Tempest at Dawn by James D. Best Read Free Book Online Page A

A noble
endeavor. My best wishes.”
    “ And what might those wishes be?”
Washington asked.
    “ My wishes? Oh my. Yes, well, I
suppose I … uh … yes … I, uh, wish you gentlemen great
success.”
    When the innkeeper recalled the incident for
friends, relatives, and customers, his answer would undoubtedly be
eloquent and coherent. He would tell everyone that the great
general George Washington had asked for his advice and that he had
responded with sage counsel.
    Washington betrayed nothing. Looking
genuinely interested, he said, “Success comes in many guises. Do
you support a strong federal government?”
    Now, the innkeeper looked nervous.
“Dear General, with deepest respect, I don’t think so. I, uh …
well, I work hard, all day and well into the night. Please excuse
me  sir, I don’t mean to be
impertinent  but taxes already
lighten my purse. A larger government will surely demand more
money. I see no benefit.”
    Washington looked like he was mulling over a
new concept. “Taxes are a congenital disease of government. The
country, however, suffers from many ills that I believe only a
strong federal government can cure.”
    “ Philadelphia seems unaffected by
these ills. People prosper, trade flourishes, and our vigorous
commerce supports many public works. In time, the rest of the
country will follow our lead.” Then, with a little stronger voice,
the innkeeper added, “Most of our problems emanate from
politicians. They already meddle too much.”
    Madison found the man’s newfound tongue
intriguing. His purse obviously held greater import than the risk
of offending the great hero of the Revolution.
    Washington looked contemplative. “You make
valid points, sir. I appreciate your forthrightness. Philadelphia,
however, is unique in its enviable position. The rest of the nation
won’t adopt your sound principles as long as state sovereignty
reigns uppermost. Your fine city may provide a radiant example, but
not a solution.”
    “ Dear General, I believe we can lead
the nation far better than New York. Move the nation’s capital from
that cow pasture to Philadelphia. We deserve no less. Only London
has a larger English-speaking population.”
    Washington bestowed upon the innkeeper a
thin smile as he stood to leave. “Thank you, sir, for your views.
Balancing the interests of our varied populace will present us with
a challenge.”
    With a slight bow, the innkeeper asked,
“Shall I present the bill?”
    “ Charge it to my quarters, please,”
Madison said, as he pushed away from the table.
    For the first time, the innkeeper turned his
attention to someone other than the general. “Of course, sir. James
Madison, correct?”
    “ Yes,” Madison said. “I’d be grateful
if you itemized the account.” Madison nodded to the innkeeper.
“Thank you, we had a wonderful evening.”
    Washington treated everyone with courtesy,
despite flaws in opinion or character. He seemed to like everyone
he encountered. Madison thought this a splendid attribute for a
politician, but it was one he didn’t share with the general. As he
said good night to his companions, he reminded himself to check the
bill carefully.

    After their group broke up, Madison headed
for his room. So many tavern guests had unobtrusively made their
way to the exit that the place suddenly seemed to have grown quiet.
He knew that some had left to visit one of Philadelphia’s notorious
bawdy houses, while others may have arranged late-night liaisons
with more respectable women. Madison’s passions drove him in a
different direction.
    His apartment was located on the third
floor. He bounded up the stairs two at a time. As he reached his
landing, an Argand lamp cast a bright glow down the hall. This
recent Swiss invention produced ten times the light of a
conventional whale oil lamp. Madison made a mental note to buy
several for Montpelier and another for Jefferson. This thought
reminded him that he wanted to write his friend a