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[Illustration: "WATER!" HE MURMURED, "WATER!"
_Page 115._]
_The Blue and the Gray--On Land_
AN UNDIVIDED UNION
BY
OLIVER OPTIC
AUTHOR OF "THE ARMY AND NAVY SERIES" "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD, FIRST AND
SECOND SERIES" "THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES" "THE GREAT WESTERN SERIES" "THE
WOODVILLE STORIES" "THE ONWARD AND UPWARD SERIES" "THE LAKE SHORE
SERIES" "THE YACHT-CLUB SERIES" "THE RIVERDALE STORIES" "THE
BOAT-BUILDER SERIES" "THE BLUE AND THE GRAY--AFLOAT" "ALL OVER THE
WORLD--FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD SERIES" "THE BLUE AND THE GRAY--ON LAND"
ETC. ETC. ETC.
COMPLETED BY
EDWARD STRATEMEYER
AUTHOR OF "THE OLD GLORY SERIES" "BOUND TO SUCCEED SERIES" ETC.
BOSTON
LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS
1899
COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY LEE AND SHEPARD.
_All Rights Reserved._
AN UNDIVIDED UNION.
Norwood Press
J. S. Cushing & Co.--Berwick & Smith
Norwood Mass. U.S.A.
_To My Friend_
FRED D. IRISH
WHOSE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS
IN DISTRIBUTING MY BOOKS
AMONG THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES
HAS BEEN A CONSTANT INSPIRATION
_This Work is Affectionately Dedicated_
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE
The outline and incomplete material of AN UNDIVIDED UNION were left
among the papers of the late William T. Adams ("Oliver Optic"), and the
same notes that were to complete the "Blue and Gray--On Land" series
also closed the life-work of America's best-known writer of boys'
stories.
There has been a constant demand that this unfinished concluding volume
be prepared for publication, and Mr. Edward Stratemeyer, author of the
remarkably popular "Old Glory" series, based upon the Spanish-American
war, undertook the task of picking up the threads of the narrative and
carrying it to such a conclusion as was evidently intended. He has
performed the work devotedly and successfully, and sustained the harmony
of the series to the end.
The publishers take this opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of Mr.
Adams, whose name has been inseparably connected with this house for so
many years. Such was his loyalty that no manuscript for publication in
bound form was ever given to any other publisher, and the present
volume is the one hundred and eighth to bear the magical name of
"Optic." It is gratifying to be able to record that in return for his
steadfastness in remaining by the house of his choice through prosperity
and adversity an actual sale of more than two million copies of Mr.
Adams's books has been reached, while the present season finds them
enjoying undiminished favor.
No more striking testimonial could be asked than the constant
applications from men of mature life for the books that so charmed them
as boys, in order that their own sons may have the same enjoyment. Or,
could anything be more conclusive than that one of the most prominent
men in the public life of our state still turns to his favorite "Oliver
Optic" books for pleasurable relief when the cares of the day have made
rest seem almost an impossibility?
Critics come and critics go, but the hold of "Oliver Optic" upon the
popular mind remains unchanged. No mean-souled man could so endure. As
he said himself: "I have never written a story which could excite the
love, admiration, and sympathy of the reader for an evil-minded person
or bad character. This has been my standard; and, however others may
regard it, I still deem it a safe one." All who had any connection with
the publication of Mr. Adams's works loved the man, and his visits were
marked with cheerful words for each one, in whatever capacity employed,
and will linger helpfully while life remains. All who knew him join in
honoring the unfailing kindness and clean, true nature of this great
writer and noble friend of youth.
LEE AND SHEPARD.
APRIL 1, 1899.
PREFACE
"AN UNDIVIDED UNION" is the sixth and last volume of the "Blue and
Gray--On Land" series. Like its predecessors it relates the adventures
of the Riverlawn Cavalry, a Union regiment, raised in Kentucky, and
participating in the daring campaigns undertaken by the Army of the
Cumberland. The fifth volume of the series left the regiment at
Murfreesboro, after most gallant service performed at the battle of
Stone River; in the present book is given an account of the operations
around Murfreesboro, before Tullahoma, and through the bloody battles of
Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and other
contests leading up to Sherman's famous March to the Sea.
