A Cold, Bleak Hill

A Cold, Bleak Hill: Volume 5

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2001
Pages:           554
Number of Chapters: 33

Volume 5 spans 18 months: Jan 1777-July 1778

Chapter 1

We begin with some review (in case the reader forgot or hasn't read the previous volumes). It is January, 1777 and George Washington has just taken Princeton (thx Alexander Hamilton!). Now he must decide where to winter. He'll go to Morristown. Jump forward five months to May, 1777, and Washington assembles his officers to discuss what the British will do and how to prepare for Burgoyne and Howe's invasions (don't worry, Burgoyne will fail). Now it's early July, 1777, and a young, fresh-faced boy from Boston is eager to join the army and be a hero, until he offends a quick-tempered Irishman and gets knocked senseless. Now Caleb works every evening with a homemade punching bag until the sweat rolls off him, under the careful tuteladge of (he IS from England) Charles Dorman. We get his POV as he recalls his own dark, depressing childhood: orphaned as a baby by his unwed teenage mom, raised in charity, beaten, abused, neglected, he joined the Navy and became a prizefighter which led to his immigration to America. Inspired by the predominating spirit of freedom, this never married (come on, REALLY?) good man sees Caleb as someone he can be a father figure to (and that's it!).
July 1777, Middlebrook, where Washington meets, for the first time, a nineteen year old Frenchman, newly married, well educated, with enough money to last three lifetimes who has dedicated himself to the American cause of liberty-Marie Joseph Paul Yves Rock Gilbert du Morier de Lafayette. (While Alexander Hamilton shows him into Washington's office, he was NOT the one responsible for their formal introduction. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were!). Washington immediately makes Lafayette one of his generals (he has military experience) and this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Side note: On page 36 we are told the Dunson family are members of the Congregationalist faith. 

Chapter 2

Some background on British General William Howe and his campaign to subdue the Americans whom he greatly admires while the reader may remember from Vol. 3 chapter 11 that Howe is enjoying an affair with a married woman. He assembles his Generals to discuss what they can do to help Burgoyne in taking Fort Ticonderoga while keeping an eye on Washington who has a network of spies, mostly washerwomen working for the British, who keep Washington informed of their movements. Washington knows he must keep the British from invading and occupying Philadelphia where the Continental Congress currently meets.

Chapter 3
July 1777
Caleb carries a spear (no money for extra muskets, thanks to stingy Congress!) and marches with the other men who grumble about the confusion. Nobody knows exactly where Washington plans to engage Howe. One day, French muskets arrive and Caleb gets one, remarking on the quality of the weapon as his father was a respected gunsmith and Caleb often helped him in his work. He's moving up, both in soldiering and working with Dorman. More days pass of marching, making camp and wood duty where one man gets bit by a rattlesnake. Caleb, ever the budding writer, obtains paper and pencil to document the incident.

Chapter 4
A sergeant tells Caleb the army needs men who can read and write and would Caleb like the job of keeping "camp minutes" in the orderly book? Caleb refuses but later accepts. Meanwhile, the British are cowering out on the water and everyone is on edge for the next battle, if it ever comes. They wander like Arabs up and down the New England coast while Howe stays in his boats and won't come ashore to engage them. Washington is baffled.

Chapter 5
Mary Flint is remembering her past (for the reader's benefit). Only two dying men remain in the hospital at Morristown. One is just a boy and he dies in Mary's arms. The new doctor in charge is Dr. Folsom and to him, Mary spills all (more exposition): widowed, no family, denied the money left to her by the kind British doctor. All she has to do is say the name, "Eli" and Dr. Folsom knows she has feelings for this man.

Chapter 6
August 1777
Howe's army has been stuck on those ships for 47 days and Washington can't understand why Howe won't stop somewhere and challenge them. His patrols report no change. Washington orders Hamilton to assemble his Generals for a war council anyway. They will be prepared. Caleb and Dorman spar with each other. Caleb improves everyday.

Chapter 7
Howe finally gives an order to go ashore and take Philadelphia. His troops are starving. They burn and loot on the way. Alexander Hamilton announces the arrival of the other Generals who report this activity. Washington will take his army in that direction to protect their capital city.

Chapter 8
September 1777
With no idea of their mutual connection to Billy Weems, Mary and Caleb help bury a soldier who died of smallpox and had to be buried immediately to avoid outbreak. They are camped near Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania. The sun is rising on Washington's camp when a messenger arrives-the British are coming! Alexander Hamilton grins at the news as Washington orders everyone to start organizing themselves to meet Howe.

Chapter 9
Howe and his Generals plan their attack. It's a short chapter.

Chapter 10
September 1777
This is a true story about Thomas Cheyney: a happily married farmer who lives in the Brandywine Creek area with his wife and four children. Worried about British vandalism and confiscation of their food and livestock, Thomas and his oldest son are harvesting their wheat crop when the British appear on the horizon. Thomas sends his family into the woods to hide, then rides to warn all his neighbors, continuing on to where Washington is camped with his troops. Despite his brave actions, British did raid and loot many farms in that area.

Chapter 11
The waiting is finally over and the Battle of Brandywine Creek commences. Caleb sees death for the first time. Thomas Chayney rides in with news of where British are and which direction they're headed. Washington issues orders to his men via Alexander Hamilton who makes several trips back and forth, repeating Washington's verbal orders to his Generals but it's too late. The British attack. Caleb is caught up in the retreat until Washington rides in to rally his men. Lafayette is also leading a charge against the British. They fight and fall back courageously. British win but the Americans will engage again, soon.

Chapter 12
Nightmares plague Caleb from the recent battle. Dorman shakes him awake and they talk some more about revenge and killing. They spar to help Caleb get his mind off his PTS till dusk. Caleb writes home. Next day they march.
A few days later, in the middle of the night, one of General Howe's divisions charge the New York Ninth camp as they sleep out in the open, stabbing them all with bayonets. All except Caleb who escapes with a superficial wound. Still unseen he swims the Schuylkill River and runs to tell George Washington, personally. Alexander Hamilton admits Private Caleb Dunson and stays to hear Caleb's story. Washington tells Hamilton to take Caleb and find his superior officer to confirm Caleb's report. Hamilton returns and says it's all true, there WAS a massacre.

Chapter 13
Howe takes Philadelphia without a single shot fired. He successfully tricked Washington into thinking he was marching to Reading, Pennsylvania to seize the American stores of supplies for the army. To celebrate his easy victory, Howe orders Joshua Loring to come on down to the city of Philadelphia. Oh, and be sure to bring your wife, Elizabeth.

Chapter 14
October 1777
Washington orders a war council which includes such non-commissioned officers as Caleb Dunson, Alexander Hamilton and fellow aide John Laurens who also sit in on the council. Lafyette is not there, injured at Brandywine, currently recovering. All are glad to hear it. Howe has split his army with a smaller force stationed at a place called Germantown which they will attack and thus regain some much needed morale. To prepare, volunteers are needed to scout the woods, locate the British and report back. Caleb agrees to go since his training with Dorman has prepared him for this kind of spy work. An old woodsman, also named Caleb, last name Pryor will be the leader. He promises to look after Caleb.
Like Billy and Eli, the two Calebs move, Indian-like, through the forest at night, find the British camp and return to report to a stuck up snob named Captain Furniss. Caleb exits the tent, blowing air when he's struck dumb by one of the camp doctors who just happens to be accompanied by the most beautiful young woman Caleb ever saw in his life. She has auburn hair and green eyes and her name is Nancy Fremont. They talk while the doctor is inside the tent with Captain Furniss discussing a recent medical outbreak. Nancy is Caleb's age and learning to be a nurse.
Pryor and Caleb return to the woods to help the army get revenge for the earlier Ch. 12 massacre. There's a chaotic battle as the British retreat from the advancing Americans but heavy fog creates confusion and the British end up the victors at the Battle of Germantown.

Chapter 15
November 1777
It's getting cold. Billy is returning from his long trip North where he left Eli newly reunited with his sister and her little family. He asks a German farmer in Pennsylvania for directions to Washington's camp who gives Billy food and lodgings for the night as well as some warm clothes. Billy is grateful.

