Loyal to the Cause

Table of Contents

Chapter – 1

Chapter – 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter – 6

Chapter – 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter – 12

Chapter 13

Chapter – 14

Chapter - 15

Chapter - 16

Chapter – 17

Chapter – 18

Chapter – 19

Chapter -20

Chapter - 21

Chapter 22

Chapter –23

Chapter- 24

Chapter – 25

Chapter – 26

Chapter – 27

Chapter – 28

Chapter – 29

Chapter – 30

Chapter –31

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chapter – 1

Lexington, Kentucky 1824

The Butler family, of Lexington, Kentucky, ran the most successful general store this side of the Mason Dixon line. Oswald Butler and his wife, Penny, had owned the store ever since Oswald’s father, Jacob, passed away four years earlier. Jacob willed his only son and heir the store and all his worldly possessions.

Jacob, Oswald’s father, had taken over the store in 1790 from his parents and within a year made it into a general store that not only catered to family needs for basic everyday goods, but also handled the needs of the local farmers and ranchers as well. He saw the needs of these groups and envisioned that a one-stop shopping center for food, clothing, tools and equipment to run farms and ranches was what was truly needed in the growing city of Lexington, Kentucky. With his many innovations to cater to peoples’ needs, Jacob was also the first to provide a catalog service for his customers to order items he didn’t stock and which they wanted to purchase or needed to run their farms and ranches. He would arrange to have any item that was needed shipped to his store within a month’s period.

When Jacob’s only son, Oswald, finished grade school, he immediately went to work with his father, learning the general store business. Oswald, who was a bright young man, was so successful with the running of the general store that when his father died in 1803, he bought an overland freight delivery company and immediately changed the name of the company to the Butler Overland Freight Company. The company delivered freight from Lexington, Kentucky, to Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia and finally ended at the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia. The contracts Oswald had signed with general stores along this route to deliver goods proved to be so successful that Oswald had increased his fleet from four Conestoga wagons to twenty in four short years. Each wagon was capable of hauling up to one thousand pounds of freight. The freight business, coupled with the general store, made Oswald and Penny two of the richest people of Lexington, Kentucky.

January 24,1807, Penny Butler, who was in her ninth month of pregnancy, gave birth to their first child, a healthy boy. They named him Clayton Jacob Butler. The Butlers were well-to-do by then and highly respected in the community. Penny was active in their church activities and Oswald was a member of the planning board in the community of Lexington. They were also very friendly with Daniel Merriweather and his wife, Betsy, the owners of the largest cattle ranch around the Lexington area.

Daniel Merriweather was the breeder of the finest prime cattle in Kentucky and became the largest shipper of beef in the state. The Merriweathers had twin boys, Bob and Dusty, age seven. Betsy was in her seventh month of pregnancy. When March 10th arrived, she gave birth to a girl whom they named Cindy Anne. The two families were very close and celebrated every holiday together. Daniel and Oswald both served on the City Planning Board of Lexington while Betsy and Penny served on the school board and ran most of the church functions.

Cindy and Clayton, being only two months apart in age, started school together and became inseparable playmates. When both children turned thirteen years old, Daniel and Oswald both agreed to have each teenager work and learn the general store and delivery business and the ranching business. After school on Mondays and Tuesdays, Cindy worked in the general store with Clayton and his Mom and Dad. Wednesdays and Thursdays Clayton and Cindy worked on the ranch. Friday through Sunday was theirs to do as they pleased. On those off days, they would hunt for small game, fish, or just ride their horses around the ranch and investigate the Lexington countryside. The pond, located on the ranch, was where Clayton had taught Cindy how to swim and this became their favorite summer activity, swimming in the pond on the Merriweather ranch.

Clayton loved it when July rolled around and he and Cindy were allowed to join in on rounding up the herd and heading the cattle into the Lexington railroad yard cattle pens for shipment to the Chicago stockyards. Here the cattle were processed and then shipped to major cities in the United States. Being seven years older than Clayton and Cindy, both Bob and Dusty Merriweather were amazed how quickly Clayton and Cindy learned to handle the herd.

Cindy, on the other hand, loved it when the store received a shipment of new ladies’ wares. She and Penny would spend most of the day modeling the newly arrived dresses and hats. Both Daniel and Oswald were happy with what they saw in their two children and the way they accepted responsibility in the tasks they were assigned to do.

One day when they were fifteen years old, Clayton realized he loved Cindy and kissed her after a cooling swim at the ranch pond.

He finally blurted out, Cindy, I’m in love with you and when we get older and finish college, will you marry me?

Clayton, what took you so long? I knew I would marry you when I was twelve years old, she replied and returned his kiss passionately.