As in the other stories of this series, Deck Lyon has again come to the
front as a daring hero, but his achievements are closely seconded by his
foster brother, Artie, and by the firm friend of the two, Captain Life
Knox. If Deck does some smart things, it must be remembered that he was
a smart young man or he would not have risen to be senior major, first
battalion, of the Riverlawns. Besides this, the major still had with him
his famous charger, Ceph, a steed with almost human intelligence on
certain points, and one that had helped him to escape from many a
perilous position.
In the completion of this work some thirty authorities have been
consulted, including the Government Records, records of the Army of the
Cumberland, and biographies of the principal generals on both sides who
took part in the various operations. Thus the book has been made, from
an historical standpoint, as accurate as possible. It may be that errors
have crept in, but if so it is hoped that they will not be of sufficient
importance to mar the general usefulness of the volume, outside of its
value as a bit of fiction.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I PAGE
A CALL FOR ASSISTANCE 1
CHAPTER II
AN UNEXPECTED SET-BACK 13
CHAPTER III
THE ENCOUNTERS AT THE BRIDGE AND ON THE RAFT 26
CHAPTER IV
A FIRST VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY 40
CHAPTER V
TWO FLAGS OF TRUCE 53
CHAPTER VI
A MISSING DOCUMENT OF IMPORTANCE 67
CHAPTER VII
IN WHICH THE ENEMY'S SUPPLIES ARE CONFISCATED 80
CHAPTER VIII
THE ENGAGEMENT NEAR SPRING HILL 95
CHAPTER IX
MAJOR DECK LYON MAKES A PROMISE 109
CHAPTER X
A TRIP ON A RAFT 123
CHAPTER XI
THE ENCOUNTER AT THE RAILROAD TRESTLE 137
CHAPTER XII
IN THE BURNING COTTON MILL 150
CHAPTER XIII
AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE 163
CHAPTER XIV
ARTIE IS MADE A PRISONER 176
CHAPTER XV
GOSSLEY THE GUERILLA 189
CHAPTER XVI
THE HOLDING-UP OF THE CLOSED CARRIAGE 203
CHAPTER XVII
THE CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE SPY 216
CHAPTER XVIII
THE EVACUATION OF TULLAHOMA 228
CHAPTER XIX
IN WHICH THE RIVERLAWNS ARE CAUGHT IN A TRAP 242
CHAPTER XX
MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE 256
CHAPTER XXI
CROSSING THE TENNESSEE RIVER 269
CHAPTER XXII
THE SIGNALS IN THE DARK 281
CHAPTER XXIII
AN IMPORTANT CAPTURE ON THE MOUNTAINS 294
CHAPTER XXIV
OPERATIONS IN MCLEMORE'S COVE 306
CHAPTER XXV
"HOLD THE HILL FOR TEN MINUTES, AT ANY COST!" 320
CHAPTER XXVI
THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA 333
CHAPTER XXVII
MAJOR LYON PLAYS THE PART OF A SPY 346
CHAPTER XXVIII
AN ADVENTURE AT CRAWFISH SPRINGS 359
CHAPTER XXIX
MAJOR LYON REJECTS A PROPOSAL 372
CHAPTER XXX
A FRIEND IN NEED 386
CHAPTER XXXI
THROUGH THE ENEMY'S LINES 398
CHAPTER XXXII
THE SECOND DAY AT CHICKAMAUGA 412
CHAPTER XXXIII
CAPTAIN ARTIE LYON IS SHOT DOWN 426
CHAPTER XXXIV
MAJOR LYON MAKES A DISCOVERY AND DELIVERS A MESSAGE 440
CHAPTER XXXV
THE SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA AND A HUNT FOR DRUGS 453
CHAPTER XXXVI
FIERCE FIGHTING--AN UNDIVIDED UNION--CONCLUSION 468
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
"'Water,' he murmured. 'Water!'" _Frontispiece_
PAGE
"'Surrender, or you are a dead man!'" 32
"'So we meet again,' was the salutation Artie received." 190
"His foot caught the man in the face." 249
Captain Vallingham attempting to escape. 308
"'Say, Major, tumble right down yere!'" 352
"He found himself face to face with the Confederate captain." 428
AN UNDIVIDED UNION
CHAPTER I
A CALL FOR ASSISTANCE
"How many miles have we still to go, Deck?"