Chapter 16
Our favorite Sergeant Turlock is delighted to see Billy again after his long absence, glad to hear Eli found his sister and informs Billy that Mary is here and is sweet on Eli. Billy says Eli returns those feelings. The two men catch up on news which the reader should already be familiar with from the last book.

Chapter 17
Politics and gridlock by Congress frustrate Washington as to the best course of action he should take to establish winter quarters for his already starving, freezing, army. He consults, privately, with Colonel John Laurens and (Washington's "right-hand man!") Alexander Hamilton. Both men reflect just how often they've seen this great commander in chief weeping and praying over the state of his suffering army. As for the decision on where to winter, Washington has decided on a place called Valley Forge. His aides concur. Things are also not good on the political side of this war. Most of the original members of the Continental Congress who chose Washington to lead the newly formed army have left, replaced by those who don't like Washington. This includes certain men currently serving under Washington (General Gates) who are working secretly to try and overthrow him. Their recent Germantown loss only adds fuel to this fire.
The good news is, Hamilton says, Billy Weems has returned from his scouting expedition and will be ready to make his report first thing tomorrow morning.

Chapter 18
December 1777
Meet Lydia Darragh, an old Quaker woman living in British occupied Philadelphia who have taken over her home to hold their war council meetings and forced Lydia to cook and serve them their meals. Today, she just happens to overhear some vital information that could destroy George Washington and his army-Howe has given orders for these Generals to march on Washington's camp in a surprise attack and totally annihilate them. This should successfully end the war.
Horrified, this brave older woman tells no one, not even her husband, until the following day when she leaves the city, getting past the guards by telling them she's going to buy flour for the important British general staying in her home. They let her pass. Lydia gets the heavy sack of flour and, with a prayer in her heart, by a miracle, a Philadelphia man on a horse happens to ride by whom she recognizes. A man she knows is currently serving under General Washington. She gives him the message which he promises to relay.
Next Lydia goes to a nearby tavern where, by another miracle, a man spying for Washington talks to her and she spontaneously confides in him. He too promises to pass this critical information on to Washington. This is a true story and Lydia Darragh's actions likely saved Washington's army.

Chapter 19
Welcome to Valley Forge where General Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the entire Continental army have resorted to eating their horses! There is literally nothing to sustain and shelter a starving army here in this valley: no supplies, no local farms or farmers who will give them aid. The entire area consists of just a few small buildings, scattered farms and log huts. The good news is there's plenty of trees and open fields for the men to camp. All out in the open of course.
Washington orders his army to form groups/teams/squads of twelve men each and begin building shelters. To boost morale, a competition is declared; the first team to complete their shelter wins the purse of money from Washington's own pocket. Billy and Turlock know their team is up to the challenge and everyone gets to work.

Chapter 20
Yay, Eli's here! Back from his visit where he left his sister in good health. He finds Billy and Turlock and helps them finish completing their shelter while his friends catch him up on all the news, including Mary who hasn't arrived yet. Eli reports to Washington. Hamilton sits in, observing and silently reacting (Hasn't anyone ever taught this man to salute?). Washington's hut is just as crude as the rest of his men. No indoor fire pit. The only form of smoke in the room is their breath. Eli is the healthiest man in the entire camp as well as the most warmly dressed in a wolf-skin coat he made himself. He's alarmed seeing the state of conditions around him since his arrival. Washington shares his frustration. He's already written a letter to congress. Eli will deliver it.

Chapter 21
Mary and Dr. Folsom arrive at Valley Forge and set up a crude hospital in an abandoned barn. Eli is returning from New York where Congress currently meets since getting kicked out of Philly (they evacuated safely before British arrived). A group of well fed men on horses meet Eli and request to ride with him to Valley Forge but Eli is suspicious. He draws his rifle and when the men refuse to answer his questions he disarms them sending all but one running into the woods. True to his nature, Eli calmly leads their horses and his latest prisoner, who is a robber. It was common back then to pose as a loyal Washington patriot and take advantage of innocent travelers. Washington is pleased. Hamilton runs for back up as the prisoner threatens to bolt while Eli has only to flash his tomahawk and the man restrains himself. Washington gives orders to locate, if possible, the owners of the six stolen horses. If no reports have been filed, the army can certainly use them.
Immediately following his conference with the General, Eli wastes no time locating Mary where these two FINALLY get their sweet reunion; hugging before Mary take the initiative by impulsively kissing Eli right on the mouth! Eli returns the kiss.

Chapter 22
January 1778
Caleb takes his turn in the two hour picket rotation at midnight in below freezing temperatures. Most men have no shoes. Caleb's hut shares one threadbare coat. Caleb stands on the burlap sack, the only protection their bare feet have from the snowy, frozen ground. Caleb's own shoes are holding up but he suffers from starvation along with the rest of the army. Luckily, his new girlfriend Nancy has been coming to visit, bringing him hot tea or thin, watery soup while he stands guard at his post. Like Liesl and Rolf from The Sound of Music, Nancy asks Caleb to "write her a letter" which he promises to do. Next day, it occurs to Caleb that Billy Weems is probably here somewhere too. He should try to find him, Billy might have news about home as Caleb has neglected to write since he ran away. (Shame on you Caleb!)

Chapter 23
Nothing but moldy flour and water to make "firecakes" to eat. Billy helps a man write to his wife and family, a real letter the author included as an example of how valued education was back then. Eli visits Mary in the house donated to Dr. Folsom and his staff so their hospital conditions have slightly improved since he last saw her but Mary is troubled by the lack of food and medicine for these poor, dying men. She worries for Eli who is leaving to scout for Washington. Eli lifts her chin, reassuring her that he'll be just fine and makes her promise to take care of herself-he's not liking the sound of that persistent cough. Mary blushes and changes the subject to Eli's coat, the envy of every man in camp. Eli grins and tells Mary when he gets back, he'll make her one.

Chapter 24
February 1778
Eli returns from his scouting trip for food, as Washington requested. Hamilton and Laurens are also allowed to sit in on this meeting. Washington's been granted permission by Congress to seize anything usable from outlaying farms and villages. Plenty of food and supplies out there, only one problem, says Eli, no means to transport it back to their camp while the locals would rather sell to the British who offer better prices. (They only take British money, so sing a song of sixpence.) This is why everyone in Washington's camp is starving. Food is so close but they have no way to get it. The winter roads are also impassable. They might as well be trapped. 

Chapter 25
Martha "Lady Washington" arrives to lift everyone's spirits. Washington managed to establish new headquarters in a local house where he can properly receive guests. Alexander Hamilton escorts the General's Lady around the camp. (Did she really name her feral tomcat after him?) A widow who married George Washington at age 27 (thx Wiki) they are both now in their late 40's. This elect lady gets right to work visiting and administering to the sick. She requests her husband to send for flour and other supplies and gets right to work making soup and baking several loaves of bread which she personally delivers to the hospital (she was appalled at the conditions and the declining health of Mary Flint the day before). Mary helps her distribute the bounty. They visit a soldier and his wife as he lay sick and dying; Lady Washington prays over him. True story.

Chapter 26
Nancy visits Caleb in the middle of another freezing winter night as she's been doing for weeks as he takes his nightly picket rotation. She brings beef broth tonight. They talk about the future of Washington's army and Caleb shares what he's been recording in the orderly book. She gives him a letter in answer to the one he agreed to write her. He takes her in his arms and she kisses him back.
Nancy takes her leave and as soon as the early morning dawn provides sufficient light, Caleb rips it open. Nothing earth shattering in Nancy's letter-"My dearest, Caleb. I think about you all the time. How I long for this war to be over so we can be together always. I'm so proud of you...ect." and Caleb isn't cold anymore.
There's a new arrival in camp. Baron von Steuben from Germany, a true war hero who served under Frederick the Great. He's come to America with an interpreter to throw his lot in with General Washington and his army. Ben Franklin was influential in sending him over.

