Wellington's Quest by Robert F. Clifton (best books to read now .TXT) 📕

“Interesting. You say that Streator and his people have bought the mineral rights here. Does that include sand and clay?”, asked Jim.

“Not at the moment. Why would you want clay?”

“I want the sand for the making of glass. I want the clay for the manufacturing of tile and pipe. You see, Mister Streator will need other revenue for his coal and railroad. I see him selling me coal to heat my kilns and charging me a fair price to transport my finished products to market. So, Mister Blum I want the sand and clay in Hardscrabble. Do we have an agreement?”,asked Jim

Blum removed his pocket watch from his vest and noticed the time. “It is almost noon. May I suggest that we stop by my office and sign the necessary papers and forms. Having done that what say we lunch at the pub and restaurant? I'll unroll the planned platting of lots and real estate. That should give you an idea of what we vision here”.

Taking bites from a somewhat salty ham sandwich Jim looked at the proposed layout of the town. After wiping his mouth with a napkin he said, “I see you have plans for a schoolhouse”.

“Actually, the schoolhouse has already been built. As a matter of fact Miss Audrey Webber, the new teacher is setting things up as we speak. Her reading books came in last week”.

“Where is the school?”, asked Jim.

“It's one block after the church. You can't miss it”, Blum answered.

Jim got up from the table smiled and said, “Well, Mister Blum I want to thank you for taking the time to help me. I now must wait until I receive further orders from my corporation. It seems to me that everything from here on in will be in the hands of lawyers. Meanwhile, if you don't mind, I'd like to see things here on my own. I hope you understand”.

“I understand perfectly. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to ask me”, Blum replied.

Jim walked through the streets of the village and finally came to the schoolhouse. The front door was open and he quietly walked inside.

The teacher, Audrey Webber was busy washing the chalkboard that hung on one wall. She did not hear

Jim enter the building. He stood watching her for a few moments then, in a quiet voice and in the Dakota language said, “It has been too many summers since I saw you last”.

With her back towards him he saw the sudden movement of her body when she was taken by surprise at the sound of his voice and her body stiffened. Then, he spoke to her again in Dakota. “The last time we were together, you kissed my cheek”.

From where she stood crying she finally answered as she turned around. “James. Oh James, it is you. How did you find me?”, she asked.

“Hello Kathleen. It's just the luck of the draw. I remember my mother telling me years ago your mothers maiden name, Audrey Webber. I had to check. I was hoping all the way here that it wasn't just a coincidence.”

“I'm glad you did James. I took her name to change my identity.

When I got back to Minnesota the army gave a list of names of all the rescued captives to the press. Naturally, the newspapers printed the story along with our names.”

“How are you Kathleen?”

“Fine, but tell me why are you here in this so called town?”

“I might be here for a year, then its back to Minnesota”.

“I could never go back to anywhere near Ulm or Mankato”.

“I have to questions for you”, said Jim

“Well, ask them”.

“May I call on you?”

“Of course James. Of course. What is your other question?”

“Could you live in St. Paul?”

Afterword

The Sioux uprising of 1862 in Minnesota was led by Chief Little Crow. In this writing the author created Matopsapa a fictional character as the war chief responsible. After the attacks on the cities of Ulm and the farms in the area Little Crow escaped into Canada. He made the mistake of returning to the United States and was shot and killed near Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Little Crows body was dragged through the streets of Hutchinson. It was mutilated and scalped. Firecrackers were placed in his ears and his body dumped among garbage that had collected in an alley.

In 1971 Little Crow's body was returned to his grandson for a proper burial. Today a stone tablet sits on the roadside where Little Crow was killed. In 1937 a large bronze statue was cast and erected in Hutchinson. Another was created in 1982.

Little Crow was honored by the McLeod County Historical Society which published Gary Clay Anderson's, “Little Crow”.

The writer of “Wellington's Quest”, writing fiction has the body of Matosapa mutilated by the citizens of Mankato. At the same time the writer has James Wellington honor Matosapa by praying for the warriors soul. All in all, whether in reality or fiction what occurred is another case of man's inhumanity to man.

R.F. Clifton

Table Of Contents

Chapter One The Wars Begin

Chapter Two The uprising

Chapter Three Aftermath

Chapter Four Camp Release

Chapter Five Deputized

Chapter Six Dead Buffalo Lake

Chapter Seven Fort Pierre

Chapter eight White Stone Hill

Chapter Nine Winter On The Yellowstone

Chapter Ten Rescue

Chapter Eleven The Village Of The Dakota's

Chapter Twelve Paha Sapa

Chapter Thirteen Wild Rice

Chapter Fourteen Opportunities

Chapter fifteen Hardscrabble

Publication Date: 02-16-2014

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