The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [232]
“No, sir. We came across his aide up the road a ways. The man was scared out of his wits, settin’ alone in the dark. Said General Lee’s right up the hill there, this open field.”
“Very well. I will go alone now. You may remain here. Make yourself heard if there is any sign of trouble.”
“Yes, sir.”
He followed the man’s directions, the trees thinning, the ground rising to a starry sky. He saw Lee now, framed against the horizon. The man seemed aware of the voices in the road, sat upright on his horse. Lafayette moved up the hill, said aloud, “General Lee. It is Lafayette, sir.”
The response came from the dogs, a sudden cascade of barking. They were around him now, the horse dancing slightly, avoiding them. Lafayette rode close now, said, “Forgive the intrusion, sir. We were concerned about you.”
“Unnecessary. I required solitude. Only way for a man to think properly.”
“Yes, sir. You had summoned us . . . the commanders. There is concern about our plan for tomorrow.”
“You’re damned right there is concern. By morning, the entire British army will be sweeping down on us like a pack of wolves on a chicken coop. I have sent word to General Washington to expect an attack on this front. If we are not vigilant, they may catch us still in our beds!”
Lafayette could hear urgency in the man’s voice, tried to see his expression.
“You sent the general . . . you believe we are to be attacked?”
“Those are professionals out there, Mr. Lafayette! The very notion that your outrageous band of amateurs, these farmers, can dare to stand in the same field with the might of King George’s finest soldiers! The more I consider the arrogance . . . Washington, Greene, the rest of you! Tell me, General Lafayette, what do you know of the British army? What have you come here to do? You dare to hope that these militia will make some brave show? We cannot stand up to them on this ground or any other.”
He fought through the shock of Lee’s words, felt a hot burn on his face. He stared down through the darkness, said in a low voice, “Sir, we have . . . you have General Washington’s orders. We are to attack the British in the morning. Do you intend to carry out those orders?”
Lee’s voice burst out across the field. “How dare you question me! Certainly! I will follow the instructions I have been given!” He leaned closer, said, “Let me advise you, General Lafayette. I will bear no responsibility for the outcome. I have warned Washington, and I am warning you.”
NEAR MONMOUTH COURT HOUSE, JUNE 28, 1778
They began the march at three o’clock, none of the commanders having received orders as to their places on the field. By the first light, they could see the ground before them, deep, winding ravines, roadways cutting through on narrow causeways, curving stretches of high ground. Beyond the ravines were high rolling fields, and farther still, the small village, the main road cutting through small houses and the one large courthouse. He could see the vast field was alive with motion, that what had begun as the British march had been abruptly halted, vast formations of red-coated troops forming to receive them. He was surprised to see that the Americans, who had actually marched beyond the British position, were in position to cut off their march completely, turn the lead units back into their main body. He glassed the wide field with a rising excitement, thought, This is truly a . . . marvelous opportunity. With enough of a thrust, they may be driven completely away from this ground, with no escape but the way they have come. He looked to the west, the sky still dull gray. He knew Washington would be on the move already. If there is good fortune on this ground, General, you will arrive in time to confront disarray in the enemy lines. The result could be a perfect rout!
Several of the regiments had crossed over the last of the ravines, and the larger body of men was swarming