Chapter 27
February 1778
A rifle shot in the night awakens Caleb and the others in their hut. A picket confronted a suspicious man and shot him, wounding him in the leg. Caleb helps bring the man inside their hut for questioning. They strip him and find a note in the toe of his boot that looks like a coded message: "Wheat winnowed. Ready for grinding. Signed, Nathan Ferguson." Poor Caleb. He recognizes the "N" and "F" as Nancy's elegant handwriting. He compares this note with the letter she gave him the other night. They are the same. His girlfriend is a SPY! Turns out she's English, (Narrative never once mentioned if Nancy had an accent. We just assumed she was American; good job, Ron Carter!) but she DID like Caleb, even found herself falling in love with him. Caleb speaks to his superior officer on her behalf pleading for the lightest sentence possible. Nancy will be sent back to England instead of being hung as a traitor and a spy.

Chapter 28
Eli wakes Billy for his picket rotation. His own watch done, he's off to hunt a wolf for Mary's coat. He kills two and shares the carcasses with his starving friends who devour it and boil the bones for good measure. 
Baron von Steuben speaks frankly and openly to George Washington about the state of his army-it all sucks (hearing this, the eyebrows of Hamilton and Laurens nearly hit the ceiling) but he also proposes some helpful solutions. He will begin immediately to train these ragtags into a real, disciplined, morally strong, ready to fight army of soldiers. His secret? By explaining to these simple men the reasons why they are being made to learn and do these rigorous training exercises, they will obey. Washington thanks him, giving him full authority to carry out his plan and he is dismissed. Next item of business: Caleb and his superior officer are brought in to report on the discovery of the spy network in the camp. Private Dunson shows his brave and noble character for a boy of just seventeen; ready to sacrifice his puppy love for the good of the Revolution. Washington and his aides are silently impressed.

Chapter 29
April 1778
Eli discovers the spring fish, called Shad, are running and sounds the alarm for everyone to get to the Schuylkill river and catch them. Washington's army is saved from starvation-true story. The next day, orders for each regiment are issued-two men will report to the Baron to begin his military training lessons which they will then return and teach their own companies. Alexander Hamilton provided input into this new manual of arms and drill written by the Baron which someone else translated for both so they could exchange notes. 
Billy and Caleb finally run into each other and there's a good reunion. Billy invites Caleb to come to his hut so they can catch up.

Chapter 30
May 1778
Drilling continues under the stern eye of Baron von Steuben. Some men grumble about the Baron's new rule forbidding card playing and gambling. Washington, who enjoys a good game of whist himself, sets the example by telling Alexander Hamilton to destroy his own deck of cards. Hamilton also has good news. (Ev'ryone give it up for America's favorite fighting Frenchman!) Thanks to Lafayette, France has recognized them as free and independent states in a newly signed treaty. They are sending help in the form of a ship filled with armed men to aid them against their common enemy. Food has been acquired and just arrived. Washington tells Hamilton to supervise fair distribution among all the companies. Another item of business: one of Washington's Major Generals, Charles Lee, (I'm a General. Whee!) one of the British POWs recently exchanged will be arriving in camp today. Lady Washington has prepared a banquet to welcome him. 
Morale is up. The Baron is very proud of his new soldiers who have accepted him as one of their own. Their marching formation is perfect. They move and respond as one. They are ready. The Baron makes a funny joke about celebrating the end of their training with a banquet-sans pants-because every pair is worn so thin they might as well be wearing nothing at all!

Chapter 31
June 1778
Billy writes a long letter to his mother which includes the news of finding Caleb and the hard winter everyone experienced here in Valley Forge. Washington meets in a war council. They are ready and the time is ripe to engage the British. 
Caleb is finishing up his final days of training. Everyone is in a good mood. The weather is warm and they've become a stronger, better army. Then, up steps that Irishman, Conlin Murphy, who beat Caleb to a pulp on his very first day in the army last summer but thanks to Dorman, who is right there to observe notes to himself that Celeb is more than ready to step up and take on the bigger man. Caleb defeats Murphy, knocking him out with a solid blow to the jaw after breaking his nose. As men run for the doctor, Caleb does the Christian thing, washing the bully's face and staying with him until the medical team arrives. Murphy and Caleb have little to say to each other but later that night, by the campfire, Dorman and Caleb talk about being a bully and when to walk away from a fight.
Billy finds Eli wringing his hands over Mary. He LOVES her. He wants to MARRY her but fears it would never work. He's an introverted loner, a half-woodsman raised by Indians. She's a cultured city gal from a wealthy family. Billy and Turlock both hit Eli over the head with this good advice, "Why don't you just go talk to her (you idiot)?" So Eli does and Mary reassures him-if you love me that would be enough (look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now). They will get married and the honeymoon will be the trip north by canoe and on foot to Eli's sister's place where Eli is sure Mary will be more than welcomed into the family and be allowed to stay. Mary agrees to the plans.
But first, there's a battle that needs to be fought with the British. Billy and Turlock are happy for their friend. See you on the other side of the war.

Chapter 32
Dressed in his beaded, buckskin hunting shirt, leggings and moccasins, Eli reports to General Washington with Alexander Hamilton sitting in, as usual. Eli confirms the British are vulnerable to attack as they plan to move to Staten Island in New York which Washington wants to prevent. General Lee and his troops are already in position at Monmouth with strict written orders to engage the British and stop them from crossing the Harbor waters to Staten Island.
Washington sends Hamilton, Henry Knox and Eli to find out what's going on as Lee should've started his attack by now. Boom goes the cannon but no sounds of musket fire. The three scouts come galloping back to report Lee is in FULL RETREAT. An incredulous Washington mounts his white mare and rides to investigate. Washington, Von Stuben and another general (Not Lafayette) stop the men and organize them into two groups to take up defensive positions and attack. Thanks to the Baron's rigorous winter training at Valley Forge, they succeed.
Washington turns and nearly runs over a very confused and befuddled looking General Lee. (What are you doing, Lee? Get back on your feet!) Still caught up in his own bravado, Lee argues he received the wrong message from one of his scouts and felt the best order was retreat. Besides, HE never liked the Monmouth plan, HE thought they should attack Pittsburgh instead. 
Washington vents his righteous wrath against this man using language that would make a sailor blush. (But there's so many of them! I'm sorry, is this not your speed?) Shaking in his boots, Lee vows he'll obey orders this time by being the last to leave the field. Alexander Hamilton draws his sword and answers, "That's right, my dear General, and I will stay and we will all die here on the spot!" Hamilton stares Lee down, ensuring he won't run while Washington gallops off to organize more men into fighting ranks. 
It is a hot, sweltering, summer day. American cannons buck and roar. Among the gun crew are husband and wife "team" John Hayes and his wife, Mary. When John falls, his brave wife runs to bring him water. Other dehydrated men beg for water too. Mary makes several trips while the battle continues to rage all around her. With her husband lying dead, she steps up and takes over his position at the cannon for the remainder of the afternoon. This woman will go down in history as the famous "Molly Pitcher." In the morning, Washington's scouts report the British have abandoned their camp. They are the victors.
Several days later, Hamilton meets with Washington. There's a message from Lee, defending himself against his cowardly actions on the battlefield. (As far as this story is concerned, no duel was ever fought for Washington's honor over this incident and Lee never spoke out publicly against his commander in chief. Lee was court-martialed instead and that was it.) Chapter notes state The Battle of Monmouth is the only incident where Washington reportedly lost control in chastising an officer or soldier by resorting to profanity. 

Chapter 33
July 1778
The wedding of Eli Stroud to Mary Flint is held in a small courthouse. (Look into your eyes and the sky's the limit) They are married by real-life character Dr. Albigence Waldo, a major in the United States army, who is a bit nervous as this is his first time officiating at a wedding. Eli is wearing borrowed clothes-a white, ruffled shirt, royal blue tunic, breeches and square toed shoes. Mary is in a simple white cotton gown (Helpless!) that ten nurses hurried to make for her. The "I do's" are exchanged, they kiss and all in attendance cry. Billy gave Mary away. Sergeant Turlock was flower boy best man. Caleb was seated in the audience. It was a small and simple ceremony and everyone is happy for the newlyweds. They wave goodbye as Eli takes Mary's hand. Billy and Turlock hug them both one last time and everyone watches as Eli leads his bride off into the woods to begin their "Life's Journey" together.

