Letters from Caroline

 by AWriterForAndiCarter

Present time - January 1882 

 I opened my journal one evening, I was about to write the day's events when a page fell out, “What’s this?” I wondered, I quickly read a few lines. It was from many years ago when Mother and I were kidnapped by Will Benton, the gentleman outlaw!  I had written it a year or so ago to remember it, I quickly found the place where the page that fell out went, I just had to read this again. 

Back many years ago - in December 1877 

“Mother?” I called, “Mother?”

“Yes, dear?” Mother stood at the entryway of the parlor. 

“Mother-” I stopped, wondering if I really should ask. “-You remember Mr. Benton, the gentleman outlaw who kidnapped us?”

Mother nodded, her head cocked.

“Well, um, well, are you ever going to go to the jail and teach him how to read?” I blurted out.

Mother looked surprised, “Why, yes, I was. I just wasn’t sure when to go.” 

“Could I come with you?” I had to know, even if we didn’t go anytime soon. 

“Of course dear, you would go if you would like to.” Mother answered with a smile. 

“I surely would!” I exclaimed. “When can we go?”

“When? Why I don’t know.” Mother said thoughtfully. 

“What ‘bout tomorrow? It will be Saturday, we can go early in the morning and come back before lunchtime!” I said, full of excitement. “We could go every week!”

“Hmmm…” Mother said. “We may do that.” she said slowly. 

“Perfect!” I jumped around happily. Even if Will Benton was an outlaw he was a nice one. “Thanks, Mother.” I quickly added before dashing upstairs. 

I quickly shuffled through my closet and found the bundle of letters that Mr. Benton had from his grownup daughter, Caroline. I wanted to bring them to the jail and read a few to Mr. Benton till he learned how to read them. 

That night as I settled down to sleep I thought of Mr. Benton, I wonder how he is doing. was my sleepy thought. 

 The next day I woke early and bounded out of bed and downstairs, my family wasn’t even out of bed yet! I quickly wrote a note to my family, 

Morning!

Headed out for a quick ride before breakfast. Be back soon!

Andi

After setting it on the table I hastily ran outside into the warm sunny day, it was perfect for going to town. 

I pushed open the big barn doors and called, “Taffy, Coco!”

My horse nickered as I walked towards her, Coco just put his head over the stall door and stared at me. “Howdy Taffy, howdy Coco. Let’s go for a ride.” I grabbed Coco’s halter and slipped it over her head. 

I opened the stall door and let Taffy out, I would ride bareback today since I didn’t want to mess with the saddle. 

I rode outside of the barn at a walk and gently kicked Coco into a trot, it was a bouncy trot but I was glad to be on a horse so I didn’t care too much. 

After a few rounds around the corral area I halted Coco by the barn and slid off, Sid, the ranch’s foreman greeted me, “Howdy Miss Andi, how are you this fine morning? Want me to put Coco away for you?” he said. 

“Howdy Sid, I’m doing great. You? Yes, please!” I was glad Mother had taught me proper manners. 

“I’m doing good, Miss Andi, I’ll put Coco in the stall with Taffy.” with a grin Sid took Coco’s lead and led him to the barn, giving a quick wave as he went. 

I waved back and skipped into the house. Everyone was up and awake, “Howdy, Mother, howdy Chad, howdy Justin, howdy Melinda, howdy Mitch.” After saying all those ‘howdys’ I was out of breath for a quick second!

“Good morning Andrea, how was it riding?” Mother held up my note with a smile. 

“It was great!” I said as I sat down. 

Justin said grace and we dug in. The waffles covered in maple syrup were delicious! 

After breakfast I looked at Mother eagerly, she laughed and answered my unspoken question. “Yes, Andrea, we shall go to visit Mr. Benton very soon, I just need to get a few things ready. I need to have books to teach him how to read.” she smiled. 

I nodded, “I am almost ready too!” I said. 

 After about twenty minutes that seemed to pass ever so slowly, we were ready to go!

I had just hopped into the carriage when I realized something, “Mother! I forgot Caroline’s letters!” I jumped out and ran inside. All the way upstairs and to my bed where I had left the letters this morning, I grabbed them and ran all the way back downstairs, not going down the banister this time!

Mother laughed when she saw me, “Ready?”

I nodded. I was now!

 About an hour later, we arrived at Fresno! Mother halted the carriage at the hitching post and tied the horse to the rail. “Let’s go in, my dear.” she said. 

We walked up the sheriff's place and entered, “Why, hello Mrs. Carter, Miss Andi. How may I help you today?” he stood as we entered. 

Mother held up her bag of books and teaching supplies, “We have come to talk to Mr. Benton and teach him how to read.” 

“Come right this way.” Sheriff Tate led us back into the jail cells, I didn’t like seeing them but if it was to see Mr. Benton I could deal with it. 

“Mr. Benton? You have visitors.” the sheriff stepped aside to let him through into the hallway “I’ll be back in easy hearing distance if you need anything. Just give me a holler.” he left us with Mr. Benton. 

