Charmaine

It's the name of Deaf Smith's horse in the miniseries Texas Rising.   Can't find a ref to the real life Deaf but it might be accurate.  Sometimes details are dealt with accurately.  Some are placed for dramatic effect and some fictionalized to 'make the story move'.


Deaf was one of the Founders of Texas, active in the Revolution and after until his death.  He fought in the Texian Army then formed a Ranger Company.


They say he was patriotic and resolute, a man of few words.  He was a loving family man and chivalrous to a fault.  And yes, he was hearing impaired.


There are many tales of cowboys and their horses.  Loyalty, trust, love was and is shared with equine friends.  Before this, American Indian, Mongols, knights and many more experienced similar relationships.  And quite a lot of horsemen and women today share this bond.


Charmaine carried Deaf from the Alamo to Gonzalez to his home.  She was with him in battle as well.  They patrolled in the Ranger Company.  It's hard to explain that closeness, but the cowboy and the horse helped and lived for each other.


There is a scene in Texas Rising where Charmaine takes Deaf into the Battle of San Jacinto.  Deaf suffered from what appeared to be TB.


Overcome from the exertion of fighting, mixed with the dust and gunsmoke, Deaf weakened and partially collapsed.  He held onto Charmaine by reins and saddlehorn as she dragged him far enough away and he collapsed.


A while later, Deaf came to, still weak.  He spied Charmaine, patiently waiting nearby.  He whistled and she came to him.


Deaf praised her and sadly found a vicious leg wound.  This was a death sentence for a horse.  He cried and made her to lie down next to him.


Deaf sobbed and talked to Charmaine, thanking her for being such a good friend.  He cradled her head and reached for his saddlebag, producing a pistol.


Choking on his words, Deaf said he was so sorry.  He asked Charmaine to wait for him and he shot her, ending her suffering.


Later on he indeed died of his tuberculosis.


I can imagine Charmaine standing tall and Deaf mounting her, riding into the sun.


I cried watching and thought myself of the love and sacrifice we make for Freedom.


Just a vignette, a moment which pieces into the mosaic of our lives.


I wish Love Devotion and Liberty to us all.