The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [122]
Cornwallis was surprised at Howe’s tolerance of the dissent, but the protests were mild, respectful, and when the officers had run through their words, Howe said, “Your concerns are noted, gentlemen. I have no wish to impugn the reputation of General Burgoyne.”
Cornwallis saw frowns, thought, That’s exactly what you intended. He looked at the map again, tried to fathom the plan, but he couldn’t assemble it in his mind.
“Sir, forgive me. I am trying to understand. General Burgoyne must sail the length of Lake Champlain. He must thus attack Fort Ticonderoga, must then move his wagons and artillery across this terrain, here. That is a great deal of countryside.”
“Yes, General. You are stating the obvious.”
Cornwallis ignored the comment, continued, “Do we have the means . . . how is he to navigate the country?”
Howe jumped at the question, said, “He is to be guided by a thousand Indians! Marvelous! And to add to his movements, it is believed that the loyalists in the area will flock to his march as well, providing their own assistance. Can you imagine that, General? His Majesty’s good citizens marching side by side with the savages who torment them.”
Grey stood now, and Cornwallis saw anger on the man’s face, and Grey said, “Sir! I must protest! Do you deny that this plan could end this war?”
Howe glared at Grey.
“And what of us, General Grey? What of the soldiers in this army, who have given so much to the king’s service? We have suffered the agonies of war, vanquished our enemy, as we have been bloodied by him. I have repeatedly offered my own strategies to Lord Germain, and now I receive word of this ridiculous plan of action. Will General Burgoyne succeed? Possibly. Will it bring this war to a conclusion? I have my doubts. I have insisted to Lord Germain for months now that this rebellion will be crushed by the year’s end and that we can accomplish that from right here!” His words choked away, and Cornwallis saw red-faced anger, understood now. Of course, if Burgoyne ends the war, he reaps the rewards. That’s what this is about, after all. Howe had his composure again, and Cornwallis said, “Sir, if the purpose of this plan is to capture Albany, why cannot we pursue that goal from this direction? If General Burgoyne was to bring his forces to New York, is not a campaign in force up the Hudson River a more effective means of reaching that place? His army could join with the troops already here. The rebels could not possibly hold back such strength.”
Howe looked at him for a moment, and Cornwallis saw weariness. Howe said, “You are not a student of history, General. The route through New York has always come from Canada. The route southward through Lake Champlain has been consecrated by history. Lord Germain and His Majesty both appreciate that, General. We must adhere to tradition.”
Grey said, “General Cornwallis, the strategy is to blaze a chasm through the colony of New York that will divide the rebel effort. From what I have seen of General Burgoyne’s strategy, Albany is merely the junction. His army to ours. Certainly there will be a combining of forces.”
The enthusiasm that had filled him was gone, and Cornwallis looked at Howe, said, “We are to join him in Albany? Move our forces north?”
Howe said, “General Burgoyne anticipates that we will effect a junction with his army once he has captured Albany. I have no doubt that once we know him to have arrived there, we can move a portion of our strength upriver. We should have sufficient time to complete my own plans.”
The words were spoken with slow gravity, Howe watching them all for reaction.
“General Burgoyne is not the only man who has secured the approval of Lord Germain. I did not intend this meeting to focus entirely on Gentleman Johnny’s war. I am preparing orders for each of you. This army will soon