Finding War is my 14th published book. It’s a sequel to Finding Joaquin, and the second in a projected trilogy. Most of my tales take place in California during the 19th or early 20th centuries, though they sometimes wander into Nevada.
I read and write historical fiction in part to get a taste of what it was like to live in other places and times. In fact I read any fiction for the same reason. When I’m working on a story about this land more than a hundred years ago, I find myself immersed in that environment. I read copies of old newspapers, magazines and books. Sometimes my characters are based on people who actually existed. Sometimes they didn’t exist, but seem like they should have.
I discovered two characters in Finding Joaquin who were too good to let go. Ira Beard is a former New York copper, who moves to California to get away from riots and violence, only to find more of them out west. He goes hunting for Joaquin Murietta, the most dangerous bandit in the state. On the way he meets the love of his life, Octavia de LaLuz, who saves his life three times.
Finding War takes place several years later. Ira and Octavia have settled down for a life of peace and quiet, running a French restaurant in San Francisco. Their peace is interrupted by the American Civil War.
Although there were no major battles of the War in California, this state was heavily involved. Several famous generals came from here, including Sherman, Hooker and Johnston. Johnston fought for the South and was killed at Shiloh. It appeared that half of California supported the Union and half the Confederates. There were thousands of volunteers: a California regiment was attached to Massachusetts. Other men headed south to join the Confederacy.
Finding War was inspired in part by an actual Confederate officer whose plan was to rob stage coaches in our gold country and send the loot to Richmond. That was a certain Captain Ingram. He didn’t have much success. There was also Asbury Harpending, who armed his own war ship and planned to steal gold shipments from steamers headed out of San Francisco. He missed the boat because someone ratted on him to the U.S. Navy. But it makes for a great story. Harpending later was implicated in the Emma Mine bubble and the Great Diamond Swindle.
Now Ira Beard finds himself hunting Colonel Beauregard Butler, who wants to rob the San Francisco mint. Ira’s wife Octavia gets involved, is kidnapped and held hostage by the Rebels. Will Ira find her in time, and what will become of Beauregard? Please stay tuned, or better yet read the book. This edition of Finding War also includes a bonus short story, “The Case of Marten Oman,” from my book of short stories, The Survivor.
The third volume is still in the “research” phase. I don’t yet know the story line, but I’m sure it will somehow involve Ira Beard and Asbury Harpending.
Steve Bartholomew, April 23, 2018