Both their hands were exploring each other’s bodies when Cindy finally said, Let’s stop, Clayton, before we do something we’ll both regret.

I agree with you, Cindy, but I’m evilly tempted these last few months.

Me too, Clayton, but we mustn’t. Our families would be so disappointed in us, especially if I got pregnant.

On an early day in May 1824, Penny was at her desk planning a party for Clayton who at the age of seventeen had received a letter from the Department of the Army notifying him of his acceptance to West Point.

Oswald was folding the newly arrived shipment of men’s clothes and was placing them on the shelves when he said to Penny, You know, we’re going to miss that boy around here when he leaves us for West Point.

In more ways than you know, Oswald, she answered and added, we’re going to need to hire someone to help with the store when both of them leave. Cindy has been accepted to Doctors’ College to study nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. What are we going to do?

Jeb Parker stopped into the store yesterday and asked if we needed any help, Oswald answered and added, I told him to come back in July and I would hire him. By the way, where is Clayton today?

At breakfast this morning he mentioned that he and Cindy were going to the lake for a picnic with their class to celebrate the end of the school year and their upcoming graduation.

Is the boy getting serious for Cindy?

I would think so. They have been going to school together for twelve years and you know how inseparable they have been over those years.

Out at the big lake located on the outskirts of the city of Lexington, Clayton and Cindy, after having eaten their lunch, went for a walk to the most remote area of the lake.

Cindy, I have some good news to tell you. I’ve been accepted to West Point.

Oh, Clayton, I’m so happy for you. Now we can travel to school together. I’ve been accepted to Doctors’ College in Atlanta.

Cindy, rushing into his arms, said, I know how you had your hopes on being accepted. I’m so happy for you, Clayton, Cindy blurted out.

Clayton took Cindy into his arms and kissed her while running his hands down her backside and pushing her hard up against him.

She then pulled Clayton to the ground upon the cool grass. She then rolled herself atop him whispering, I love you and I know you love me. Let’s not stop. I want you to enter me so we can become one.

Cindy, before we do it, will you wait for me to finish school and then get married?

Yes, she promised as she pulled her dress up and guided his manhood into her.

When they were finished, Cindy said, I’ve been waiting for this moment for over two years. Oh, Clayton, I love you so much. I’ll wait for you the rest of my life if need be.

After dropping Cindy off at the ranch, Clayton went to the store and helped his father finish the inventory and to close up the store for the day. His mom had left early to prepare a special supper to celebrate Clayton’s acceptance to West Point and to bake a cherry pie, Clayton’s favorite dessert.

As her two men walked into the kitchen Clayton said, I smell my favorite dessert and I know it’s prepared by my favorite cook. He leaned over on his six foot two frame to kiss his mother’s rosy cheek.

How was the picnic at the lake? Penny inquired.

It was really nice. I’m going to miss Cindy and the gang next school year.

Well, you will meet a lot of new people and embark on a new stage in your young life, his dad injected.

Let’s sit down and eat supper. It’s ready, Penny announced.

After a delicious supper followed by cherry pie and coffee, Clayton announced,

Mom, Dad I’m going to ask Mr. Merriweather for his permission to marry Cindy when we both graduate from college in three years. I plan on doing it tonight.

Penny got up from the table and ran over to her son and planted a big kiss on his cheek saying, I’m so happy for you, Clayton. She’s a lovely young lady and if I could have had a daughter, I would have wished for her.

Son, this calls for a drink with me. It’s not every day my son is going to get engaged; not to mention leaving for West Point to start college in a couple of weeks.

That evening, when Clayton arrived at the Merriweather ranch, he felt a knot beginning to form in his stomach. He tied his horse to the hitching rail and went up to the porch and knocked on the front door. Mrs. Merriweather came to the door and seeing Clayton said,

Clayton, how nice to see you. Cindy told us the good news. Congratulations. West Point is a fine school. Come on in. I’ll get Cindy.

Thank you, Mrs. Merriweather. May I speak to Mr. Merriweather first? Clayton asked.

Of course, you can. Go out to the back porch. He is having his nightly after dinner cigar.

Clayton walked over to the porch in back of the dining room and Mr. Merriweather spotted him. He rose from his favorite chair and said,

Clayton, my boy, congratulations on being accepted to West Point. I bet your dad and mom are proud of you.

Yes, sir. Both my parents are happy with my decision, Clayton proudly answered and added,

May I talk to you privately, sir?

Sure, my boy. Let’s go to the study, he said leading the way. When they entered the study, Mr. Merriweather closed the door.

Well, my boy, what can I do for you?

Mr. Merriweather, I want to ask for your permission to marry Cindy.

