“We must prepare the parade ground to increase our storage area and accommodate this effort.” Cornell and the men walked to the metronome of colonel Beltran’s cane.
“Our situation on Coal Island is obviously precarious,” the colonel glanced up. “We can hunt, salt, and store fish. We can even grow a limited supply of grain. However, with near five thousand troops on the island, we need to purchase supplies.”
“Captain Marsh sells the marble mined on our island, then purchases food, medicine, and tobacco. The Tulip arrives twice a month, which has become something of a festival for the inhabitants of Coal Island. Our Captain is also kind enough to deliver newspapers, penny novels, candy, and musical instruments, but no liquor. I tolerate no liquor on this island.” The colonel continued, expanding the general’s explanation.
Roberts’s troops were marching from the Tulip to the parade ground, a mix of cobblestone and packed earth. There was a slight dust from the earth as they marched. The events upon arriving at Coal Island seemed not to have ruined their humor.
The compliments clearly discomforted captain Marsh. “I do my part,” He looked at Robert, “the problem is this island will be ice-locked for months. Twice, maybe three times during winter, I will run a supply mission to the island, but only with food and medicine.”
“We need to build storage facilities to larder up for winter.”
“We have a natural means of storage,” Colonel Beltram gestured towards two large buildings with his cane. “These buildings serve as short-term storage. We possess a large cave complex that runs under this ridgeline. There is ample room in the cave to provide storage for supplies and shelter for the troops. A considerable building program has created satisfactory bunks, chairs, and tables.”
“At present, we possess enough supplies to last until late February. By fishing and harvesting grain, we can stretch the food into March. By stockpiling timber, we can stay warm. Accomplished if it we maintain a cooperative spirit.” The general coughed, then continued. “Coal Island is a hardship posting. Only the lower ranks are here. You and I represent the Confederate officer’s corps in this prison. You are now my second-in-command.”
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“In order for all of us to survive,” Colonel Beltram observed as they neared the parade ground, “Union and Confederate troops must work together.”
“With few exceptions, we have performed well in that regard.” the emphasis on exceptions directed toward Lieutenant Pace with a glance. For his part Pace was oblivious of the colonel’s ire, his attention set on the assembling Confederate arrivals.
“While my troops serve as guards, you might consider them as overseers tasked with helping to guide our efforts and join in the work to survive.” Beltran made a show of pride. “Many of these men are of my old regiment and are all experienced soldiers able to understand the idea of mutual survival. The war office ordered the remaining troops with local inductees and political appointees.”
Robert understood the colonel’s implication while glancing at Lieutenant Pace.
“Gentlemen,” Captain Marsh broke in to the conversation. “Before you get involved with the new arrivals, I have a request.”
“Yes, Otis.”
“We have the clockwork mechanism for the lighthouse in the Tulip’s hold. I will bring fuel and a prism on my next trip. Complete the lighthouse quickly and I will arrive here during the night. This may give us greater opportunity to port at Coal Island when the hours of the night increase.”
“Of course, Captain,” General. Cornell waved to the growing crowd. “We have more than enough men to complete all our projects while increasing the shipment schedule.”
The officer stopped at the edge of the packed earth. This close to the parade ground, Robert could see several acres leveled and packed with many courses of stone set to create what would eventually become a large plaza. At any other location in the country, this would be a formidable sized city square. On this island, the parade ground seemed out of place.
“This is a practical necessity.” Beltran saw the look of doubt on Robert’s face. “Movement of stone from the quarry to the pier requires wood sledges that get stuck in the mud. We constructed a stone road from the quarry to the pier with this parade ground ultimately serving as a collection point before finishing the journey to the pier.”
“Yes sir,” Robert resumed walking, “but a direct effort at quarrying will bring ample stone before winter.”
“If it were only that simple,” General. Cornell tapped a stone with his cane. “The physical nature of the quarry reduces the speed of our endeavor. There is only so much room in the quarry and our efforts to find a new quarry have been fruitless to date.”
“A new quarry?” Robert parroted.
“We will show you after welcoming your men,” Beltran motioned to Robert as he and the General accompanied the Major to a spot in front of Confederate troops, the men waiting patiently at attention. A stern glance from the colonel halted Lieutenant Pace with the rest of the troops who had followed the officers.