Charlottesville
Prologue
Slavery
1851
A scuffle awoke Savannah and she could hear muffled voices and cries. She climbed out of bed and padded to the window, to discover it to still be quite dark and determined it to be the middle of the night, before the dawn began to glow in the sky.
Savannah loved Hartley House and its gardens. The most special thing about it being that it was filled with her entire family. She had one remaining grandparent, in her Grandpa and she missed her Grandma who passed the year before. Her grandfather could be kind to his only son and his four children however he was still the master of the house and his rules were to be obeyed.
Life as a southern girl of nine was a simple one, with their slaves available to cater to her every need, as had been the tradition in her family for many generations, as it was for every southern family in Virginia and the south.
She heard the same sharp crack followed by a pain filled moan and her inquisitive nature compelled her to descend the majestic staircase to locate the source. She tiptoed as much out of apprehension as consideration.
The noises appeared to be coming from one of the rear rooms of the house, a room which was always locked. Savannah and her sisters spent many idle hours spinning stories to entertain while attempting to ascertain what was behind the closed door. Abby, in her usual impolite way, questioned their mother one afternoon while enjoying refreshments in the courtyard and was swiftly told to never ask such questions again. It was one of her grandfather’s rooms and they were forbidden to enquire about it and invade his privacy. Nonetheless the speculation continued.
The door was ajar and the cracking and cries where emanating from the very room, the forbidden room. Her trepidation intensified along with her excitement, for she would certainly have a story to regal to her sisters the following morn.
Slowly she eased her head around the door and the sight before her was something Savannah would ever forget. Too horrified to gasp or yell out, she stood as rigid as a statue and watched her grandfather at work.
One of the young male field slaves was tied to an apparatus made of wood, his wrists bound above his head while his knees skimmed the floor. His head was slumped down and his back was lined with bloody slashes. Henry, her grandfather, bared a horse whip and seemed to be responsible for the injuries.
Sitting on a large bed, which was absent of the usual linens seen on all the other beds within the house, was Agnes, who worked in the kitchen with her mother, Adelaide. She was a few years older than Savannah but not by much.
Being a child, Savannah never gave slavery much thought. It was part of her life and privilege and as all young southern ladies, took it for granted. These coloured people in her mind were fortunate to receive a new life in America, they were given shelter and food and in return required to wait on, clean for and tend to the duties of the house. She had never seen any indication of mistreatment therefore did not think the practice in any way inhumane, until this very moment.
Henry whipped the young man again and his moan was now barely a whimper. It took all Savannah’s control to stifle hers.
“Are you watching this, girl? Your punishment is to come. You will both think twice about breaking the rules after tonight. Mac, will you remember next time to complete your tasks before joining your family for dinner?” he asked the whimpering young Mac.
“Yessir,” he mumbled his voiced filled with pain.
Her grandfather untied his britches and walked towards the frightened Agnes with some large strange appendage hanging his pants. He pushed the young girl onto her hands and knees and then mounted her like she’d seen the horses do in the field. Unable to watch anymore without giving herself away, Savannah backed quickly away from the door, ran towards her room and buried her anguished tears in her pillow.
Savannah withdrew from life a little after this day and could no longer look at her grandfather without seeing those terrible images. Was this how all southern families treated their slaves? This horrifying thought lived with Savannah for the years to come.
When Henry passed away several years later it was a relief to Savannah for she no longer wanted a reminder of the horrendous activities which took place in that dreaded room. Several weeks after Henry’s death, Savannah found the courage to share her ordeal with her parents, who were thankfully, just as appalled. She begged her father to realise the slaves. He told her he did not partake in such practices with the slaves and her mind should be free from concern. He was aware of the stories from other plantations of such occurrences and told his daughter there was little anyone could do to change it.
Over the weeks she wore Edward down and going against all tradition and to show their disapproval, the Hartley’s began to pay their workers. For a year or more they were considered radical and foolish. Nevertheless Edward stuck to his conviction, for his daughter and as the years went on for himself. He had always, deep down, wanted something to fight for, a belief which was different from the norm, and decided their protest against the barbaric practices of slavery was just the vehicle he needed. So it came to be that Hartley House no longer kept slaves, they had workers instead. Savannah knew what her family sacrificed to do the humane thing and was extremely proud to call herself a Hartley.
a charlottsville wedding
march
1861
Upon the completion of the long and tedious dressing preparations, Savannah turned to her mother and sisters, waiting with bated breath. They all suitably gushed and Savannah thought quite rightly after the preposterous amount of money which was exchanged for the wedding dress she now wore.
As all good ‘Southern Belles’ she was adorned in a traditional white – what Savannah considered fluffy – wedding dress. Being of course the latest style, as their wealth and prestige required. Savannah had certain appearances to uphold within her social position.
It was lovely to own beautifully tailored dresses however Savannah didn’t follow the norm when it came to fashion in the south. Most rich southern belles would rarely or never wear the same dress twice. Savannah decided from a young age to be more frugal and endeavoured as often as possible to rotate the dozens of gowns she owned so as to wear the same dress a few times each year.
With her sisters all gabbing at once, Savannah took a deep breath – she was nervous. Not at the prospect of marrying Stuart Wentworth – as she did truly love him which was rare for a marriage – but of the wedding night. As all proper ladies should, she and Stuart waited. The Hartley’s may have a different attitude towards many issues, which other ‘wealthy’ southern family’s considered as status requirements, such as slavery however she still was a southern lady, with the proper upbringing, graciousness and manners.
The normal status quo in the south was to marry within ones status and into an equivalent or greater wealth. A southern lady is never to marry below her status. A man could, a woman could not. Many older southern gentlemen married younger, more middle to lower class girls, due to sheer convenience for both families involved. Hers to increase status and wealth (the families often were paid for their daughter’s hand) and his because of their beauty and youth.
Therefore Savannah was quite fortunate to be marrying the man she’d chosen, as opposed to requirement. Although by marrying Stuart, she was remaining within her class nonetheless. Stuart and Savannah were neighbours and had known each other her entire life. Although acres separated the grand southern mansions to which both families lived, their cotton plantations bordered each other and spanned over two generations.
