know that as I saw him board that train, I had never seen a more forlorn expression in anyone.”
“But somehow he got the orders rescinded, didn’t he? I mean, he obviously did join his regiment.”
“I can fill in a few blanks here,” Libbie said. “That is, if you don’t mind my intrusion.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Libbie, it isn’t an intrusion,” Falcon said. “Where you are concerned, it could never be an intrusion.”
“I’m not surprised, Falcon, that you saw a sheen of tears in Autie’s eyes,” Libbie said. “General Terry, as I’m sure you know, was in command of the Dakota Territory, and as such, that included Ft. Lincoln and the Seventh Cavalry. That made him Autie’s commander, so it was perfectly proper for Autie to go see him, as to see Sheridan would have been a violation of protocol by going around his direct commander.
“Some years later, Terry told me that Autie reported to him with tears in his eyes. Autie explained to Terry that everyone in Washington who was in any position of authority had given him permission to leave. But the problem was that he had publicly attacked Grant and his administration, and Grant was not going to let him get away with it. Grant ordered Reno to take command of the Seventh. If Grant had his way, all poor Autie could do was remain at the post and watch his regiment leave.
“Autie begged Terry to help him, and Terry didn’t hesitate. After all, Terry had never campaigned against the Indians either, nor had any of his subordinate officers. He wanted Autie to make the expedition, fully as much as Autie wanted to go.
“Between them, they came up with an appeal that finally worked. In it, Autie sent a telegram to President Grant in which he said: ‘I appeal to you as a soldier to spare me the humiliation of seeing my regiment march to meet the enemy and I not to share its dangers.’
“Terry added that, while he had no intent to question the president’s orders, that if reasons did not forbid it, ‘Lieutenant Colonel Custer’s services would be very valuable with his regiment.’
“Somehow that simple, heartfelt message worked, and President Grant relented. Autie was allowed to proceed directly from St. Paul to Ft. Lincoln, there to prepare the regiment for the march.”
Libbie was quiet for a moment, and Zane Grey leaned forward, then reached across to her. Gently, he took her hand. “Libbie, have you ever thought what might have been? If President Grant had not rescinded his orders, it is entirely possible the general would still be alive today.”
Libbie’s eyes misted over and she took a handkerchief from her purse, dabbed at the corner of her eyes, then nodded.
“I have thought about that, Mr. Grey, many, many times,” she said. “But knowing Autie as I did, I know he would rather have ridden into the history books with glory—than live, only to die, many years later, in ignominy.”
There was a moment of silence; then Libbie looked over at Falcon. “Please, Mr. MacCallister. Go on with your story,” she said.
“I’ll be glad to,” Falcon said. He took a swallow of his coffee before he continued.
“After the general and I separated at Chicago, I went directly to Ft. Junction.”
“Falcon, m’ lad, all the troops have turned out on the parade ground. They are wantin’ to welcome you back and pay their respects,” Sergeant Major O’Leary said when Falcon returned to the fort.
“Sergeant Major, may I remind you that Colonel MacCallister is a genuine colonel now, his commission ratified by the United States War Department,” Brisbane pointed out. “You cannot refer to him as ‘Falcon, my lad.’”
“Sure ’n I know that, Major,” O’Leary said. “’Tis forgetful I am sometimes, bein’ as I’m an old man and can’t help but think of the Falcon I knew as a boy many years ago.” O’Leary looked at Falcon. “Colonel MacCallister, it’s beggin’ your pardon I am for not showin’ the proper respect.”
Falcon did not want to alienate a longtime friend with the appearance of being rank-happy, but neither did he want to undermine Major Brisbane, who was a valued officer, so he said nothing about it!
“I believe you mentioned that the troops have formed on the parade ground?” Falcon said instead.
“Aye, that they are, Colonel, m’ lad,” O’Leary replied. “Uh, that is, Colonel, sir,” he corrected.
Smiling, Falcon picked up his hat and put it on his head. “Well, we can’t keep them standing in the sun now, can we? What do you say we go outside and meet the troops?”
“Good idea,” Brisbane agreed.
Out on the parade ground, the flag of the United States rippled in the breeze. Although the official flag had only thirty-seven stars, this flag had thirty-eight, in anticipation of Colorado’s upcoming statehood.
There were five companies of sixty men each in the Colorado Home Guard, and as Falcon approached, Sergeant Major O’Leary called out loudly. “Regiment!”
The first sergeants of each company gave the supplemental commands, the five voices shouting out the word “Company!” as one.
“Attention!” the sergeant major called, which was the command of execution.
As soon at the regiment was formed, the sergeant major reported to Falcon.
“Sir, Colorado Home Regiment all present and accounted for.”
“Thank you, Sergeant Major. Officers post!”
At that command, the company commanders moved into position at the head of the individual companies.
“Pass in review!”
The regimental band began playing as the regiment marched by.
