Chapter Twenty Four: the Files of Officials
NOVEMBER 1, 1845
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS IN COMPANY STOCK
Several days ago, we reached the Sultanate of Zanzibar. It has been a long four months, and, unfortunately, storms and a brief backtrack to restock on supplies made the journey much longer than it had to be. More misfortune followed this. Of our three ships, only my own and captain Farragut’s vessels are still in optimal condition. Captain Blaise, the head captain, has accidentally run his ship into rocks near the shore, and it had to be abandoned.
Despite the fact that the local authorities of Sayyid Majid himself had authorized our ships to take on imports - in exchange for finished goods - from the locals of Zanzibar, we were met with refusal to comply, even to the point where it became threatening.
Captain Blaise figured that we could set fire to a few of the natives’ villages - that would show them a thing or two. Then, perhaps, they would be more willing to trade with us. However, when the three of us met once again on the shore with some of our crew to discuss the plan, Captain William Farragut protested.
He made a large and extended argument concerning matters that our presence was a “significant” one, and that we had no right to force the Zanzibaris into trade. Captain Blaise argued against this quite vehemently (it really is a good thing that the natives mostly speak Kiswahili, and not English, or else they may have been even more opposed to cooperating with us than they already were).
Farragut responded by protesting even further, and - I can testify to it - his face became red as he shouted, and it seemed as if he were actually going to collapse. He began to remind the captain that he was there for the purposes of seeking and charting routes for American trade, not to attack native villages. The captain, a Londoner, of course, became enraged at that, and reminded Farragut that he was merely along for the journey, not the one giving orders. This argument went on for some time. Finally, Blaise himself took out his lighter and marched toward the village. Farragut responded abrasively, and actually punched him!
Shortly after, against all of Farragut’s attempts, we did end up attacking one village, but the locals responded with unanticipated force. Captain Blaise was shot dead with a musket, and several other crew members met their demise. We abandoned the trading operation and, as of the sending of this letter, are on our way back to England.
This letter shall hopefully reach the company management in time for its use in the London Stock Exchange. I anticipate that my resignation from the company will be expected.
-Captain George Briggs, writing from the Sultanate of Zanzibar, East Africa
SEPTEMBER 25, 1846
History is made today, as some of the first lockstitch sewing machines, a type of device patented by Elias Howe, have arrived within our small community. While there is need for them elsewhere, several community members have been given permission to purchase a few while they remain stationary in transit.
This new model of sewing machine is smaller than previous models. They function well individually, in addition, making them valuable outside of factories, and in individual homes. The machine is more capable of sewing fabric at faster speeds than past machines have been known to do so, and even utilizes two threads that it entwines, providing for stronger and better results.
Local townswoman Flower Kincade Farragut has offered to provide lessons to any individuals who wish to purchase a set.
By Owen Kincade
REPORT TO AMERICAN HIGH COMMAND
TO THE OFFICES OF GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR
May 8, 1846
Today, our American forces engaged in combat about five miles from Brownsville. The conflict lasted a substantial amount of time, and involved gunfire and artillery. There were losses on both sides, though the Mexican losses were substantially greater than our losses.
Among the destroyed supplies are included one wagon, one neutralized cannon, and, while not destroyed, an impaired artillery battery. The soldiers under my command suffered three wounded, and no more.
I do feel the need to add, however, that those wounded, and I myself, would have likely met our demise had it not been for the courageous acts of two soldiers who have recently been authorized under my command, James Kincade, and an Indian by the name of “Blue Snake.”
I happened to be sheltered by a battery - the one that was later impaired - with several other soldiers, ordering them to neutralize some enemy artillery. The Mexican forces caught on to our act, and began to fire their own guns at us in response. As shells exploded near us, we held our ground and continued to focus fire on the enemy cannons.
Three soldiers were wounded when an explosion rocked our position, and only myself and one other were left to manipulate the guns. We decided to do as much as we could, slow though we may have been on our own, until were were killed.
As we worked to move the battery into position, Kincade and “Blue Snake,” who had been delivering a message from another group of troops under my command stationed less than a mile away, arrived just in time, and lent their help in positioning and loading the battery.
Within minutes, we had the enemy cannons neutralized, and they were no longer any threat to us. Those same soldiers then proceeded to tend to the wounded so that I could resume command. Despite possessing little skill of artillery, with the help of the one other soldier at the battery who was left unwounded, they managed to utilize it further - though it was impaired - and dealt some more damage to retreating enemy forces.
I would, therefore, like to recommend either James Kincade or “Blue Snake” for a lower-level military award of bravery or merit, if not both of them.
