Warrior Song, Robert F. Clifton [good books to read for teens TXT] 📗

" Let me ask you something. Do you smoke a pipe?"

"Aye, that I do".

"May I see your tobacco pouch?"

"Sure and it's nothing but a leather sack sir," said McGuire as he handed it to Alan.

McKenzie looked it the leather bag and handed it back to the Sergeant. "I was expecting something beaded. It seems that many Calvary men carry a beaded pouch. I want you to know of the position I'm in Sergeant. I have information that you resented Parker because he had Henderson flogged. After that he embarrassed you in front of your subordinates. To me that gives you a motive. At the same time you had continual access to Henderson’s signature enough that you could copy it and forge it. Isn't that true?"

"Aye sir. I see the predicament you're in, but if you were to check the dates in the month of April, you will find that I was here in the infirmary suffering from a bout of pleurisy. I was in no shape to travel to New York or to kill a man."

"Sergeant, you don't know how glad I am to hear that. Thank you for your co-operation. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome sir. Now, by your leave I'll be getting back to me duties," said McGuire.

Back in his room McKenzie wrote notes on a yellow, blue lined tablet. Further investigation of Sergeant Donovan McGuire finds him with perfect alibi, he being ill during the time of Major Parker's death. Facts checked at Carlise Barracks Infirmary. Question, who is the man that looks like or resembles McGuire?

As he finished writing Lieutenant Sanders knocked lightly on the door. “Come in,' said McKenzie. Seeing Wesley he said, “Well how did it go out there?”

“Fine, they're doing a good job here. These young recruits are learning well from the old timers, men like your Sergeant McGuire. And it's a good thing too Alan. War is coming just as sure as I'm standing here. Do you know what that means?,”asked Sanders.

“Yes, it means a hell of a number of people will be killed.”

“More important is the fact of promotions pal. War is the time for moving up in rank,” Sanders replied.

“Yeah, we move up in rank and doctors learn new ways to remove bullets, shrapnel do amputations.”

“Hey, that's the way it is. Don't tell me you want to be a First Lieutenant your entire career?”

“Actually Wes, I want to build things, things like bridges, hospitals, schools”.

“I'm sure you'll get your opportunity to do that. If you're lucky you will be building them in Cuba. Now, since I smell of horse, I'll be taking a hot bath and get ready for supper. Are we still on for Chicken and dumplings?”

“Unless you've changed your mind”.

At six o'clock that evening the two army officers took seats at a table in the dining room of the Red Boar Tavern. Wesley Sanders ordered a glass of beer. Alan McKenzie order a cup of coffee. “Still a teetotaler I see”, said Sanders.

“Yep, I think that there's enough alcoholics in this man's army. I choose not to be one of them,” McKenzie answered.

“Well old friend how is your bid for becoming the army's first criminal investigator working out?, asked Sanders.

“Not to well. Just between you and me, I've hit a brick wall. At the same time the New York City Police seemed to have done the same. If I'm lucky when I get back to Washington General Miller will toss in the towel and send me back to Texas”.

“What were you doing down there?”

“Building heavy gun emplacements.”

“For what purpose? Are the Mexicans a threat?”

“They could be for all I know. If you read the daily newspapers Spain is on its way here and we're all going to have to speak Spanish.”

“That's just a way to sell newspapers. However, and this is just between you and me. There will be a war. Think about it Alan. McKinley wants to expand. What better way then to beat an insignificant European nation like Spain and take it's possessions. An American victory would allow him to annex Cuba, Pureto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.”

“I don't see it. Congress will never allow it”.

“Really? By doing so the United States then becomes a world power on the same level as England. England has India. America has a large foot hold in the Pacific reaching from Hawaii to the Philippine Islands. You mention Congress. Congress will allow the annexation as America brings democracy and better living conditions to those unfortunate people that have suffered under the Spanish”.

“We will, certainly.”

“Oh yeah, but after we do, we won't leave. Now, you can sit there with one silver bar on your shoulder. As for me, I see promotions coming my way.”

“Well, I just hope you live to get them.”

Sander's looked up as an army officer walked into the dining room. “Captain Fields. How are you sir?” he asked as he stood up. The Captain walked over to the table and said, Wesley, I heard you were here.”

“Allow me to introduce you to Alan McKenzie. He was my room mate at the Point.”

McKenzie stood and shook hands with the man. “A pleasure to meet you sir,' he said.

“We're about to have supper Captain. Will you join us?”

“Only If I'm not intruding.”

“You're not. Please have a seat”, said Sanders.

Once he was comfortable Captain Joseph Fields turned to McKenzie and said, “What Calvary unit are you with Lieutenant?”

“None sir. Actually I'm with the Engineers. I'm attached to General Miller's Staff and presently on assignment for the General,” Alan answered.

“A special assignment at a Calvary school? Can you talk about it?”, asked Fields.

“Yes sir. It's a secret only from the press. I'm investigating the murder of an army officer. At the same time General Miller is thinking about establishing a Military Police Unit in the army. I'm the guinea pig, so to speak.”

“I see. Who was the officer that was murdered?, asked Fields.

“A Major Conrad Parker.”

“Parker? So someone finally got to him. Well, it comes as no surprise.”

“Did you know him Captain?”

