Gabriel's Hope Plantation
Chapter 7
The election of Lincoln to the presidency put the final nail in the coffin of slavery as far as Gabriel was concerned. Not to be proved wrong, Confederate troops took Fort Sumter from the Union and the civil war became a reality. Gabriel then accepted no payment for his cotton in anything other than gold or silver, but that was for only one crop. A naval blockade closed off his market and the crop of 1862 was left to rot in the warehouse, apart from the small amount that Sarah and her ladies turned into cloth for clothes and household furnishings. That gradually expanded into a full blown weaving plant that made cloth for sale as well as for the slaves. The Confederacy bought much of it and paid in confederate currency, useless for anything outside of the area, but it did at least purchase whatever they needed that was still available. A spin off from that was no hassle from confederate troops
"We can't sell it Gabriel so we'll use it." Sarah told Gabriel one day.
Food started to become a problem, or more precisely, lack of it became the problem.
The war started to hurt in other ways. It became impossible for Matthew and the servants to return home during school holidays so Gabriel did the only thing he could. He found an underground group that would smuggle slaves out to the North. Once it was all planned he called a meeting of his four black foremen, Oprah and Landon, Sarah and Josh.
"We all know what is happening beyond our land and I think we need to take action to protect ourselves. I am going to free all slaves, I believe that will happen anyway when the war ends."
There were gasps of surprise from all.
Josh, you will draw up the manumits papers for every slave on this plantation. Zeke, you will talk to all the slaves in the village. What you need to do is start fencing plots of land behind your cottages. Make them large enough to be able to grow food for the families. The bachelors and single women must do the same. When the plots are fenced I'll sell them to you all, along with your cottages, and the money to pay for them will come out of the wages I will pay. You will all have an account at the shop, purchases once again coming from your pay. Somehow or other we are going to get hold of enough seed for you to grow your vegetables and enough chickens and other animals for your other food. Anyone have anything to add or questions?"
Everyone was dumb struck.
"Mother, we'll take a bunch of the young bucks and single girls to do the same here at the big house. We must move to total self-sufficiency as soon as we can. Zeke, make it clear to all that if any of them want to leave they can do so, and when the war is over they will be welcome back here if they have found nothing better in the meantime."
This was all too much for the slave foremen and when they left the meeting their heads were aching trying to assimilate the tasks that had been set them. The group remaining were even more shocked with Gabriel's continued plans.
"Landon, you are going to take the remainder of your family through enemy lines to join Matthew and Ann in Boston. We will find a way for you to carry enough gold and silver to survive and for Ann and the others."
Joshua was the only one who didn't look shocked. He knew that in the secret room there was a huge quantity of gold and that in the study here there was probably enough silver to fund this action as well.
"I am going to send Blaine with you because he is big enough to fight off most likely trouble. Landon, you and Blaine are going to get in loads of practice with pistols and I'll arm you before you leave. Mama, I would send you and Josh as well, but I doubt you would go, either of you."
They both shook their heads to confirm that.
"One side or the other will probably try to recruit the able bodied men into the army so we must make sure that if any soldiers come onto the plantation that all our men are either hidden or supplied with good enough stories and disguises to make sure they can remain free."
Joshua looked at Gabriel and grinned.
"You haven't just come up with this plan have you Gabriel?"
Gabriel smiled. "No, Josh, I've been looking at what's happening and gradually put this plan together. I don't believe the South can win. It may take some time but I think the industrial strength, and size of the Union States will tell in the end. The South will be torn apart and I want to make sure our people stand every chance of surviving, and starting new lives as free men at the end of it. We'll close the house down as well so that it looks uncared for and partially unoccupied. Mother and I can manage with a tiny corner. Everything we can do to protect this for our future must be taken."
The plantation burst into life then as all the new activity took place. Gabriel's plan for Joshua's family was finalised. Heavy cloth was made into money belts for the adults and the children. On the day they were due to start their journey the belts were filled with silver dollars and strapped round the bodies of the carriers. Guns and powder were in the hand baggage. Everyone was briefed and Joshua and Jess accompanied them on the first stage of the journey. Jason and Missy were so excited, not realising how dangerous the journey was going to be.