-Lieutenant Ainsworth Stallings
REPORT TO AMERICAN HIGH COMMAND
TO THE OFFICES OF GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR
May 10, 1846
Victory is a word that is familiar today. Our forces have successfully chased General Mariano Arista and his Ejercito del Norte out of Texas.
To reaffirm: we have pushed the Mexicans out of Texas; Resaca de la Palma.
Of the damages under my command only, we suffered one damaged mobile cannon, and one dead troop. A few dozen others were wounded, though on all accounts, they acted bravely in the face of danger.
The Mexican forces were cornered and laid waste to, and American soldiers overwhelmingly won on the attack.
American victory is ensured in Texas, and once again I feel the need to distinguish two individuals from the ranks who I suppose to be worthy of some award of virtue.
These individuals are James Kincade and Blue Snake, who have been under my command for short time, only as of a few weeks ago.
They notably led infantry charge against opposing forces and, as I witnessed it, each utilized skillful marksmanship with their rifles, and furthermore appear skilled with bayonets and hand-to-hand combat. Had these two soldiers not been at the vanguard of my forces, I doubt the morale would have been mustered that led these men so bravery into combat, so fast.
I have not heard anything regarding their status of recognition as of sending my last report two days ago. I realize that there are a lot of soldiers to give awards to, but I urge the offices of Taylor to consider the merit of these two individuals.
-Lieutenant Ainsworth Stallings
REPORT TO AMERICAN HIGH COMMAND
TO THE OFFICES OF GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT
March 31, 1847
History was made over the past three weeks, as the largest amphibious operation in American history has just been completed, and completed successfully.
Our infantry was landed, with the remarkable aid of the naval command of Matthew Perry, and Mexican forces were engaged on land from the sea.
Though our casualties were substantial, our losses numbered significantly less than did the Mexican losses. The Siege at Veracruz appears to have led to an American victory.
Two troops of note, however, that I must point out, are two that were transferred from Taylor’s command to that of Scott: a James Kincade and “Blue Snake,” as he calls himself.
These two soldiers were transferred along with their entire platoon, under the command of Lieutenant Ainsworth Stallings. This group of soldiers landed on the shores after skillfully battling choppy waters, and executed their duty with devotion.
However, Lieutenant Stallings was struck down while leading a charge (as I hear it, he is currently recovering from his wounds), and the flag-bearer stopped to help him. In an instant, I myself witnessed Blue Snake take command, with Kincade behind him, holding the flag. Together, they made remarkable progress against the opposition, and were forced to halt only after an entire platoon of Mexican soldiers surrendered to them.
Upon their return, I asked for their names, and am now writing in hopes that their service will be recognized.
-Captain Freeman Lance
AMERICANS HEAD HOME AFTER CAMPAIGN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
April 13, 1847
Following the beginnings of conflicts between American soldiers and Mexican infantry, in an effort to push the Mexicans out of California, hundreds of civilians went to enlist. Now, with fighting beginning to come to a close in much of the state, many of them are returning home from service.
Of them, I have had the privilege to speak with, a Mr. Randolph Farragut. He claims to be a tanner, and to be married, having children. Upon inquiring as to why he had decided to serve alongside the United States Military forces, he replied that his family had a history of winding up in conflicts, or at least doing what they saw as right: he wished to follow that.
When asked why he was choosing now to return to his family, he replied that he had taken a bullet to the left hand, and became quite ill from it. He recovered from illness, but lost his left hand to amputation.
When I asked him if he was worried that this would impact his trade as a tanner, he laughed and replied: “it will take a lot more than a little ball of metal to impair me.”
I asked him what he intended to replace the hand with, and he replied that, unfortunately, his current financial position and location prevented him from acquiring any sort of replacement that would yield any realistic appearance, so he knew not what he was going to do with it.
And thus follows the trend of other soldiers who I have encountered, who seem ready to go back home as the war between the Mexicans and Americans begins to draw to a close.
However, as there is still conflict, I urge my fellow Americans in California to continue to support their nation by any means necessary, and I urge men of fighting age to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.
-J.P. Sutter of the Los Angles Star
REPORT TO AMERICAN HIGH COMMAND
CONFIDENTIAL FILES - AMERICAN HIGH COMMAND ADVISED TO SECURE THEM
September 15, 1847
Enclosed, you will find photographs of recent military activity associated with the war against the Mexican forces. Some of these photographs are of our soldiers, and some of the enemies’. Figure 3 is of battery positions of the Mexican forces.
The purpose of these photographs is to determine a more-accurate plan of attack than simple charts or sketches could accomplish. I urge high command to review these photographs while they are still of use.