Regardless of the fact she was marrying for love, she was still jittery. A proper lady didn’t talk about the nightly activities which occurred between a husband and wife therefore Savannah was at a loss and unsure as to exactly what was required of her. Would Stuart know? She sincerely hoped so. She smiled when she thought of her husband to be and looked forward to being the lady of Wentworth Manor.
As Stuart’s parents both passed the previous spring due to illness, the estate in its entirety was Stuart’s, for he had been an only child. She in turn would become the lady of the house, a position she had yet to fulfil thus far. Had the senior Wentworth’s still been alive, Savannah and Stuart would have lived at the manor however would not have been responsible for the running of the household.
Her only dreaded thought in regard to living in her new home was the Wentworth’s believed in slavery and the family purchased many over the years. Stuart knew of the horrors she’d witnessed that night, all those years ago and promised her his family did not treat their slaves in this manner. It soothed her a little however did not appease her. Although she was always attended to during her time consuming and ridiculous ritual of dressing each morning, her lady in waiting Bessie was paid for her contribution, given adequate housing and food, as were all their coloured help.
They were quite the anomaly the Hartley’s and the constant talk of Charlottesville due to their unique beliefs. She aimed once married, to persuade Stuart to bend a little, to consider the idea of freeing the slaves and alternatively pay them to work at the plantation.
Hartley House workers weren’t required or forced to remain, they chose to because of the opportunity bestowed upon them, to receive a paid wage, which was not readily available in the south.
“It’s time to go Savannah,” her mother Eleanor informed her. “Are you ready to become Mrs Wentworth?”
“Yes I am,” Savannah replied and proceeded to venture towards her new life.
1
savannah
Charlottesville, virginia
april 1861
Savannah stared down at the picturesque spring garden sprouting with magnolias, pink azalea, camellia and the various coloured lotus in the pond and smiled contentedly. Stuart and Savannah had been married a month and she was blissfully enjoying her new role as lady of the manor. She still giggled every time she was referred to this way and at nineteen was quite young to be running a household however not too young to be a wife.
Her fears regarding her first night with Stuart had been short lived, much to her relief everything came quite naturally, as it should with two people in love. Stuart was warm, passionate and considerate and she thought herself fortunate once again.
Broaching the issue of slavery with Stuart hadn’t been as successful. Knowing Stuart and his family as long as she had prepared her slightly for his reaction although she never imagined he felt so strongly about maintaining his current course and keeping the slaves as just that. This was something Savannah knew was going to take some time and effort, attempting to sway Stuarts unwavering view. He sought to keep his standing in the community.
She had overheard talk regarding Lincoln’s election earlier in March and how he wished to abolish slavery and Savannah sincerely hoped this to be true. As a woman she was usually limited as to the amount of knowledge and information she received therefore Savannah was not entirely sure what would eventuate. It soon became apparent the southern slavery states were not pleased with this idea as they had formed the Confederate and she’d heard whispers of rebellion. Stuart would have more information and as much as he loved his wife he shared the view of many southern gentlemen, that they don’t share affairs of the state or the continent with their wives. Eavesdropping was Savannah’s only source of information.
Towards the end of March, just after their nuptials, stories regarding war with their northern counterparts surfaced and they appeared to share her views regarding the cruelty of slavery. Would the newly formed Confederate truly continue their alliance against the government or Union as they were known simply to maintain the servitude they were accustomed? Even if it came to war?
It was now early April and Stuart’s cotton fields were blooming with flowers as were the apple trees in the orchards. Savannah knew the temptation of taking a stroll through the gardens to take in the many fragrances of spring on a southern plantation but the urge to discover what was happening in Virginia had a stronger pull.
Gazing out the window and examining her life in Virginia was not getting anything attended to. She couldn’t change the state of affairs but she was hoping to change Stu. Smoothing down her royal blue ostentatious gown she headed downstairs to find her husband.
Savannah walked as quickly as her hooped skirt would allow and started towards the majestic marble staircase that descended through the middle of the grand house into a large entranceway. The staircase divided the house into two, upstairs and down. All the bedrooms along with the bathrooms were located upstairs along with one sitting room which contained a baloney overlooking the beautiful aromatic gardens. The remainder of the grand rooms were located downstairs.
As were many houses in the south, the manor was dark and could appear gloomy due to the heavy drapes on the large windows and the dark mahogany furniture that was en vogue. Regardless of this, the house was beautiful and Savannah though herself advantageous once again to have been born into such wealth.
She ventured toward Stuart’s study as all discussions of a private nature took place there. As she approached she could hear the hushed voices of her husband as well as his closest friend William Langford. The quiet voices sounded heated and Savannah believed the discussion was probably an important one. Leaning towards the door she tried to make out what they were discussing but the voices were too low.
Savannah smiled again at the thought of her husband when he became engrossed and vehement about a topic. His longish sandy hair would fall over his bright blue eyes, which would be wide and intense. Stuart was and had always been a handsome man. She had been the envy of many women in Charlottesville the day she wedded him. Savannah was startled from her reverie by the sound of footsteps approaching the door.
“I am going to join the fight, Will, it is my duty as a southerner to show my support for our independence and freedom of choice. They declared war on us Will,” she heard her husband’s voice now raised with in a fervent tone.
“I understand your need to fulfil your duty, as I do too, however we are talking about war, Stu. The northerners have only declared war because of the Confederate attack in South Carolina.” Will’s reply was in same heated tone and Savannah imagined his dark eyes matching her husband’s in intensity.
“I am not going to change my mind, Will. Are you going to join me?”
“You know I will, Stu, even if it is to watch your back.”
“I have to find Savannah. I will be leaving tomorrow morning.”
Savannah’s breath caught. War! Leaving! Was Stuart really going to volunteer for war? The door flew open and Savannah shuffled back as quickly as was possible in her cumbersome dress.
“Savannah,” Stuart said with a start. “Were you listening at the door?” he asked with a slight smile in his voice.
“Of course not. I just got here,” she lied.
