From the diary of Elihu Jenkins, aide-de-camp to Vice President Schuyler Colfax.
April 27, 1870
Today has been a most excellent day! My esteem in the eyes of my august employer grows steadily, and I dare say that as my responsibilities multiply, my presence will shortly become more pronounced throughout the District....
...still, I dasn’t presume to engage in any kind of banter with Mr. Colfax. While he is a jovial man, and most kind, the vice president has made it clear that my place, while of value, is situated considerably below his own station. I am, at present, content with this situation....
...As I continued to fumble through the scattered correspondence that lay siege to the right side of Mr. Colfax’s desk, a feeling of great anticipation came over me. Could it be? I thought to myself. Have my ears been bewitched by my overly-active imagination? I cast a sideways glance toward Mr. Colfax, who reclined slightly in his wooden desk chair.
The vice president regarded me with some amusement as he stroked his bushy beard with his fingers.
“You heard me well, Jenkins,” Colfax said. “I mean to press the issue with President Grant on the morrow, and you will be the bearer of my message. I have waited long enough for an appointment with the old general! I would have you diligently pursue this matter with his chief assistant to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Great Jehoshaphat! I shall visit the Presidential Palace, perhaps even to meet the Great Man himself!
Postscript: What the hell was that? Excellent question. The text above is an attempt at Flash Fiction, directed, in particular, to the Three Word Wednesday blog. It may also be read in tandem with The Adventures of Schuyler Colfax: Vice President!
April 27, 1870
...still, I dasn’t presume to engage in any kind of banter with Mr. Colfax. While he is a jovial man, and most kind, the vice president has made it clear that my place, while of value, is situated considerably below his own station. I am, at present, content with this situation....
...As I continued to fumble through the scattered correspondence that lay siege to the right side of Mr. Colfax’s desk, a feeling of great anticipation came over me. Could it be? I thought to myself. Have my ears been bewitched by my overly-active imagination? I cast a sideways glance toward Mr. Colfax, who reclined slightly in his wooden desk chair.
The vice president regarded me with some amusement as he stroked his bushy beard with his fingers.
“You heard me well, Jenkins,” Colfax said. “I mean to press the issue with President Grant on the morrow, and you will be the bearer of my message. I have waited long enough for an appointment with the old general! I would have you diligently pursue this matter with his chief assistant to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Great Jehoshaphat! I shall visit the Presidential Palace, perhaps even to meet the Great Man himself!
###
Postscript: What the hell was that? Excellent question. The text above is an attempt at Flash Fiction, directed, in particular, to the Three Word Wednesday blog. It may also be read in tandem with The Adventures of Schuyler Colfax: Vice President!
6 comments:
interesting piece makes me want more.
Oh, a series? With an exciting development? I'd love to have you link to it through my Serialists meme.
Great use of three words. Please come see my three words
A very well written snippet, which leaves us hoping for a continuation.
Glad you all liked it. There will be more...
creative.
keep it up.
check out short story slam week 7 today, hope to see you join us.
:)
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