THE END

To Decide Our Destiny

To Decide Our Destiny: Volume 3

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 1999
Pages:           495
Number of Chapters: 19

Volume 3 spans five months: December 1776-May 1777

Chapter 1
December 1776
A recount of the past few weeks: Washington's army is in full retreat. From New York City, all the way across New Jersey to the Pennsylvania border, the British have proven a formidable enemy. Now they've reached the Delaware River and cross it just as the British crest the hill, ready to teach them another lesson. 
During the crossing, a loose cannon kills a mule which the starving army makes full use of by skinning and devouring every single part except the hide and hoofs. Mule soup, the first real meat they've enjoyed for the first time in weeks is savored, down to the last drop in their bowls. It's ten degrees below zero and since every soldier left home last year in summertime clothing, they own nothing useful in these bitter temperatures. Men are dropping like flies. General George Washington feels the pain of each and every brave man who continue to stick it out with him in the fight for freedom. Others are giving up, leaving, even though desertion is punishable by death.
Billy Weems and his friend Eli Stroud are doing okay. Billy helps fight the British by firing cannon across the river, under order from his Sergeant and friend, Alvin Turlock. Sergeant Turlock is a memorable character, always referring to the men as "you lovelies" short, stocky, born an orphan and not much to look at (which is why he never married) he and Billy became fast friends while Eli was off on another errand for General Washington. Turlock tells Billy about his adventure getting captured by the British but managing to escape. He also heard Benjamin Franklin is over in France, trying to rally aid for their cause.

Chapter 2

Benjamin Franklin, seventy years old but still full of spunk, is in Paris, France. Politically, he's not having much success among the unsympathetic leaders but socially, he's a local celebrity! The people love Benjamin Franklin. He figures it's just a matter of time before France is pressured into helping underdog America fight their common enemy.

Chapter 3

Meet John Honeyman, risking his reputation and the lives of himself, wife and children to spy for General Washington by faking support for British occupation in New Jersey (true story). He is friendly with the British army, supplying them with beef cattle which allows him to gather information to pass on to Washington. He is alone in his barn, doing his evening chores, when Eli makes himself known. Eli brings a sealed, written message from Washington which Honeyman reads then destroys. They part.
Next morning, John leaves with two more cows for the British. He learns morale of the hired German/Hessians is low. With the Christmas holiday coming, they are homesick for their own country. Their General has grown lax in his discipline. They don't see the Americans as any kind of threat to the town of Trenton they currently occupy. Honeyman gets himself captured by the Americans, is taken to Washington who makes everyone leave the room so they can talk privately. Washington is stunned to learn the enemy has pretty much made Trenton an open target and that they will be most vulnerable on Christmas Day.

Chapter 4
Billy and Eli roast a porcupine, caught by Eli. It's greasy but edible. While eating they spot shadows in the frozen night. Deserters. Using darkness as their cover, Billy and Eli return to camp with thirteen sick, frostbitten men who claim they were just going to seek medical help, not deserting.
Meanwhile, Washington has set up new headquarters in a home nine miles north of Trenton on the Pennsylvania side of the river. His generals are all here and he shares the news his "spy" brought him. John Honeyman is being held prisoner in a shed nearby (Washington will send someone to "free" him later so he can safely escape and continue his undercover job with no one the wiser).
Billy and Eli find a superior officer and turn in the men they caught while Washington doubts he's doing the right thing by planning an attack on Trenton.

Chapter 5

Mary Flint is also alive and well. She is a prisoner of war, however, in her own mansion in New York City which the British have taken over and are using as a hospital for remaining American soldiers too wounded or sick and dying to fight back after Washington fled. Mary's father, widower Rufus Broadhead, demands entrance to see his daughter. It is granted. Mary has a bad cough, a relapse from her earlier illness and is caring for her dying mother-in-law who is also widowed like Mary. Mary's father is here to say goodbye. He's leaving the area because the British seized the Broadhead family mansion as well and, as a loyal Patriot, he has no reason to remain anyway. Mary can't come with him, she's a prisoner of war but the British doctor in charge is a kindly old man and has taken Mary under his wing; giving her the job of keeping medical records with better sleeping quarters and extra food.
One day, the doctor gently informs Mary her mother-in-law has passed on and helps bury the body. Mary is sorting papers one day when a name jumps out-the man who remembered Eli's family. She remembers Eli had asked her to get more information, if possible. Mary would do anything for Eli. She resolves to track this man down and get the name of the minister who, reportedly, took Eli's sister in and raised her.
Mary finds the dying man on a British hospital "death ship" down by the docks, no place for a respectable woman, especially at night. Robbers kill the British soldiers accompanying Mary on her task, take the horse and carriage while Mary escapes and hides in the filthy, freezing water under the docks. Nearly frostbitten and suffering hypothermia from the cold, she WALKS back to her home and collapses before reaching the front entrance. Just before she passes out, she begs the British Doctor Purcell to write an urgent note to Eli Stroud, Boston Ninth Regiment, currently with General Washington.

Chapter 6

Billy and Eli vouch for the thirteen men court marshaled for desertion and make a plea in their defense-don't be too hard on them, they would've come back. The men are not shot. Billy and Eli wonder what's going on at Washington's headquarters. 
We find out. Washington is making his final preparations for the upcoming attack. They will take Trenton or die trying. 

Chapter 7
December 24, 1776
A British general near Trenton receives word something's up over at Washington's camp. He writes a warning to Rall, the German leader at Trenton. Rall reads it and laughs in disbelief. What army? The one across the river that can only turn tail and run every time they see a bayonet? Attack us? Preposterous! I'm going to a Christmas party, bye! He drinks, plays cards, gets a second written message but doesn't read it and stumbles back to his quarters to sleep it all off. He is rudely awakened by shots and battle cries. It is 8am and Washington's army is attacking Trenton!

Chapter 8
December 25, 1776
Billy writes another letter to Brigitte, telling her the army is on the move to Trenton and if anything should happen to him, he wants her to know he thinks about her all the time. He adds this one to the other five he's never had the guts to send. Eli comments on this but no time to talk now. Time to form ranks and march. Before they leave, the inspiring words of Thomas Paine's "These are the times that try men's souls" is read aloud. Everyone is moved. They leave for Trenton and morale is higher than it's been in weeks.
A bad snowstorm moves in but Washington is determined to carry on. He rides among his army encouraging them to "press on, boys, press on." They set up cannon, (Thanks Alexander Hamilton!) take positions and, in the midst of a howling blizzard, take the Hessians completely by surprise. No time to even form ranks and fight back as everyone was caught sleeping off the previous night's festivities.
Eli squeezes off a shot at General Rall. Billy helps surround the few German soldiers attempting defense. The Germans surrender. Rall is dying from his wounds. He asks General Washington to be kind to his prisoners of war. Washington promises, treating his enemy with the dignity and respect he deserves as a fellow leader of an army.

Chapter 9
December 26, 1776
Billy and Eli see Washington ride his horse away from the church where Rall was taken. Recognizing the two men, Washington stops to speak to them. Billy and Eli inquire after their regiment colonel and Billy asks after Rall before they join the other men, reaping the spoils of battle-food, warm clothing, blankets for everyone! Washington meets with his Generals to get the numbers. Everyone is shocked to learn they suffered ZERO fatalities on the American side, while the enemy lost just over 100. They will return to the camp across the river and save Princeton for another time. Today is theirs.