“I have some news, darling that will have me going away for a while.”
“Away? Where could you possibly be going? Do you need to attend to some business in Richmond?”
“No, darling, the Confederate army has attacked the U.S. military at Fort Sumter. They are calling for arms against the Union. It appears Virginia will be joining the Confederate and heading to war.”
“War!” she cried. “Why ever for? Why are the Confederate fighting our own countrymen from the north?”
“The Union wish to abolish slavery and have deemed it illegal to align against them therefore the forming of the Confederate is viewed as a rebellion. Lincoln intended to maintain possession over us without embracing our values and expect us to align with theirs. The Confederate decided to endorse their feelings regarding the matter and took possession of Fort Sumter.”
“This entails southern gentlemen such as yourselves going to fight and even murder fellow countrymen?”
“Yes in the name of the Confederate we will fight to retain our right to our independence!” Stuart exclaimed.
Savannah suddenly realised how important Stuart actually regarded slavery and how she had in fact been fighting a losing battle. Would the Confederate be doing the same?
“You could be killed!” Savannah cried passionately at the sudden thought of losing her husband.
“You need to have a little more faith in me, Savannah,” he replied kindly. Savannah saw Will smirk behind Stuart and knew that he thought her outburst amusing.
“It is not in you that I have no faith. I won’t allow this to happen!” she exclaimed.
She lifted her skirt and hurried towards the stairs. When she finally made it to their bedroom, she flung herself across the bed in frustration and despair. Once she cried until her eyes burned she suddenly realised for the first time in her life, she was behaving as a southern lady would, spoilt and petulant.
Realising she was not acting as she usual would and that she should be proud of Stuart for standing up for his beliefs she searched her husband out once more. Regardless of whether she condoned slavery or not, Stuart believed in the Confederation therefore he would be untrue to himself if he were to ignore the fight.
She had stuck to her convictions and insisted on bringing her paid lady in waiting Bessie with her to Wentworth Manor and insisted she continue to be paid. Stuart allowed this, as long as Bessie did not pass the information onto anyone else. Stuart relented in respect of her wishes so she should be courteous and do the same – even though she wasn’t risking her life.
Savannah located Stuart in the stables brushing Coal, his black stallion, to prepare him for departure the following morning. She stood and watched him for a few moments, to take in every part of him before he went away for war. She suddenly realised she must be prepared for the daunting fact that he may not returned unharmed, if at all. She watched his hair fall over his eyes as he vigorously brushed Coal. Savannah knew he was probably concerned for her and she didn’t want to add to his already burdened shoulders.
“Stuart,” she began as she stepped forward.
He turned to look at her with a sad longing in his eyes and she knew he too was thinking of the consequences of leaving. This was harder for him than it was for her and she needed to remain brave for him. He put his brush aside and walked out to meet her.
“I’m sorry, Stuart,” she began again. “You have every right to defend what you believe in and it is inconsiderate of me to trouble you with my woes.”
“Savannah, darling, I will miss you more than you will ever know. I have loved you my whole life and I promise I will do my very best to return to you.”
“I know,” she whispered and kissed him amorously. “I love you too. Please write to me as often as you are able, so I know that you are unharmed.”
“I will,” he declared.
Stuart pulled her close to embrace her, then kissed her deeply again.
“I leave at dawn tomorrow and we only have this afternoon and evening to spend together. I would like to spend them alone with you.”
“As would I,” she replied.
As they headed back to the house they were both praying that this would not be their last moments together. April 1861 had not turned out to be such a blissful month after all; it seemed the honeymoon was over.
2
jebediah
Baltimore, maryland
april 1861
Jebediah strode towards the dock where his father Harland was supervising the loading of one of their many ships. His father exported the majority of Baltimore and Washington’s resources to Europe which mostly consisted of tobacco and cotton.
Harland’s father purchased the first in the fleet after fighting in the War of 1812. During the conflict Baltimore’s exporting came to a halt and the economy suffered remarkably. Jed’s grandfather, Theodore came from “old money” and had been fortunate to retain his wealth despite the dwindling economy.
Upon the conclusion of the war Theodore had been in a position to seize the opportunity and began a shipping enterprise as most of the previous merchants had become destitute.
By the time Harland came of age, Theodore managed to increase the fleet to three. After his father’s death, Harland took over complete operation of the fleet and increased it to five strong. Although a railway was built in the 1820’s the shipping trade still flourished nonetheless. Harland then expanded the empire to include passenger voyages to Europe for the wealthier citizens of Baltimore, Washington, Cleveland and Philadelphia. The railway brought many travellers to Baltimore thus the new venture became a valuable commodity.
It was these vessels and voyages that Jed was assigned to and captained. An avid sailor he’d travelled many times across the Atlantic. Although only twenty-five, he had been manning large ships from a young age and acquired his sea legs early.
Seth, Jed’s younger brother chose to attend the University of Maryland to study to become a Physician as opposed to becoming a part of the conglomerate however enjoyed accompanying Jed when time permitted.
Jed located his tall, lanky father as of one of the fleet departed from the dock. Harland’s long wavy hair, in the same peppery grey as his long moustache, was tied back, as always, with a leather band and flapped as the cool breeze blew off the water.
Jed had recently become frustrated by his father’s lack of enthusiasm for their newly appointed President Lincoln and his Republic views on slavery. He knew that the southern states who partook in this barbaric custom had formed a Confederation against the Union and in Jed’s mind the entire nation. Although Baltimore and Maryland until recently had been a slavery endorsed state the Bainbridge’s and many others in Baltimore never partook.
Harland’s own father fought in the war of 1812 because he believed in fighting for freedom of trade. Why could Harland not see that they were now fighting for freedom of a different kind? Why couldn’t the black man have a right to be free and earn wages for their labour just as the while man did. Rumours of the appalling treatment sustained by the enslaved were uncivilised to say the least and Jed couldn’t understand how his father was not as outraged as he was.
