Peter Francisco
by
Scott Cardinal & Marc Newman
Copyright © 2010 by Scott Cardinal & Marc Newman
Smashwords Edition. License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are the product of the author’s imaginations and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
*****
Huntington Tower Estates
Virginia
Summer. 1775
The Blacksmith’s Anvil sings its chorus as the metal chimes. One large massive arm grips the iron thongs with the axle pin. As the hammer comes down, sparks fly off the anvil collar. Peter Francisco, 6'6, 260 pounds and sixteen years old dips the axle pin and then dips it into the water trough.
Robert, a 20-year-old negro slave approaches the barn and yells out. “Mr. Peter! The carriage is ready!”
Peter lifts the carriage wheel and carries it outside. From outside the barn, Robert calls out, “Do you want me to help yah?”
Peter kneels next to the rear axle. “No Robert. I can manage. Go back to the fields.”
Robert walks away, as Peter raises the rear left side of the massive carriage. Peter moves his shoulder under the weight of the carriage, lifting it to one side. He lowers the carriage once the wheel is in place and fits the axle pin on to the axle and then applies some grease from the small bucket under the axle.
Mrs. Winston, 48, Mistress of Hunting Tower Plantation, an arrogant and impatience woman, looks for Peter and calls out, “Peter!”
Peter turns his head. “Yes, Ms. Winston!”
Mrs. Winston walks towards Peter. “Is the carriage ready?”
“Yes,” Peter replies.
“Then bring it to the front in the next few minutes!”
Peter runs back to the front of the barn and steps up to the driver’s seat of the carriage and proceeds to lash the horses. The carriage moves toward the front of the Plantation House and along the circular driveway. Mrs. Winston walks out from the front doors toward the carriage. Tom, another Negro Slave, walks to the front of the carriage to open the door for Mrs. Winston who turns to Peter and says, “Tom will take me into Williamsburg.” Her tone is curt when she adds, “Master Winston wants to see you.”
Peter dismounts from the carriage as Tom steps up into the driver's seat. Peter then approaches the front entrance of the Plantation House. Mrs. Winston looks at Peter and in a harsh tone asks, “How many times have I told you to enter from the rear?”
Peter walks around the flower garden so he can enter through the rear door House. In the distance he hears her scream out, “Use the Servants Entrance, Peter!”
Tom whips the horses, which pulls the carriage forward in a jerking motion, throwing Mrs. Winston back. Tom smiles as the carriage leaves the main courtyard of Hunting Tower.
Peter is walking towards the Servant's entrance when Judge Anthony Winston, 52, Master of Hunting Tower sees him and walks outside. “Where are you going?”
Peter turns toward the Judge. “Mrs. Winston said you wanted to see me.”
The Judge nods his head. “Yes. We are having guests tonight and I want you to serve. Come on inside.” The Judge places his hand on Peter’s massive right shoulder as a gesture of endearment and the two of them enter the House.
Peter and the Judge enter the Sitting Room of the House. The Judge takes a seat in the large Queen Anne chair. Peter remains standing.
Judge, “Peter, please sit down.”
Peter takes a seat and looks at the judge, wondering why he appears to be more serious than usual. “Mrs. Winston wouldn’t like it if I was sitting in here, Your Honor,” Peter replies in a humble tine.
“Don’t be concerned with Mrs. Winston. Besides she will be back late this afternoon.”
Peter smiles slightly and sits in a comfortable chair.
The Judge looks at Peter and tells him, “We are having a gathering of several couples tonight. Many are political leaders.”
Peter quickly says, “I’ll be happy to help serve and anything else I can do.”
“I know you will be of great help, but that is not the reason for this talk.”
Peter is at once uncomfortable. He looks down and says, “I am sorry, Your Honor”
The Judge seems confused. “Sorry? About what, Peter?”
“The accident. I am sorry. I will rebuild the barn wall right away.”
The Judge is still confused. “The barn wall? I don't understand”
Peter looks up and explains, “Yesterday ... while working with the anvil ...as I picked it up, it hit the barn wall and broke some timber.”
The Judge starts to laugh. “I was not aware of that at all.” He continues to laugh and then collects himself. “You are the hardest worker on the
Plantation, Peter. Don't worry about that. No, the reason I asked to see you is because I wanted to speak to you about an important matter.”
Peter, “You seem very serious, Your Honor. It must be very important.”
The Judge moves forward on the seat of the chair. His smile dims. “War has come between England and her northern colony … Massachusetts. Other colonies have pledged their support to Massachusetts.”
Peter nods his head. “What about Virginia?”
