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By Root 1269 0

FOLLOWED BY LAFAYETTE. THE Languedoc was the largest ship in d’Estaing’s fleet, a magnificent fighting fortress holding ninety guns. But her masts were shattered, the rigging still a tangled mess across the decks. Sailors worked in groups, men with knives, slicing ropes, others gathering what could be salvaged into great fat coils. He heard the sound of an axe, one man in the bow cutting through a spar, working to free some piece of rigging. From the plank, a passage had been cleared, and Greene followed the French escort down through a hatchway, short steep steps that dropped into darkness. He saw a flicker of light, a candle lighting the passageway. They moved toward the stern of the ship, and he could see sunlight, the grand quarters where d’Estaing waited for them. As they entered, Greene felt a grinding under his feet, broken glass, could see a pile of shattered china swept into one corner. D’Estaing was sitting in a tall red chair, facing away from them, staring toward the glow of light through a shattered window frame. The officer announced them, and d’Estaing turned the chair, glanced at both men, said, “My apologies for the condition of my office, gentlemen. I have instructed the crew to see first to our transport. The amenities of luxury may wait.”

Lafayette said, “I do not understand, Admiral. Transport?”

“We are in a precarious state here, Marquis. I do not know how many capable vessels the British may suddenly bring. I require that my ships make ready immediately. We must put into port for repair.”

Greene felt a nervous turn in his gut.

“Which port, Admiral?”

“Unless you are aware of some place that is better equipped to effect our needs, we will make for the port of Boston. We must set sail quickly.”

Lafayette stepped forward now, closer to d’Estaing.

“Admiral, General Sullivan awaits with great anticipation the arrival of your marines. There is still a fight to be made here, sir. With the additional strength, General Sullivan believes . . .”

“You may tell General Sullivan that the marines will remain on board the ships. They will accompany the fleet to Boston. Until I am certain what dangers await these ships, I will not release them.”

Lafayette looked at Greene with a glimmer of panic, and Greene said, “Admiral, General Lafayette and I have come here to provide the plan of attack as devised by General Sullivan and his command, myself included. The British forces here have nowhere to go, no escape. Alone, we do not have the strength to break their defenses. With your marines, we do. The matter could well be decided in two days. Only two days. That is all we ask.”

D’Estaing sniffed.

“General Greene, in two days’ time this bay could be a trap for my fleet. Admiral Howe is not a man to sail silently into the night. We do not know what resources he may draw upon in New York. I, however, have no resources at all but what you see here. I have already given the order. The ships in this fleet that are capable of sailing are already doing so. My king was explicit in his instructions, General. Should this fleet meet with any disaster, or should we be confronted by a superior British force, I am to seek safe refuge in Boston. I intend to follow the instructions of my king.” He looked at Lafayette. “Do you have any objections to that, Marquis?”

“Of course not, Admiral.”

“Well, then, gentlemen, I do not wish to be rude. But I must prepare this ship to sail and concern myself with the care of my fleet. Is that not in your best interest as well?”

Greene thought a moment, could feel Lafayette looking at him, silent caution. Don’t worry, young man, I’ll not destroy this alliance before it has begun. He said, “Admiral, my concern is for the men in my command, who must now face a formidable enemy without the assistance of our ally. I shall convey your message to General Sullivan. We shall eagerly await your return.”

AS THE LAST SHIPS SAILED OUT OF NARRAGANSETT BAY, THE REALIZATION that their French allies had abandoned them drained the fight from the militia. Within hours after word had spread, nearly three-fourths