There had been talk of war and the news that travelled to Baltimore which Jed momentarily learned of regarding the attack at Fort Sumter, had brought about a call to arms. Jed knew his father’s ships would be a much sort after commodity to escort soldiers to fight the campaign but had yet to assign the task to Jed.
“Good afternoon, Father,” Jed spoke evenly to Harland trying not to lose his temper. “Have our fleet been consigned to the fight against the Confederate rebellion?”
“Afternoon, Son. Yes I received notification this morning that Washington has requested all shipping merchants to avail their vessels for transportation. They will be sending soldiers from this port into Virginia over the coming weeks. I have volunteered two of my ships,” Harland answered with slight disdain while twirling his moustache.
“Why did I not hear about this from you?”
“I had hoped the ships would have left by the time the news reached you.”
“I don’t live under a rock, Pop. Why haven’t you assigned me the task of escorting the soldiers to Virginia? Nobody knows these waters like I do. I assume that one of the ships you have volunteered is the ‘Ambassador’.”
“Jed, I am not sending you off to war.”
“I wasn’t talking about going to war, Pop. I could escort the soldiers in the ‘Ambassador’ and then return.”
“The Union doesn’t want an escort they want the ships docked in Virginia until the campaign ends or alternatively prepared for venturing further south if the need arises. As you would have already heard, Washington is fairly confident that the fighting will be short lived. The requirement is whoever is Captain is also required to be available to fight if or when required. I don’t want that for my son.”
“Surely the Union would prefer the men who can sail the ships to remain alive.”
“In theory, yes, but this may be war and they will need every man armed.”
“The ‘Ambassador’ is my ship, Pop and if she goes, so do I.”
Harland sighed as he knew his head strong son would not change his mind.
“Very well, captain your ship to Virginia but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Take Seth with you as First Mate.”
“Will Seth want to leave his studies?”
“Yes, I already discussed this with him a short while ago.”
“You talked to Seth before me?” he asked indignantly beginning to now lose control of his growing anger.
“I was merely checking to see if he would be prepared to travel with you if the need arose.”
“Well it has arisen. When are we due to depart with the ‘Ambassador’?”
“You are required to meet with troops from Washington in Alexandria therefore you will need to leave next week. The troops leaving from here will be at the docks at dawn on the first Monday in May,” he replied offhandedly.
Harland proceeded to walk back up the dock towards the shipping office.
“There is much to prepare,” Jed said.
“Yes.”
Jed’s agitation grew regarding his father’s lack of feeling towards the impending journey and campaign. What was about to occur could be monument us, Jed’s chance at making history, just as his grandfather before him. He once again pondered his father’s less then jubilant or eager response. Following his father into the office he mulled over this a few moments before deciding to simply ask him.
“Pop, why aren’t you enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of something important?”
“Son, I am afraid that this could be more than just a campaign, it could become a war, a bloodbath.”
“I thought the Union were confident they have the wealth and capabilities to end this quickly.”
“Over confidence can be a downfall, Jebediah.” Harland’s brow furrowed.
“I must attend to my belongings and prepare for travel.” He turned to leave.
“Jed,” Harland called after him and he turned to face his father.
“Don’t be the hero.”
Jed’s only reply was a nod for there were no words to express the overwhelming emotions that threatened to spill forth. These emotions lingered as he climbed aboard ‘Jupiter’ his chestnut colt who he reared from a foal after his mother - a fine mare - died during birth difficulties. He felt a strong connection to the horse considering they had both lost their mother in the same manner.
He eased Jupiter into a canter and deliberated over what was required to be completed before he set sail. As he rode towards home, he remembered his dinner invitation from Constance Thornton at her father’s estate that evening. With talk of the war it completely slipped his mind.
He was theoretically courting Connie with the intent to marry her in the summer however now it seemed as though it wasn’t the right thing to do. He didn’t actually love Connie anyway. She was beautiful and came from a wealthy, well respected family and perfect for all intents and purposes but he gladly relished the idea of using the war as his escape.
He had managed to avoid marriage thus far and with the right amount of charm he believed he would convince the sometimes feisty Connie that it was in her best interest to wait until the war was over. Jed would inform her that she wouldn’t want to be a widow. She would probably protest, nonetheless he knew his many wiles would convince her to hold off. Jed decided it would be best to have that ominous duty completed before preparing for the journey.
Steering Jupiter toward the Thornton estate, he attempted to erase all thoughts of war from his mind allowing it to be clear while visiting Connie. He rode into her father’s property as the sun descended over the horizon with colours of orange and red. Priming himself for what lay ahead, he allowed Jupiter to be led away by Timothy – one of the stable hands – before being escorted directly to the dining room as he’d almost been late for dinner.
Connie watched him tentatively over dinner. Her speculative gaze continued as they walked the grounds later that evening which indicated he was probably not going to surprise her– well with at least the news about going to war that is.
“You were very quiet over dinner, Jed, is there something on your mind?”
“Yes, Connie, there is. As you are aware the Union has declared war on the rebellious Confederate. The ‘Ambassador’ has been consigned to escort troops and supplies to the fight. I will be personally captaining her because as you know, I will not allow another to sail my ship. I will be leaving this Monday coming.”
“I suspected as much Jed and knowing who you are, I knew you would be leaving.”
Her blue eyes continued to search his face therefore Jed decided it was time to reveal his plans.
“As much as I care deeply for you, Connie, I feel it wouldn’t be fair to you, for us to continue our engagement and subsequent marriage. I do not want to make you a widow.”
“I think that should be my choice, Jebediah Bainbridge,” she replied heatedly.
“Yes it probably should but I am not prepared to have you mourn a husband at such a young age. Besides you would dislike wearing the mourning attire,” he tried to joke.
“Nothing about war is particularly amusing, Jed and I am offended that you think I am so shallow.”
“Connie,” he said taking her hands in his before kissing her in the way he knew melted all her resistance. “I am thinking of you, darling and I don’t think you are shallow.” He smiled before continuing. “When I return, we can marry then but not before.”
“Very well, Jed.” She signed. “You are probably right. I am going to miss you dreadfully.”
“I will too, Connie and I promise I will return to you.” Jed was aiming to keep his promise.
