The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [40]
Clinton said, “I’ve heard nothing, and I don’t imagine the navy could drive a large force of rebels from those works. It’s a strong position, and they have a great many guns there. It is unlikely they will give up that position without a sharp fight.”
Cornwallis felt a stirring in his stomach, said, “Then, sir, should we not advance to the west, and do what we can to create some kind of barrier, especially on the main roads leading north? I have no doubt that General Vaughan is correct, and Washington will withdraw his forces to the only safe place they can gather, which is northward. Any rebel forces in the city can be easily cut off.”
Clinton stared grimly to the west, past the meadow where more of their troops continued to gather, more strength coming into their formations. In the river behind them, the flatboats were beginning to land again, returning with the first units of the main body of the army. Clinton still said nothing, and Cornwallis could see the familiar glare on his face. No one spoke, would wait for the senior commander, and finally Clinton said, “We have been instructed to await the arrival of the remainder of the army. We will not move from this vicinity until General Howe issues that order. The commanding general will not give that order until he feels we have the force to adequately crush the rebels, no matter in what direction they may be.” He looked at Cornwallis.
“General, do you understand?”
Cornwallis was surprised at the question.
“Certainly, sir.” He could see that Clinton wasn’t satisfied with his answer, and Clinton said, “Do you understand that we have been ordered to maintain our present position for the rest of this day? We are not to advance across Manhattan, we are not to make any move to cut off the rebels in the city, no matter how disadvantaged they may be. The commanding general will not make any further advances until he has what he feels is a force adequate to the task, until the . . . risk has been eliminated.”
Cornwallis understood now, Clinton was right. Howe was stopping again, would rest on the laurels of this one great victory, as though it was enough for one day. The report would be sent quickly to London, and the ministry would erupt with praise. For that reason alone, Howe would not take any kind of risk, not with the vast strength of the army still to be assembled on the shore. If it is a mistake, well, we do not know that yet. They are defeated certainly. But, again, we have allowed them to escape. The word dug into his mind, escape. How many times will we allow them to escape destruction? Surely General Howe understands that the war will continue as long as the rebels can make a fight, somewhere.
Clinton began to move away, his staff holding his horse for him. Cornwallis watched him climb up, and Clinton looked at him, said, “Best hurry, General. The war can wait. General Howe requires a hearty meal.”
7. WASHINGTON
SEPTEMBER 15, 1776
THE SOUNDS OF CANNON FIRE HAD BROUGHT HIM SOUTHWARD, HIS staff fighting to keep up with the pace of his horse. As he reached the Post Road, he could see smoke rising from the river, but not enough to cloud the tall masts of the British warships. When their bombardment had stopped, he could see them clearly, and the dull thunder was replaced by scattered bursts of musket fire. As he moved past other units of militia, the men who guarded the landings from the Harlem River southward, the order had been given for the men to move toward the sounds of the fight. Along the northern stretches of the East River shoreline, what earthworks had been dug were quickly abandoned. They all knew now: The fight had been at Kip’s Bay. From the west as well, near the Bloomingdale Road, men were advancing in support, some already reaching the crossroad where he stopped