Chapter 10
December 27, 1776
Caleb Dunson has been fighting at school, bitter and angry over this stupid war for stupid freedom that lost them those wagons when they were just trying to help, not to mention his father killed for no reason and a brother off fighting at sea who may never return. Stupid God, it's not worth it!
Hearing his rant, Margaret is shocked, offended, hurt. Brigitte shames Caleb for his disrespect to Mother. Caleb tells her she's one to talk and rudely accuses Brigitte of being a hypocrite for courting the enemy! Brigitte slaps him and stunned silence follows.
Dinner that night is tense. The family retires to bed but Caleb is gone by morning, run away. Margaret finds him down by the docks, signed on as a cabin boy but after the captain learns Caleb is only fifteen, and a runaway, tells Caleb he better go home with his mother. Come back next year when you're sixteen and of legal age. Caleb skips supper and holes up in his room. It is Saturday night and no one has chopped the firewood and it must be done now or their Puritan neighbors will never to speak to them again for working on the Lord's Sabbath. Brigitte and Margaret work for half an hour at it before Caleb appears and silently takes over, because he really is a good boy at heart. He doesn't attend church the next day but the ever insightful and perceptive Reverend Silas Olmsted shows up that evening to talk to Caleb who comes to the church for an "interview" with his spritual leader so Reverend Olmsted can ask him straight out, what's wrong, why are you and your mom not getting along?
Caleb spills all his frustrations about this pointless war and his disbelief in a God that would require so much suffering and sacrifice. Silas is sympathetic, shares his own personal wrestling with the doctrine of accepting God's will. He and his wife don't have any children but not for lack of trying. They have fasted, prayed, pleaded with God to send them a child and it's breaking their hearts that all efforts appear to be in vain. Yet, Silas will continue to have faith and trust in God. That's all he has to say. Caleb shakes his hand and takes his leave; uncertain they accomplished much.

Chapter 11
December 1776 New York City
British General William Howe, a married man (thanks Wiki) is enjoying a social fling with Elizabeth Loring, a married woman to a man loyal to the British who is aware of the adultery of his wife but loves money and power more. Elizabeth loves being the social butterfly (Howe's wife is back in England, oblivious to the affair) so everybody's happy until Howe learns they just lost Trenton to Washington. He dispatches General Cornwallis with 8,000 troops to march immediately to Princeton so he can stay and finish the holiday social season here in the greatest city in the world.

Chapter 12
December 1776
McKonkey's Ferry is located just upriver from Trenton. Billy and Eli are called to Washington's headquarters where he shows them a map of New Jersey. He wants them to scout all the roads to Princeton and find out where the British are and how many. They depart.
Washington moves his army but before they leave he makes a speech. Tomorrow is January 1st; their enlistments are officially up. Men are free to leave, return home to their families if they want but the war is not over yet. Their country needs them. He asks for volunteers to stay anyway and continue in the cause of liberty. The men are moved and nobody leaves.

Chapter 13
Billy and Eli are like Batman and Robin. They find a large British camp, count all the men and cannon and decide to made some trouble. Eli knocks out a British officer, steals a horse from the pen and he and Billy take their prisoner off to interrogate him. Billy rides back to Trenton, finds Washington's tent and gives his report. He's issued a fresh mount so he can return to Eli with new orders to find out how many men are occupying Princeton. Before he leaves, though, Billy chats with his friend, Sergeant Turlock who has a letter for Eli. Billy takes it and hits the road. On the way he meets an American regiment and passes on the latest news-Washington plans to attack Princeton and needs all the help he can get.
Eli has been scouting more British camps around Princeton. They mount Billy's horse and return to find that regiment who just happened to stumble upon a farmhouse where the hungry Redcoats were so busy raiding the kitchen, about to cut into the wife's freshly baked mince pies, they didn't even hear the Americans in the front yard; so greedy they forgot to post a guard. This story is not only amusing but true as Billy and Eli arrive at the scene to join the Americans who get to eat pie while their British prisoners are taken to George Washington.
Having passed their latest scouting info on to the leader, Billy and Eli go off and make camp in a stable at an abandoned farmhouse. They talk more of God and Billy can finally give Eli his letter. The reverend's name was Cyrus Fielding. The doctor who wrote the letter included the story of how Mary almost died to obtain this critical information for him. Maybe he'll get to see Mary again soon.

Chapter 14
January 1777
Back at the Flint mansion in New York, Mary is still very sick. Doctor Purcell has her in a private room up in the attic where he personally attends her. She is slowly getting better. He goes to make his rounds downstairs on all the sick and dying, disgusted at these conditions and lack of better supplies. His last order is to a dim-witted corporal to fill the empty medicinal alcohol bottles from the large barrels in the wine cellar. There's a terrible accident when the young man drops a bottle while filling it. The bottle containing the highly flammable liquid shatters right next to the lantern he foolishly left on the floor. The entire room ignites like a bomb and a mass inferno erupts.
Dr. Purcell wakes up and is so busy overseeing the evacuation he doesn't remember Mary, now trapped on the third floor as the second floor is already on fire. He takes the outside staircase and rescues Mary, unconscious from smoke inhalation but alive and breathing. He gets someone to drive them away from the scene as the entire Flint mansion collapses in flames.
A warehouse has been set up for survivors and is now the new POW hospital. Purcell insists the small office be given to Mary as a private room. He sits by her bedside, all night, awaiting her return from unconsciousness. Morning dawns and he gets coffee and hot water to wash himself before returning to her side. Purcell has come to think of Mary as his own adopted daughter. All alone in the world, she is still out with no idea she's just lost everything. The poor girl. No sooner does he think this when Doctor Otis Purcell feels a pain and can't move his left side. Realizing he's suffering a stroke and is about to die, he manages to grab a pencil and paper and scratch out his final request bequeathing all he owns to one Mary Flint.

Chapter 15
On the outskirts of Princeton is a large British camp. Still playing Batman and Robin, Billy and Eli make a good team to sabotage the British and slow them down. Eli takes out the four pickets standing guard by the magazine, blows it all up and joins Billy who has cut all the horses loose in their pen and set them free to gallop through the camp. In all this confusion, no one sees them make their escape on one of the horses. Everything went perfectly, until Billy remembers he left his gun back at the British camp.
Morning arrives and they see another British army approaching. They decide to split up and investigate. Billy will find the closest American patrol while Eli scouts. Billy finds his fellow soldiers, reports everything he and Eli did and leads the group to Eli who confirms a large advancing British army, led by General Cornwallis, is on its way to reinforce Trenton. They MUST slow him down to give Washington time to mount a defense. They succeed using the only form of "Indian fighting" that has worked so far since the war began-taking cover in the woods and shooting randomly at the passing Redcoats who are driven to near insanity with no way to form ranks and protect themselves against the deadly accuracy of American muskets.

Chapter 16
January 1777
Back in Washington's camp at Trenton, Billy and Eli are again summoned to the General's headquarters as advisers. Everyone is uneasy knowing Cornwallis is just over a hill, ready to attack and get revenge for what happened on Christmas Day.
Cornwallis is also meeting with his officers in a war council of his own. He's sent for reinforcements from Princeton. With night falling, it is determined they have Washington, "the old fox" in their grasp and they will "go over and bag him" in the morning.
Washington has plans of his own. Thanks to Billy and Eli, now that he knows which roads the British are using, Washington can take his troops, bypass Cornwallis on another road and take Princeton.
They sneak out with muffled wagons wheels and silent marching, bluffing the British into thinking they're still camped for the night. Cornwallis is furious to discover, too late, Washington's plan and moves his army in pursuit back to Princeton.
Meanwhile, as the sun rises, a small column of Americans are almost to Princeton when they meet British. Outnumbered they begin to run while their leader shouts at them to stop and fight, waving a sword which British knock away before attacking him and bayoneting him to death. Another brave American general is shot while rallying his own fleeing army to turn and fight.
Then, over the hill, rides General George Washington himself on his white mare. Behind him are Billy, Eli and others from all the regiments, howling a battle cry which revives all in retreat. Washington calls out encouragement, they can take them, come on! And leads the charge.
To the north, another American regiment is also engaging the British army and winning. On a nearby hill, Washington's cannon are firing, cutting down more Redcoats. The tide is turning, "It's a fine fox chase, boys!" shouts Washington as they pursue the British into Princeton and other areas around the town.
Billy and Eli join the chase to the Meeting Hall on the campus of the small college (that will one day be an Ivy-league university). The British barricade themselves inside the Hall but American cannon pound and blast their way inside. Billy helps load, Alexander Hamilton touches linstock to touchhole and the cannon fires. Waving his tomahawk, Eli howls the Iroquois battle cry as he races toward a small group of armed British who break ranks and run for their lives. One of Alexander Hamilton's cannonballs neatly decapitates the head of King George II in a large painting over the great fireplace.
The British surrender. It is ten o'clock in the morning and the Battle for Princeton is over with George Washington and his Colonial army the winners.