Slavery
1851
A scuffle awoke Savannah and she could hear muffled voices and cries. She climbed out of bed and padded to the window, to discover it to still be quite dark and determined it to be the middle of the night, before the dawn began to glow in the sky.
Savannah loved Hartley House and its gardens. The most special thing about it being that it was filled with her entire family. She had one remaining grandparent, in her Grandpa and she missed her Grandma who passed the year before. Her grandfather could be kind to his only son and his four children however he was still the master of the house and his rules were to be obeyed.
Life as a southern girl of nine was a simple one, with their slaves available to cater to her every need, as had been the tradition in her family for many generations, as it was for every southern family in Virginia and the south.
She heard the same sharp crack followed by a pain filled moan and her inquisitive nature compelled her to descend the majestic staircase to locate the source. She tiptoed as much out of apprehension as consideration.
The noises appeared to be coming from one of the rear rooms of the house, a room which was always locked. Savannah and her sisters spent many idle hours spinning stories to entertain while attempting to ascertain what was behind the closed door. Abby, in her usual impolite way, questioned their mother one afternoon while enjoying refreshments in the courtyard and was swiftly told to never ask such questions again. It was one of her grandfather’s rooms and they were forbidden to enquire about it and invade his privacy. Nonetheless the speculation continued.
The door was ajar and the cracking and cries where emanating from the very room, the forbidden room. Her trepidation intensified along with her excitement, for she would certainly have a story to regal to her sisters the following morn.
Slowly she eased her head around the door and the sight before her was something Savannah would ever forget. Too horrified to gasp or yell out, she stood as rigid as a statue and watched her grandfather at work.
One of the young male field slaves was tied to an apparatus made of wood, his wrists bound above his head while his knees skimmed the floor. His head was slumped down and his back was lined with bloody slashes. Henry, her grandfather, bared a horse whip and seemed to be responsible for the injuries.
Sitting on a large bed, which was absent of the usual linens seen on all the other beds within the house, was Agnes, who worked in the kitchen with her mother, Adelaide. She was a few years older than Savannah but not by much.
Being a child, Savannah never gave slavery much thought. It was part of her life and privilege and as all young southern ladies, took it for granted. These coloured people in her mind were fortunate to receive a new life in America, they were given shelter and food and in return required to wait on, clean for and tend to the duties of the house. She had never seen any indication of mistreatment therefore did not think the practice in any way inhumane, until this very moment.
Henry whipped the young man again and his moan was now barely a whimper. It took all Savannah’s control to stifle hers.
“Are you watching this, girl? Your punishment is to come. You will both think twice about breaking the rules after tonight. Mac, will you remember next time to complete your tasks before joining your family for dinner?” he asked the whimpering young Mac.
“Yessir,” he mumbled his voiced filled with pain.
Her grandfather untied his britches and walked towards the frightened Agnes with some large strange appendage hanging his pants. He pushed the young girl onto her hands and knees and then mounted her like she’d seen the horses do in the field. Unable to watch anymore without giving herself away, Savannah backed quickly away from the door, ran towards her room and buried her anguished tears in her pillow.
Savannah withdrew from life a little after this day and could no longer look at her grandfather without seeing those terrible images. Was this how all southern families treated their slaves? This horrifying thought lived with Savannah for the years to come.
When Henry passed away several years later it was a relief to Savannah for she no longer wanted a reminder of the horrendous activities which took place in that dreaded room. Several weeks after Henry’s death, Savannah found the courage to share her ordeal with her parents, who were thankfully, just as appalled. She begged her father to realise the slaves. He told her he did not partake in such practices with the slaves and her mind should be free from concern. He was aware of the stories from other plantations of such occurrences and told his daughter there was little anyone could do to change it.
Over the weeks she wore Edward down and going against all tradition and to show their disapproval, the Hartley’s began to pay their workers. For a year or more they were considered radical and foolish. Nevertheless Edward stuck to his conviction, for his daughter and as the years went on for himself. He had always, deep down, wanted something to fight for, a belief which was different from the norm, and decided their protest against the barbaric practices of slavery was just the vehicle he needed. So it came to be that Hartley House no longer kept slaves, they had workers instead. Savannah knew what her family sacrificed to do the humane thing and was extremely proud to call herself a Hartley.
a charlottsville wedding
march
1861
Upon the completion of the long and tedious dressing preparations, Savannah turned to her mother and sisters, waiting with bated breath. They all suitably gushed and Savannah thought quite rightly after the preposterous amount of money which was exchanged for the wedding dress she now wore.
As all good ‘Southern Belles’ she was adorned in a traditional white – what Savannah considered fluffy – wedding dress. Being of course the latest style, as their wealth and prestige required. Savannah had certain appearances to uphold within her social position.
It was lovely to own beautifully tailored dresses however Savannah didn’t follow the norm when it came to fashion in the south. Most rich southern belles would rarely or never wear the same dress twice. Savannah decided from a young age to be more frugal and endeavoured as often as possible to rotate the dozens of gowns she owned so as to wear the same dress a few times each year.
With her sisters all gabbing at once, Savannah took a deep breath – she was nervous. Not at the prospect of marrying Stuart Wentworth – as she did truly love him which was rare for a marriage – but of the wedding night. As all proper ladies should, she and Stuart waited. The Hartley’s may have a different attitude towards many issues, which other ‘wealthy’ southern family’s considered as status requirements, such as slavery however she still was a southern lady, with the proper upbringing, graciousness and manners.
The normal status quo in the south was to marry within ones status and into an equivalent or greater wealth. A southern lady is never to marry below her status. A man could, a woman could not. Many older southern gentlemen married younger, more middle to lower class girls, due to sheer convenience for both families involved. Hers to increase status and wealth (the families often were paid for their daughter’s hand) and his because of their beauty and youth.
Therefore Savannah was quite fortunate to be marrying the man she’d chosen, as opposed to requirement. Although by marrying Stuart, she was remaining within her class nonetheless. Stuart and Savannah were neighbours and had known each other her entire life. Although acres separated the grand southern mansions to which both families lived, their cotton plantations bordered each other and spanned over two generations.
