Albemarle Tradewinds June 2016 Final Web Optimized

A retired educator and veteran, Cooke
has become an advocate for renewed
patriotism, and a critic of poverty in
our region. “If many politicians have
become more the problem than the
solution,” states Cooke, “then good
people are encouraged to speak-up,
step-up, and fix the mess.”
My Life in Washington County
Young, Black and Southern
by Branch James as envisioned by c.l. cooke
Our name became James, given from his owner back then. I got a first name too. People
call me Branch cause I loved climbing a tree. I could sometimes see the world up there. I’ll
never forget the Redtail Hawk that lit in the Oak one evening. He brought a field mouse
in for supper... looked me right in the eye like he knew me. You don’t disturb nature, they
living day to day like us. Mama would call me down to eat or do my homework when I was
going to the schoolhouse back then. I like working for Mr. Hardison better. I learn a lot.
We was on the boat when we stopped in Williamston. The Confederate Captain, James W.
Cooke said the work was done and it was time to whip some Union soldiers. We got off
and started on our way back to Mill Pond. They named the RAM the CSS Albemarle cause
it was strong enough to ram the side of a Yankee ship. It took til the next morning to get
those two mules and cart back home, Mama said the soldiers in Plymouth were planning
something big. Two days later the Union surrendered in Plymouth. We thought the war
was over, but found out later we won the battle, but not the war. Life got back to normal
once the Yankee’s left. I felt happier when the war ended. We celebrated. Papa played the
spoons like nobody’s business. He could even hambone and walk at the same time...what a
sight to see. I became a man and Mr. Hardison was my friend. We did a lot of good.
When Papa passed the Hardison family was there in the church for the service. Mama would
have kept Papa at the house, but arrangements were made to have a most proper funeral.
Over time things do change. I hope they change for the better. Our Southern ways are
good when it brings out the good in us all. Oh, and by the way, that Yankee ship the Albemarle
sunk at Plymouth is still there on the bottom of the river.
Comments? E-Mail to br549@modernmedianow.com
24 Albemarle Tradewinds June 2016 albemarletradewinds.com