Chapter 17
The Americans pounce on the food, new clothing and supplies as prizes of war here in Princeton. The army is exhausted and Washington knows a furious Cornwallis is about to storm the town. They must avoid his wrath by moving as quickly as possible to a safe location for winter. Washington has chosen a small valley several miles north with New York City just southeast which they will try and take again come spring.

Chapter 18
February, 1777
In France, Benjamin Franklin has been biding his time. Now the news has reached him of the extraordinary victories of Trenton and Princeton, a humiliating defeat to the most powerful army in the world. This may be the push needed to get France on their side in providing aid to America in their War for Independence.

Chapter 19
May 1777
Morristown, New Jersey. The last few months have been refreshing as Billy, Eli and the rest of Washington's army eat, rest and rebuild their strength. Turlock saunters by and shares the latest news with his two friends. A British general is bringing a large force down the Hudson from Lake Champlain to the north to wipe them all out. Bet he's got Indians too, Eli adds. He knows that area well. Someone should warn Washington.
Billy and Eli are allowed inside the building where Washington has set up his current headquarters. Washington is aware of the British movement but not of British conspiring with the local Indians. He gives Eli permission to head north and try to diffuse the situation. Billy volunteers to go with him. Washington writes orders for them, granting permission for them (mainly Eli) to serve as advisers to his armies up north and giving them free reign to do what they can to stop the Indians and British. Billy writes a quick letter to his family and he and Eli leave before the day is over, hiking over the hills, marching north, not looking back, knowing what they have to do.

THE END

The Times That Try Men's Souls

The Times That Try Men's Souls: Volume 2

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 1999
Pages:           553
Number of Chapters: 25

Volume 2 spans just six months: June-December, 1776.

Chapter 1

London, September, 1775. His majesty King George III is MAD! Really pissed off. Thirty-seven years old, spoiled, entitled, he blows wind (mostly for the reader's benefit) spending several pages recounting the entire history of the American colonies and their relationship with the mother country to his cabinet. Fed, nurtured, economically supported; his favorite subjects and look how they've repaid them! (but, "You'll be back! Da da da dat da!")
Of course you know, this means war. 

Chapter 2
June 1776
Billy Weems has nightmares about Concord, being physically assaulted all over again by those three British soldiers who shot and bayoneted him. His homely, widowed mother, Dorothy, and younger sister comfort him. They attend church where Reverend Silas Olmsted allows a man to read an announcement asking all able men to enlist in Washington's army in New York City where they are literally surrounded by British troops enjoying great local support and reception. Washington needs help.
Billy feels he should go but is troubled about killing men. He knows the commandments of God. He talks to everyone: his mom, Margaret Dunson and finally Reverend Olmsted who astonishes Billy telling him he shot and killed men at Bunker Hill ("Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.") while Billy was recovering from his wounds with Matthew refusing to leave his side for days, praying over his best friend. The Reverend shares a passage from the Bible-God approves war when it's for a greater good. Both feel a strong spirit manifesting importance of freedom. 
Back home, Dorothy shares the latest, bestselling pamphlet, circulating among the people, "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine. This decides Billy. He will take a leave of absence from his accounting job and go and join the fight. (He is not throwing away his shot!)
Billy says goodbye to everyone, including the Dunson family and especially Brigitte who has always been like another sister to him. He knows she is still crushing on her British captain. Brigitte hugs Billy and cries,then laughs and makes him promise to be careful. Billy's heart skips a beat as he realizes he never noticed Brigitte Dunson before, you know, as a woman. He is attracted to Brigitte!

Chapter 3 

A blast rocks the camp of the Boston Ninth Company regiment as they sleep, en route to New York. What happened? Billy runs to help the injured men, one is trapped under a fallen cannon. The colonel begins investigation and learns gunpowder was planted in the ground under the cannons and set off by traitors in camp intent on stopping their journey. 
Billy observes a tall man, white but dressed like an Indian, with long brown hair tied back with a leather thong. He is Eli Stroud, escorted into camp by armed men. No, he's not a traitor or spy, he's here to join the fight against the British. To prove he's on their side, he solves the mystery of who ignited the blast under the cannon. It was two men. One is dead. The other is the man Billy rescued. The man confesses and Eli promises to get a message to his mother of how sorry he is. The camp assembles to witness his execution.
Later, Billy is writing his mother in Boston when Eli ambles over and introduces himself. He's been assigned to Boston regiment, the same company as Billy and if he's sending a letter home, would he mind including a message to the traitor's mom, who also lives in the Boston area, about her son's death and remorse before she learns the ugly truth from someone else? Billy is happy to include the note and knows his mother will be happy to see it gets to the woman.

Chapter 4
June 1776
Dorothy Weems does indeed get Billy's letter with a separate enclosed message to Beatrice McMurdy, who lives across the Charles River. Dorothy shares all this with the Dunson family. Brigitte offers to go with her. 
They find the poor widow, deliver the sad news and help comfort her. Beatrice thanks them. They leave and that evening the poor woman has visitors, two men demanding papers her son had before he left. She denies any knowledge of them. They ransack the small shack and leave. Beatrice gets the papers from a hiding place and leaves. In the distance, her small house is on fire, the men returned but Beatrice is on her way to Boston to find Dorothy Weems and Brigitte through Reverend Olmsted who fetches Dorothy to the church where Beatrice leaves the papers with her and plans to flee the area. She has money and will travel north to family who will take her in. Dorothy and Silas take the papers and fetch Brigitte, who is just getting off at the bakery where she works. The women and Silas take the papers to the militia office where copies are made. Nobody understands the coded messages, the map and other drawings. Brigitte sends copies to Billy.

Chapter 5

Billy is now friends with Eli, thanks to an episode in camp when bullies tried to get the best of them and they had each other's backs. Realizing they make a good tag team when it comes to a fight, they share a campfire that night and talk. Eli reveals, though he was raised Iroquois after the Indians attacked his family cabin when he was a very small child and took him captive, he was taught Christianity by Jesuits and he believes. 
Next day the company marches into New York City (such as is was in colonial times!). They make camp in what is today City Hall Park in downtown Manhattan, then known as the New York Common. Their superior is a bit put out no one is here to greet the fresh troops from Boston so he took liberties-secured food, including plum pudding from the commissary, and ordered his men to make camp right here in this triangle of open space bordered by Chambers St. and Broadway.
At their campfire that night, Billy and Eli discuss more Bible trivia when Eli realizes that's no owl hooting out there, someone is sending messages to the enemy. He takes off into the night to investigate.

Chapter 6

Next morning, mail call and Billy has a letter from Brigitte; enclosed are the copies. Billy shares them with Eli. That night they talk more about religion and Eli tells Billy the real reason he joined the army. He's looking for the only surviving member of his family, an older sister who might have survived the raid and separation. He was too young to remember her name except he called her "Iddy." He's hoping someone from Vermont or New Hampshire might have known the Stroud family and their terrible misfortune. Eli also wants to meet the man Indian legend says cannot be killed so he can rise up to be the father of a great nation: General George Washington.
More fake owl calls are sounding tonight and we go with Eli this time as he follows an Indian to discover men outside a nice house, a mansion in the city. They exchange something Eli can't see before they depart. He returns to tell Billy he fears Joseph Brant, a Mohawk turned Christian, is using his powerful influence with his Indian brothers to side with the British campaign in hopes of reclaiming their native land. At 4am, Eli returns to the mansion and learns it's George Washington's headquarters and those papers Billy just got might have something to do with an evil plot to assassinate the General. They go to their leader and give him the papers.