Regardless of the fact she was marrying for love, she was still jittery. A proper lady didn’t talk about the nightly activities which occurred between a husband and wife therefore Savannah was at a loss and unsure as to exactly what was required of her. Would Stuart know? She sincerely hoped so. She smiled when she thought of her husband to be and looked forward to being the lady of Wentworth Manor.
As Stuart’s parents both passed the previous spring due to illness, the estate in its entirety was Stuart’s, for he had been an only child. She in turn would become the lady of the house, a position she had yet to fulfil thus far. Had the senior Wentworth’s still been alive, Savannah and Stuart would have lived at the manor however would not have been responsible for the running of the household.
Her only dreaded thought in regard to living in her new home was the Wentworth’s believed in slavery and the family purchased many over the years. Stuart knew of the horrors she’d witnessed that night, all those years ago and promised her his family did not treat their slaves in this manner. It soothed her a little however did not appease her. Although she was always attended to during her time consuming and ridiculous ritual of dressing each morning, her lady in waiting Bessie was paid for her contribution, given adequate housing and food, as were all their coloured help.
They were quite the anomaly the Hartley’s and the constant talk of Charlottesville due to their unique beliefs. She aimed once married, to persuade Stuart to bend a little, to consider the idea of freeing the slaves and alternatively pay them to work at the plantation.
Hartley House workers weren’t required or forced to remain, they chose to because of the opportunity bestowed upon them, to receive a paid wage, which was not readily available in the south.
“It’s time to go Savannah,” her mother Eleanor informed her. “Are you ready to become Mrs Wentworth?”
“Yes I am,” Savannah replied and proceeded to venture towards her new life.
1
savannah
Charlottesville, virginia
april 1861
Savannah stared down at the picturesque spring garden sprouting with magnolias, pink azalea, camellia and the various coloured lotus in the pond and smiled contentedly. Stuart and Savannah had been married a month and she was blissfully enjoying her new role as lady of the manor. She still giggled every time she was referred to this way and at nineteen was quite young to be running a household however not too young to be a wife.
Her fears regarding her first night with Stuart had been short lived, much to her relief everything came quite naturally, as it should with two people in love. Stuart was warm, passionate and considerate and she thought herself fortunate once again.
Broaching the issue of slavery with Stuart hadn’t been as successful. Knowing Stuart and his family as long as she had prepared her slightly for his reaction although she never imagined he felt so strongly about maintaining his current course and keeping the slaves as just that. This was something Savannah knew was going to take some time and effort, attempting to sway Stuarts unwavering view. He sought to keep his standing in the community.
She had overheard talk regarding Lincoln’s election earlier in March and how he wished to abolish slavery and Savannah sincerely hoped this to be true. As a woman she was usually limited as to the amount of knowledge and information she received therefore Savannah was not entirely sure what would eventuate. It soon became apparent the southern slavery states were not pleased with this idea as they had formed the Confederate and she’d heard whispers of rebellion. Stuart would have more information and as much as he loved his wife he shared the view of many southern gentlemen, that they don’t share affairs of the state or the continent with their wives. Eavesdropping was Savannah’s only source of information.
Towards the end of March, just after their nuptials, stories regarding war with their northern counterparts surfaced and they appeared to share her views regarding the cruelty of slavery. Would the newly formed Confederate truly continue their alliance against the government or Union as they were known simply to maintain the servitude they were accustomed? Even if it came to war?
It was now early April and Stuart’s cotton fields were blooming with flowers as were the apple trees in the orchards. Savannah knew the temptation of taking a stroll through the gardens to take in the many fragrances of spring on a southern plantation but the urge to discover what was happening in Virginia had a stronger pull.
Gazing out the window and examining her life in Virginia was not getting anything attended to. She couldn’t change the state of affairs but she was hoping to change Stu. Smoothing down her royal blue ostentatious gown she headed downstairs to find her husband.
Savannah walked as quickly as her hooped skirt would allow and started towards the majestic marble staircase that descended through the middle of the grand house into a large entranceway. The staircase divided the house into two, upstairs and down. All the bedrooms along with the bathrooms were located upstairs along with one sitting room which contained a baloney overlooking the beautiful aromatic gardens. The remainder of the grand rooms were located downstairs.
As were many houses in the south, the manor was dark and could appear gloomy due to the heavy drapes on the large windows and the dark mahogany furniture that was en vogue. Regardless of this, the house was beautiful and Savannah though herself advantageous once again to have been born into such wealth.
She ventured toward Stuart’s study as all discussions of a private nature took place there. As she approached she could hear the hushed voices of her husband as well as his closest friend William Langford. The quiet voices sounded heated and Savannah believed the discussion was probably an important one. Leaning towards the door she tried to make out what they were discussing but the voices were too low.
Savannah smiled again at the thought of her husband when he became engrossed and vehement about a topic. His longish sandy hair would fall over his bright blue eyes, which would be wide and intense. Stuart was and had always been a handsome man. She had been the envy of many women in Charlottesville the day she wedded him. Savannah was startled from her reverie by the sound of footsteps approaching the door.
“I am going to join the fight, Will, it is my duty as a southerner to show my support for our independence and freedom of choice. They declared war on us Will,” she heard her husband’s voice now raised with in a fervent tone.
“I understand your need to fulfil your duty, as I do too, however we are talking about war, Stu. The northerners have only declared war because of the Confederate attack in South Carolina.” Will’s reply was in same heated tone and Savannah imagined his dark eyes matching her husband’s in intensity.
“I am not going to change my mind, Will. Are you going to join me?”
“You know I will, Stu, even if it is to watch your back.”
“I have to find Savannah. I will be leaving tomorrow morning.”
Savannah’s breath caught. War! Leaving! Was Stuart really going to volunteer for war? The door flew open and Savannah shuffled back as quickly as was possible in her cumbersome dress.
“Savannah,” Stuart said with a start. “Were you listening at the door?” he asked with a slight smile in his voice.
“Of course not. I just got here,” she lied.