"Not over seven by this road, Artie," replied Major Deck Lyon,
commanding the first battalion, Riverlawn Cavalry, of Kentucky. "I
should think the surroundings would begin to look familiar to you, even
if we have been away from home for some time."
"I never frequented this road," exclaimed Captain Artie Lyon, commanding
the fourth company of the Riverlawns. "Doesn't it run into that cut
where you saved Kate Belthorpe and the rest of her party from that gang
of so-styled 'Home Guard' ruffians?"
"I believe it does," was the slow response, and Major Dexter Lyon
blushed; for although the incident referred to had occurred many months
before, it was still fresh in his mind, as were also the beautiful face
and bewitching eyes of the maiden. The young major was but nineteen
years of age, and it could hardly be said that he was in love, yet a
warm attachment had sprung up between these two people. "Does your wound
trouble you in riding, Artie?" he went on, to change the subject, and
thus prevent his cousin from teasing him in his most susceptible spot.
"Not enough to count." Artie paused to urge his lagging horse ahead. "I
wonder if any of Morgan's desperadoes are in this neighborhood. I
understood from what Captain Ripley said that they were trying to
overrun the whole State. It's a pity we haven't more of such first-class
sharpshooters around as he commands."
"What's the matter with Life Knox's tall boys, Artie? I reckon they can
shoot about as well as any of Ripley's men, even though they are not as
well drilled. If I know anything about it, Life is a whole host in
himself."
"Oh, I agree with you there, Deck." There was another pause as the pair
of horsemen swung around a heavily wooded bend. "What a pity father
couldn't get a furlough to come home with us. I don't believe he would
have been missed, when the main body of the Department of the Cumberland
is doing nothing but keeping an eye on Bragg. Mother and the girls would
have been delighted to see--Hullo, if there isn't Levi Bedford coming
this way--and with half a dozen of the boys! Something is up, sure!"
As Captain Artie broke off, a tall, heavy-set man, mounted on a
coal-black horse, burst into view, riding at a high rate of speed.
Behind the man came six stout negroes; and all of the party carried
guns, and the white man a pistol in addition.
"Hi, Levi!" yelled Major Deck, as soon as the party of seven came within
hailing distance.
"Deck!" burst out the overseer of Riverlawn. "And Artie, by all that's
fortunate!"
"De young mars'rs!" came from several of the colored men. "Proud to see
yo', Mars'r Dexter, an' Mars'r Artie!"
At this Deck and Artie smiled on the slaves. Deck shook hands with Levi
Bedford, and Artie followed suit. "Is there any special reason for this
meeting being fortunate, Levi?" questioned the major, anxiously.
"I think so," was the hasty answer. "Less than two hours ago, and just
after I had made the rounds at Riverlawn, to make sure that everything
was all right, and no marauders in sight, I received this note." And the
overseer passed over a small sheet of note-paper, upon which a few lines
were written in pencil, in a small hand.
"DEAR MR. BEDFORD: If you can, come to our assistance at once.
A detachment of three soldiers of Morgan's cavalry has arrived
at Lyndhall. One of the three is to return to his company at
once and bring them here to plunder the estate. I am at home
alone with my sister Kate and three servants. The negro who
delivers this is a stranger to me, but well known to my father.
"MARGIE BELTHORPE."
