The few reports from me during the past Year are indicative of the relative lack of Activity in the Northern colonies. One assessment that was made by Sir Henry was the absence of strategic Advantage in holding Philadelphia, which our forces wisely abandoned. It seems that the rebels have not learned the same Lesson about Charles Town, which they seem determined to hold although its Harbor is of doubtful value, vulnerable to tides, shallow . . . and [with] . . . few guns.

Washington remains huddled in Camp, apparently inclined to wait upon the French armies and navy to provide any Challenge to our forces. Although d’Estaing’s fleet has cruised along the coast, his only real action was the Debacle in Savannah, which was reminiscent of his earlier Failure to take Newport. The rebel commanders are merely Conserving their limited military strength and looking anxiously toward the South—and, I believe, with good Reason.

Respectfully submitted by the Governor’s agent

CHAPTER 40

New York to Savannah

This was a rare occasion in the Hornet’s Nest, with rebel militia leaders Elijah Clarke, John Twiggs, John Dooly, Benjamin and William Few, and James Jackson all in the same place. Usually, they were scattered throughout the region, in which they could still move with reasonable security. Elijah had sent out word that all those available should meet to consider a request from General Benjamin Lincoln, and was somewhat surprised when they all appeared. Now, seated on stones or stumps under a huge red oak, they were facing Colonel Andrew Williamson, a respected South Carolina militia leader who had brought the general’s message. As everyone expected, Aaron Hart was sitting close but slightly behind Colonel Clarke.

Williamson said, “Gentlemen, General Lincoln sends his regards to you, his thanks for your help against Savannah, and his admiration for what you have done to hold on to this portion of Georgia.”

Elijah, wanting to draw some distinction between them, interrupted to say, “Colonel, didn’t none of us do well in takin’ Savannah, where we lost twenty-three good men. And you’ll remember that the general was wantin’ us to abandon the state completely just a few months ago, and gave us hell for stayin’ here.”

“Well, what he wanted then and still desires is for all of us to work together fighting for freedom, and not divide up our forces so they’ll be weakened.”

Elijah said, “What’s the general wantin’ to do now?”

Williamson responded, “We have good information that Clinton has already left New York with a fleet of ships and at least three thousand infantry and cavalry on board. He seems to be heading to Savannah, with plans to move up and attack Charles Town. If he succeeds, the British can put all the Redcoats they need down here in the South, take the territory we’re holding, and then move north through the Carolinas and Virginia. We must hold Charles Town, and we need all the help we can get.”