The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [257]
Washington thought a moment, said, “We are suffering some difficulties at Mount Vernon. I can barely afford the cost of seed, of cloth. All manner of goods have become expensive beyond reason. Yet, all around Philadelphia I see abundance of supply, merchants with full shelves. Is there no sense of patriotism here? Would a man rather have a full storeroom than give help to his country? What kind of man has so little good conscience? You are the expert in such thing, Robert. What is to be done?”
“Bayonets.”
Morris continued to draw on the pipe, the smoke drifting into a cloud above him. Washington absorbed the word, saw a slight smile, said, “It is a poor joke, Robert.”
“Possibly. But, when the British army was around this city, the talk was survival, not profit. The war has disappeared from Philadelphia, and so, the threat has disappeared as well. One way to change that. Bring in a few more bayonets. Patriotism must sometimes be encouraged. Your Mr. Greene has been a master at stirring that pot. Perhaps he should be given an even freer hand, remind these people that there is more at stake than the value of the paper dollar.”
“That would not sit well with the congress, Robert. They protest enough that we have such a presence of troops here now. General Arnold’s command . . .” He stopped, saw Morris shake his head.
“General Arnold.”
“Is there a problem with Mr. Arnold of which I am not aware?”
Morris pulled at the pipe again, said, “Have you enjoyed all these feasts given in your honor?”
Washington was puzzled, said, “I have thought them to be somewhat excessive for my taste.”
“Under General Arnold’s command, this city has experienced a revival of excess and decadence that even General Howe would have found distasteful. It seems that Benedict Arnold has been captivated by his newly acquired wife, the former Miss Shippen. Peggy is a very young thing, who has a surprising maturity when it comes to her appreciation of . . . pampering. Forgive my lack of graciousness, George, but she has become somewhat legendary for her, um, gratefulness for those who provide her with life’s finer adornments. It seems not to matter to her that for a time, those baubles were provided by the British. Now, of course, she is provided for by General Arnold. In my humble estimation, her requirements have provided him with a full occupation.”
Washington said, “I have heard very little of this. There are always complaints about any commander who holds a senior post, especially one with the prestige of Philadelphia.”
“Just a word of advice, George. This is a place where corruption breeds.”
“I will be aware, certainly. If there is a new campaign soon, I will require my best field commanders close by. General Arnold is certainly that.”
“You anticipate a campaign soon?”
“I have learned that the British will defy my expectations at every turn. They have shown no sign of movement. It is possible that General Clinton is waiting for the French to show their intentions.”
Morris extinguished the pipe, tapped it on the table.
“I am concerned that King Louis considers us a low priority compared to his interests in the Caribbean. If the Newport affair is their best effort . . . God help us.”
Washington was surprised at Morris’ lack of faith, said, “It was the fault of one man. Admiral d’Estaing was not prepared to subordinate himself to an American commander. I must believe there will be a greater effort to work for a common goal. I have already taken steps to assist that process. Mr. Lafayette is on his way to France now. I have instructed him to use his influence to clarify our needs. He has proven himself to be a most worthy ally to my command, and to this nation.”
“Are you not concerned about time, George? I have no reason to doubt the young marquis’ abilities, but the British could strike out at any moment.”
Washington looked down at the table, put his hand flat on the smooth wood.
“The British have accommodated us before. Is it naÏve of me to have faith that they will do so again?”
Morris leaned forward, looked at Washington