Chapter 7

Next morning, both men are summoned, only to have the papers returned because it's old news, someone in Boston already forwarded copies of these same papers. No one can make any sense of them.
Back at the their campfire that evening, Eli is looking at the mysterious map when Billy notices something new-when you hold the paper to the light a stray ink dot reveals the mansion house Eli has been watching. It's a map of the house! Those meaningless fish orders on the other paper are not cod but represent gunpowder! Eli returns to the house to personally investigate and finds men delivering two barrels to the cellar door in the middle of the night with a storm brewing. He returns and tells Billy. Both are willing to bet those barrels don't contain any kind of fish.
Since an Indian attacked Eli on his trip back, they find the regimental doctor. Eli took care of the Indian but his arm got slashed in the process. The wound isn't serious but involving the doctor means explaining why Eli left camp without permission. Something suspicious is going on over at the General's headquarters. The camp leaders believe their story and everyone heads to the mansion where Eli gets to play Sherlock Holmes again. With his Indian tracking skills,he identifies the spy by his footprints in the dirt floor of the cellar, reveals the entire plot, and leads them to the dead Indian in the woods. (This is all based on a true story.) The truth is out and the guilty men confess. Their leader will face a court martial tomorrow. Eli most likely just saved the General's life tonight.

Chapter 8
June 1776
The man Eli revealed as a spy is hung is the public square. Tension between Tories and Patriots is high. Billy and Eli are finishing their midday meal, discussing God's hand in the fight for freedom and the legend of George Washington not being taken before his time when a huge, expensive Conestoga wagon drawn by two expensive and perfectly matched Percheron draft horses rumbles by. The driver is a woman with dark hair and eyes, wearing heavy, expensive, calico clothing and a wide brimmed hat. She has nice facial features and she's obviously a good driver. Billy and Eli learn she is Mary Flint, a rich widow, who lost her husband to the Patriot cause three days before her baby was born stillborn. To ease her grief, she has devoted her life and family wealth to aiding the fight against England. 
Due to their help in uncovering the gunpowder plot against the General, Billy is promoted to corporal and Eli is made a scout. Billy writes home. Eli supplements their bad tasting evening mess with fresh clams any native born Indian would know to dig for in the nearby river.

Chapter 9

We are now taken to General William Howe of the British and his view of this impending war. Washington's ragtag army doesn't pose much of a threat. As long as England doesn't fire the first shot, they'll continue to bide their time.
Back to Billy and Eli who stare, awe-struck as a parade of ships sail down the Hudson to the British strongholds on the south end of Manhattan island. The army needs to strike camp and move for they are seriously outnumbered but many are too sick to be moved. Mary Flint offers her wagon and horses to help transport the sick men across the East River to Long Island. With his hurt arm, Eli isn't good for much except to ride with Mary, helping to support the semi-conscious man on the driver's bench between them while she drives. Mary and Eli talk as the wagon is ferried across the water. They reach the other side to discover the man has died. Mary weeps. Eli reassures her she did all she could adding gently that he heard her tragic story and he's sorry for all her loss and pain. 
It grows dark as they continue to Brooklyn. With his blue eyes and brown hair, Mary is curious why a white man would turn Indian? Eli tells her his own story of loss, his traumatic separation from his family, seeing his mother and father killed right in front of him and the older sister he hopes to find. Mary sobs for Eli; such a terrible thing to happen to a two-year-old child. Eli places a comforting hand on her shaking shoulder but before anything else can happen they've arrived at the military camp where Mary is shown to a tent with other women to spend the night.
Eli thinks on Mary that night while Billy writes to his family and thinks on Brigitte.

Chapter 10

Back in Boston, Brigitte is organizing a party to gather food, supplies, even inviting her entire Young Women's class all her girlfriends over to the house for an evening of service projects collecting blankets, shoes, as well as instruction in rolling cartridges which she will help transport by wagon train south to New York to aid Washington's troops. She is set in her determination to do this. Caleb, the rookie reporter for the local paper, also wants to go-what a great story! If the Pulitzer existed in those days, he would get it! Margaret is not happy about any of this but what can she do? Brigitte, still unmarried at nineteen is growing up. Margaret knows she has to let her children go. Three days later, even Margaret is helping to finish up the cartridge rolling project at the church. A rough-looking Irishman appears at the door and Brigitte greets him, invites him in. He introduces himself as Cullen. Hearing about their cause, he wants to help drive a wagon with plans to join the army when they arrive. Brigitte is delighted.
But after Cullen leaves, he meets with the same two men who terrorized Beatrice McMurdy in Ch. 4. Uh-oh.

Chapter 11

Billy, Eli and the rest of their company are instructed in the ten steps of firing cannons. Billy and Eli successfully pass the test of doing all ten steps perfectly the first time before the other men get their turn. Suppertime and the food is pretty bad tonight, as usual, but everyone gets a fresh peach with their portion for dessert. Billy starts another letter home while Eli gets his first written orders as scout to go out and see what the British are up to.
Eli follows a small group of Indians who are on a scouting expedition of their own to discover the weakest link/road to Washington's army. Eli returns and makes his report. He also adds his own Joseph Brant suspicions which are taken into consideration.
Next day, the newly signed Declaration of Independence is read out loud and everyone weeps and is profoundly moved. Copies of the new document are also distributed. Eli and Billy discuss God's hand in all of this...again.

Chapter 12

First the first time in the series we get George Washington's point of view (We are outgunned, Outmanned, Outnumbered, Outplanned,). At six foot four inches, strongly built, thin mouth, prominent nose with piercing blue-grey eyes, he is The General. A man is here to meet with him. General Howe would accept surrender now, if citizen Washington is willing. 
*Hem* General Washington will do no such thing. He has an army and he's not afraid to use it. They want to be free and independent and if it means fighting a war, they will do it. Go tell General Howe that and have a nice day. 
Washington's aide is named Reed and he's brought luncheon. Washington thanks him and asks him to round up a few men for a game of cards. When he wasn't busy being so awesome, George Washington liked to play a good game of whist.

Chapter 13
August 1776
Introductions are made, for the reader's benefit, to all eight British Generals who discuss the upcoming battle. The man who met with Washington in the last chapter was General Paterson. He reports George Washington's refusal to accept their gracious pardon by the Crown to the rebellious colonies. Looks like war. Joseph Brant (Eli was right!) will lead his large party of Indian warriors while German-Hessian General Van Heister is ready to unleash the fury of his hired assassins to annihilate these peasant farmers who think themselves soldiers.
To the north, across the harbor, in a mansion in NYC, a similar scene is playing out among Washington and his six loyal Generals as they discuss their defense against the British attack they know is coming. The Americans currently hold one small area of land on Long Island which Washington is determined to keep.
Back at camp, Billy and Eli visit the sick where they discover a weak, overworked Mary Flint who collapses while insisting she continue to help to nurse all these poor, sick men. Eli catches her and carries her away from the disgusting, overcrowded infirmary tent to the command tent where he insists she get proper care. It's granted.
Meanwhile, 97 miles north, Brigitte, Caleb and their wagon train of supplies and freight are six days on the road.

Chapter 14

Eli is scouting, taking notes of the strength of the British army and their Indian allies. It doesn't look good for the Patriots. He reports and swings by another tent to smile down on a sleeping Mary Flint who is recovering and wakes up to thank him.
Back at Brigitte and Caleb's camp, Brigitte is thinking longingly of home where hot food, a bath and her own bed are waiting for her. She and Caleb say their prayers and crawl, fully clothed, into bedrolls, sleeping out in the open, only to be rudely awakened by British troops who declare the entire camp prisoners of war and seize their wagons. Cullen was the traitor who notified the British of their presence and their intent to help Washington.
For two days they are forced to drive the wagons to the nearest British camp unaware a Patriot army, thinking Tories are aiding the British, have been following them. They attack and fire cannon. Brigitte and Caleb are the only survivors. Not asking questions or announcing their presence, they sneak away and decide to walk home. So much for their glorious adventure.

Chapter 15

Eli is summoned to George Washington himself! Washington wants his report from scouting in the last chapter and, by the way, thanks for your role in saving my life. He asks if there's anything he can do for him. Eli asks Washington for help in locating his only relation left on earth. Learning his sad story, emotion in his eyes, Washington promises to do what he can to help reunite Eli with his sister.
Billy and other soldiers are nervous about the upcoming invasion. Can they engage the enemy and hold their position? The British are planning to sneak troops through the unguarded south pass for a surprise attack. The Brooklyn area in 1776 was mostly swampland and marsh to the northeast. Washington's army is sitting in a trap.

