The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [226]
“Is there a problem, Colonel?”
Hamilton looked past him, a glance to the others.
“My apologies, sir. I did not intend to reveal…forgive me, sir. It is not my place.”
“Reveal what, Mr. Hamilton?”
The young man stood, made a short bow.
“I am ashamed to have written this, sir. It is an embarrassment that so many good officers have been given to a course of such inaction. This document, the decision of the council does honor to no one but a society of midwives.”
Behind him, he heard a small laugh from Greene, and he turned, saw the smile removed quickly from the man’s face.
“Mr. Hamilton, have this document distributed by the staff. I want signatures by tomorrow morning. You are excused.”
“Sir.”
Hamilton was gone, and Washington looked at Greene again.
“I do not require anyone to encourage my staff officers to offer such dissent.”
“Certainly not, sir. But may your major generals offer a dissenting opinion of their own? Colonel Hamilton is correct, even if somewhat indiscreet.”
Washington sat now, leaned out on the small desk.
“Is that all you came to say? I was aware of your disagreement in the council. What of you, Mr. Lafayette?”
“Sir, there is more at stake here than a poor decision. General Lee believes he knows what is best for this army, but he is mistaken, sir. I do not believe he has the best interests of our cause in his heart.”
“I will not hear such talk, Mr. Lafayette. No one has yet demonstrated that Charles Lee is anything but a loyal soldier in this army. I am aware he has not regarded you with particular respect. It is simply his nature.”
“This is not some cause of my own, sir. He claims that our troops should no longer be put at risk because the French will win the war for us. Do you believe this army should not be called upon to fight, that we sit passively and pray that King Louis provides us with sufficient strength?”
Washington had already made the argument in his mind, said, “I do not agree with Mr. Lee’s views. I was dismayed that so many of my senior officers do. But I cannot simply ignore what so many in my command feel is correct strategy.”
“Why not?”
The volume surprised him, and he looked at Greene, who repeated the words.
“Why not, sir? When did this command succumb to the practices of a democracy? What army functions by majority decision? Forgive me, sir, but I am dismayed that you would make unwise strategic decisions only to satisfy the greatest number of your subordinates. This is your command. This army has never failed to obey your orders, regardless of Charles Lee’s formidable presence.”
Silence filled the room, and Washington stared at Greene for a moment. Lafayette said, “I wish, sir, that a council of war had never been summoned. It serves no purpose other than to invite men to champion some plan which will give them the greatest personal advantage. I do not understand General Lee’s purpose, but I am certain his strategy is wrong. I stake my future in this, sir, that if we attack, we shall find every advantage.”
Greene said, “There may never be another opportunity for us. This is your command, and your decision.”
They were both staring at him, and he felt their confidence, was suddenly overwhelmed by affection for both men.
“You honor me with your loyalty and your faith, gentlemen. However, we can make no further decision until we know the enemy’s course. I have