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Updated: June 12, 2025
At the same moment three batteries came into action on a rise north-east of Groveton, opposite the Confederate centre, and Sigel, supported by Reynolds, prepared to carry out his instructions, and hold Jackson until the remainder of Pope's army should arrive upon the field. At the end of July, Sigel's army corps had numbered 13,000 men.
First, in his own estimation, came Randolph Duncan, son of Prince Duncan, president of the Groveton Bank, and a prominent town official. Prince Duncan was supposed to be a rich man, and lived in a style quite beyond that of his neighbors. Randolph was his only son, a boy of sixteen, and felt that in social position and blue blood he was without a peer in the village.
"Yes, sir, I have seen you at our house," continued Randolph "my father is president of the Groveton Bank. He will be very glad to see you. Won't you come home with me?" "I have already called upon your father," said Mr. Armstrong. "I am very sorry your bonds were stolen, Mr. Armstrong." "Not more than I am, I assure you," returned Mr. Armstrong, with a quizzical smile.
"Yes." "That isn't enough." "It isn't very much, but there are not many ways of earning money here in Groveton." "What do you have to do?" "Make the fire every morning and sweep out twice a week. Then there's dusting, splitting up kindlings, and so on." "I don't think I'll like it. I ain't good at makin' fires." "Squire Duncan writes you are to begin at once." "Shure, I'm afraid I won't succeed."
Tony Denton wondered why so much writing should be necessary in a transaction of this kind. Five minutes later a young man looked into the office, and said, addressing Mr. Gay. "All right!" Upon that Mr. Sears suspended writing. "Mr. Denton," said Mr. Gay, "are you aware that this bond which you have brought us was stolen from the Groveton Bank?" "I don't believe it," gasped Denton, turning pale.
Jackson, however, was better informed than his subordinate. Troops were still moving through Gainesville, and, instead of turning off to Manassas, were marching up the turnpike on which so many eyes were turned from the neighbouring woods. King's division, while on the march to Manassas, had been instructed to countermarch and make for Centrevile, by Groveton and the Stone Bridge.
The battle of Groveton left gaps in Jackson's ranks which it was hard to fill, and although the men might well feel proud of their stubborn fight, they could hardly boast of a brilliant victory. Strategically, however, the engagement was decisive. Jackson had brought on the fight with the view of drawing the whole Federal army on himself, and he was completely successful.
It was true, however, that of all the girls in Groveton, Luke was more attracted by Florence Grant than by any other, and they had always been excellent friends. It was well known that Randolph also was partial to the young lady, but he certainly had never received much encouragement. Finally the boys got out, and were very soon at the door of Mrs. Grant's handsome cottage.
"If you think so, why do you go?" "I don't want to disappoint Florence." Luke smiled. He was privately of the opinion that the disappointment wouldn't be intense. The evening of the party arrived. It was quite a social event at Groveton, and the young people looked forward to it with pleasant anticipation. Randolph went so far as to order a new suit for the occasion.
"No, they belonged to a gentleman in Cavendish, who kept them in the bank, thinking they would be safer than in his own house. Little did he know what iniquity there was even in quiet country places like Groveton." "Surely, Melinda, you don't think any one in Groveton robbed the bank?" said Mrs. Larkin. "There's no knowing!" said Miss Sprague, solemnly.
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