The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [273]
Washington knew that Greene’s role as quartermaster had gone on for longer than either man had expected. But all he could offer Greene was a sounding board, and do what he could to deflect the high-volume complaints aimed at the man who was simply trying to do his job.
They passed by a battery, four twelve-pound cannon anchored deeply into the rocks. Washington halted the horse, looked for the officer in charge. He could see dark openings in the hillside itself, the mouths of small caves, convenient shelter from the oppressive heat. The gun crews emerged, men saluting him, one man raising his hat. He saw an officer, a surprised lieutenant, and the man scrambled up the rocks toward him, said breathlessly, “Good day, sir! And General Greene! My apologies. We were not expecting you.”
The man seemed more annoyed than apologetic, and Washington said, “Don’t be concerned, Lieutenant. Just passing by. Your guns appear to be in good order. Fine work.”
“Thank you, sir! We would be honored if you would call upon us to join with General Lee’s command.”
Washington was baffled, glanced at Greene, who shared the look.
“Of what do you speak, Lieutenant?”
“The Carolinas, sir. I have relations in southern Virginia. I am honored to defend their homes, sir. General Lee will give the British no quarter, that’s for certain!”
Greene leaned forward in the saddle, said, “Charles Lee?”
“Yes, sir. The word is, he’s been ordered to command again, to march to North Carolina.”
Washington shook his head.
“The word indeed. Lieutenant, your enthusiasm is appreciated. However, Charles Lee is no longer a part of this army. Unless I an mistaken, he has returned to his home in Virginia.”
“But, sir . . . the word is . . .”
“The word is wrong, Lieutenant.”
Greene’s short temper was betraying him, and Washington put a hand out, a silent restraint.
“General Greene is quite correct, Lieutenant. It would do a service to your men, and to this entire command if these rumors were stopped.”
The man seemed crestfallen.
“As you wish, sir.”
Washington could not just ride away, felt an odd sense of affection for a man who was still so eager to serve.
“What is your name, Lieutenant?”
“Johnson, sir. Irvine Johnson.”
“Mr. Johnson, there will no doubt be further rumors on our plans for the Carolinas. By now, there should be no need for secrecy.” He looked at Greene. “I was going to tell you on this ride, General. Now is as good a time. The congress has indeed made their selection for that command. This is not a rumor, Mr. Johnson, and you may tell anyone that you heard this from me. General Gates will soon be in North Carolina, and he will be organizing an army to confront the enemy.”
He could feel Greene’s silent amazement, thought, We should move away. He will certainly have something indiscreet to say. Johnson was smiling now, said, “Thank you for your confidence, sir. That is good news indeed. The hero of Saratoga himself! Thank you, sir!”
“Good day, Mr. Johnson. Man your guns well.”
The man stiffened, saluted.
“Sir! God bless you, sir. God bless General Gates!”
Washington turned the horse, saw Greene staring at him with an open mouth.
“Let’s ride, Mr. Greene.”
They rode in thick silence, and Washington was relieved that Greene held his words, waited until they were clear of any troops. He heard a long exhale, and Greene said, “I had some suspicions Gates would go there. Too many in the congress still believe he is our Zeus. How could