The Judge is pensive. “I believe Virginia will join in support of the colonies. Tonight some of the important leaders of the House of Burgesses will be here to discuss that issue.”
“Will Virginia support the colonies?”
The Judge smiles slightly, “If my nephew Patrick Henry has anything to say about it the answer would be 'yea!'”
“How will this affect Hunting Tower?” Peter asks.
“As a member of Burgesses, I will feel obligated to serve the land owners I represent in Buckingham County. The question that concerns me, is how will this affect you, Peter?”
Peter looks out through the windows to see the land and home where he has lived almost all his life and then turns to the Judge. “I don’t understand.”
The Judge rises to his feet and walks toward Peter. “If you choose to fight against England and join a Virginia Militia Regiment, I will support the choice. If you decide to stay here at Hunting Tower, I will release you from your bondage. Either way you will be a free man.”
Peter looks at the judge, wondering if he heard his correctly. “Free?”
“Yes,” the Judge answers. “You have been here for ten years. That's more than half your life. I think of you more like a son and only want the very best for you. It will be your decision. Think about it.”
The Judge pats him on his right shoulder as a gesture of friendship and concern.
*****
The Guests Arrive
Four carriages ride up the circular driveway at Hunting Tower. Peter, dressed in a butler’s uniform, runs to meet the carriage in the front of the Estate. He opens the door for Patrick Henry and his wife.
Patrick Henry, “Good Evening, Peter. It has been quite a while since I visited last.”
“Yes, it has. It is good to see you, Sir.”
“Where is my Uncle?”
The Judge opens the front door and walks outside to greet his nephew.
“Patrick!”
“Uncle!”
The Judge puts his arms around his nephew and escorts the Henrys into the house as the next carriage arrives Peter runs from the small veranda in the front to greet the Washington’s.
Peter opens the carriage door. “Good evening, Colonel and Mrs. Washington.”
George Washington smiles wide. “It's been awhile, Peter. You’ve grown. You’re even taller than myself. My tobacco crops should grow so fast!”
The two men laugh as Judge and Mrs. Winston greet the Mr. and Mrs. Washington. The last carriage pulls up the driveway. It belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson. The carriage arrives at the front and Peter opens the door for them.
"Give Me Liberty,
Or Give Me Death!”
Judge Winston and Mrs. Winston are seated at the head and foot of the large dining room table. To the right of the Judge is Patrick Henry and his wife, to the left of the Judge is George Mason and his wife. To the right of Mrs. Winston are Thomas Jefferson and his wife, and to the left of Mrs. Winston are George Washington and his wife. Conversation is in full swing.
As Peter and two other servants serve, Patrick Henry starts to speak to everyone at the table. “May I have your attention, ladies and gentleman?”
The room becomes quiet as all eyes focus on Patrick Henry. The servants stop serving their drinks and wait.
“As you know I have been declared an 'outlaw' by Lord Dunmore - our esteemed Governor - for disturbing the peace.”
“Yes, its Dunmore’s way of trying to dissuade you from becoming too active,” the Judge responds.
“Active?” Patrick lets out a laugh. “Actually I believe the term he has used in private circles is 'radical.'”
Thomas Jefferson adds, “Yes, that is true.”
George Mason looks at Patrick and says, “In your speech weeks ago, you urged 'armed resistance.'”
The Judge clears his throat and says, “Yes you did, Patrick. And what was that over dramatic statement everyone is still talking about?”
“Give me liberty, or give me death,” Patrick says.
The Judge leans back and smiles slightly, “Yes! That is the phrase.”
Mrs. Winston's eyes narrow as she looks directly at Peter and waves to him to leave the room.
“Over dramatic?” Patrick asks and then adds,
“Hardly! Dunmore seized the arsenal’s ammunition and it was my Militia men from Hanover County and I who forced him to make compensation.”
Thomas Jefferson looks around the table and says, “Loyalists in this Colony are arming. It is no different than what is happening in Massachusetts.”
George Mason clears his throat and tells them, “Tomorrow we strike off for Philadelphia. The Continental Congress will convene by the State House.”
George Washington raises a glass in toast.
“Hopefully war will be adverted and King George III will see some common sense.”
Everyone sips his or her wine.
Patrick Henry nods his head. “That is a fine toast, Colonel, but I have one myself.” He raises his glass and says, “To Revolution, Freedom and our commonwealth, Virginia.”
Everyone sips his or her drinks. George Mason raises a toast of his own. “To the people of Virginia. May their personal liberties be protected and defended.”
As the guests drink their wine, Peter, Robert and Tom return with platters filled with the main course of the meal. Peter serves Colonel Washington and Martha.