"Kate in danger!" The words left Deck's lips before he could think to
repress them. "Levi, we must not waste a moment in getting to Lyndhall!"
"Just my idea," responded the overseer. "I didn't lose a minute in
getting the boys together, after I received that. Some of the boys were
out in the back pasture, rounding up two stallions that broke away; but
I sent word for them to follow, and I reckon they'll soon be after us,
four or five strong."
"Four more will give you eleven men, counting yourself. Artie and I will
make thirteen. An unlucky number--for those ruffians, if we get to
Lyndhall in time. Forward!" and Major Deck wheeled his horse, followed
by Captain Artie; and away went the entire party at the best speed their
animals could command.
The time was the middle of the month of January, 1863, and the Army of
the Cumberland, under General Rosecrans, was resting in and around
Murfreesboro. The long, stubborn fight at Stone River had exhausted the
men, and no new campaign could be undertaken until the wrecked and
burned lines of communication were restored, the army reclothed and
otherwise put into proper shape, and the necessary steps taken to make
Murfreesboro safe as a new base of supplies.
As the readers of the former volumes of this series know, the Riverlawn
Cavalry was one of the first to be organized in the State of Kentucky,
at the time when the Commonwealth was still undecided as to whether it
should remain in the Union or throw its lot in with the Confederacy.
The original body of men, forming two companies, had been raised very
largely by Noah Lyon, the father of Dexter, who had used them in putting
down the lawless uprisings of the Home Guards of the neighborhood--a mob
of unprincipled fellows who, under the guise of wishing to defend
Kentucky's neutrality during the great conflict, secretly plotted to aid
the Confederacy, and later on, when the Commonwealth declared for the
Union, promptly joined the ranks of the Secessionists.
From two companies the command had developed to a full regiment of
twelve companies, of which Noah Lyon was colonel. Following his father
into the war, Dexter had, by hard work and a bravery which sometimes
bordered on recklessness, risen from the ranks until he became senior
major, while his cousin Artie, of about Deck's age, had well earned the
commission of a captain. Both had been wounded more than once, Artie
rather seriously, and both were known to care little or nothing for the
injuries received in such a righteous cause.
The first duty of the Riverlawns as a regular military body had been to
put down the raids of several bands of guerillas operating in counties
bordering upon, or near, the Tennessee State line. Successful in these,
the command had become a part of the Union army, and as such had taken
an active part in the battle of Mill Springs, or Logan's Crossroads, as
it is sometimes called. After this had come a series of operations on
and around Duck River, and in the entrenchments before Corinth, and then
had come the advance of Rosecrans's forces upon Murfreesboro, ending in
the bloody battle of Stone River, which, while hardly a victory, caused
the shattered forces of the Confederate General Bragg to retreat, and go
into winter quarters at Tullahoma.
Although each of the Lyons fought with the warmth and enthusiasm of a
true Kentuckian, not one of the members of the several families living
at Riverlawn and at Barcreek, a small, nearby town, had been born within
the borders of the State. All hailed from New Hampshire, and were Yankee
bred as well as born.
The original emigrant to Kentucky had been Duncan Lyon, one of four
brothers, who had settled at Riverlawn and made a comfortable fortune
in raising hemp, tobacco, and horses. Duncan Lyon had been as
good-hearted as he was successful, and under his care Riverlawn had
become a model plantation and stock-breeding farm, with Levi Bedford as
superintendent or overseer, and with fifty-one slaves, old and young,
who thought "Mars'r Lyon de best gen'men in de hull world."
The next member of the family to come West had been Titus Lyon, another
of the four brothers. Titus was a mason by trade, and inclined to be
shiftless, and when Duncan Lyon wrote that the mason at Barcreek was
dead, Titus had very promptly come on with his wife, two sons, and three
daughters. It had taken a good deal of help from Duncan to place Titus
on his feet, and even then the proprietor of Riverlawn was pained to
note that the mason was more inclined to loaf around the village,
drinking whiskey and talking politics, than he was to work at his trade.
