Harold Hieth’s Rifles for Watie: A Review Essay

1 Jeff enlists in the join army. If by a miracle, a general war could be avoided, soldiers were electrostatic needed to halt guerrilla warfare in Kansas, brought by the Missourian proslavery faction across the border, Jeffs dearest longing was to become a soldier. (Jeff) 2 Jeff chooses this side because he heard Abraham Lincoln give a speech that convinced him that the southwesterly was wrong. 3 The incident that occurs is Jeffs family is attacked by bushwhackers. And Im tired of fighting them with just a sickle, Pa. I want to go to fort Leavenworth tomorrow and join the Kansas volunteers. (Jeff) 4 Nouns- soldier, hero, Kansas, brother, unioner. Adjectives- loyal, strong, eager, fearless, good. Verbs- fights, works, enjoys. 5 The reasons are, John wants to see the world and David, akin Jeff, simply wants to be a soldier. 6 David receives anger from his mother and she will not let him stay.Thats what youve eer wanted, so go on now back to the army. (Davids mother) 7 One hard les son is how quickly you rear get hurt in the army, like Ford Ivey. I dont wanta live if I hafta be a hopeless cripple for life (Ford p.71). Another hard lesson is what secrets can run away to. Such as Clardy killing sparrow because of a secret. If I hadnt gotten mad and deviled the captain about the widows murder poor sparrow might still be alive today. (Jeff, p.76) 8 Jeff is upset because Clardy has just set Jeff up to be arrested, then gave him a harsh punishment 9 The Missouri wood reminded him of his mothers brilliantly colored rag rug that lay on the split log floor beside her bed, back in Linn County.The blackjack seedlings seemed a flame in the genial sunshine. The young oaks glowed in livid. The oaks couldnt seem to agree on an appropriate color some wore a subdued foliage of and pale, others were gay in and bright. A cardinal flew leisurely out of a tall, sweet gum, and Jeff thought at first it was a falling leaf. Dixie trotted on contentedly at his side. 10 When the un ion officers reach the Washbourne home, Clardy treats them rudely.However Jeffs kind and helpful treatment earns him a meal. Supper for us or must I burn down your house and set an example to the rest of this yappy Indian town? (Clardy p.114) 11 The purpose of the propaganda was to inspire the troops to dislike the rebels. If each mankind of you what I have here urged upon you, we will entirely destroy them. (Noah p.126) 12 The treatment is, the boys line up and walk past Clardy, each saluting. The line goes on for so long that eventually Clardy can barley lift his arm. 13Lucy Jeff Slavery and preservation of the union, have very little to do with the Cherokee nation. (Lucy,p.171) Jeff says the war is fought to reunify the north and south together. Lucy thinks there should be slavery in the west if the territories agree to it. The declaration of independence states that all men are created equal. 14 The gran hates to see spring come because she knows that bushwhackers come with i t. 15 Jeff arranges for Lee Washbournes body to be sent to his family. He pays for someone to take it back he also is angry with captain Clardy and refuses to replace a fallen gunman. A hot bitter rage at Clardy flared in Jeff. (Jeff) 16 Jim fills his canteen with union coffee which is easily recognized and could get them caught. 17 It is unusual because the conditions in the army were harsh, many people deserted. 18 They had to learn to sing, dance, play the piano, ride horseback, take the classics, and flirt with boys without seeming immodest. (Jeff) 19 Jeff knows spring is coming because everything is starting to turn green.Already the burr oaks were wearing light green tassels and the red buds purplish blooms brightened the hillside and valleys. (Jeff) Jeff can also smell the spring flowers. 20 Heifer tells Jeff to treat everyone nicely, but to always keep his gun insight. 21 I agree with this advice because in war you neer know who might turn out to be your enemy. 22 The hound has outrun its owners and it takes a liking to Jeff. Apparently, the hound had outrun its handlers. (Jeff) 23 And during his service with the south he had been both cavallary man and a teamster. (Jeff) 24 The author is trying to show that Jeff will miss the army but is ready to start a new chapter in his life.