Jefferson, “How has your recruiting and training been with our Virginia volunteers, Colonel?”
Washington, “The number of recruits is slowly growing.” He looks at Peter. “If I had young men as strong as Peter, George III would think twice about recruiting mercenaries.”
Peter looks at Washington with a half smile.
“Many of the members of Burgesses have already chosen their side on the issue,” Patrick says.
Judge, “The question that will face us, is - where will most of the people give their support?'”
George leans back into his chair. “Most will remain neutral and uninvolved.”
Patrick, “Why do you this that, Colonel? This is about their rights.”
“Their rights?” George asks, his forehead tightening with confused lines. “The majority of the people have no landed interests. They have no vested rights.”
Peter finishes serving the main course and starts to exit the room.
Washington turns in his chair. “Let’s ask Peter.”
Patrick looks across the room. “Well, Peter, if war comes to Virginia who do you stand with?”
Peter turns to face the group. For a moment he is not sure what to say or do. He tries not to look at Mrs. Winston who he is sure is throwing him a hard glare. Finally he replies, “I don’t know for sure, but if freedom is offered to both Slave and Bondsmen you will have your army, Colonel Washington.”
As he exits the room, Washington says, “I don’t think I would support offering freedom to our slaves.
Who else will harvest our crops? This would become more divisive and push landowners in supporting Lord Dunmore.”
Patrick, “The issue of manpower to create
a separatist movement from England is the question at hand.”
Thomas, “The question of the Negro Slave will continue to raise itself, until slavery as an issue is either totally accepted or prohibited.”
Garden
A full moon's light shows the outlines of a large figure in the garden on the side of the Plantation House. Peter is lighting lampposts as the guests stroll through a portion of the garden.
George Washington approaches Peter and says,
“Peter, you seem to be very pensive inside. Usually you have a clever humorous anecdote. What’s wrong?”
“I have given some thought to joining a local militia,” Peter tells him.
Washington nods his head and puts his hand on Peter's shoulder. “At present many colonies are be forming regiments, but the Continental Congress will soon create an Army. It may be a door to a new future for you.”
Peter faces Washington. “I know this might be an opportunity but I do feel an obligation to be with the Judge. He’s been like a father to me.”
Washington sits down with Peter on a garden bench. “You’re a young man with great strength. You might be able to have your own farm someday. Judge
Winston will respect your decision.”
Peter looks towards the barn where he works and he says, “I've always been a blacksmith. I enjoy working on the forge.”
Washington looks at him and smiles. “You can achieve anything you wish, Peter. My fortune was secured when my brother Lawrence left me Mount Vernon and through Martha, I was able to use some money to extend the estate. Sometimes life brings luck and sometimes it brings chance. Either way, you need to be prepared.”
Peter looks at Washington and asks, “Is fighting in this war my chance? My chance to prove I can be something more than a blacksmith?”
Washington stands. “It could be. With your strength and size, this war could be your chance, for money and respect.”
Those words sink into Peter. He feels a sudden warmth come over him. In a low tone he says, “I can’t read. I can’t write. ”
Washington steps towards Peter. “You can learn. Just like you learned some English. When you came here you spoke Portuguese - no English at all.”
Peter shakes his head in agreement.
“Whatever you want in life Peter - It's yours. It's out there, waiting for you.”
“I would like to marry, but what family would approve of my background? I've always been an indentured servant. How can I ever get the money to buy a Blacksmith Shop or be a farmer or anything?”
“A soldier in battle who displays bravery will rise in rank and the money will follow,” The Colonel assures him.
Martha walks toward the garden entrance and signals to Colonel Washington that its time for desert. He shakes Peter's hand and then walks back towards the house.
From the entrance to the garden Mrs. Winston calls out, “Peter go to the barn and make sure the livestock is fed. Tom and Robert will serve desert. Go!” She then turns to Mrs. Henry and says, “Peter is so lazy. He is such a big dumb ox.”
Patrick Henry is still in the garden while his aunt screams. He watches Peter walk into the barn.
Peter lights a lantern and hangs it on a hook nailed into a support beam. In frustration he picks up an iron rod and, with both hands, bends it as if it was made of rubber.
“You may want to re-bend that so my
Aunt does not have another reason to scold you,” Patrick says from the barn's door.
Peter is caught off guard and his face flushes red. “Yes, she will scold me. And then she’ll repeatedly complain to Judge Winston and make his day miserable.”
Peter unbends the rod. Patrick Henry watches him with a smile on his face. “Don't worry, Peter. I won’t say anything.”