“I have some news, darling that will have me going away for a while.”
“Away? Where could you possibly be going? Do you need to attend to some business in Richmond?”
“No, darling, the Confederate army has attacked the U.S. military at Fort Sumter. They are calling for arms against the Union. It appears Virginia will be joining the Confederate and heading to war.”
“War!” she cried. “Why ever for? Why are the Confederate fighting our own countrymen from the north?”
“The Union wish to abolish slavery and have deemed it illegal to align against them therefore the forming of the Confederate is viewed as a rebellion. Lincoln intended to maintain possession over us without embracing our values and expect us to align with theirs. The Confederate decided to endorse their feelings regarding the matter and took possession of Fort Sumter.”
“This entails southern gentlemen such as yourselves going to fight and even murder fellow countrymen?”
“Yes in the name of the Confederate we will fight to retain our right to our independence!” Stuart exclaimed.
Savannah suddenly realised how important Stuart actually regarded slavery and how she had in fact been fighting a losing battle. Would the Confederate be doing the same?
“You could be killed!” Savannah cried passionately at the sudden thought of losing her husband.
“You need to have a little more faith in me, Savannah,” he replied kindly. Savannah saw Will smirk behind Stuart and knew that he thought her outburst amusing.
“It is not in you that I have no faith. I won’t allow this to happen!” she exclaimed.
She lifted her skirt and hurried towards the stairs. When she finally made it to their bedroom, she flung herself across the bed in frustration and despair. Once she cried until her eyes burned she suddenly realised for the first time in her life, she was behaving as a southern lady would, spoilt and petulant.
Realising she was not acting as she usual would and that she should be proud of Stuart for standing up for his beliefs she searched her husband out once more. Regardless of whether she condoned slavery or not, Stuart believed in the Confederation therefore he would be untrue to himself if he were to ignore the fight.
She had stuck to her convictions and insisted on bringing her paid lady in waiting Bessie with her to Wentworth Manor and insisted she continue to be paid. Stuart allowed this, as long as Bessie did not pass the information onto anyone else. Stuart relented in respect of her wishes so she should be courteous and do the same – even though she wasn’t risking her life.
Savannah located Stuart in the stables brushing Coal, his black stallion, to prepare him for departure the following morning. She stood and watched him for a few moments, to take in every part of him before he went away for war. She suddenly realised she must be prepared for the daunting fact that he may not returned unharmed, if at all. She watched his hair fall over his eyes as he vigorously brushed Coal. Savannah knew he was probably concerned for her and she didn’t want to add to his already burdened shoulders.
“Stuart,” she began as she stepped forward.
He turned to look at her with a sad longing in his eyes and she knew he too was thinking of the consequences of leaving. This was harder for him than it was for her and she needed to remain brave for him. He put his brush aside and walked out to meet her.
“I’m sorry, Stuart,” she began again. “You have every right to defend what you believe in and it is inconsiderate of me to trouble you with my woes.”
“Savannah, darling, I will miss you more than you will ever know. I have loved you my whole life and I promise I will do my very best to return to you.”
“I know,” she whispered and kissed him amorously. “I love you too. Please write to me as often as you are able, so I know that you are unharmed.”
“I will,” he declared.
Stuart pulled her close to embrace her, then kissed her deeply again.
“I leave at dawn tomorrow and we only have this afternoon and evening to spend together. I would like to spend them alone with you.”
“As would I,” she replied.
As they headed back to the house they were both praying that this would not be their last moments together. April 1861 had not turned out to be such a blissful month after all; it seemed the honeymoon was over.
2
jebediah
Baltimore, maryland
april 1861
Jebediah strode towards the dock where his father Harland was supervising the loading of one of their many ships. His father exported the majority of Baltimore and Washington’s resources to Europe which mostly consisted of tobacco and cotton.
Harland’s father purchased the first in the fleet after fighting in the War of 1812. During the conflict Baltimore’s exporting came to a halt and the economy suffered remarkably. Jed’s grandfather, Theodore came from “old money” and had been fortunate to retain his wealth despite the dwindling economy.
Upon the conclusion of the war Theodore had been in a position to seize the opportunity and began a shipping enterprise as most of the previous merchants had become destitute.
By the time Harland came of age, Theodore managed to increase the fleet to three. After his father’s death, Harland took over complete operation of the fleet and increased it to five strong. Although a railway was built in the 1820’s the shipping trade still flourished nonetheless. Harland then expanded the empire to include passenger voyages to Europe for the wealthier citizens of Baltimore, Washington, Cleveland and Philadelphia. The railway brought many travellers to Baltimore thus the new venture became a valuable commodity.
It was these vessels and voyages that Jed was assigned to and captained. An avid sailor he’d travelled many times across the Atlantic. Although only twenty-five, he had been manning large ships from a young age and acquired his sea legs early.
Seth, Jed’s younger brother chose to attend the University of Maryland to study to become a Physician as opposed to becoming a part of the conglomerate however enjoyed accompanying Jed when time permitted.
Jed located his tall, lanky father as of one of the fleet departed from the dock. Harland’s long wavy hair, in the same peppery grey as his long moustache, was tied back, as always, with a leather band and flapped as the cool breeze blew off the water.
Jed had recently become frustrated by his father’s lack of enthusiasm for their newly appointed President Lincoln and his Republic views on slavery. He knew that the southern states who partook in this barbaric custom had formed a Confederation against the Union and in Jed’s mind the entire nation. Although Baltimore and Maryland until recently had been a slavery endorsed state the Bainbridge’s and many others in Baltimore never partook.
Harland’s own father fought in the war of 1812 because he believed in fighting for freedom of trade. Why could Harland not see that they were now fighting for freedom of a different kind? Why couldn’t the black man have a right to be free and earn wages for their labour just as the while man did. Rumours of the appalling treatment sustained by the enslaved were uncivilised to say the least and Jed couldn’t understand how his father was not as outraged as he was.
There had been talk of war and the news that travelled to Baltimore which Jed momentarily learned of regarding the attack at Fort Sumter, had brought about a call to arms. Jed knew his father’s ships would be a much sort after commodity to escort soldiers to fight the campaign but had yet to assign the task to Jed.