He looked up and smiled. Rose from his chair, walked over to the door, opened it calling, Cindy, Betsy, come into the study, please.

When both the ladies arrived, he said, Cindy, this young man has just asked me for my permission to ask for your hand in marriage. What say ye, honey?

Cindy ran over to Clayton and placed her arms around his neck and kissed him saying,

I accept, Clayton.

There’s your answer, son. Now let’s all have a drink to celebrate.

The following Sunday evening dinner was at the Merriweather’s ranch. Their twin boys, Bob and Dusty, along with their wives, Sue and Jane, were also present. The future mothers-in-laws decided to have one party for the engagement and for their children’s departure for college. They picked the following Saturday, June tenth.

The day of their engagement party, Clayton rode out to the ranch after lunch and he and Cindy went for a ride to the pond. They dismounted and tethered the horses and went to sit under their favorite oak tree.

Cindy, do you remember when I first asked you to marry me?

Yes. I wanted you so much that day but we both decided to wait until we were older.

Well, close your eyes and give me your left hand.

When Cindy did, he took her left hand in his and slipped a ring onto her third finger. Now open your eyes, honey,

Clayton, what a beautiful diamond. This is the happiest day of my life.

He took her into his arms and kissed her beautiful lips. Cindy then lay back on the cool grass and unbuckled the belt from her waist; took off her boots, jeans, and panties while Clayton did the same. When both were naked, he rolled over on top of her and gently entered her as she put her waiting arms around his neck and returned his kisses with a passion. That was a day Clayton would never forget.

The following Saturday evening at the Merriweather ranch, family and friends came to the barbecue and to celebrate Cindy’s engagement to Clayton and to say goodbye to the college-bound future nurse and the future Lieutenant in the United States Army. Their wedding was planned for three years from the day, when both of them would graduate college. Cindy from Doctor’s School of Medicine located in Atlanta, Georgia, and Clayton from West Point, in upstate New York. Both would leave Lexington, Kentucky, on the same train for Atlanta, Georgia. Clayton would transfer and catch the train leaving Atlanta to New York and then transfer to another train bound for West Point.

The day finally arrived when both Cindy and Clayton were to leave for college. Betsy and Daniel along with Penny and Oswald accompanied their children to the railroad station to see them off and to say a tearful good-bye.

The train pulled into the Lexington station that bright, sunny day exactly on time and would leave within ten minutes. Both Betsy and Penny were crying. Daniel and Oswald weren’t too far behind. After a few more minutes went by the, conductor cried out, All aboard for Atlanta, Georgia, and stops in between.

Cindy and Clayton found their seats on the train. Clayton immediately pulled the window down and both he and Cindy leaned out to wave goodbye to their families. Cindy held on to Clayton and started crying when she realized that she and Clayton wouldn’t be together again until late May, although Cindy would be home for the Christmas break. Clayton on the other hand, had only one week for Christmas break. Not long enough to make it home and back to start the second semester of classes at The Point.

When they arrived at the Atlanta station, it was eleven thirty the next morning. Seeing the Atlanta railroad station for the first time both were amazed how large the terminal was. What amazed them most were the trains backed into a covered brick building. Then they noticed other trains at three of the tracks within the building. Clayton stopped one of the conductors on the platform and asked when the next train to New York would be leaving.

Six hours from now, son. It will be leaving on Track Six and, as of now, is on time.

Thank you, sir. He turned to Cindy saying, Let’s get your trunk and see if they will deliver it to your room at the school. I’ll carry your bags to the campus.

Clayton checked his bag at the baggage room and paid for Cindy’s trunk to be delivered to the college. Then they went to the station restaurant and had lunch. After eating they decided to check Cindy into her room at the college and walk around the city until Clayton had to catch his train. The school was only a short distance from the railroad station so they decided to walk to the college. The school was built on a huge piece of property and located on the end of a beautiful tree-lined street. Young men and women were sitting on the benches scattered around the lawn of the campus.

Clayton said, Looks like a number of students have checked in already, Cindy.

Isn’t this a beautiful campus, Clayton?

Yes, I think you’re going to like it here, Cindy.

Cindy checked into Doctor’s Hospital College reception center and was allowed to show Clayton her room. When they got to the third floor and found her room, her roommate was unpacking her trunk.

Hi. My name is Alicia Gordon. We’re going to be roommates.

Nice to meet you, Alicia. My name is Cindy Merriweather and this is Clayton Butler, my fiance.

After some small talk Cindy said. I’ll see you later tonight, Alicia. We are going to look around Atlanta and have dinner at the railroad station before Clayton has to catch a train at six o’clock for West Point.

