Numbering all the Bones

Eulinda is intrigued by William. She has several questions about him. She wonders why he still wears his uniform—he has lost so much weight none of his other clothes fit; why he has no insignias as to his rank—the Union allows him to wear his uniform but only with no furbelows; and why he is working on this project and funding it himself? Man-Jack tells her that all soldiers do things in war they feel they must make up for, things they will not discuss with anyone.

Within a week, the work crew at the prison has grown to a dozen freedmen. The work to restore the site proceeds with plans William draws up. The new drainage system, made from bricks kilned onsite must first be completed. William informs the workers that General James Wilson has heard about their work and will be visiting the camp.

After viewing the site, the two veteran officers stand apart and speak. Eulinda wonders what they are discussing, saying “What could they have to say to each other? Perhaps it could be said only in a graveyard” (111). The general officially makes William the superintendent of Andersonville, provides him with a salary, and says he will send supplies for the workers.

As work on the grounds progresses, William tells Eulinda they can go into the cemetery. There she discovers the soldiers were buried in trenches. There is no list of the trenches or named individual markers. She despairs of finding her brother’s grave.

At Pond Bluff, Mistis once again complains about the meals Eulinda provides. Mistis points out that Eulinda, as a minor child, is technically still living under the jurisdiction of the Kelloggs. Eulinda feels trapped. Her spirits are lifted the next day when William tells her that Clara Barton and additional workers are coming to Andersonville.

As the word spreads that Clara is coming accompanied by white cavalry and Black soldiers, local white residents come to the prison site to protest. They fear the idea of Black people acquiring firearms. As one of the white locals expresses to Eulinda, “Don’t you get any fancy notions when you see those Negro troops. We whites are still in charge” (118).

Clara’s appearance is not what Eulinda anticipated. However, she immediately recognizes Clara’s phenomenal ability to grasp what needs to be done and how to accomplish it. Clara likewise senses quickly that Eulinda is a unique individual and employs her skills. Among those who come with Clara is Dorence Atwater, a former Union prisoner-of-war at Andersonville who has brought with him his own list of the deceased soldiers and where they are buried. Clara invites Eulinda to move to the camp and become her personal assistant. Overwhelmed by this sudden turn of events, Eulinda asks Clara how she became famous and one of the most powerful women in the world. Clara replies, “It was very simple. The important men in Washington started a war with no thought in mind of caring for their wounded. So I had to do it” (121).

Eulinda comes to Hampton in his study after supper and tells him she is leaving Pond Bluff permanently. Initially, he is confused about what she is saying, though eventually she clarifies her intent to him. She explains that she is going to work with Clara. Hampton is stunned and protests that she cannot leave. He calls her family, which she contradicts, saying, “No sir, I’m not family. I mean, when you decide I am, I am, but then Mistis gets angry about something and she decides I’m not. I can’t live like that, Mr. Hampton” (125). When Hampton realizes that she is determined to leave, he turns from her, saying, “If you must go, go” (126).