“Good afternoon, Father,” Jed spoke evenly to Harland trying not to lose his temper. “Have our fleet been consigned to the fight against the Confederate rebellion?”
“Afternoon, Son. Yes I received notification this morning that Washington has requested all shipping merchants to avail their vessels for transportation. They will be sending soldiers from this port into Virginia over the coming weeks. I have volunteered two of my ships,” Harland answered with slight disdain while twirling his moustache.
“Why did I not hear about this from you?”
“I had hoped the ships would have left by the time the news reached you.”
“I don’t live under a rock, Pop. Why haven’t you assigned me the task of escorting the soldiers to Virginia? Nobody knows these waters like I do. I assume that one of the ships you have volunteered is the ‘Ambassador’.”
“Jed, I am not sending you off to war.”
“I wasn’t talking about going to war, Pop. I could escort the soldiers in the ‘Ambassador’ and then return.”
“The Union doesn’t want an escort they want the ships docked in Virginia until the campaign ends or alternatively prepared for venturing further south if the need arises. As you would have already heard, Washington is fairly confident that the fighting will be short lived. The requirement is whoever is Captain is also required to be available to fight if or when required. I don’t want that for my son.”
“Surely the Union would prefer the men who can sail the ships to remain alive.”
“In theory, yes, but this may be war and they will need every man armed.”
“The ‘Ambassador’ is my ship, Pop and if she goes, so do I.”
Harland sighed as he knew his head strong son would not change his mind.
“Very well, captain your ship to Virginia but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Take Seth with you as First Mate.”
“Will Seth want to leave his studies?”
“Yes, I already discussed this with him a short while ago.”
“You talked to Seth before me?” he asked indignantly beginning to now lose control of his growing anger.
“I was merely checking to see if he would be prepared to travel with you if the need arose.”
“Well it has arisen. When are we due to depart with the ‘Ambassador’?”
“You are required to meet with troops from Washington in Alexandria therefore you will need to leave next week. The troops leaving from here will be at the docks at dawn on the first Monday in May,” he replied offhandedly.
Harland proceeded to walk back up the dock towards the shipping office.
“There is much to prepare,” Jed said.
“Yes.”
Jed’s agitation grew regarding his father’s lack of feeling towards the impending journey and campaign. What was about to occur could be monument us, Jed’s chance at making history, just as his grandfather before him. He once again pondered his father’s less then jubilant or eager response. Following his father into the office he mulled over this a few moments before deciding to simply ask him.
“Pop, why aren’t you enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of something important?”
“Son, I am afraid that this could be more than just a campaign, it could become a war, a bloodbath.”
“I thought the Union were confident they have the wealth and capabilities to end this quickly.”
“Over confidence can be a downfall, Jebediah.” Harland’s brow furrowed.
“I must attend to my belongings and prepare for travel.” He turned to leave.
“Jed,” Harland called after him and he turned to face his father.
“Don’t be the hero.”
Jed’s only reply was a nod for there were no words to express the overwhelming emotions that threatened to spill forth. These emotions lingered as he climbed aboard ‘Jupiter’ his chestnut colt who he reared from a foal after his mother - a fine mare - died during birth difficulties. He felt a strong connection to the horse considering they had both lost their mother in the same manner.
He eased Jupiter into a canter and deliberated over what was required to be completed before he set sail. As he rode towards home, he remembered his dinner invitation from Constance Thornton at her father’s estate that evening. With talk of the war it completely slipped his mind.
He was theoretically courting Connie with the intent to marry her in the summer however now it seemed as though it wasn’t the right thing to do. He didn’t actually love Connie anyway. She was beautiful and came from a wealthy, well respected family and perfect for all intents and purposes but he gladly relished the idea of using the war as his escape.
He had managed to avoid marriage thus far and with the right amount of charm he believed he would convince the sometimes feisty Connie that it was in her best interest to wait until the war was over. Jed would inform her that she wouldn’t want to be a widow. She would probably protest, nonetheless he knew his many wiles would convince her to hold off. Jed decided it would be best to have that ominous duty completed before preparing for the journey.
Steering Jupiter toward the Thornton estate, he attempted to erase all thoughts of war from his mind allowing it to be clear while visiting Connie. He rode into her father’s property as the sun descended over the horizon with colours of orange and red. Priming himself for what lay ahead, he allowed Jupiter to be led away by Timothy – one of the stable hands – before being escorted directly to the dining room as he’d almost been late for dinner.
Connie watched him tentatively over dinner. Her speculative gaze continued as they walked the grounds later that evening which indicated he was probably not going to surprise her– well with at least the news about going to war that is.
“You were very quiet over dinner, Jed, is there something on your mind?”
“Yes, Connie, there is. As you are aware the Union has declared war on the rebellious Confederate. The ‘Ambassador’ has been consigned to escort troops and supplies to the fight. I will be personally captaining her because as you know, I will not allow another to sail my ship. I will be leaving this Monday coming.”
“I suspected as much Jed and knowing who you are, I knew you would be leaving.”
Her blue eyes continued to search his face therefore Jed decided it was time to reveal his plans.
“As much as I care deeply for you, Connie, I feel it wouldn’t be fair to you, for us to continue our engagement and subsequent marriage. I do not want to make you a widow.”
“I think that should be my choice, Jebediah Bainbridge,” she replied heatedly.
“Yes it probably should but I am not prepared to have you mourn a husband at such a young age. Besides you would dislike wearing the mourning attire,” he tried to joke.
“Nothing about war is particularly amusing, Jed and I am offended that you think I am so shallow.”
“Connie,” he said taking her hands in his before kissing her in the way he knew melted all her resistance. “I am thinking of you, darling and I don’t think you are shallow.” He smiled before continuing. “When I return, we can marry then but not before.”
“Very well, Jed.” She signed. “You are probably right. I am going to miss you dreadfully.”
“I will too, Connie and I promise I will return to you.” Jed was aiming to keep his promise.
