The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [79]
He could see Howe thoroughly enjoying himself, and Howe said, “Excellent, when you acquire the taste. Enjoy, General.”
Cornwallis poked and prodded, knew he was being watched, cut a small sliver off the end, brought it to his mouth. Howe said, “General, we have been discussing the winter quarters. I believe it is best to have the Hessians remain here. We will establish outposts back through New Jersey, generally on the same route of our march, Princeton, Brunswick, and so forth.”
Cornwallis did not taste the meat in his mouth, stared at Howe, who frowned, said, “Is there a problem, General? Dinner not to your liking?”
He swallowed the meat, said, “No, sir, the meal is fine. Winter quarters? Are we not to pursue the enemy?”
Howe laughed, said, “Pursue whom? Where? Really now, General. In winter, one makes winter quarters. You are well aware there is no purpose served by attempting any march through winter conditions. The conditions here are far too severe for us to take the field. We currently occupy a string of towns that will provide us adequate shelter and a friendly environment. It would be foolish to move farther into unfamiliar terrain. I have decided to place Colonel Rall in command here, with Colonel von Donop down the river in Bordentown. General Grant will assume command at Brunswick, and you . . .” Howe paused, seemed to inflate, a knowing smile. “You, General, may make plans for a visit home. I believe that sort of thing is in order. You may accompany me to New York, and make preparations for a crossing.”
Cornwallis was stunned that Howe would have taken such notice of his sentiments.
“General Howe, I am grateful. I assure you, sir, I would return as rapidly as possible.”
“Of course, General. I consider the journey to be one of refreshment. I would request that you return after a stay of no more than a month, in time for us to resume this campaign at the appropriate time. I have already issued a dispatch to be sent to the ministry, advising Lord Germain that I do not feel there is the smallest prospect for finishing this matter before spring.”
THE BRITISH TROOPS WERE MARCHING EASTWARD, ON THE SAME muddy road that had brought them to the edge of Pennsylvania. Cornwallis stayed a while longer in the town, fought the urge to push himself quickly back to New York. He was already planning the time he would have with Jemima, but the army had no such luxury, and he would not parade his own privilege of a journey to England in front of the men who would keep to their posts in this dismal place. His duty was still in Trenton, seeing to the disposition of the defenses there, and he had already met with Rall, to offer the Hessian some last-minute instructions, ensure the man’s preparations for the security of his position. The shore of the Delaware River was, after all, the farthest post in a line that stretched all the way to New York. But Rall had been arrogant, even dismissive, seemed to be insulted that Cornwallis would question his judgment. It was a discussion that could do no one any good, and Cornwallis knew when to step away. Howe was right after all. Winter in this part of the colonies was a miserable affair, and nothing would be decided until spring. In the meantime, he could enjoy an all-too-brief visit with his family.
He climbed the horse, moved out past his staff, knew they would fall in line behind him. He followed the column out to the main road, the horse bouncing him unevenly, felt the rumble in his stomach, the Hessian delicacy not settling comfortably. Most of his men were well out on the road, the town occupied only by Hessians. He pushed the horse past another formation of blue coats, saw the familiar rigid salute from