Searching for Rachael.

by Willie P. Smith

After years of fighting in the Apache War in Arizona, Jed McCloud spoke with General Crook, the commanding officer of Fort Verde, about being released from the army. General Crook agreed that Jed had done his part in the war. He had earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism and worked his way up the ranks to Captain. It had been four years since he had seen his wife, Rachael. Jed was frightened for his wife, as their ranch was located in the middle of Apache Territory. The Apaches hadn't bothered with Rachael or their ranch yet, but Jed figured it was just a matter of time. General Crook petitioned President Grant, requesting that Jed be released from the army. General Crook cited his meritorious service as well as his situation with his wife and their ranch. President Grant approved Jed's request. General Crook gave Jed a good, young horse and sent him on his way. He would have to ride eighty miles to get to his ranch in a day. Phoenix was eighty-six miles from Fort Verde, and his ranch was six miles north of Phoenix. He figured he could make it in one day, but it would probably ruin a good horse. He located a good spot for him and his horse to spend the night, so they settled in.

As the sun rose the next morning. Jed was saddled and ready to continue his long ride home. He figured it would take the whole day. He was about halfway to his ranch. He had a good horse; he thought he could make the ride easily.

After the long ride, Jed stood on the hill overlooking his ranch. There was no sign of life, and the house had been burned. The Apaches got to his ranch before him. Since the barn was still standing, he thought Rachael might have hidden there during the attack. He looked through the burned ranch and never found her body. He then searched the barn with the same result. Since there was hay in the barn, he decided he and his horse would spend the night there. Fear for Rachael's life struck him when he thought about what the Apaches would do to her. (To be Continued)

Willie P. 05/31/25

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I'm a little prejudiced, but I think this is a pretty good Western story. Give it a read.

Willie

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