Killer Angels, The - Michael Shaara [55]
"Not a one," Fremantle gloomed. "Nor a hollow square. You know, sir, we really ought to discuss that at length on some occasion. Provided this war lasts long enough, which most people seem to think it won't. You fellows seem to do well enough without it, I must say. But still, one likes to feel a certain security in these matters, which the square gives, do you see? One likes to know, that is, where everyone is, at given moments. Ah, but then-" he took a deep breath, tapped his chest-"there's always tomorrow. I gather you expect a bit of an adventure tomorrow."
Longstreet nodded.
"Well, I shall try to find a position of advantage. I will appreciate your advice, although of course if I'm ever in the way at all, you must feel free, I mean, one must not hamper operations. Don't spare my feelings, sir. But if you'll tell me where to stand."
"I will."
Fremantle whacked a mosquito. "Another victory today. When I am clear about it all I shall write it down. Expect you chaps are getting rather used to victory, what? Damn!"
He swatted another bug. "Must say, enormously impressive, this army. Yet the Federal fellas just keep on coming. Curious. I have a bit of difficulty, you know, understanding exactly why. Some time when there's time... but the war is ending, of course. I can feel that myself. That is the message I shall transmit to my people. No doubt of it."
He eyed Longstreet. Longstreet said nothing.
"Your General Lee is a wonder."
"Yes," Longstreet said.
"A thing one rarely sees." Fremantle paused. "Remarkable," he said. He was about to say something else but changed his mind.
"He holds this army together," Longstreet said.
"Strordnry dignity."
"Strordnry."
"I mean, one does not expect it. No offense, sir? But your General Lee is an English general, sir. Strordnry. He has gained some reputation, sir, as of course you know, but there is a tendency in Europe to, ah, think of Americans as, ah, somewhat behind the times, sometimes what, ah, how do I say this? One is on tricky ground here, but, sir, of course you understand, there are these cultural differences, a new land and all that. Yet, what I mean to say is, one did not expect General Lee."
"To be a gentleman," Longstreet said.
Fremantle squinted. After a moment he nodded. Longstreet was not offended.
Fremantle said wonderingly, "Sir, you cannot imagine the surprise. One hears all these stories of Indians and massacres and lean backwoodsmen with ten-foot rifles and rain dances and what not, and yet here, your officers..."He shook his head. "Strordnry. Why, do you know, your General Lee is even a member of the Church of England?"
"True."
"He has great forebears."
"Yes," Longstreet said.
"I have noticed, sir, that you are always in camp near him. I must say, sir, that I am touched."
"Well," Longstreet said.
"Ah." Fremantle sighed. "We have so many things in common, your country and mine. I earnestly hope we shall become allies. Yet I feel you do not need us.
But I must say, I am increasingly indebted to you for your hospitality."
"Our pleasure."
"Ah. Um." Fremantle cocked his head again. "One thing I'm very glad to see.
Your General Lee is a moralist, as are all true gentlemen, of course, but he respects minor vice, harmless vice, when he finds it in others. Now that's the mark of the true gentleman. That is what distinguishes the man so to me, aside from his military prowess, of course. The true gentleman has no vices, but he allows you your own. Ah." He patted a saddlebag. "By which I mean, sir, to get to the heart of the matter, that I have a flagon of brandy at your disposal, should the occasion arise."
"It undoubtedly will." Longstreet bowed. "Thank you."
"You may call on me, sir."
Longstreet smiled.
"A small weakness," Fremantle went on cheerily, "of which I am not proud, you understand. But one sees so little whisky in this army. Amazing."
"Lee's example. Jackson didn't drink either. Nor does Stuart."
Fremantle shook his head in wonder. "Oh, by the way, there's a story going around,