Almost three months elapsed before Gabriel received positive news on the group. They had made the journey unharmed and unmolested. Ann had taken charge of all the money, paid for an extension to the cottage so that they could all live together. Landon and Oprah had got work and Ann was tutoring, keeping Jason and Missy educated as well. En route, before crossing into safe territory, Blaine had shot a confederate soldier who had tried to molest Oprah. He would never be able to return south and Gabriel placed that at the back of his mind to handle at the appropriate time. Blaine was the keeper of the family's security. The young couple that had gone with Ann in the beginning were given permission to find their own future knowing that Gabriel's Hope would be open for them to return if they ever needed to. Gabriel realised that with so many men under arms employment would be easy and breathed a sigh of relief that the money he sent would probably be enough to last almost indefinitely, supplemented by the earnings of the others.
The first loss, and one that Gabriel had contemplated was the loss of their horses. The Confederacy would need an almost endless supply of them to replace the ones so cruelly lost in the battles and skirmishes that raged back and forth across the land.
The loss was conducted in a civilised manner. A young lieutenant with four troopers, already herding quite a few horses entered the plantation one day as Gabriel was riding back from looking at the work going on, fragmented over the whole plantation.
"Good morning Lieutenant, to what do I owe this visit?"
The officer, a little younger than Gabriel, looked embarrassed, not expecting to see a man of Gabriel's stature sat astride a fine stallion and dressed casually in high boots, breeches, and an open necked white shirt.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but I have come to purchase all of your horses for the army."
Gabriel looked at him carefully before replying.
"All of my horses, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Where are you garrisoned?"
The lieutenant looked a little bemused but replied.
"About ten miles north of here, Sir."
"Well, Lieutenant. I'll strike a bargain with you. I have eight mounts that will probably suit your purpose. I'll sell you six. You take them back to your base and return here with one of them hitched to a wagon. I'll fill that wagon with fresh food and we'll consider that a deal."
"I could take all eight, Sir, and the food."
"That you could, but it would cost you more men than you will likely lose to the Yankees. I'll not see you or the Union troops destroy my home."
The lieutenant was taken aback.
"You would fire on your own people?"
"You're not my people, Lieutenant, you're one of the mongrels that is fighting a war you can't win for a cause that was lost before you even started it."
"But you have nearly a hundred slaves here I would guess."
"I don't have one slave on this plantation, every one of the men is free to take his family and go if he so wishes. They remain because they are paid and looked after."
Just as he finished that little speech, Zeke and two other men came into sight sporting a pair of pistols each, stuck into their waistbands.
"Zeke, tell this officer how many slaves there are on this plantation."
"Slaves, Mr. Gabriel, I haven't seen a slave on this plantation for longer than I can remember."
Poor Zeke, he had such a short memory.
"I'll have to ask my commanding officer, Sir, but I'll take the six and pay you for them."
The price was very low, and in Confederate currency, almost worthless in Gabriel's estimation.
"I only take payment in silver or gold, Lieutenant."
That was too much for the lieutenant. He rode out saying he would be back with his senior officer.
Gabriel's preparations for that were to dress several of his men that were adequate marksmen, to look like veterans of the fighting, but all looking as though they were unfit for further service.
A few hours later a major turned up with the lieutenant and ten troopers. He was met by Gabriel still riding his stallion, but now with two pistols in his belt, and six men, including Zeke equipped the same.
"Mr. Sinclair, I am commanded to commandeer horses for the army. You have eight and I intend to take them."
"Major, I can probably manage with just two, leaving six for the army. I look after about one hundred souls on this plantation and produce food in sufficient quantity to feed them and leave some over for other deserving peoples. I won't see my people suffer to supply a lost cause."
The major bristled at this treasonous talk and told Gabriel so.
"Major, let's not fight over this. I am sorry to see my beloved land trodden down by the Yankee boot but the fact of the matter is that slavery was dead before a bullet was fired in this conflict. All that you are doing is prolonging the end with no chance of winning. The industrial North was always going to win, both in industrial output and in manpower. If I can preserve Gabriel's Hope from the ravages of this war at least a small corner of this land will be able to assist the rest to gather themselves again. My offer still exists, a wagon load of food and six of my horses."
