Teaching Horses to Fly!

Uncle John's grandpap,also named John,and John's younger brother.Colt, were sharpshooters during the War of Northern Agression.

Attached to the Confederate army of General Braxton Bragg,they were in frequent contact with Union forces of Gen. Billy Sherman.In fact, they were a mighty sore spot for Sherman's Army. From Chat'Nooga all the way to the outskirts of "Lanta,they were lighting up Sherman's best sharpshooters until Sherman was nigh on to having a nervous breakdown.

Finally,Capt. Kilpatrick's Union calvary cornered John and Colt whilst they were trying to ford a creek.

"You Rebs is gonna be executed shortly on acccount of the trouble you have been causing General Sherman," Said Kilpatrick. No two ways about it.Nothing can save your sorry hides now."

"John,What are we gon' do now?"Whispered Colt.

"Don't worry,Colt.Tomorrow ain't here yet."

John knew that despite his fierce looks and commanding presence,William Sherman was a vain man,maybe not a drunkard like Sym Grant,but a man just the same.
He knew that Billy Sherman loved his horse near to death,and he prided hisself on having one of the best Tennessee horses in the entire Union Army.

When Kilpatrick brought John and Colt to face the General,Sherman ordered their immediate execution.

"General Sherman, I beg your pardon, if I may speak one last request?" Implored John ,stretching out both hands in an act of genuine humbleness.
"I know you have great affection for your horse.If it please the General to spare our lives,I will teach your horse to fly.You would be the only General to having a Flying Horse since Aggamemnon so long ago.What would Lincoln and Grant think of you commanding such an animal as that?"
Teaching a horse such a feat requires time,and utmost concentration. If you spare my life one year the deed will be done,and then execute me if you will."

General Sherman aggreed to the terms immediately. He ordered John and Colt sent to the make-shift stockade in the rear until the training could begin.

"John,you know danged well horses can't fly. What are we gon' do when Gen'l Sherman realizes you are a liar?"Said Colt.

"Needless worry is not a Montgomery trait ,Colt.I'm surprised at your lack of faith in me.One of four things may happen before the year is up."

"One;Gen'l Sherman may die and we steal our FREEDOM.
Two;I may die and thus be free.
Three;Lincoln might surrender and the WAR end before the year is up.
Four;I might teach the sorrel to fly !"

©-2010-Jay Hudson