Armed with a three-month furlough and a letter from General Meagher himself, Lavelle faced towards the ‘secesh’ State of Louisiana.
The letter would provide him with safe passage through Union lines. Then he would have to destroy it. Take his chances on the return journey. Emmeline’s letters to Patrick would gain him safe conduct through Confederate lines. He was on a mission of mercy, bringing news of a gallant sweetheart’s glorious death for the South. His three-month furlough should, he hoped, allow sufficient time to visit Emmeline … and find Ellen.
Once having found her, he would happily return to the battlefield until his term of duty expired. Safe at last, in the knowledge, that she would be waiting for him.