For the attention of Gen. Oughtred B. Cornwellis

>From Faulconer County,

Virginia, September 1862.

 

 

Sir,

I have walked these misty hills now for what feels like twenty years or more. There truly is no way of  my knowing.  Sometimes I think this must be God’s punishment for my premature dismissal from the war campaign.

Starbuck, sir, is evil – as well you know.

How then am I to get our beloved Confederacy free of his blight?

You are the one man I pray may remedy this situation, for without your help I fear we are truly lost. I once had an idea of future campaigns, but my mind now seems as faded as the mist encompassing us here around Richmond.

Is my voice just a memory? Can my ardent plea for help be answered?

You are my only hope, O. B.

 

Truly your humble servant,

Gen. Washington Faulconer, Patriot of the CSA.

_____________________________

 

To my friend Oughtred Cornwellis

You remember me sir? Sally Truslow?

Well, my French is improving, SLOWLY, but business is just well, dull. Seems like just the same folks coming  every day, and me holding ‘seances’ for their loved ones (only they ain’t real séances o’course, but only a few of us know that).

I ain’t heard from my friend Nate nor my daddy since they went north to scare that ole fuddy General McLollygag or whatever his name is?

Seems like twenty years sometimes. Just keeps a-goin’ round and round.

Sir, you and me been through some times together.

Can’t you just send me some word of what’s happening? Please? It’s been too long and I fret so now.

Think Im getting soft. All these comforts I guess.

Your loving Sally T.

 

 

Sir,

My face still pains me from that shotgun wound, but it’s healing thanks.  Feels like I ain’t slept in twenty or more years though.

We still have not rebuilt our army for our continuing campaign against the bluecoats. One yankee in particular who killed friends of mine. Bastard killed Lucy to, but I guess you know that.

Billy Blythe. ‘Cheerful Billy’. Cold-hearted murderer.

Where is he? Can you show me the way sir?

Dammit but I need your help.

Don’t let all of us fade away, unwashed and uncared for.

Oh, and  you remember an observer named Lassan? French. I’d sure like to see him again.

 

Shane O’Neill