Philadelphia, August, 1862
Sclaphunter is in the Union Station wondering what type of people try to encompass the world in steel and glass to block out the sky and wind. He does not like the White men and only a few actually command his respect, one of those has sent him on a mission. He is prodded by a cane wielded by a one eyed mustachioed man. The man shouts "You.. INDIAN"
Scalphunter turns and asks if the man is speaking to him. The man states that since Ke-Woh-No-Tey is the only Indian disembarking from the five o'clock train from St. Louis, he must be the redskin he is looking for. The man introduces himself as Samson Smith, sent by a mutual friend to get things squared away. He asks if Scalphunter has the money and is reassured it is carried in a place safe from thieves.
Just then they are stopped by Union soldiers who tell Samson he is under arrest by the Federal Army for treason. Smith whips out a pistol and shoots both soldiers. Smith grabs Scalphunter and tells him they better hightail it outta there. They rush out of the station and highjack a horse drawn city trolley. Smith pushes the driver out of the cab and whips the horses into a fury as soldiers exit the station and open fire.
Just then they are stopped by Union soldiers who tell Samson he is under arrest by the Federal Army for treason. Smith whips out a pistol and shoots both soldiers. Smith grabs Scalphunter and tells him they better hightail it outta there. They rush out of the station and highjack a horse drawn city trolley. Smith pushes the driver out of the cab and whips the horses into a fury as soldiers exit the station and open fire.
Scalphunter wonders what type of man he has thrown in with as he watches Smith drive the trolley like a man possessed, slamming into wagons and trampling and killing pedestrians that are too slow to avoid the massive trolley. Scalphunter intervenes and tries to tear the reins from Smith's hands but Smith punches him squarely on the jaw. Smith realizes that he is going too fast for the curves in the tracks ahead and the entire rig topples over and crashes into the street.
Smith and Scalphunter jump from the wreckage, ignoring the injured passengers, with Smith firing once again at the closing Union soldiers. They take off down the alleys with the soldiers on their tail, with Scalphunter calling Smith a madman. Smith agrees but says he is the contact available to the Blockade Breaker and if Scalphunter lays a hand on him again, Smith will put a bullet in his brain and to hell with the guns for Scalphunter's Confederate buddies. They jump a wall, losing the soldiers and make their way into the back door of a house.
The building they enter appears to be a meeting place for distinguished men, all leather and dark curtains. They are approached by a butler carrying drink service. The butler informs them that Mr. Thornton will be with them shortly. Smith helps himself to a nearby decanter while Scalphunter gazes into the flames in a nearby fireplace.
He thinks back to his recent conversation with President Abraham Lincoln who told him that the North could carry on the war for years with their industrial capabilities. The South however, relies on arms from other countries and without those weapons, the war would be over within a year. Ke-Woh-No-Tey replies that war is a thing of honor, a man must fight or he is not a man. Lincoln says that might be true for Brian's people, but for the White man, war is an ugly terrible thing.
Lincoln then lays out his plan for blockading all of the southern ports, but there are foreign powers that will deliver weapons to American ships in the mid-Atlantic, and these American ships will run through the blockades. There is one man called the Blockade Breaker who has gotten through fifteen times in the past year. If they can stop this man, it will be a major blow to the Confederacy. Scalphunter says he is not a sailor but Lincoln says according to their informant, the Blockade Breaker is expecting to meet an Indian who is arranging for a consignment of guns to be delivered by the British. A number of tribes have aligned with the South, dissatisfied with how the Union has treated them, the tribes have been promised better treatment by Jefferson Davis.
Lincoln says they have already intercepted this Indian contact and asks Ke-Woh-No-Tey if he will fill in as their spy. Scalphunter says he is asking help for the men who betray Scalphunter's people and force them from their land? Lincoln asks him to do it as a personal favor. Lincoln gives his word that Indians will be treated fairly after the war is over. The two men once more clasp hands, this time in agreement, rather than in contest.
Scalphunter's memories are interrupted by the arrival of Watson Thornton. Scalphunter asks if he is the Blockade Breaker and Thornton assure him he is not. Thornton is merely a go-between who will verify the payment but not collect it. Thornton explains that he is a munitions manufacturer and the longer the war continues, the richer he gets, no matter who wins. Thornton then asks Smith and Scalphunter to follow him and he will make the proper introductions.
A pouring rain has started as night has fallen and the three men make their way to a horse cab. They climb inside and through the rain and fog they make their way to the docks to a massive steam ship named The Sea Dragon. As they arrive a sailor starts shouting that no redskin is going to set foot on their deck. Thornton asks the sailor to calm down, surely the captain will explain. The Sailor starts brandishing a cargo hook and then catches a smile from Smith. The sailor shoves Scalphunter, telling him to get off the wharf. Scalphunter tells him not to touch him again and the sailor winds up and swings with the hook.
Scalphunter blocks the swing and delivers a hard right into the man's midsection. For some reason Scalphunter turns to see Smith smiling, enjoying the battle. The sailor retaliates, knocking Scalphunter to the dock, shoving the cargo hook closer....closer... until Scalphunter gets a knee underneath the man and flips him into the bay. Thornton rushes up asking if Scalphunter is unharmed. Smith tells Thornton to be quiet, Scalphunter isn't buying what they are selling. Smith tells Scalphunter to climb aboard and they will talk business. Scalphunter asks if the Blockade Breaker is on board.
To which Smith replies that the Captain of the The Sea Dragon is HIMSELF!!!!
Statistics for this issue
Men Killed by Scalphunter - Zero
Running Total - 101
Compared to Jonah Hex - 16th appearance and Scalphunter has 101 vs Jonah's 76
Scalps Taken - 0
Running Total - 14
Injuries - None
Timeline - One day and evening in August.
This one was pretty good. I liked seeing more interaction between Lincoln and Scalphunter and especially the way Scalphunter was surprised that some Indians were getting involved in the war. I also liked the reasoning that Lincoln used to honestly get Brian's help. Sadly, even in this universe, we'll never see what Lincoln could have done to keep his promise.
We get a good start to another tale of intrigue and spying with Scalphunter being even more out of his element. The trolley wreck was well done with the terror of the locals being vividly portrayed.
Also in this issue the letter column had a plea for more letters, having only gotten one letter for the prior issue. We also get a Wonder Woman Hostess ad (The Golden Treasure), an ad for the DC Comics newspaper strip by Pasko, Tuska and Colletta, giant edition of for the Superman Movie adaptation and a reprint of Superman #1, and Battlestar Galactica T-shirts.
Next Issue: A major whipping, a sea battle, a mutiny and a SEA OF BLOOD!!!
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