Alicia turned to Clayton and said, Don’t worry about Cindy. I’ll look after her for you.

When four p.m. rolled around, they decided to go back to the terminal restaurant and have an early supper. The lunch had been excellent and the supper was superb.

When the waitress started clearing the table, Cindy and I were holding hands across it, she looked at Cindy and said, Are you two love birds running away from home and planning to get married?

Oh, no, ma’am. I’m going to college here and my fiancé is leaving for West Point at six tonight to attend the Academy. We won’t be seeing each other until June of next year, Cindy politely answered.

Well, the time will go by quickly, she said and walked off with the dishes.

I walked Cindy back to her school. I still had an hour to kill before catching my train. We decided to sit on the park bench next to the school.

Cindy, next year let’s leave home a couple of days earlier and spend them in Atlanta. When you get a free day, find a quaint hotel and make a reservation for a couple of days before we start classes.

I would love that. It will be our honeymoon, Cindy replied.

It’s that time, Cindy. I’ve only got twenty minutes to get my bag out of the baggage area and catch my train.

As we walked into the train station to pick up my luggage, Cindy started crying and made me promise to write.

I took her in my arms and kissed her saying, I love you so much, Cindy. I promise you I’ll write.

When we arrived at the platform, the train to New York was already there and would be leaving within ten minutes. Clay took Cindy into his arms and kissed her holding on to her and promising he would write often.

The train left on time. I watched Cindy waving to me until I could no longer see her standing on the platform. The rest of the trip to West Point was the first time I felt alone in this wonderful world of ours. I started anticipating what was ahead of me on this new adventure into my young manhood and especially of becoming an officer in the United States Army.

Chapter – 2

Life at West Point –1825

Clayton arrived at West Point two days later after leaving Cindy at Doctor’s Medical College in Atlanta. After registering, he was taken to the Admission’s Office and sworn into the Army by an Army Captain. After being sworn into the Army, he was escorted to the supply room and issued his uniforms and bedding. Then he was shown to the quarters where he would meet his roommates and reside for his freshman year.

The orderly introduced him to his fellow roommates, George Armstrong Crawford and Errol J. Flynn. The next two days were spent touring the school, grounds, listening to lectures, and learning the history of the U. S. Military Academy. After the two days of orientation and getting to know his classmates, Clayton sat down and wrote a long letter to Cindy,

"Dear Cindy,

Today the Orientation came to an end and tomorrow we finally start our first classes. Did you know that West Point was considered to be the most strategic position in America during the American Revolutionary War by General George Washington? He was so sure of himself that he assigned Colonel Taddeus Kosciuszko to design a fortification at West Point in 1779 and to run a 150-ton iron chain across the Hudson River to the opposite side in order to control river traffic flowing from Canada into the United States. This chain would discourage the British ships coming down from Canada onto the Hudson River and supplying their Army stationed in New York City. Despite General Arnold’s treason, the British never captured or occupied West Point.

President Thomas Jefferson, in 1807, signed legislation establishing West Point as the country’s official Military Academy to train future officers in the art and science of warfare. He assigned Colonel Sylvanus Thayer as the first superintendent of the school. His main goal was the training of young cadets for the military and to eliminate the hiring and dependence on mercenaries to do this important job.

His second goal was to emphasize military discipline and honorable service to one’s country. At that time, civil engineering was the core of the curriculum. West Point graduates are largely responsible for building the nation’s forts, railway routes, bridges, harbors, and roads throughout what are today the twenty states and territories. (1)

I received my schedule today and will be taking Math, Chemistry, Physics, History, English and Military Science. After classes are over in the afternoon, it’s marching, physical training, horseback riding, and sports. After supper, and by the way the food is pretty good, do homework and go to tutoring classes if you feel you need it. Both of my roommates are nice and the three of us get along well and help each other out when we have class problems.

George goes to tutoring quite often. So far, I’m doing pretty well and can handle my classes without tutoring. Errol and I both help George with his math and he is starting to understand it. The three of us won’t be able to get home for Christmas since we all live too far from The Point and would not be able to get back in time to start classes. So, the three of us are going to spend a few days in New York City and take in all the sights.

I received both your letters and am happy school is going so well for you and that you love nursing. I miss you so much and think of you every day. In a couple of weeks you will be going home for Christmas. Give my Mom and Dad a kiss from me. Do the same to your parents. I love the Academy and am glad I’m here. I love you dearly, Cindy, and Merry Christmas.

Love Always, Clayton"

When the Holidays were over, Clayton received a letter from Cindy.

