Читать книгу Revolution An Uncommon Chronicle of the American War for Independence - Kenneth JD Samcoe - Страница 14

Washington

Cambridge, Massachusetts: July 4, 1775. George Washington is a tall, broad shouldered gentleman who carries himself very straight, in an aloof, almost aristocratic manor. His arms and legs are a little long for his body. His blue-grey eyes are set wide on his face, below a heavy brow. His hair is dark brown and he wears it in a cue or pigtail, when not hidden under a wig. His mouth is wide and seldom open, but rather deliberately closed over a pair of what seem to be wooden dentures.

General Washington assumed command of the militia surrounding Cambridge in a short, formal ceremony held at Harvard College on the 2^nd of this month. We met at the home of Harvard College president Samuel Langdon where General Washington has taken temporary residence.

General Washington, congratulations on your appointment.

Thank you, but congratulations should be made after we accomplish our goals.

And what are your goals, sir?

Our first priority is to establish a well trained, well equipped army.

In that light, it’s been said that General Gage might’ve eliminated your entire army if he let General Clinton press his attack beyond Bunker’s Hill.

King George might’ve lost another 1,000 men and officers in the attempt. General Clinton underestimates the bravery and determination of our people. The British command roughly 7,000 troops and we presently outnumber them two to one. General Gage might better serve his King by sailing out of Boston.

Some would argue that your militia didn’t exactly retreat from Bunker’s Hill, they fled for their lives.

The disaster at Bunker’s Hill was caused by a lack of leadership on the part of certain officers. The men who served under them broke rank because they were not commanded to stand and fight. Discipline was abandoned, but I would add there were many acts of courage on the field that day.

One of the complaints we hear from local citizens is that your militia fight more among themselves than they do the British.

Our officers have been informed we will not tolerate internal bickering or jealousies among themselves or the rank and file. We have all come to Cambridge for one purpose. We are here to wish General Gage and his army farewell and I have no doubt that if we act in unity, they will be persuaded to leave.

It’s been rumored that the militia retreated from Breed’s Hill because you are nearly out of gunpowder.

We have more than enough gunpowder. The defeat at Breed’s Hill was caused by logistic failure. Supplies were not sent up the lines in time.

What are your immediate objectives?

To prepare our army against attack.

Will you invade Boston?

We intend to fortify our positions, that’s all I care to comment on at this time.

Where do you think General Gage will go once you’ve persuaded him to leave Boston?

I would advise him to ship back to England.

It’s been rumored that he intends to capture New York City.

Then we will greet him there. Whoever controls the Hudson River and its tributaries has an advantage in supplying their armies. General Gage might very well move north into Canada and attempt to secure the Hudson from Lake Champlain.

What makes you think you can mold these men into a disciplined and unified army?

As I stated before, the men have proven they will rise to the occasion. They need officers capable of leading them. Congress is responsible for providing the officers and I have faith that Congress will be successful.

Some consider you a strict disciplinarian. Is that an accurate assessment?

I was trained in British military rules and codes of conduct written by officers who felt responsible for their men. The rules are based on saving lives and as long as I command, they will be enforced.

Congress provided you with regulations that appear more lenient than some of your rules. Won’t that be a problem?

Congress views the men who join militia as private citizens protecting their lives and property against a foreign enemy and they should be treated with deference. For instance, many are farmers and they must see to their planting and harvest. Their time and place of service should reflect those occasions. Congress also recognizes the absolute need for a standing army made up of men who enlist for the duration of the war. These are the soldiers who will make up the bulk of our army.

Many believe you have a critical shortage of qualified officers. Won’t your lack of experience make it nearly impossible to defeat the world’s best trained and most successful army?

It would be a mistake to consider us inexperienced. Many of our officers fought in the French and Indian wars. It would also be a mistake to underestimate our determination. Our country is being invaded. We have much to lose in this conflict, much more than our adversary.

Thank you, General Washington, for your time and your comments.

You’re most welcome.