Rifles for Watie

Two weeks after Millholland’s death, the company arrives at Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Indian Nation, which has sided with the Confederates. Jeff is stunned to see a reasonably-sized city, when he expected teepees. Marching through town, Jeff remembers Babbitt’s comment that they are supposed to be showing off in hopes of convincing some of the rebels to reconsider which side they want to be on. They enter the town under strict orders that any stealing from citizens will result in loss of pay. Jeff joins a small group that goes with Clardy to find a home that will feed them. At most houses, the occupants watch them fearfully from behind curtains. Mid-town, the group reaches a large, opulent house and Clardy knocks on the door. An attractive young woman answers, holding a cat who reacts angrily to Jeff’s dog, Dixie. Jeff is immediately taken with her. Clardy orders the girl to tell the family’s servants to feed them. The girl responds, “Since you freed all the Negroes, we’re not even cooking dinner for ourselves” (142). She adds, “We’re all rebels—to the backbone” (142).

Clardy, unimpressed, threatens to set fire to her house if they don’t comply. She stands her ground, and another Union officer, Major Thompson, speaks up, politely asking to talk to the girl’s mother.