The major looked at the armed Negroes and thought he had better use some serious good judgement on this.
"I have no silver or gold, Sir, but I will accept your offer and pay in confederate dollars with a small extra payment for the food."
Gabriel agreed, gave the nod to Zeke who had Isaiah bring six horses from the paddock. It was quite obvious that Gabriel's mount was the best of the bunch, a superb thoroughbred stallion and the major looked at it with covetous eyes.
"Major, the cost is more than you and your troopers would be willing to pay, but I'll make you a promise. When the war has ended if you bring a mare to this plantation and we have survived, I'll let my stallion mount your mare and you can keep the result."
The two men shook on a deal that made sense to the major.
The war raged around them and affected them very little until the day the first Union troops entered the property. Led only by a sergeant they were intent on robbery pure and simple. Sarah was the first one they saw and started to molest her as Gabriel turned the corner of the house and spoke.
"That would be a very unwise move Sergeant."
Half a dozen guns immediately turned on Gabriel who didn't even flinch.
"I am unarmed Sergeant so tell your men to point their arms elsewhere."
While he was talking, Gabriel had moved further along the porch until he could reach the warning bell he had installed for just this purpose.
Gabriel had just taken hold of the bell rope when the sergeant struck him across the face. It was perfect for Gabriel who could make the ringing of the bell look like an accident.
By the time Gabriel had recovered there were a dozen black men each holding twin pistols pointed at the soldiers.
"Now Sergeant, tell your men to put down their arms and we'll leave you all alive."
The sergeant didn't need to say anything, his men dropped their arms.
"Zeke bring some more boys and tie up these men."
The sergeant blustered but soon there were six troopers tied to the hitching rail in front of the house.
"When do you expect an officer to join you, Sergeant?"
"Sooner than you are going to want, because when he does there will be a whole troop behind him."
Gabriel nodded turned to Zeke and told him the men could return to work, and then he winked. The men disappeared behind the mansion but entered through the kitchen door and positioned themselves at windows and at the front door ready to enter the fray again if required.
Nearly an hour later, a large body of men moved through the main gate and formed up in front of the house. An officer looking less than pleased walked up to Gabriel with a drawn sword.
"I would put that away before getting any closer Captain, a sword is no competition for two pistols," and Gabriel put his hands on his, but didn't draw them. The Captain agreed and did put his sword back in his scabbard.
"Would you like to tell me what my men are doing tied to your hitching post?" and looking round continued, "And how did you achieve it?"
"Your sergeant started molesting my mother, not the action of an honourable man, so we had to show him the error of his ways. You can take him with you when you leave, Captain, and the rabble he came with. If they are a sample of Union troops I might start wishing for a Confederate victory."
"You mean you aren't now?"
"Let me show you why not Captain."
The Captain was amazed as he walked through the village with Gabriel, who had carefully concealed his stallion beforehand.
"These people are all free, and you can see, happy. If the Confederacy wins, I will be under pressure to employ only slaves and these people will be forced to leave or become slaves again. I don't want that."
"Confederate troops won't like that, Sir."
Gabriel laughed, "They didn't, but if we go back to the house I'll show you what happened to them."
Stood in front of the house again Gabriel called, "Zeke, all ready."
The Captain stood mouth agape as the main door opened and he was confronted with twelve pistols and two more appeared at each of the downstairs windows.
The captain laughed as Gabriel brought his little army out in full view.
"A slave army to protect your land. I like it, Sir."
"No Captain, these are all free men with families in the village you have just seen."
"Thank you Zeke, the men can all return to their work."
Zeke looked with suspicion at the troops, and said, "Are you sure, Mr. Gabriel?"
"I think so Zeke." And then he laughed.
"Now Captain, what do you want me to do with your men, the ones that are free and my six prisoners?"
The captain could see the humour in the situation.
"I would like my free men to set up camp in one of your fields, Sir, and if you have any spare food we would surely like to purchase it."