"My Dearest Clayton, January 10th, 1825

The Holidays are over and here I am back in school looking at that beautiful picture of you in your uniform and fondling the locket with your picture in it, which I wear around my neck every day. Both presents were under the tree when I went down on Christmas morning. I hope you enjoyed my gift to you. When I arrived home your Mom and Dad, along with my parents, were all there at the station to welcome me home. I gave all four of them that kiss from you.

I found out on Christmas day, when all of us had dinner together, that you had sent your parents the picture of you in your cadet uniform. Everyone is in good health and your parents look well and are so proud of you.

Both of my sisters-in-law, Sue and Jane, are expecting. Sue in April and Jane in May. So, when we get back home in June we will be aunt and uncle to the little darlings. All in all, I had a nice time and loved being home but, my darling, I missed you so much. I’m looking forward to getting home in June when both of us are together again and I can put my arms around you and hug you to death.

The trip back to school wasn’t as bad as when we first left. I received my grades today and I had earned an A average. This semester I will be working in the hospital as part of my training. I really love nursing. When I was home, I ran into Dr. Stein in downtown Lexington and he wants me to work in the hospital this summer when I get home. I accepted.

I received your letter when I arrived at school and got a kick out of the Demerit System. Also, congratulations on your B+ average but I knew you would do well. I guess the Demerit System is necessary in order to train you boys to be leaders of men and to follow orders given to you.

Just think. We’re in our second term of our first year. I can’t wait for June when you and I finish our first year and go home to have the whole summer together. I can’t wait until we can swim in the pond on my ranch again. Just think. It won’t be that long until our dream comes true and we will be together again.

Always yours and ever loving,

Cindy"

"Dear Cindy March 15,1826

Received your letter of January 10th and was so happy to hear about Christmas and the New Year with the family. I’m happy that you had a nice time and everyone is in good health. Received your package and found the letter. Your grades were incredible. I’m so happy for you. I knew you would do it. You were always the number one student in Lexington. I shared this information with George and Errol, who by the way, enjoyed the cookies, nuts and rest of the packaged goodies.

When some of the other cadets heard about the package, they came to our room and when they left everything was eaten. George and Errol plan on making the Army their career. I told them I wanted to be a rancher and settle down with my future wife, you, my darling, and raise a family. By the way, I was promoted to Sergeant of my class. One of the other Cadets beat me for top spot in the class and was appointed Master Sergeant of our class and leader. I was awarded number two or second in command.

I wish I could visit you in Atlanta, but I can’t make it back in time on a two-day pass. Loved hearing about the nephew or niece coming to the family. Glad you like the picture and locket. I love looking at your picture. Can’t wait until June when we can go to the pond on your ranch again. It’s getting late and the bugler just sounded lights out.

Love you always,

Clayton"

You know, Clayton, I lucked out when I was assigned as your partner on these surveying projects, George said.

George, you’re starting to catch on, Clayton replied.

If it wasn’t for you and the time you spend tutoring me, the Academy would have given me my walking papers.

George, you’re the best leader this class has. Especially when it comes to tactics. You have the best military mind in the school. If we ever get into a war, I would want to serve under you in your command.

May rolled around and final exam time was here and for the Cadets the first major test was their horsemanship. The most difficult section was jumping hurdles. The final hurdle had a small puddle in front of it. The idea being to get over every hurdle while remaining in the saddle and scoring at least a seven for all hurdles which had to be jumped. You could only hit one hurdle and the next one you hit disqualified you. The water hurdle was the worst. You had to get over it and have at least two hoofs on solid ground. If all four feet hit the water you were disqualified and you had to take the course over again.

Of the fifty-five cadets that tried, only forty-four of them made it. George Crawford was the only Cadet that got a hundred points out of one hundred. George also finished first in the shooting final and earned an Expert Rifleman Badge. I finished third and earned a Sharpshooter Badge. Grade-wise, I came in second in my Class of 1825.

When June arrived, the Corps of Cadets formed on graduation Saturday and marched over to the main parade ground where a stage was erected with seats for all three classes. We were the guests of the graduating class of 1823 and invited to witness the Class of 1823 to graduate. Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, gave the Commencement Address.

When the ceremony was over and all fifty of the new Lieutenants had received their diplomas, the Class of 1823 threw their hats into the air. The rest of the Corps were dismissed and went to the main building to get their final grades and their railroad tickets home.

When Clayton received his grades and railroad ticket home, he was told to report to the Superintendent’s Office.

Clayton went to the superintendent’s office and reported to Sergeant Preston that he was here to see the Colonel as requested.

Sir, Cadet Butler, requests permission to see you.

Send him in, Sergeant.

Cadet Clayton Butler reporting as ordered, Sir, Clayton said smartly and rendered