“Yes. He was on loan from the Seventh to the Third Calvary right after the Custer disaster. It seems his regiment wanted to know more about the Cheyenne and their habits since they were watching the Sioux. He was a Captain then. That was at Fort Robinson, in Nebraska. He was harsh with his troops and his non coms. He would have busted two sergeants and a corporal if it wasn't for our Commanding Officer refusing to do it. In the officers mess he was argumentative. In the officers club he was obnoxious. He'd get drunk and bore everyone about his exploits with his Illinois regiment during the Civil War. Many times he insulted two shave tail lieutenants we had at the time only because both were from Southern States.

Then, in the winter of 1878-79 a band of Northern Cheyenne left the Darlington Reservation part of the Southern Cheyenne Reservation and headed back North. We were mobilized and went out and intercepted them. We gathered up one hundred and fifty men, women and children. In January they were told that they would have to return to the southern reservation. They refused. Parker, had them confined in barracks with no food, or heat in order to force them to go south. As expected they escaped. Two columns were sent out to collect them. One column was under the command of Captain Parker. The column I was with returned sixty five Cheyenne back to the fort. Parkers column cornered and killed thirty two, poorly armed escapees. At the same time he lost twelve troopers killed and fourteen wounded. Needless to say that we of the Third Calvary were not too social-able with Parker after that. There was an inquiry and while that was going on he was confined to the fort. That only made it possible for more time to drink. So, that, Mister McKenzie is what I know about your deceased Conrad Parker. Now, since you are assigned to General Miller, who actually is your commanding officer?”

“Colonel Willett,” McKenzie replied.

“Alonzo Willett?”, asked Fields.

“Yes sir. Do you know him?”

“Yes. Coincidentally he was at Fort Robinson, at about the same time as Parker. In fact, and what I'm about to tell you is a rumor, but one that is very believable. It's been said, that then Major Alonzo Willett was stationed at Fort Robinson awaiting assignment. With him was his daughter, Dorothea. His wife had died. Some say it was a cancer. As both of you know orders, assignments and messages in this man's army move at a snails pace. As a result Major Willett and his daughter were more or less either forgotten or ignored by the army. As a result your Conrad Parker supposedly, began a romance with Dorothea Willett, then sixteen years old. After proposing marriage, he seduced her. The, after having his way broke the engagement. Major Willett received orders and with his daughter left Fort Robinson. It was shortly after that that word came that Dorothea had committed suicide. Some say she was devastated by the breaking of the engagement."

“You're certain of this Captain?”, asked McKenzie.

“I am. When you get back to Washington ask the Colonel, or if you prefer, search and read the records. Now, I believe our meals are coming this way”.

Chapter Nine

For The Record

On Saturday, November 13, 1897 Alan McKenzie returned the salute of a uniformed sentry then asked the soldier on duty for the records of Colonel Alonzo Willett. After showing evidence that he had the authority and the right to those records on the orders of General Miller he received the files. He then placed two thick, personnel files on the top of a hard wood table. After taking a seat in a chair and making himself comfortable he opened the file with the name, Alonzo Willett, U.S. Army. He read the first page. Alonzo Willett, born July 15, 1842, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John and Harriet Willett. At age eighteen joined and served with the Philadelphia Brigade, an infantry regiment.

Willett saw action at the Peninsula Campaign, Battle of Fredricksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, Battle of Gettysburg, Overland Campaign, Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of

Appomattox Court House. He enlisted as a private, was promoted to Sergeant. After the Battle of Chancellorville was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant. Promoted to full lieutenant, June 1864. At the end of hostilities requested to stay in U.S. Army. He was accepted with the rank of Second Lieutenant assigned to the Provost Marshal, Jacksonville, Florida. Married

Selma Winters of Jacksonville, on August 31, 1867. On January 8, 1867 requested transfer to Calvary. Transferred from Provost Marshal, Jacksonville Florida to Fort Stockton, Texas. On orders from General Edward Hatch joined Company K, Ninth Calvary Regiment, an all Black unit later known as “Buffalo Soldiers”. Willett saw action against the Apache. Received gunshot wound right upper arm (see medical records).

Promoted to First Lieutenant July 22, 1872. A daughter, Dorothea (see records Army dependents) was born May 17, 1868, Fort Stockton. Lieutenant Willett transferred to U.S. Third Calvary, Fort Robinson, Nebraska October 20, 1873. Saw action in 1878-79 Cheyenne insurrection Darlington Reservation. Promoted to Captain. On 1881. Requested transfer to an Eastern Command stating severe illness of wife. (See Medical records, Army Dependents). On November 6, 1887 request for transfer denied due to death of Selma Willett on November 1, 1887. (See Medical Records Army Dependents) On January 15, 1889 transferred to Military Division Of The Atlantic assigned to the staff of General Oliver O. Howard, later to General Thomas Miller. Pomoted to Major, Lieutant Colonel and Colonel.

McKenzie turned the page. When he did he found several newspaper clippings with printed photographs. Picking up one clipping he read the written obituary pertaining to Selma Willett. He was surprised to learn that her body had been shipped back to Jacksonville Florida for burial. The next article he looked at was a photograph of a young woman. He read the caption, “Captai Alonzo Willett announces the engagement of his daughter Dorothea to Captain Conrad Parker at