Sunnyside continued-9

GW was completely taken aback by the heartbreaking amount of wounded soldiers. He came across Dr Thomas Gibson at the side entrance to the church, disposing of an amputated arm. He humbly enquired whether he or Robert could offer any assistance. The doctor thanked them in a voice almost trembling from emotion and told them simply to pray for both the medical staff and the injured soldiers. Robert glimpsed at the morning sun peaking through the treeline, prompting himself to remind GW about the pressing task: returning to Sunnyside to search for Margaret.

Robert's ride to Sunnyside seemed endless and was overwhelming, with mixed emotions of fear, hope, and anxiety. GW could tell Robert was struggling, so he promised to do whatever they could to find Margaret and put together a search team. Everything's going to work out he said, we just got have to have faith.

When they got to Sunnyside, Mary Ann had gone out of her way to organize things and divide all of the GW workers into four separate groups. Axson and Josiah assisted in collecting all of the men, each group with 25 members, and equipped them with supplies and lanterns. As a clever contingency plan, Josiah had set up the kitchen bell on one of the wagons which could be used to signal everyone if someone returned with Margaret.

GW and Robert didn't waste a moment! With a mission in mind, they guided the search team to Patterson's Ford. GW was certain it would be the focal point of the search area. GW planned to park the wagon with the bell on bridge, with Josiah in charge. Everybody else would splitting off with their group and search in each direction: North, South, East and West.

As they arrived at Patterson's Ford, it was early morning light. When they crossed Savage Creek and separated into their group, Louis noticed a shoe in the water at the creek bank and he picked it up and took it to Robert. As Robert received the shoe, he spoke in a strained tone, mentioning that it was Margaret's shoe. Robert was overcome with sadness, believing the shoe to be a bad omen.