The General's Christmas by C. Metzinger Read Free Book Online Page B

feel it
is my duty as one of the foremost leaders in the Continental Army,
and my duty as a patriot to tell you that I believe we will only
win this war if we make some changes."
    Harrison asked, "What kind of changes?"
    "You know about Washington's
defeats at New York, at White Plains, and his retreat down into New
Jersey. I'm afraid his constant lack of success is seriously
compromising the morale of the men. Many enlistments will expire at
the end of this month, and under the circumstances, I believe most
of them will leave. Washington has not been successful in any
battles because of his strategy. He makes a weak attempt to attack,
and then calls his men to retreat. He has been unwilling to
confront the enemy in a face-to-face battle. We cannot win a war
this way."
    Jefferson stood up and leaned upon the hearth
mantle, asking,
    "What do you suggest?"
    Gates looked at both men and said, "I've been
giving the matter serious consideration. I feel the best strategy
would be to send Washington south, to Savannah, and let him lead
the force there to contain the enemy in Charleston. I would take
his place in Pennsylvania with my army and his, and plan a full
attack on the enemy to drive them out of Philadelphia."
    Harrison and Jefferson
looked at one another, each searching for a clue as to his
thoughts.
    "You want us to remove General Washington
from his command?"
    Gates cleared his throat
nervously, "Now, don't misunderstand me, sirs, I have nothing
personal against the man. But I cannot stand aside and watch him
lead us to ruin. What this army needs is a commander who is not
afraid to make decisions and act upon them. I think I have proven
myself that kind of man by my recent victory in Saratoga. Can you
name one victory that Washington has had since he became Commander
in Chief? You can't consider Boston a victory because no shot was
ever fired; the enemy just evacuated the city when a hurricane and
Washington's cannon on the ridge of Dorchester Heights convinced
General Howe to retreat to Halifax."
    Jefferson and Harrison both stood fidgeting,
reluctant to reply. Finally Jefferson spoke quietly.
    "We don't doubt your ability
to lead men, General Gates, which is why we approved Washington's
request to promote you to General Adjutant. Your force is much
larger than Washington's at the present time. And making such a
change as you propose would require the involvement of all the
Congress, not just us two."
    "I understand completely,
sir," Gates acquiesced, "I am merely putting the idea forth for
your consideration. My hope is that you will bring my suggestion
before Congress when they next meet in January, and allow me to
speak to them about my plan and the advantages of appointing me
Commander in Chief."
    Jefferson stood with his
arms crossed, studying Horatio Gates. He couldn't help but wonder
if Gates' was really interested in advancing the American cause, or
only in advancing his own career.
    "We shall be happy to convey what you have
told us to the other members of Congress when we next convene,
General."
    Gates smiled with satisfaction and gave a
slight bow.
    "My humble gratitude is all I can offer," he
replied.
     

Chapter 8

    "There's the road to
Trenton!" one of the Jersey men shouted over the wind. In the dark
and blowing snow it was difficult to make out any sort of a road,
but when Washington considered the direction it led, he nodded in
agreement.
    The army turned south,
walking away from Bear Tavern and away from the biting northeastern
wind that had assaulted them since they left camp. Now it was at
their backs and they were no longer walking uphill. This road was
flatter, but the snow was deeper. They waded through drifts as high
as their knees while trying to keep their muskets and powder
dry.
    "Three miles to Birmingham,
Sir," General Greene said as he rode up next to Washington. He
continued, "Which means we should be there in about an hour and a
half if we don't have any more delays."
    Washington nodded in