Crow stepped in and beat the three unconscious, according to Stump.”

Gibbs held up his glass, “I'm looking forward to meeting this young man.”

“In the morning, I want him to report to Captain Smith in Twelfth Troop as his supernumerary. You talk with Smith and tell him to keep an eye on Crow. I want to know how he handles himself.”

WELCOME TO THE ARMY

Lieutenant Colonel Gibson entered Captain Smith's tent with Crow. Smith, sitting behind his desk, immediately began to stand.

“As you were,” said Gibbs. “We have a new officer joining our ranks. I want you to meet Lieutenant Jedadiah Crow. He hails from California. Colonel White wants him assigned to you as your supernumerary.”

Smith stood, stepped around his desk and walked over to Crow. “Welcome Lieutenant Crow. Excuse me, sir,” said Smith to Gibbs. Smith went to the tent entrance and spoke to someone outside. Smith came back into the tent followed by a lieutenant.

Crow saw a man of about thirty years and of average height who wore his uniform well. Lieutenant Billings entered the tent and saluted his superior officers, “Good morning, sir.”

Returning the salute, Captain Smith told him, “This is Lieutenant Crow. He is our new supernumerary. I want you to get him settled and then have you and Lieutenant Harwell show him the ropes. Lieutenant Crow, you go with Billings. I will speak with you later.”

After Crow and Billings had left, Gibbs turned to Smith, “The colonel has an interest in this young man. I would be obliged if you kept an eye on him and report to me weekly on how he is adjusting.”

“May I ask why the, ah… intense interest in this young man?”

“Smitty, I have not been given permission to talk about this. I ask that you keep this between us until I can.”

“Yes, sir, as you say.”

Billings led Crow down the company street past two tents and into the third. The smell of canvas and kerosene was thick inside. There were two cots with room for two more. Sitting on one cot was a young man pulling on his boots. He looked up said, “'Morning. Who've you got there?” Having pulled on his boot, the man stood.

“Crow, this is Harwell. Harwell, this is our new supernumerary, Jedadiah Crow.”

Crow and Harwell shook hands. “The captain wants us to teach Crow the ropes.”

Harwell looked at Crow and thought, 'Damn, he's big!' “I heard you pulled the 1st Sergeant's ass out of the fire yesterday.”

Crow replied, “After seeing how your 1st Sergeant punches, I don't really think he needed any help.”

Billings, changing the subject, said, “Do you have any personals with you? We'll need to get you a cot and locker.”

“Stump has my kit in his tent, and I'm not sure where my horse is. McCauley said he took him to the stables.”

The two officers laughed, “Hell, knowing McCauley, he probably sold it.”

It took better than an hour to get the rest of Crow's gear issued by the quartermaster, his kit moved to the tent and to locate his horse. When they did find it, the saddler sergeant walked up to Crow. “Is this your mount, sir?”

“Yes it is,” replied Crow.

“That's a damned fine looking animal, and well kept.”

“Thank you, sergeant. I've had him a few weeks now. I think he's mighty fine myself.”

“What do you call him?”

“I call him 'Anho', it means, to count coup. To count coup is an act of bravery against an enemy.”

The three men eyed Crow, there just seemed to be something… something really different about the man. “Well,” said the sergeant, “damned good name for a cavalry horse.”

Back at the tent, Crow found that his cot had been set up and there was a locker at the foot of it. “You might as well put your kit away. The 1st Sergeant and Harwell will handle the day to day while I finish showing you around.”

As Crow organized his things and began putting them away, Billings noticed some items of interest. On Crow's cot were a Henry rifle and four Remington Army revolvers, with all their accessories. All of them were new. “My God man, where did you get these?” Billings picked up the rifle and looked at it in amazement. Bringing it to his shoulder, he sighted it at the wall of the tent and then worked the lever. “Beautiful, it works so smoothly!”

“Shoots as good as it looks,” said Crow. “I thought it would be just right for cavalry. When I heard I could bring my own firearms, I bought it.”

Billings carefully laid the rifle on the cot and picked up one of the pistols, “Four pistols?”

“I've done some reading and in my travels talked to some veterans. They've all talked about how the Confederate Cavalry carried four pistols. It seemed like a fine idea if one were in a battle.”

Billings looked down at Crow and thought, 'He's talking sense, no bravado, and he's thought this out.' “Have you ever had to fight? I mean from horseback?”

“Yes. When I lived with my grandfather, I fought many times from horseback. We didn't use pistols, didn't have 'em. We used these…” Billings' eyes got big when Crow pulled a war-hawk from under some clothing on the cot. “I always carried two.”

“Who the hell is your grandfather?” asked Billings.

“My grandfather is called, Broken-Leg. He is a Crow war chief. My name is 'He-who-strikes-first' in Crow. I was a Wolf, which is a Crow scout.”

Billings just stood and looked at Crow, 'I thought he was some oversized country bumpkin. But for some reason, I believe what he's told me.'

FIRST REPORT

It had been a week since Crow had been commissioned and sent to the Twelfth Troop. Gibbs was invited to eat with Colonel White. Having eaten, White set two glasses on the table and Gibbs poured three fingers whiskey in each. White was a pipe smoker while Gibbs preferred his black cheroots. As the two men lit up, Gibbs dunked the head end of his cigar in his whiskey and then sat back, puffing smoke into the air. “Well Gibbs, how is our new lieutenant coming along?”