The quality of exposure is remarkable, and we are fortunate enough to have a civilian volunteer who happened to be photographing desert fauna for a university outside of a nearby town.
Credit for the photographs goes to Oliver (last name classified for his own protection).
Lastly, he is scheduled to book passage back home in a few days; however, we intend to keep him longer, and hopefully with little financial motivation.
-Captain Elliot Drake
SOCIALIST IDEALS GAIN POPULARITY
April 1, 1848
Following the rapid explosion of copies of “The Communist Manifesto” in Europe, the new political and economic ideology of socialism has begun to gain popularity among some of the working classes in New York, the United States, as well.
Defenders of the ideology claim that the upper classes are already on a decline, and that if the philosophy’s ideals were to be implemented, it would lead to greater economic and social equality among individuals of all backgrounds.
Critics of the ideology claim that it is too idealistic and unrealistic in the grand scheme of things. They also note the difficulty with which it would be to convince the officials in government and middle and upper classes to contribute more of their wealth and power to creating a perfectly-equal society.
Regardless, though the ideology still remains in its younger stages, it appears that it will begin to have a reasonable affect upon the American people. One can only wait and see where the political scale shall shift, and to where the concerns of tomorrow will lie, in the future.
Written by Owen Kincade
January 3, 1848
James watched as Perry poured a square bottle of clean, brown whisky into two small, round glasses. The room they were in was well-furnished, with a carpet, several windows (that allowed streaming lines of white light to enter), fancy furniture, and a large desk with papers laid out upon it.
The room was hot, and Perry stood with his officer’s coat and even the top of his shirt unbuttoned, and clearly had not shaven for a few days.
“I assume you drink,” he stated as he handed James a glass of whisky. James - also sweating in his military uniform - nodded and took the glass. “Have a seat.” The two men sat down across from each other.
“What is this,” James asked nervously.
“Uh, listen,” Matthew Perry began, evidently groggy from the heat. “You and another soldier - ‘Blue Snake,’ I think it was? - well, you have been recommended to high command for reception of some sort of award for a while…”
“And?”
“Well, I suppose that they did not wish to deal with it, so they deferred it to me,” Perry shrugged, almost as if he were disinterested.
“I beg your pardon…Sir., but why was Blue Snake not summoned, as well?”
“Oh, you know how the officers feel about allowing one of his into here,” Perry sighed. “Not my rules,” he finished. “Anyway, I could offer you both a medal of some sort - and I will - but I was thinking of awarding something much more…Useful than a piece of metal and ribbon.”
“And what would that be?” James swallowed. Perry nodded and stood up, walking back to the cabinet where the bottle of whisky rested and pouring himself another glass.
“One of two things, actually,” he chuckled and then turned around. “Either a small plot of land out West, for your service; or a low-officer’s position in the United States Navy.” He paused, before quickly adding, “But that second option would be for just you, of course.” James thought for a moment.
“How much does the navy pay?”
“Well, if you were a lower officer…The war’s almost ending, so…” Perry seemed to be trying to calculate the amount in his head. “It would be good,” he finally concluded, failing to provide an actual number. “You would not be taking vacations to Europe or anything, do understand, but you would not have to worry much about money as long as you served.” James thought on that for a moment. His whole life had been in fluctuation - he had failed to find any stable sort position or trade, and the promise of a real, reliable job seemed appealing to him.
“Think about it, Kincade,” Perry continued. “The war against the Mexicans is almost over - the lifespan of an infantryman’s necessity is almost expended. There is nothing left for you on the soil,” he waved his arms out as he spoke, emphasizing that last point. “But in the navy, Kincade…Your bravery and commitment will be very useful. Even after the war, there is always the need to trade, and explore.” James finally reached a conclusion and sighed.
“I thank you for your offer, sir, but I could not leave my companion behind,” he stated, speaking of Blue Snake. “I will take the land.”
“Very well,” Perry shrugged. “I can get you the deed to some fertile land out West after the war. Just give me a few days.”
“Thank you, sir. I look forward to settling down for a while,” James nodded. And then, more so out of seeking guidance for himself rather than of genuine interest, he decided to ask one thing: “Sir., if I may, what do you want to do with your life?” At this, Perry paused and leaned back on the cabinet in thought.
“I already serve my country,” he nodded finally. “But everyone has something to give - something to trade.” He seemed to be filled with a new vigor as he stood up and walked toward the door. “Take it from me, Kincade: this world is changing fast, these days, and within a few years, our interactions with the rest of it will determine our fate.” He opened the door for James to walk out. “Everybody has something to give, but the trick is figuring out how to use it.” He left James with that thought as he saw him out the door.