“He will do so as fast as possible but that means we will have to move from here over the course of several days—not all at once as I had hoped. By tomorrow we will have worked out a new departure schedule and sequence.

“Second, some of you have pointed out the rough construction and green lumber used in building the boats. That is true but I want everyone to consider—these batteaux are making a one-way trip to Quebec. But, to address these concerns, Mr. Colburn and two dozen of his best-boat builders will come with us as far as possible to make repairs as necessary.”

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. and as the others began boarding their canoes to head back down the river to the Colburn boatyard, Col. Arnold held back to talk privately with Capt. Morgan.

When they stopped, Capt. Febiger, 1st Lt. Humphrey and I remained about five yards behind so the two men could have some measure of privacy, but I could still hear them conversing for the breeze was blowing slightly toward us off the river:

Arnold: “We brought with us, three well-built canoes for you and the other Rifle Company commanders.”

Morgan: “Thank you, I will inform Captains Smith and Hendricks. They may come in very handy.”

Arnold: “Now, what are your plans for those two cargo barges?”

Morgan (smiling): “Why? They are too heavy to portage.”

Arnold: “Well, if you are amenable, we can use them to ferry cargo from Reuben’s place to Fort Western. Since he paid your deputy, 1st Lt. Humphrey, for all the wagon parts, axles, wheels, brakes, and assorted hitching gear, he could fairly easily turn them back into wagons.”

Morgan: “Sure. Tell him to make Lt. Humphrey an offer he can’t refuse. I paid out of my own pocket to build two very good wagons—and apparently, very good barges.”

Arnold: “Good. Please bring Lt. Humphrey and your Adjutant, young Newman, with you at 7:00 tonight for dinner at the Colburn’s house.”

Morgan: “Yes, sir. If at all possible, we must resolve this ‘Chain of Command’ issue and the matter of the women this ­evening.”

Arnold: “I agree. On the matter of ‘Chain of Command,’ you know His Excellency has taken a very firm position on this matter?”

Morgan: “Yes sir, I do. But I believe I have a solution that will be amenable to all.”

Arnold: “Good. I want to hear it. Now what’s this about women?”

Morgan: “This is about ‘camp follower’ women now accompanying the Expedition. I have great concerns for their safety if they continue on with us from here.”

At this point the two commanders proceeded to the river’s edge and we could no longer hear what they said. But as we watched, they shook hands and Colonel Arnold deftly boarded his canoe and paddled downstream.