Never Again – 10

 

 

For the next two years, Joseph and Rawleigh's life together was as idyllic as possible, considering the fact the War Between the States raged on around them. Rawleigh spent more time away than at home, twice returning wounded. As soon as he healed, he returned to the field, reporting stories of the battles with all their attendant horrors.

Meanwhile, Joseph's editorials became more vitriolic as he condemned the secessionist leadership for failing to conduct the war in a manner which would ensure victory for the South. He found he had many supporters of his views and an almost equal number who felt he was nothing more than a Union collaborator doing his best to demoralize the Confederacy and its troops.

As a result of his beliefs, Joseph found himself spending a fair amount of time either closeted in his office at the Gazette to avoid those who would dearly like to challenge him to a duel, or barricaded behind the closed doors of his home. His only relief came when Rawleigh returned briefly, offering his support and his love for a day or, rarely, a week.

Then came the morning in May of 1864 when Rawleigh headed north to cover what would become known as the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. It would turn out to be one of the deadliest battles of the war.

He and Joseph had spent the evening before his departure dining at their favorite restaurant. On their way home, a man stepped into their path, his face suffused with anger.

"You, sir, are a coward and a bastard," he had stated coldly, staring at Joseph. "I challenge you to a duel at sunrise tomorrow at Will's Farm."

Joseph started to respond that he would gladly meet the man when Rawleigh stepped in.

"Mr. Moncure will be unavailable, as I have promised to meet the Confederate treasurer at the same hour, for the same purpose, across the city from your location. As my second, Mr. Moncure will, of course, be standing by my side. Well," he added with a small smile, "perhaps not literally, but definitely figuratively."

The man spat out angrily, "Then we shall postpone it for a day. I shall send you details of the time and place." With that said, he spun on his heel and stalked away.

"Since when have you taken up dueling?" Joseph asked with a laugh when they continued toward home.

"Since never?" Rawleigh replied guilelessly. "However I didn't want his challenge to disrupt our last evening together before I leave. Besides"—he put his arm over Joseph's shoulders—"I know how you feel about personal fights. This way you can avoid him until he calms down and regains his senses."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Then shoot him and be done with it," Rawleigh told him with a grin. "I have complete faith in your abilities."

The following morning Rawleigh left, promising as he always did between loving good-by kisses, to return to Joseph as soon as possible.

It was the last time Joseph would see him alive.