During the times that Duncan Lyon and Titus were locating in Kentucky,
Noah Lyon was attending strictly to his farm in New Hampshire, not a
large place, but still one upon which, by economy, he managed to earn a
living not only for himself, his wife, and his two children, Dexter and
Hope, but also for the two children of his deceased brother Cyrus,
Artemas and Dorcas. From the time that Artie and Dorcas came into the
family they were looked upon as brother and sister by Deck and Hope, and
both always referred to Mr. and Mrs. Noah Lyon as father and mother.
The somewhat unexpected death of Duncan Lyon had proved a shock to all
his relatives, but when Lawyer Cosgrove, of Bowling Green, the county
seat, came forward to read the plantation owner's will, the second
shock, to Titus Lyon, was even greater than the first.
Duncan Lyon had valued his estate at one hundred thousand dollars.
Riverlawn was put down as being worth twenty-five thousand dollars, and
this magnificent property, including all things in the house and on the
grounds and the fifty-one slaves, went to Noah Lyon, who likewise
received ten thousand dollars, half cash and half stocks, for having
taken care of Artie and Dorcas since they had become orphans. It may
here be remarked that Duncan Lyon had been a bachelor, and had never
felt capable of raising the children himself. To the children he left
one-quarter of his estate, half cash and half stocks, Noah to remain
their guardian until of age.
Of the balance of his property he gave to Titus only twenty-five
thousand dollars, from which amount was to be deducted a note for five
thousand, leaving the mason twenty thousand dollars, half cash and half
in stocks. All the stocks to be divided were named in a schedule, so
there might be no disputes.
As might be supposed, Titus Lyon was very angry over the provisions of
his brother's will, thinking that Riverlawn should have been settled
upon himself. When Noah Lyon gave up his home in the East to take charge
of Riverlawn, Titus did not call upon him for several days, and for some
time after that the unreasonable mason talked about being swindled out
of five thousand dollars, he thinking he ought to have had half of the
ten thousand given to Noah for supporting Cyrus's children, although he
had never lifted a hand to assist the orphans.
With the breaking out of the war Titus had been in his element. Strange
as it may seem, he had sided with the South in the struggle, and had
even gone so far as to spend a large amount of money in equipping a
company of Home Guards, of which he was to be captain. But the arms and
ammunition, hidden away in a cavern, had been discovered by Artie and
Deck who had turned them over to Noah Lyon, for use, later on, by the
Unionists. This confiscation of property had made matters even worse
between the two families, and for a long while Titus and his two sons
were very bitter. They entered the Confederate service much against the
wishes of Titus's wife, and while serving under the stars and bars one
of the sons, Orly, was killed and Titus was taken prisoner.
His own capture and the killing of Orly, coupled with the fact that
Sandy, the older son, was nearly starved while in the Southern service,
produced a profound impression upon Titus Lyon. While a prisoner he gave
up drinking and signed the pledge. Then when Sandy suddenly left the
Confederate service to enlist on the Union side under his Uncle Noah, he
began to study the situation, and he wrote to Noah that he had seen the
error of his ways and was now for the Union, once and forever. Later on
he was released, and he joined the Riverlawns, to become adjutant of the
regiment in which Sandy was now a second lieutenant of the fifth
company, second battalion, the battalion being commanded by Major Tom
Belthorpe, of Lyndhall and the company by Captain Gadbury, a dashing
young soldier, who was far more attentive to Margie Belthorpe than Deck
Lyon had ever dared to be to her younger sister.
There had been but one thing concerning Duncan Lyon's will which had
excited much curiosity when the document was read and when the lawyer
having the matter in hand had had his say. This was concerning the
fifty-one negroes installed at Riverlawn. Noah Lyon was requested not to
part with any of them. Furthermore, the heir to the plantation was left
a sealed letter which was not to be opened until five years later. The
Lyons sometimes imagined the contents of the letter concerned the
disposition of the slaves, but they had no positive information on the
point.