Captain Febiger paused but a second or two and replied, “In my opinion, Colonel, Captain Morgan has a brilliant solution. The Commanding General and his staff in Cambridge must respect your perspective as Expedition Commander for the best way to organize for rapid, secure movement from here to our objective given winter will soon be upon us.

“Captain Morgan’s proposal also avoids altogether the ‘Chain of Command’ issue since this is simply an organizational matter for how to best move from here to Quebec. Personnel who have been together for some time ought to remain together for unit cohesion in this arduous terrain so soldiers can look after one another.”

Colonel Arnold nodded, said nothing for a moment then asked, “And what about the women?”

I noticed color rising in Captain Febiger’s cheeks as he considered his response: “Only a few of us heard what Captain Morgan said quietly this morning when this matter was raised at your commander’s meeting.” I heard what he said about the women who perished in the disaster that befell the Braddock Expedition in July of 1755. Captain Morgan was there when it happened. I have only read about it. Since Dr. Senter is to join us for dinner, I suggest we seek his advice before a decision is made.”

Before Colonel Arnold could render a judgment on either matter, there came a knock on the door and Mr. Colburn announced, “Gentlemen, Dr. Isaac Senter and Mr. Aaron Burr are both here and dinner is served.”

We followed them into the dining room where Mr. Colburn introduced us to the absolutely stunning Mrs. Elizabeth Colburn, our host’s very beautiful wife.

I could not take my eyes from her. She was dressed in a light blue gown of great finery, displaying in her ample, alluring cleavage a jewel pendant to which every man’s eye was immediately drawn.

Standing beside her husband she said, in the voice of a nightingale, “Please let us bow our heads as my husband asks a blessing on our meal and the accomplishment of the mission on which you and he are about to embark and during which I shall miss him dearly.”

I must confess to have been so enamored by Mrs. Colburn’s pulchritude I did not record her husband’s invocation.

The meal—roast leg of lamb, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, peas, green beans, and a slice of apple pie with sharp cheddar cheese for dessert—was accompanied by scintillating conversation stimulated by Colonel Arnold, Doctor Senter, Lieutenant Burr and, surprisingly Mrs. Colburn.

The “Chain of Command” matter never came up, but the issue of whether women should be allowed to accompany the Expedition was the topic about which everyone had an opinion.

As dessert was being served, Colonel Arnold said, “With the permission of our host and hostess, by a show of hands, how many of you believe women should be allowed to accompany our Expedition to Quebec?”