The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [160]
Though Washington had been far less critical then many around the headquarters, he had never thought Gates particularly capable of command. But he could not openly question the accuracy of the reports from Gates, knew that his critics would jump on his doubts as a show of jealousy, pettiness toward the one commander in this army who might actually be succeeding.
He was still staring out toward the fires, tried to sweep the image of Gates from his mind. You cannot dwell on that which you cannot change. This is what is important, this ground, this camp, so many good men. Is there faith still, that I can lead them into another fight? There is a burden enough in being outfought by your enemies. But this command is under a siege of a different sort, from congress, from the successes of Mr. Gates. If he prevails, what shame and dishonor will these men suffer if they are outdone in every instance? This is not Europe, these are not men compelled to serve, we are not such an army that we do not feel these things. Will they continue to obey this command if I do not give them something in return?
OCTOBER 18, 1777
The report came first to Putnam’s command in the Hudson River Highlands, was sent by rider across New Jersey, ferried across the Delaware by the same crossing where nearly a year ago, Washington had had his finest hour. But no one spoke of Trenton anymore, few seemed to recall the triumph of Princeton. Old memories are replaced by fresh triumphs, and the army had a new cause for celebration, a new roster of heroes, a cheerful outburst for that other army, far to the north, and the man who led them. The place was in every conversation, its name repeated by every soldier, in letters home, reports to congress and the states, a place high up the Hudson River called Saratoga. Putnam’s report said that Gates had not only defeated Burgoyne’s army, but had captured the entire force and would negotiate its surrender.
Washington had ordered Knox to fire a thirteen-gun salute, and he issued his own congratulations to Gates’ efforts, posted the words throughout the camp, Let every face brighten, and every heart expand . . .
The details in the report were plain enough, but Washington had yet to hear any word from Gates himself, and despite the jubilation that rolled through his camp, Washington could not simply accept as fact the report that came by way of Israel Putnam, a man who was himself relying on information that had merely been passed along by courier. He held tight to his skepticism, knew that there was already the speculation that with Burgoyne eliminated, Gates would march south and join his army to Washington’s. The issue of who would assume overall command was already a hot topic in congress, and Washington knew that the rumors were drifting around his own headquarters as well, speculation that despite issues of rank, Gates would no longer serve as anyone’s subordinate.
Whether or not Gates saw himself as the new savior of the cause, Washington was still his commanding officer, and still felt entitled to the man’s report. After several days of complete silence, Washington lost all patience for waiting. At the end of October, he sent Alexander Hamilton on the long ride north, to visit Gates himself, the young man carrying Washington’s order for Gates to send a large percentage of his strength southward. Whether or not Gates would come himself, or even obey the order were concerns