“Why does she dislike me so?” Peter says, almost to himself but loud enough for Patrick to hear.
Patrick replies, “Probably because the Judge loves you like you were his own son.”
Peter organizes some barn tools and then turns to Patrick. “The Judge asked me to speak to you about joining a militia and leaving Hunting Tower.”
Patrick nods. “Very good choice, peter. Your future is out there - not here.” He takes a few steps into the barn.
Peter begins to rake the hay. “I am ashamed to say that part of me is afraid.”
“Afraid?” Patrick asks. “Afraid of what?”
“I have not seen much of the outside world,” Peter begins and then adds, “This has been my home, and you and your family have become my family. My world is Hunting Tower and Buckingham County.”
Patrick approaches Peter. “There is a large world outside with many opportunities. Take advantage of them. I will help you.” In the distance the two men hear Mrs. Henry calling for her husband. “I have to go. Best of luck with what ever decision you make.”
Peter turns to Patrick and says. “I have decided.”
10th Virginia Regiment Camp
New Jersey
Spring. 1777
Captain Hugh Woodson and the Regimental Commander, Colonel Edward Stevens watch the men of Woodson’s Company train and drill. Peter is in line. At 6'6, he towers over the other men of the company.
The men march for twenty-five yards and then make a right hand turn and come to attention in front of their company commander, Captain Woodson. They are dismissed by their Sergeant, and report to the Quartermaster for their money. Peter waits in line patiently.
The Quartermaster abruptly asks, “Name?”
“Francisco. Peter,” is the reply.
The Quartermaster gives him his Continental script of $6.67. Peter puts the money into his pocket and then walks back to his tent.
Private Greene, “What are you going to do with your pay this time?”
“Put most of it away,” Peter answers.
Private Greene shakes his head in wonder. “You hardly spend any money. Don’t you ever want to go out and have a good time?”
“I have almost $75.00 saved. Someday I will buy my own blacksmith shop.”
Peter & Private Greene stack their muskets.
Private Greene, “The way things look, this war ain’t never going to end.”
Peter, “That’s alright by me. Every month that goes by is more money for my blacksmith shop.”
Private Greene, “We’ve been marching and training for more than a year. I wonder if Washington has the guts to fight.”
Peter stands up. He is a threatening sight. “I know General Washington. He’s just being cautious.”
Moments later, the Commander-In-Chief, George Washington, rides by with numerous officers and rears his horse to stop. He looks down and sees his friend.
Washington, “Private Francisco.”
Peter and Private Greene snap to attention and look up.
Peter salutes. “General.”
Washington dismounts and extends his hand in a firm grip of friendship. “It's been quite awhile since I saw you last.”
“Yes. It was at Hunting Tower, almost two years ago.”
Washington, “You gained some weight and look even stronger, if that is possible.”
Peter smiles slightly. “I put on a few pounds and with all the marching and drilling, I’m in good shape and good health.”
“Have you heard from Judge Anthony?” Washington asks.
Peter, “Not recently. I’m hoping to be given time to visit.”
Washington stops and gets ready to mount his horse. “I hope to see you soon, Peter.”
Washington rides off as his staff officers follow.
New York Highlands
July 16th, 1779
Peter and three men are quietly walking into a small village on the outskirts of Stony Point. They see two dogs picking scraps by the side of a house. The men split into two teams and offer the dogs small pieces of meat. Once the dogs approach, the men grab the dogs by the throat and quickly slit their throats so the animals do not bark and alert the enemy of their presence.
Sergeant Ramsey looks at Peter and says, “Private Francisco, you and Johnson go to the next Street and make sure there are no more dogs.”
“Yes, Sergeant,” Peter replies.
Peter and Johnson walk down the alley, carefully and quietly, so they do not wake the people in the neighborhood. They do not see any other dogs. A few minutes later they return to their Sergeant “Sergeant, there are no more dogs on this side of the village.”
All four men walk to the edge of town and report to Lieutenant Gibbons who has been waiting for them.
Lieutenant Gibbons, “Did you accomplish your mission?”
Sergeant Ramsey, “Yes, Lieutenant.”
Lieutenant Gibbons, “Let’s get back to General Wayne and report.”
All of the men march away quickly and orderly back to the encampment of General Anthony Wayne, about a quarter of a mile away.
Main Camp. Night
Headquarters of
General Anthony Wayne
Several Colonels, Majors, Captains and Lieutenants are present in the tent of General Wayne.
General Wayne, “Gentlemen, you will march your companies and regiments quickly and quietly through the village. Have the dogs been silenced?”
Lieutenant Gibbons steps forward to report. “Yes, General. “He salutes.