He looked around to ensure no one could hear us and said, “Captain Morgan is deeply concerned about the delays. He told me this operation has far too many moving parts, too little intelligence about the terrain and enemy, and the constant delays put everyone at risk from what he believes will be a fierce winter.

“He’s not concerned about himself or his reputation—but for our men. An hour ago, Lieutenant Colonels Greene and Enos informed him the enlistments of over half their Militiamen expire on December 31st. ”

I was alarmed at what I was hearing and said, “I must deliver Colonel Arnold’s decision about the draft horses and will return immediately. When I get back, let’s try to cheer him up.”

The “cheer him up” part didn’t work but we did convince him to ride with us to the dinner on horses provided by Sgt. Cady. Their home and gardens are certainly beautiful. The food was very good. The rum, cider, and wine flowed freely. A three-piece string ensemble played music throughout the meal. They invited to the party several very attractive young women who were virtually surrounded throughout the evening by young men dressed far more appropriately for the occasion than our Rifle officers.

But like so many people on the periphery of actually fighting in this war, Mr. Tracy took pains to describe how close he is to General Washington and of his importance to our Expedition. He even passed around the table copies of a letter from the Commander-in-Chief as proof of his significance:

To Nathanael Tracy Esq. Newbury Port

By His Excellency George Washington Esq

Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States

To Nathanael Tracy Esq.

You are hereby authorized and impowered to take up for the Service of the sd. Colonies so many Vessels as shall be necessary for the transporting a Body of Troops to be detached from this Army on a secret Expedition: Freight of such Vessels to be paid in such a Manner and at such a Rate as is indorsed hereon: And in Case of Loss or Damage to such Vessels or any of them such Loss or Damage to be compensated by the Publick according to an Estimation to be made before the sd. Vessels proceed in the above Service.

Head Quarters, September 2, 1775. G. Washington

After dessert, Mrs. Tracy urged us all to join her husband in the lantern-lit garden for brandy and cigars. I watched as Colonel Arnold flirted with our hostess and then recalled he lost his wife to some terrible malady1 just three months ago.