Historical Fiction Story

Should I?

Chapter One

Just Thinking

      I had been thinking about it. I had been thinking about it for a long time. The blue uniform, the guns, the many bullets, and the people; they just kept flooding through my head. And then, there were the rumors. Oh, the numerous rumors, about how being a soldier in the Civil War was simply a horrible spot to be in. The yelling and screaming of the injured and dying, the sound of the soldiers as they hit the ground, and biggest of all, the risk of getting shot. Though it seemed like a bad dream, I felt like I had to join, to fight for my country. We also needed the money quite badly as well, for my father had just passed away with Pneumonia. He had worked as a General Store owner for 30 years, which had met the family’s needs in terms of income. It was like losing your money tree, that is, if we even had one. My mom, twelve year old sister, and three year old brother all needed support.                           
      Of course I had not told anyone that I have thinking about joining yet, but since the war had started on April 12 and it was already May 12, I decided that it was time to ask Mom for her opinion. Besides, people were saying that the war would only last a few months anyway.

Chapter Two

An argument with Mom

      I knew how Mom would respond. After all, I had been alive and with her for eighteen years now. My mom has always been the “over-protective” type, and was always hesitant to let any of us kids do anything. From getting the first bicycle to climbing above the fifth branch in the old oak tree, Mom has always been as cautious about us as a mouse hiding from a cat. So as I walked into the kitchen where my mom stood washing the dishes, I decided to take the conversation slowly. “Hey Mom, do you need some help with the dishes?” “Sure,” said my mom, “But why? I mean yes, but you never ask to help with the house chores. Is something wrong?” “Well, kind of,” I started. “I’ve been thinking about joining the war to fight, like grandpa fought in that war against Britain. I want to fight for the Union.” “And what,” said my mom, “You expect me just to say yes? I mean you weren’t even drafted or anything, but you just volunteered?” “Well…. yes,” I stuttered, “But…” “No, definitely not,” my mom said. “But Mom! Why can't I go?” “Well honey, what if you don't come back?” “Mom, why would you even think like that?” “Well....I am just considering the possibilities.” “But don't you think that it should be my decision?” I asked. “Yes, Jim, I love you very much and respect your choice, but I should have some input too, don't you think?” “Yes, but..... it’s my life, and I should be able to choose what I do with it regardless of what you say. Because after all, I am 18 now.” ”So that's what you think, that when you’re 18 you can do what you want.” “Yes mom, that's what I think.” “Fine then.” That was the end of the conversation, for after eighteen years of living with someone, you know when to stop arguing.

Chapter Three

Cooling Down

     After the argument with mom, I decided to take a walk. I always know two things after mom says, “Fine then.” First is that she doesn’t want to talk about it anymore, and so if I would have continued to talk, it would have been like arguing with a rock. Second is that she gave up, and that means that I won the conversation. I could join the war. Being able to say those words was like a dream come true. I went back home and decided to write a letter to the only general that I have met, William T. Sherman, asking to join the Union.

Chapter Four

A Response from General Sherman

     General Sherman was born the same year as my father, 1820, and went to school with him. They were very good friends while growing up, and my father helped him through some tough times. A response soon came from him thanking me for wanting to join in order to fight for our country and against slavery. The letter also stated what equipment and supplies I would need. This included items such as brushes, blankets, food, clothes, and many other personal materials. It also stated where I could mail a letter to requesting supplies such as guns, gunpowder, bullets, and other fighting equipment that would be necessary. Lastly, the letter said that I would receive my uniform soon, and start a short training on June 20^th. 

      I was excited about joining, and Mom had learned to accept my decision. She said that she was happy that I was fulfilling my dream, and trying to help the family with the money problem. She said that she knew that it would all work out well in the end. The best part was that I knew that she meant it.

Chapter Five

Later

     I soon received my uniform, and collected the equipment that I need. When the day came, I waved farewell to my family, and went on my way. My mother and I wrote letters all of the time, and I visited as often as I could. I stayed and fought until the end of the war, and made it home safely. On that wonderful ninth of April in 1865, I hung up that blue uniform for good, and happily settled in back home with the family. Life went well from then on. General Sherman became a full general after the war, and lived a good life until 1891. Thanks to President Abraham Lincoln and all of the other Union leaders, non-slavery laws changed the United States for good.

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