The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [224]
“Sir, there is nothing of mystery here. General Clinton is a man of considerable ability. The only possible explanation for his dallying march is the very result we see here tonight. With all respect, sir, you have fallen into his trap.”
Lee glanced around the room, seemed to appraise the response to his impertinence. Washington saw nods, many in agreement with Lee’s assessment, and Lee looked at him now with a confident smile.
“General Clinton is, at this very moment, sitting in his camp planning for our demise. He is hopeful that our bravado will carry us straight toward the points of his bayonets.”
Washington was becoming annoyed, fought to hide it, said, “May I assume then, Mr. Lee, that you believe the best strategy is to remain passive, allow the British to march unmolested to their destination?”
Lee laughed.
“Of course, sir! Was I not clear? A direct confrontation with the enemy at this time could prove to be a disaster, far worse than any we have previously suffered. To dare to confront such a well-disciplined army with the meager forces we have at hand is not only an invitation to destruction, but the height of arrogance!”
Washington felt a cold weight in his chest, his strength drained by Lee’s maddening certainty. He looked at the faces, saw a few frowns, even Lee’s supporters uncomfortable with the man’s bombast.
“Excuse me! I protest!” The voice was von Steuben’s, and Washington could see the man’s face reddened by anger. “We are…prepared! No one can suggest that this army is not capable!” The Prussian seemed to run out of words, his English failing him, swept away by his temper. Lafayette pulled himself up from his chair, said, “I agree with General von Steuben, sir. It would be a disgraceful display if we allowed the British to march unopposed across New Jersey. If there is danger in a direct confrontation, then we could send a sizable assault against their rear guard. It would be a minor risk, and could provide us with positive results.”
Washington could see the room dividing in their opinion, small discussions blossoming, the din now rising. He waited for a long moment, looked now at Greene, who sat silent, a hard scowl on the man’s face. The voices were growing quiet again, and Washington said, “There are alternatives before us. We may attack the enemy in strength, we may assault him with caution, or we may allow him to pass. Given the latter, we may assume a defensive posture such that the enemy may be tempted to assault us on ground of our own choosing.” He looked at Greene, who stared down to the floor, and Greene said slowly, “Clinton will not attack us. He did not abandon Philadelphia to go on the offensive. With the French now entering the war, he is returning to New York so they can prepare.”
“Of course, General Greene!” Lee nearly leapt at the man, his thin frame leaning close to Greene, who did not look at him. “The French are the key! Surely General Lafayette knows this! With a French fleet in our service, our victory is assured. There is no purpose to putting this army in danger. Our triumph will come to pass in due time! To suggest such a foolish risk is, dare I say, criminal!”
Washington could see Lafayette stirring in his chair, the young man absorbing Lee’s sarcasm at his rank. It was typical of Lee to dismiss the abilities of the foreign officers. Since his arrival at Valley Forge, Lee had seemed to make a particular show of disrespect for Lafayette. Washington believed it was because of the man’s youth, but he had heard the talk, that Lee had made a target of Lafayette simply because the young man was so close to Washington. Lafayette put his hand up, said, “Sir, with respect to General Lee, I propose we do not ignore opportunity when it is provided. I favor an assault, any assault that might provide us an advantage. We may never find this opportunity again. A force of perhaps fifteen hundred men could do considerable damage to the enemy, without significant risk to themselves.”
The voices began again, and Anthony Wayne spoke