The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [46]
Greene said, “If we are to rely on militia, men pulled away from the tenderness of their homes, given muskets, instructed to stand up to an experienced army . . . what kind of fight do we expect of them? These are men who will flee from their own shadows. Howe was determined to have New York. He intends to make winter quarters there, so I’m told. The Tories in the city were gleefully vocal on the subject. British flags are already appearing in every shopwindow.” He paused for a moment. “It is still possible we can burn the place. Without the city to make himself comfortable, Howe will have to keep moving, or build his camps, which could leave him at some disadvantage. It may be the best opportunity for us to strike at him.”
Washington shook his head, said, “No. Congress instructed me to hold the city at all hazards.” The words seemed to stick in his throat, and Washington knew what was coming.
“It seems you did not comply.”
Washington saw no humor, said, “No, but it was the very reason we attempted to make our stand there. I would never have allowed General Putnam to remain in the city, to place his division in such peril if the congress had not wished it. To have simply handed New York to General Howe without a fight would have had disastrous consequences for the country. As it is . . . the loss is incalculable.”
Greene sniffed.
“Congress. Is congress to fight this war? What do they know of battle? They expect one glorious fight, army facing army, like some childhood game. What strategy do they impart to you? Here’s your authority to make war. But, do it without harming anything of value, such as New York.”
Washington knew that Greene would speak his mind, would sometimes give in to the frustrations.
“Mr. Greene, the congress has expressed their confidence that we should not destroy New York because we will yet possess it again. Optimism is to be admired.”
“Yes, sir, I love a good optimist. New York is a fine city to be sure. But it’s just a city. It’s not an army, and it cannot do anything to win a war. Right now, it is a collection of houses and buildings that will serve to give shelter to the enemy. There is only one good course remaining. Burn it. If we come to possess it again, then we can rebuild it.”
Washington was feeling his own exhaustion, did not want to debate.
“Mr. Greene, if congress was to learn that we had destroyed New York of our own choice, the outcry would end this war, and not in the way we intend. If the people believe that the result of this war is the destruction of our most valued cities, then the sentiment for that war will disappear. I am aware that General Howe will make himself perfectly comfortable there, and I would do anything in my power to see that isn’t so. But I must still answer to congress, and the congress will have none of it. We cannot burn New York.” He paused, lowered his voice. “No matter how tempting the prospect.”
He could see Greene turning in the saddle, heard a small grunt.
“Are you all right, General?”
Greene rubbed his stomach, said, “It comes and goes. I could use some sleep.”
Behind them, the men still worked in the darkness, and Washington could hear low cursing and a quick profane response from the man’s sergeant. Greene said, “They’re going to be worn-out in the morning.”
Washington turned the horse, could see nothing but the faint reflection from the shovels.
“Not all of them. And we must make ready. We cannot depend on General Howe to delay any further. This army requires some advantage, something to give these men confidence. We had none of that today. This is an excellent place to make a stand. General Howe has shown very little inclination toward speed. He takes his victories one at a time, savors them, possibly even celebrates them. But his generals are in their camp right now, making their plan for tomorrow. They know we are here. They know they must bring the fight to us, and thus far we have given them no reason to hesitate. I believe he has made mistakes, that