Sunnyside continued-11

 

Willie crept forward cautiously on his way to Robert Paul's house. The night was filled with the smell of smoldering timber and a warm, orange glow lit up the area. From a safe spot behind the remnants of the sawmill, Willie kept watch out for any Union Soldiers. He spotted a few scattered groups of them, so he decided to stay put and wait for a more opportune moment to move closer.

Bessie and Paul’s daughters came face to face with three Union soldiers as they opened the door to the smokehouse. Unarmed and vulnerable, the girls presented an inviting target for the enemy. In a desperate attempt to protect her girls, Bessie took out her sidearm and aimed it at the unsuspecting soldiers. Sensing her fear, the soldiers easily overpowered her, taking the sidearm away and leaving her defenseless. Bessie bolted out of the smokehouse and cried out for help as the soldiers closed in.

Brig. Gen. Charles Walcutt was in the process of gathering his troops when he heard Bessie's cries. Upon arrival to the scene, he took notice of the inappropriateness of the conduct of the three soldiers. At once, he demanded that they stand to attention and instructed his lieutenant to place them under arrest. Without saying a word, he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a pouch with several gold coins which he handed to Bessie. Thereafter, he gave the command to his troops to head back to Griswoldville.

Seeing the Union soldiers depart, Willie hurried to the yard, where Bessie was looking after the girls, who had been drained and terrorized by the events. Fortunately, they had narrowly avoided danger. Willie called out to Bessie, asking if she was alright and if he could assist in any way. When she realized it was Willie she exclaimed in relief, "Oh Lord, Willie! I'm so grateful you're here, can you help me with the girls?"

Willie made sure that Bessie and the girls got back safely to the smokehouse, which thankfully was still standing. Willie fired off three consecutive shots from Bessie's sidearm. This signalled that the area was safe and secure. At the sound, Amos and his party hurriedly made their way to the yard.

When Amos arrived, Bessie ran and hugged him tightly, her voice trembling with relief and desperation, "Oh, child, thank goodness you're here. Please, Lord, please help us." At the sight of the terrible devastation, Amos's heart sank. He looked into Bessie's eyes, tenderly wiping away her tears, and said in a comforting voice, "It's alright, I'm here and I'll make sure everything's okay". He quickly took charge and set up a camp to shelter them.