"With what currency Captain?"
"Silver dollars, Sir."
Gabriel grinned, put out his hand and introduced himself.
"Gabriel Sinclair, Captain, owner of Gabriel's Hope Plantation."
A firm hand grip and, "Captain Clinton Grant, Union Army."
Gabriel called out, "Joshua, Zeke."
The two men appeared from the house.
"Josh, Captain Grant will send his quartermaster to you. Will you sell him whatever they need? Zeke, you have inventory don't you?"
"Yes Mr. Gabriel."
The captain was surprised at Joshua's appearance. He was dressed identically to Gabriel. Tailored riding breeches tucked into high polished riding boots and an open necked white shirt of fine quality cotton.
"Josh, the payment will be in silver dollars, so be kind to them."
"Not too kind though, Gabriel, hey."
Both men laughed and the Captain summoned his quartermaster while he tried to get his head round what looked like equals talking only one black and one white.
The captain took the opportunity to brief two subalterns concerning setting up camp.
"Abe, show the lieutenants the lower field, it's closest to the stream so they'll have plenty of water."
"Come Captain, I'm sure my mother will be pleased to serve us some refreshment."
The Captain was impressed with the large kitchen where all the activity of the house appeared to take place.
"Most of the house is uninhabitable now Captain so we live in the kitchen."
All lies of course but Gabriel wasn't going to risk this army, or any other army, taking over the house.
After cool drinks and shortcake the captain was Clinton and Gabriel was also being called by his first name.
"Gabriel, my father is coming from the West with the largest army we can muster. This will be the end of the Confederacy when he arrives, Lee won't be able to hold him this time."
Gabriel nodded. "I pray that the battle doesn't rage over this land. I have kept most of my workers fed and housed during the war, and we are still well found for food. We will feed as many of your men as we can, but I will fight any army that tries to rob me of the food I need for my people."
Clinton smiled. "I'll remember to tell my Colonel when he arrives with the remainder of our regiment. Now, Gabriel I should get back to my troops. May I take your prisoners with me?"
Both men laughed but through his laughter Gabriel managed to splutter, "Yes Sir, you may."
"One last question Gabriel to satisfy my curiosity. "Joshua could have been a white man the way you two react to one another. How come?"
Gabriel decided he liked this man enough to be truthful.
"I have known Josh since I was aware of other people. His father is the only father I have ever known, and his mother is like a second mother to me. He has three siblings, and the whole family is safely in Boston. I educated Josh, teaching him each day what I was taught. He is now the estate managing accountant and my right hand man. On a personal front, he is the dearest person in my world."
Enough said and peace reigned on Gabriel's Hope. ***********************************
The plantation didn't escape in the final days of the war, it raged over the plantation destroying much of the infrastructure including the great house which burnt to the ground. By some miracle the village survived, probably partly due to the inhabitants refusing to be driven out, the other miracle was Gabriel's beloved stallion, `lost' in the trees of the plantation in the company of Fernando.
The war ended and the South sat back to breath and wonder at the destruction. The carpetbaggers moved in and a second war started for most plantation owners. They had to find a way to keep the carpetbaggers from stealing their land, and to rebuild with no assets to do it with.
Gabriel was lucky. Taking stock of the situation he realised how lucky they were. Yes, he would have to rebuild the house, but most of the valuables had joined the gold in the secret room, and as the war drew close almost everything that they could was moved into the room as well. The plantation had effectively survived. The fields looked like a battle field, but he still had all, or nearly all of his workers. Replacing the men and women of the village would have been the most difficult task, these were people he knew, who knew him and would work hard to put their home and workplace back in order.
Two very pleasant things occurred while he was still in the planning stage of the rebuild. Clinton Grant, now a major, reappeared before returning to the North and his home.
"I have come to take my leave, Gabriel, and to offer my apologies that your home was destroyed. Also, my thanks for your hospitality. I have told my father of your kindness and assistance so if you ever need a favour, I am sure he would grant it."
The next day the Confederate Major appeared with a brood mare and stayed for two days while Gabriel's stallion did his job.