The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [32]
Franklin understood now, said, “An extraordinary courtesy, sir, but an unnecessary one. I don’t believe any of us considers himself to be at risk of being kidnapped by Lord Howe.”
Rutledge laughed, said, “A preposterous offer, sir. The honor of Lord Howe is well known. We do not come here with any fear of betrayal. Nonsense.”
Franklin could see relief on the officer’s face, thought, Well certainly, this wasn’t his choice. Being held by Foresdale’s men would likely be a more horrible duty than the man has ever endured. Franklin said, “You should certainly accompany us, sir. At the very least, it will demonstrate to Lord Howe that we have faith in his word, and his flag of truce.”
Adams moved toward the flatboat, the handful of sailors coming to life. He looked back toward Franklin, shrugged his shoulders.
“I suppose I agree. After all, one British officer would hardly be an adequate trade for three congressmen. The least he could have done is sent his brother.”
THE CONGRESS HAD DEBATED THE WISDOM OF SENDING ANY COMMITTEE to meet with Lord Howe, strong arguments made on both sides. When General Sullivan had arrived in Philadelphia to make his plea, he seemed not to understand that most of congress considered him utterly taken in by Howe’s assurances of his power to make any kind of real peace offering. Franklin had come away from the meetings and discussions with a new respect for Sullivan’s gullibility. It was especially demoralizing, since, of course, Sullivan was one of Washington’s most senior commanders. But the general had returned to captivity on Staten Island, fulfilling the terms of his temporary parole, full of the satisfaction that his service had possibly shortened the war.
In congress, there was a simple dilemma. If congress ignored Lord Howe’s offer of a meeting, they could be accused of casual disregard for the plight of their own army. The Tory element in the colonies could have made great cry, labeling the congress a mass of bloodthirsty rebels who passed up a clear opportunity for peace. That extreme view was no less ridiculous than the other, which was to send a committee that could be seen as weak and submissive, a defeated congress begging for mercy for their defeated army.
The meeting would be awkward for one other reason: Lord Howe requested that he not be required to accept the men of the committee as members of congress, since congress was not recognized by the king to be a legal body of a legal government. The men could only be received as individuals. Congress of course would not accept this, and the committee appointed was officially representing congress, whether the British saw it that way or not.
FRANKLIN WAS SURPRISED TO SEE LORD HOWE WAITING FOR THEM, standing with a cluster of British staff officers at formal attention as the boat slid alongside a narrow dock. Behind Howe, two lines of blue-coated Hessian soldiers lined a walkway that led up to a modest house. Franklin was helped from the boat, paused a moment to struggle with the stiffness again, disguised it by straightening his coat and appearing to wait for Adams and Rutledge to join him on the dock. He moved forward then, could see Howe smiling at him, the formality loosening. Howe came forward, held out a hand, said, “My dear Dr. Franklin! How good to see you again! It has been far too long!”
Franklin took the admiral’s hand, felt the grip slightly cold and boneless.
“How kind of your lordship to recall our meeting.”
“My sister sends her warmest affections, Doctor. She misses her games of chess with you.”
Franklin bristled at the ridiculous attempt at familiarity, thought, It is highly unlikely his sister knows of this meeting. It has only been confirmed for four days.
“Yes, well, your lordship must understand, at present there are other priorities.” Howe put on a look of concern, said, “And, I