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By Root 1317 0

all along the Hudson River, it seemed clear that the rest of the summer would pass in a quiet stalemate. Washington’s spies were active in New York again, and the reports from Clinton’s headquarters showed that as a result of the brutal march from Philadelphia, the British strength had been reduced by nearly two thousand men. Half that number were casualties of either the fight or the heat around Monmouth Court House, but far worse for the British, the Hessians had deserted in astounding numbers, many slipping back toward the various German communities in Pennsylvania. Washington’s army was in comparably better condition, and the men welcomed the return to garrison life along the Hudson. With the British now completely off the mainland, the farmers had begun to supply the army again, Greene’s quartermaster staff finding a much warmer reception from farmers whose best customers were long gone.

Greene still held the official title of quartermaster, and had no direct command of his former division. The certainty of a quiet summer, and the renewed efficiency of the supply officers meant that Greene could feel comfortable asking Washington for some time with his family. With the march by Lafayette already under way, Greene had offered to serve in Rhode Island in whatever capacity the commanding general thought appropriate. Greene did not hide his desire to make a brief stop at his home along the way, and Washington would not object. Though Greene technically outranked Sullivan, he had readily accepted Sullivan’s command for this mission, would serve under Sullivan at the same level of authority as Lafayette. All three men understood that Greene’s presence was an asset. The Rhode Islander would certainly add spark to the willingness of his local militia to serve.

COVENTRY, RHODE ISLAND, JULY 30, 1778

Greene sent Major Hovey on his way, to report their arrival to Sullivan, with word that Greene would join him tomorrow. He had arrived at his home knowing that the stay would be brief, one night in his own bed. He had hoped to surprise her, but the sound of horses was unmistakable, and before he could climb down from the saddle, she was standing in the doorway.

She met him with the same teary smile that he had kissed at Valley Forge. He held her for a long moment, could tell from the softness that she had gained weight, the obvious sign of her pregnancy. Her letters had said very little of any difficulties, her attempt to put aside his concerns. But he was skeptical, could not remove the fear for her health until he could see for himself.

He held her out away from him, searching her face, some telltale glint in her eye of some ailment she would not disclose. She still smiled, and he felt the fears slipping away, her soft warmth filling the dark places in his mind. She began to pull at him, moving both of them inside the house. He closed the door, and she said, “Come. There is someone you must meet. The general must do his duty.”

He could see the humor in her face, and he gently wiped at the tears, said, “The general has remained outside. It is the father who has returned.”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and they eased slowly down the narrow hall. She stepped softly, and so he did the same, could not help the nervousness, his heart pounding. She led him to the small bedroom, stood aside.

“Go on in. She’s sleeping.”

He could not take his eyes from hers, saw the tears coming again, felt his own. He turned slowly into the room, saw a small wooden bed, moved closer, silent steps, sweat on his hands, the pounding in his chest driving an icy chill all through him. He leaned close, could hear the soft rhythm of the child’s quiet breathing. He felt suddenly huge, overpowering, a clumsy giant standing so close to such frail perfection. The floor beneath him creaked, and he backed away, would not disturb her, but it was too late. The sound jarred the toddler’s sleep, and she turned her head, made a long stretching yawn. She looked at him with wide blue eyes, seemed to study him, curious. Then she raised one hand, pointed