“Hello, Mr. Benton. How are you?” Mother asked. 

“As well as I can be. What about you?” he didn’t seem to see me yet as I was behind Mother.

“We are good.” Mother answered. “We’ve come to teach you how to read.” she smiled. 

“You have, why, thank you!” Mr. Benton seemed truly grateful. “Is this Little Miss? Little Miss! I’ve missed seeing you.” 

“Howdy Mr. Benton.” I said with a grin, “I came to read you a few letters of Caroline’s!” 

“You have? Thank you!” Mr. Benton said with a smile lighting up his whole face. 

Mother quickly settle down at the little table in the jail hallway, she opened her bag and pulled down a child’s reader. 

I sat down on a nearby chair to watch. Mr. Benton was listening intently to Mother as she told him how the alphabet worked and what the letters meant. 

I listened along and looked around the jail cell, there wasn’t much to look at though. 

About after forty-five minutes of Mother teaching she stopped, “I think we did enough for today. Andrea, why don’t you read a letter or two to Mr. Benton.” Mother said. 

Mr. Benton turned towards me as I took the rubber band off the bundle of letters, I skimmed through the dates, “Mr. Benton, should I read the oldest or newest?” I wasn’t sure. 

“How ‘bout we go oldest to newest?” he suggested. 

“Perfect!” I found the oldest one, dated August 2, 1877. It was a somewhat short one. 

Dear Father, 

I hope and pray you are doing very well. 

I miss you very much and hope to see you soon. 

Please write me back and tell me how you have been. 

Your daughter, Caroline Daisy Benton. 

Andi folded the letter back and put it in the envelope again. She looked up at Mr. Benton.

He was staring off at the wall, no doubt thinking, “I miss my girl.” he said softly. “Do you mind reading another, Little Miss?” his hopeful eyes turned towards me. 

“Of course.” How could I not? I found the next one dated August 29, 1877. 

Greetings, Father!

How are you lately?

I have been thinking of you and missing you, I didn’t want to leave when Mama and I did but we had to. I want to come back and see you if you will allow me. 

I truly look forward to a reply. 

Yours, Caroline. 

“She wants to come back, she wants to see me.” Mr. Benton said. He smiled at Mother and me, “I must write her back and answer.” 

“We can do that in our next lesson. Keep working at that book and learn the letters I taught you.” Mother said. About to stand. 

“Can I read just one more?” I asked quickly, knowing Mr. Benton would like that. 

“May I.” Mother corrected softly, “Yes, you may.” 

I eagerly searched for the next letter, it was dated September 14, 1877. 

Dear Father, 

What have you been doing lately? Do you still live at this house I write to?

I have been busy here in town. Mama and I canned a bunch of goods the other day. 

Really miss you, please write me back.

Your daughter, Caroline.

I looked up, Mr. Benton’s eyes were misty, “Oh Caroline, you can always come back. I miss you.” he whispered, seeming to forget Mother and I were even there. 

He turned to me after a minute, “Thank you, for reading those letters. I will look forward to seeing you next time.” he thanked Mother as well. 

I gathered up the letters and started to put the rubber band on them, “Should I leave them here?” I asked both Mother and Mr. Benton.

“Yes, you may.” Mother said with a soft smile. Mr. Benton nodded eagerly. 

I handled the letters to Mr. Benton just as the sheriff came into the back, “Hello ladies, all set?”

Mother nodded. “Yes. We are.” she said. 

Sheriff Tate took Mr. Benton and led him back into his jail cell, I followed them wanting to say one last thing to Mr. Benton. 

The sheriff locked the metal door just as I started talking, “Mr. Benton, I’ll see you next time, don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.” I waited for him to nod, “and I’ll read more of Caroline’s letters, bye, Mr. Benton.” I waved as I left. 

Mother unties the horse as I climbed in the carriage, she came in just a minute after. 

“That went very well.” Mother smiled at me. 

I nodded, “Mother, can,” I caught myself, “may I go to visit Mr. Benton after school one day this week? I could go and read a letter or two of Caroline’s and still make it home with Justin!” 

Mother looked thoughtful as she started the horse, “Well. I’ll think about that. Let’s see what Justin says.” 

I was happy it wasn’t a no so I settled back for the ride to the ranch. 

 It was Wednesday morning and Justin and I had just left for town, I was still thinking about Mr. Benton but knew better than to push it. 

“Andi?” Justin said. 

“Yes?”

“Mother and I discussed it, you are allowed to go to the jail and visit Mr. Benton.” he said with a smile. 

“Today?” I asked, excitedly. 

“Yes, today.” Justin said. 

“Thank you, thank you!” I exclaimed, giving him a quick hug. “Can I go right after school?” I asked, forgetting about all that proper grammar. 

“You may, I’ll pick you up at the jail, wait there for me.” Justin winked. 

