A Breeze of Honor

"Sir can I get you anything?" "No thank you." "Master. I know it is not my place to say but you seem troubled." "Nathan. Do you see those gathering clouds in the moonlight?" "Yez Sir." "Well. There are other clouds gathering over this country. I keep telling myself that they will dissipate like those in the heavens. However, I can not help feeling that instead they will intensify into an ominous storm."

"Perhaps Sir, you are merely weary from the excitement of today's festival?" "Maybe so. It certainly was a joyous event. I shall remember these past few weeks as some of the happiest of my life. Nathan. If you were a free man what would you do with your life?" "Sir. I do not rightly know. It is difficult to say because I have never been free. Still I am not complaining. You and Miss Orva have provided well for me."

"Who is that boy in the distance playing the banjo?" "His name is Joey. Does the sound bother you?" "Quite to the contrary. His music is quite pleasant. Please convey my compliment to him at an opportune time." "I will, sir." "Good night Nathan." "Good night Sir."

In the early twilight the morning clouds form a veil of sultry air. A thick blanket of steam rises from the James River. Also a heavy dew clings to everything exposed. However for Charles the grey dampness can not cloak a rainbow of sunshine at the breakfast table. Orva with a devoted smile informs him that she is expecting their first child.

Near the end of the month Charles and Orva go to Lexington to buy supplies. While in town they stop at the mayor's office to visit with Bill. Later they have lunch together. "Charles. I must comment on your tired appearance. If you need some work hands I know a couple of fellows named Tom Lowell and Andy Briggs." "Bill can these men proficiently oversee a plantation of our versatility?" "Yes. Considering their experience I believe that they would be a sound choice. Also, I would trust them with my life." "Alright. How can I get in touch with them?" "They are presently staying at a local boarding house. I will send a boy to fetch them. Will a meeting in my office at 1:00 p.m. be satisfactory?" "Certainly."

Following a dessert of apple pie both Charles and Orva meet the two gentlemen. Several minutes later they reach a satisfactory business arrangement. The two men are clean in appearance and are well-mannered. Both are stern but they also have a compassionate nature. Thus neither of them will condone abuse of a horse nor slave.

Slowly the weeks of summer pass by. Tom and Andy more than prove their worth. They brand the cattle. Also during this period they isolate and select the thoroughbred horses for controlled breeding. Neither Tom nor Andy ever question the instructions of Charles. With equal trust he relies upon their decisions. With great humor he further observes their efforts in training some of the Negroes to tend cattle.

By the end of September the Oakes' Plantation begins to harvest King Cotton. The white puffs esthetically dot the large fields. However the yield is only 17%. Nevertheless the weather remains ideal and by mid October the second picking is nearly 51%. In early November a third and final picking yields an additional 20%.