Gibbs leaned forward and then thrust his cigar into his mouth clenching it with his teeth, “Colonel, Crow is one hell of a fine soldier. Did you know that he's got an Indian name; 'He-who-strikes-first'? He brought his own mount, a beautiful horse that he trained. The damned horse follows him around like a big dog. It would probably sleep at the foot of his cot, if allowed.”

Colonel White, a man with a good sense of humor, laughed at the image of a horse sleeping at the foot of a cot. “So tell me, Gibbs, do you think I was right? Do you think Crow might be the man to lead the scouts?”

“If I may, sir, I'd like Crow to pick twenty-five men and tell him he has, say three weeks, to get them ready as scouts. While he is doing that, you, the majors and I and will think up a test for the scouts.”

“We're due to move out soon, so let's get this done. I hope Crow is as good as we think he is. We're going to need him.”

THE WOLF PACK

The next day, Crow stood in front of 1st Sergeant Stump's tent, hesitated and then went in. Stump, was sitting in an old chair, enjoying his pipe. He started to stand when Crow entered. “As you were, 1st Sergeant.” Crow went to a cot and sat down. “I have been reluctantly given permission to take you with me on a special assignment.”

Stump swung his chair around, so he faced Crow square. He continued to smoke his pipe, waiting to hear more.

“I'm to take twenty-five men of my choosing and train them as scouts. Gibbs gave me three weeks. I asked for and got four. I don't know twenty-five men; so I'm going to tell you what I'm looking for and you'll get them for me. Now then, I already have you, and I liked what I saw in McCauley, so I want him. You need only get twenty-three more.”

Stump puffed on his pipe, his head back staring at the ceiling of his tent. Straightening himself in the chair, he asked, “So what are you looking for?”

“I want men who can be trusted not to talk about what we are doing. They must ride and shoot well. If they can do that, I'll take care of the rest.”

“I can do that, when do you want this done?”

Crow stood up and removed a watch from his pocket, “It is 10:00 AM. I want you to have the men, their mounts, weapons and ammunition at the stable at noon.”

Stump got up out of his chair, “Where are we going and will we need rations?”

“We'll need no rations. It's part of the training.” With that, Crow ducked his head and walked out of the tent while Stump watched him go.

It was noon when the troop of hand-picked men watched Lieutenant Crow riding toward them. He was leading a pack animal with its load covered by a tarp. He stopped in front of 1st Sergeant Stump and returned his salute. “Mount them up and form on me in columns of four. Have the last man lead the pack animal. Then you take my left 1st Sergeant.”

Crow led the column; first southwest and then turned it east. They had ridden for nearly four hours when Crow called a halt. “1st Sergeant, give the men and the horses a rest. I want six guards on at all times until we leave. Get the horses taken care of and then the men can rest.”

Stump, having gotten the troopers organized, walked up and reported. Crow stood up, brushed off the seat of his pants, and said, “Let's go ambush some guards.” Stump at first was slow on the uptake. He had to walk fast to catch up with Crow, who had just disappeared into the woods.

Private Williams sat on a log, daydreaming about a girl he knew back in Ohio, when a strong callused hand was clapped over his mouth. In no time he was gagged and tied and left lying on the ground.

Minutes later, the troopers were sent scrambling when both Stump and Crow rushed in yelling and firing their pistols in the air, “Where are the guards? To arms! We're under attack!”

Only two men grabbed their weapons and went searching for the guards. The rest froze where they were or dove for the ground. Crow and Stump stood with their hands on their hips, watching until the chaos ceased. Soon, the two men who had kept their heads, Barley and McCauley, returned with six dejected guards. The men looked nervously at Crow and Stump.

Crow spoke in a loud, clear voice, “Everyone gather 'round.” Crow waited, and then said, “If you cannot hear me, say so and I will speak louder or I can wait for you to move closer. What happened tonight, with the guards, is the last and only time it will happen. You have four weeks to learn what I have to teach you before we are tested. We are to be scouts; the eyes and ears of Colonel White. We will be like a pack of wolves, chasing, harassing and destroying the enemy. Like wolves, you will learn to go for miles and days without food or rest to accomplish the mission. Like wolves, we will work together, and like wolves, we will protect the pack. Always be on the alert, protect each other.”

Crow turned to Stump, “1st Sergeant, we move out at daybreak.”

“Yes, sir! Daybreak it is.”

As the men bedded down, some of the soldiers began to ask questions about the new lieutenant. James Barley turned to his friend, Ian McCauley, “You talked to him. What do you know?”

McCauley thought a moment, and then in a thick Scottish brogue, said, “I liked him right off. I was sent into town to pick up his belongings. The woman that owned the house where he was staying was sad to see him go. When I picked up his horse at the livery, the owner sent his regards. I also know that he single-handedly beat the hell out of three men who were going to kill Stump.”

“Is it true he's part Indian? I hear he's an Indian,” said one of the troopers.

“He ain't no Indian,” said another. “Not with those blue eyes of his. Those eyes of his can look clean through a man.”

“Well, I think ole Stump has volunteered us for something we never would-a-done ourselves, had we a voice in it.”