Gods and Generals - Jeff Shaara [49]
Lee knew the man wanted him to swing, to take a shot, and he stood still, said quietly, “Sir, may we pass?”
The man straightened up, looked at Lee with disappointment, then backed away. The others stood aside, and Lee sensed the mood clearly, the itch for a confrontation, and knew he must not give them one. The young corporal jumped down from the wagon, did not bring his rifle, and Lee nodded again to him, thinking, Good, good, leave it there, let them have it, the spoils of the fight. The corporal picked up his bags, and they moved with deliberate steps up into the hotel.
LEE WALKED back down into the busy street. He had changed, now wore civilian clothes. He moved quickly across, did not look into faces. He climbed the steps into his old headquarters, saw three men, civilians with red armbands, and no other men, no blue uniforms anywhere.
“Well, howdy, here’s another dandy! Something we can do for you, mister?”
“I was wondering if you men could tell me where I might find General Twiggs?”
The men laughed, short and without humor, and Lee suddenly felt very alone.
“Twiggs is gone, friend. He packed up and flew out of here this morning, he and his flock of blue birds.” The man made a raw laugh, and the others, enjoying the moment, joined in, one man slapping the other’s shoulder.
Lee had to know more, to find out, but knew these men would not show much patience.
“Is the army . . . gone? I have been away, just come from Fort Mason. May I be told what is happening?”
From behind, Lee saw another man, coming out of the office in the back, Twiggs’s old office. The man walked up beside the others, looked Lee over carefully, and Lee saw familiarity, recognition.
“You are Colonel Lee, are you not?”
Lee was relieved. The man seemed reasonable, he sensed some authority. “Yes, I am Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, formerly commanding the Second Regiment of Cavalry, Fort Mason. I would like to speak to General Twiggs, if that—”
“Colonel Lee, I am pleased to tell you that your kind General Twiggs has surrendered to the authority of the state of Texas. The state of Texas now controls all property formerly held by the United States Army. Including, I might add . . . you.”
So it was done. Lee felt a rising anger, felt his hands shake, and he clenched his fists. “Sir, I am not a participant in this . . . madness. The War Department has ordered me back. . . to leave here, to leave Texas. With your . . . permission, I will arrange for transport and be on my way. I am trusting in your good judgment, and your courtesy, not to prevent my leaving.”
“Colonel, the services of the United States Army are no longer required in Texas. You will leave immediately. However, your equipment, your weapons, your possessions, will remain the property of the state of Texas.”
Lee’s fists clenched harder, his nails dug into his palms. He spoke in a slow hiss, fought the urge to explode at this man. “I have no equipment. I have only my personal belongings, my clothes, books. Surely, you will—”
“Colonel, I have made myself clear. You will leave Texas immediately. You may keep the clothes you are wearing. There is nothing else to discuss.”
Lee looked at the others, who stood leaning against the desk, watching his moves. He thought, I have been given a chance to leave, to get out. They are in control, can do anything they want. Thank God for this one reasonable man.
He looked back to the man in charge, nodded, and backed slowly toward the door. As he turned toward the street, he felt the tightness in his fists and slowly spread them, loosening the clench. It was beyond his control, beyond sanity. There was nothing he could do but go home.
March 1861
HE STOPPED briefly in the hallway, waited, took a breath, then opened the heavy door and stepped into the dark outer office, meeting the gaze of Colonel Keyes. “Well, Colonel Lee, we have been expecting you. Tell me, how
was your experience in Texas? I understand you and General Twiggs performed an admirable job, a flawless surrender.