Chapter 16

Billy and Eli talk more of God and heaven and what happens when we die. The fighting begins but it sounds heaviest in the distance. Eli goes to check it out, though no one ordered him to. Alarmed to see TEN THOUSAND British marching up the road, Eli tells the first ranking officer he can find that they are about to become permanent residents. Eli returns to Billy, then finds another officer to spread the word but it's too late. The trap is sprung and a holocaust begins.
Washington, back at his headquarters in NYC mounts his horse and looks through his telescope. Seeing it's hopeless he tells his staff to arrange transport across the water for himself and the rest of his troops. Help is coming!
In the heart of hand to hand combat, Eli manages to find Billy, holding his own as he takes out a British officer, throws him over his shoulder and literally fights his way free through the enemy line to retreat; a small group of fellow soldiers in tow behind him. The rest are trapped with no where to run except the swamp to the east as the pass to the south is being held by Brits.
Washington arrives to witness his defeated army in full retreat, running for their lives, oblivious to his shouts to stop and take a stand for liberty and freedom!
By nightfall, camp is made in a small area of Brooklyn, backed by water from the East River on three sides, Manhattan in the distance. The British order a halt and let them be. They will wait until morning to finish their job, give Washington a chance to surrender.
But Washington will do nothing of the kind. Thanks to Billy and Eli's report that the enemy is bedding down for the night, he's already mobilizing every man and boat he can find to transport the remains of his army back to Manhattan. The Battle of Long Island is pretty much over.

Chapter 17
August 1776
It rains all day. There is little fighting. Men eat raw meat and rock-hard biscuits, including Washington who sets up a table under a makeshift cover and suffers right along with them as his Generals lead what's left of their army behind the breastwork fortifications which are all that stand between them and the enemy.
By nightfall, with rain still pouring down, Eli decides to go scout the British. He finds two Indians doing the same thing. He kills one, knocks the other unconscious and carries him back to Washington himself. Since Eli is fluent in all Indian languages and dialects, he gets the Indian to confess all the info he has which Eli translates for the General: British are planning to surround Washington by both land and water surrounding them using gunboats to attack. It's 9,000 Patriots vs. 20,000 Redcoats with their floating armada, the largest and most powerful in the world. Washington knows he's in trouble but he's got a plan.
During the next 24 hours, the hand of God is evident as Washington takes advantage of the thick fog to organize the biggest, fastest retreat in history using every available resource he has. New England fishermen come forward, born with their hands on the tiller, capable of piloting anything that will float. Can they transport nine-thousand men across the water to Manhattan in one night? They can and they do while the British suspect nothing. Washington orders men to light thousands of fake campfires to give the impression of their presence.
Dawn breaks and the British attack only to find a deserted camp just in time to see George Washington himself, the last man to leave, floating away in the mist to safety. British Generals curse and shake their fists at his retreating form.

Chapter 18
September 1776
Back in Boston, Margaret's "mother's intuition" is tingling. Brigitte and Caleb will arrive home, safe and sound, tonight. She prepares food and bath water and settles down to wait. Sure enough, at 1am, they stumble up the front path and fall into her waiting arms. They inhale the food and Margaret, at Brigitte's request, helps her wash her hair three times, she's that filthy from travel. Caleb has already bathed and Margaret is concerned by his bitter attitude over what happened to them. She tucks Caleb into bed and she and Brigitte sit up and talk while she dries her hair. Caleb has turned from God and both women are worried about the boy they may have just lost.

Chapter 19
At Washington's headquarters, a council is convened. No blame for the miscommunication over who was supposed to be guarding the south pass. The new plan is to evacuate the city, move north to Harlem and Fort Washington until they can cross the Hudson to New Jersey. (There's a very handy map on page 348.)
Billy and Eli are helping to break camp when Mary Flint drives up in her big wagon, fully recovered. They exchange greetings while Mary's wagon is loaded. Eli watches her until the wagon is out of sight. They bed down for the night. In the morning they head northwest to Fort Washington while two other groups stay behind to face the armada coming up the East River to fire on Washington's army.

Chapter 20

British cannon mounted on warships begin their deadly assault while Hessians attack by land. Washington rides among his terrified men, urging them to fight but they won't have it.
To the south, a man named Aaron Burr (Sir) under orders from General Putnam, rides up to inform Henry Knox he knows this area well and is ready to lead them all safely out of here and he does.
Historians still debate on the truth of this story but a Quaker woman, wealthy and married to a man named Murray, witnesses the retreat and decides to help Washington's army by inviting the British Generals into her home for food and refreshment, insisting they stay for a short recital on her harpsichord, stalling them so Americans can get away.
Billy and Eli reach Fort Washington with the rest of the decimated army. The Battle of Kip's Bay is over. British 2, Americans 0.

Chapter 21

Washington writes a report of the most recent battle, the retreat, and sends it to John Hancock and the Continental Congress because his army is in desperate need of money and supplies. He's interrupted by an incoming rider. The British are coming! Eli and Billy witness the activity around Washington's headquarters. Suddenly, a call comes for Eli. Mary Flint has news about his sister-a solid lead! No time to act on it now. Billy and Eli must joint the fight against invading British and the Hessians who retreat in the Battle of Harlem Heights. This is a great boost to morale.

Chapter 22
September 1776
A mysterious fire breaks out in NYC, burning many British stores of supplies, churches and grand homes, both Patriot and Tory. A young man named Nathan Hale is taken captive and hung by British as a patriot spy. His last immortal words-"I regret that I have but one life to give for my country."

Chapter 23
October 1776
Billy and Eli report to Washington and his Generals about their latest scouting expedition. Eli does all the talking but Billy does all the saluting. Because Eli is such a valuable asset, nobody corrects him for his breach of military etiquette.
Billy has mail waiting for him. He learns what happened to Brigitte and shares his letter with Eli. The alarm sounds again, the British, who landed many troops on New York mainland to the East are heading this way. Fresh from scouting the area, Washington calls for Billy and Eli to join Colonel Glover's men to hold them off by hiding behind walls and wheat fields to fire on the British as they pass which they successfully do and Washington is able to retreat further upstate to White Plains. Captain Alexander Hamilton, later to become aide-de-camp to Washington, commanded cannon in this battle later to be named the Battle of White Plains/Chatterton Hill as Washington took another beating and was forced to retreat south, back to Fort Washington.

Chapter 24
November 1776
At Fort Washington, British attack and take the fort. Across the Hudson, at Fort Lee, Washington observes and is discouraged. Thomas Paine rides into camp. He wants to do something to boost morale. He borrows a drum to write on and gets to work writing. Washington calls for Eli, instructing him to take a message to a man posing as a Tory spy. They MUST stop the British from taking Philadelphia where the Continental Congress currently meets. They are outnumbered, again, which means Washington will retreat and lead his army across New Jersey to Pennsylvania. They must abandon their camp, including food, equipment and supplies. No time to eat, put down that mess plate and RUN. NOW! The British are coming! Get across the Hackensack River. Flee across the state of New Jersey, get across the Delaware River as fast as you can. Those same Marblehead seamen, who played such an important role in the last emergency evacuation, rise up to the challenge ferrying every last man across the river safely.
Bringing up the rear is Captain Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox with their cannon which they turn and point at the advancing enemy, silently threatening them with harm if they come any closer bravely covering their retreating brethren. The British and Hessians laugh and shout insults at the retreating army; letting them go. British 4, Amercians 1.

Chapter 25
December 1776
Billy and Eli suffer the bitter cold and poor rations, sleeping out in the open with British camped in plain view across the Delaware River, not even bothering to attack when Nature is killing off their enemy for them. Billy writes to Brigitte, Eli asks him why Billy never mails these letters to his best friend's sister, what's the risk? Billy admits he likes her but she's in love with someone else and he's not good enough for her anyway. Eli tells him, despite being ugly and dumb, Billy should mail that letter anyway. They laugh.
Meanwhile, George Washington is nearly overcome with grief for this lost cause. In despair he bows his head and supplicates the Almighty. A knock at his door brings the newest essay by Thomas Paine, composed in the bitter cold on a humble drum head. Freedom IS worth fighting for! Washington's spirits are lifted and he is filled with the spirit of freedom.

THE END