“Perfect and I will!” I couldn’t wait to read Mr. Benton more letters!

 School had let out and I raced down the street to the jail, “Well, howdy Miss Carter, how are you this fine day?” he asked. 

“Good.” I said, out of breath for a quick few seconds, “I came to see Mr. Benton.” I said. 

Sheriff Tate’s eyebrows raised, “You are now? Is Justin alright with that?” he asked.

“He is.” I said, impatient to get through and start reading those letters. 

“Alright.” the sheriff led me to the back and called, “Will Benton, someone is here to see you!”

“Little Miss! You came back.” he said, greeting me. 

“I surely did. I came to read more letters to you!” I said. 

“Why, thank you, little miss.” Mr. Benton said with a grin. He handed the letters to me, I quickly shuffled through the oldest, newest, and the ones I have already read. I found one dated October 6, 1877.

Greetings dear Father! 

I hope this letter reaches you. 

Mama and I have been busy canning and prepping things for winter. My birthday was last week and I went out with a friend of mine, we had a great time. I know your birthday is coming up soon!

Yours truly, Caroline. 

“Her birthday was a few weeks ago.” Mr. Benton said quietly. 

“How old is she?” I asked, hoping it didn’t sound rude. 

“She turned twenty-two. She has grown up.” Mr. Benton answered. 

I found the next letter, it was dated October 27, 1877. 

Dear Father,

Happy birthday! I hope you have a great birthday! I hope this letter reaches you just about on your special day, September 3, Mama sends birthday greetings as well. 

Many blessings on your birthday, Father!

Your daughter, Caroline. 

“She remembered my birthday! She really did!” Mr. Benton was delighted. I was too! 

 After four somewhat short letters later Justin entered the jail hallway. “Howdy Andi, Will.” he said. 

“Justin!” I ran to him and gave him a hug. “I’ve been reading Mr. Benton these letters.” I quickly bundled them back up and handed them to Mr. Benton. 

“I see.” Justin smiled at us, “We better head for home.” he added. 

“Bye Mr. Benton, I’ll be back soon!” I called as Justin and I left.

 It was soon, just three days later we were back, Mother and I both! I ran ahead of Mother and greeted Mr. Benton, “Howdy Mr. Benton! Mother and I are back and help you learn how to read more!”

Mr. Benton chuckled, “I’m glad to hear it!” 

The sheriff let Mr. Benton out of the jail cell and into the jail hallway area, Mother, Mr. Benton, and I all sat down and Mother began to teach. 

I sat and listened as before. 

 After about a half hour or so later Mother halted and looked at me, “Andrea, why don’t you get your paper and pencil and write out a letter to Mr. Benton’s daughter. If he would like of course.” she turned to him. 

“By all means, yes!” Mr. Benton exclaimed. 

I grinned and dug into my cloth bag, I found a clean sheet of paper and set it on the table, I found my pencil as well. “I’m ready.” I looked expertly at Mr. Benton. 

“Dear, Caroline,” he started. 

A few minutes later I re-read the letter over,

Dear Caroline, 

I miss you very much, my girl. I wish to see you, soon, very soon! I am very sorry for not replying earlier. I truly wanted to. My dear, will you come to visit me? 

I am currently held in Fresno jail, sadly to say. 

And also, my writing is different as I am detecting this out to a young friend of mine.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Your loving father, 

I slid the sheet over to Mr. Benton and Mother, “Do you want to sign your name?” I asked. 

Mr. Benton nodded, “If I can.” 

Mother smiled at him and showed him how to write ‘Will’ at the bottom of the page. 

I took the letter back once they had finished and sealed it in a white envelope. I wrote out the address from the return address from Caroline’s letters.

I held it up when I was done. “All done.” I said happily. A letter for Mr. Benton’s daughter was on its way!

On our way out I mailed the letter, I closed the mail office box after dropping it in. I couldn’t wait to see what Caroline replied with. 

 -------------------

Mother and I went back the next weekend, I was eager to see if there was a letter from Caroline. There was!

“Howdy Mr. Benton! Any letter from Caroline?” I asked, running up to the jail cell. 

He beamed, “Yes, yes, yes!” he exclaimed. “She is coming to see me!” At my puzzled look, he added, “The sheriff read it out to me, as I was just too excited to wait. Here, read it.” he gave the letter to me.

I quickly skimmed it before handing it to Mother, 

Dear Father,

I was ever so glad you hear from you!!!

I will be there Saturday, December 17, 1877, by train. 

Can’t wait to see you!

Your daughter, Caroline. 

I turned to Mr. Benton with a wide grin, “She is coming! I am so happy for you!” I exclaimed. I danced with joy, Mr. Benton was to see his daughter again! Outlaw or not, he was a very kind man.

 Back to the present - January 1882. 

“I remember this.” I said softly once I had read it, I was still quite young at the time. I pressed the page that had fallen out and gently pressed it between two other pages and closed my journal. I would have to write more later