The major was from Virginian military stock. It had been the young Quades intention to study artillery and engineering at Fort Clinton, until his father advised him that a new professional army was being formed to combat the threat from the north-western Indian tribes who, a year previously in a bloody battle on the Wabash River, had inflicted the greatest defeat upon the United States Army by a native foe. Quade had been one of the United States Legions first recruits.
We got our revenge at Fallen Timbers, he told Hawkwood. They had no option after that. They had to sign the damned peace treaty.
Hawkwood presumed that Fallen Timbers was a battle the Indians had lost. Quade obviously expected him to know about it. Probably best, Hawkwood thought, to remain silent and not disabuse the major of that particular notion.
The Mullahs Quade had referred to were the Berber Muslims. Hawkwood didnt know much about them either, though he did recall Larkspurs skipper referring to a war the Americans had fought in the Mediterranean some seven or eight years before against North African pirates.
Following the Legions disbanding, Quade had switched his allegiance to the newly resurrected Marine Corps. The Corps had been looking for officers and with the Legions mission against the tribes fulfilled, Quade had seen an opportunity for advancement. Since then, by his own admission, the variety of enemy hed fought against had exceeded that of his father and grandfather.
The major shook his head wearily. If Id had any sense, Id have ignored the call. My ship was in Boston when I heard they were in need of serving officers. Men with experience of engaging with irregulars were especially in demand. I guessed that with my time in the Legion and fighting the Berbers, I had what they were looking for, so I offered my services.
He gave a rueful smile. Saw it as the lesser of two evils, my chance to get back to dry land. Im no sailor, damn it. I always was prone to sea-sickness. Not so good for a Marine, as Im sure youll agree. He massaged his knee once more. And look where it got me. That damned river was freezing; its a wonder I didnt come down with pneumonia.
After his wounds had been treated, Quade was transferred to the hospital at Buffalo, where hed spent the bulk of his recuperation. With the Americans push to invade Canada along the Niagara having stalled, Major Quade had received orders summoning him back to Albany.
The fact is; I cant say that Im looking forward to reporting in, Quade said quietly, his voice dropping to a whisper, as though hed suddenly become aware, following his previous indiscretions, that walls could have ears.
Im not sure Dearborns cut out for command any more than Van Rensselaer was. Hes as old as Methuselah, for a start! He looked into the fire, staring into the flames for several seconds before pulling back and favouring Hawkwood with a wintry smile. But you didnt hear me say that. Forgive me; Ive a tendency to ramble when Ive had a few. I meant nothing by it. I dare say youll be making your own judgement when the time comes.
As far as the major was concerned, Captain Hooper was newly arrived from the continent where hed been on extended service, most recently in Nantes, France, there having undertaken a number of unspecified duties on behalf of a grateful United States Government. Now he was in Albany, awaiting orders from the War Department, on the understanding that he was likely to be assigned to General Dearborns Northern Command Headquarters, where his intimate knowledge of British military tactics could be put to strategic use in the current hostilities.
Hawkwood knew that, as masquerades went, it was tenuous at best and downright dangerous at worst, but as his liaison with Quade was only scheduled to last as long as a couple of drinks, hopefully it would suffice.
It sounds, Hawkwood said, in an attempt to move the conversation on, as though the bastards have that part of the frontier sealed up tight. What about Ontario and the St Lawrence? I hear weve given a good account of ourselves there.
Quades eyes flashed as he nodded in agreement. Thanks to Chauncey! About time the bastards got a taste of their own medicine! Now they know what its like to be bottled up with nowhere to go!
From his reading, Hawkwood knew that Commodore Isaac Chauncey, former Officer-in-Charge of the New York navy yard, was the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Great Lakes Navy. Since his transfer to Sackets Harbor in October, the Americans had taken the war to the British with a vengeance. With their successful blockade of Kingston, it was now the United States who ruled the waves on Lake Ontario and the upper reaches of the St Lawrence, and not the Provincial Marine as had previously been the case.
The Limeys need the Marine to help keep their supply routes open. Quade said. We sever those and hopefully we can wear the sons of bitches down. Weve made a good start. Theyre already having difficulty supplying their southern outposts. Once winter sets in, itll be impossible to move anywhere. Not that either side will want to, so both armies are going to be snow-bound until March, which means well be ready for them come the thaw.
Hawkwood manufactured a smile in support of Quades rekindled optimism. From the majors point of view, the reversal of fortune following the Queenston and Detroit defeats was a much-needed boost to national morale, but all Hawkwood could see was the shutting down of his second prospective escape route.
Not that either option had held much appeal, due more to their geography than their military significance. It was four hundred miles to the Niagara frontier and at least two hundred to the St Lawrence, with each route involving a heavily defended river crossing at the end of it.
The third option was looking more inviting by the minute. But then it always had. Quades disclosures had merely confirmed what Hawkwood had already decided. If he was to have any chance of reaching safety, he should discount the western paths and take the shortest of the three routes: north, up through New York State. If he made for the closest point on the Canadian border, his journey would still involve the negotiation of a river but, unlike the Niagara and St Lawrence, the Hudson, because of its course, had the potential to be an ally rather than an enemy. Winter was approaching fast, however. If he was going to start his run, hed need to do it quickly.
Though it wasnt as if hed be heading into unknown territory.
The flames in the hearth danced as a new batch of customers entered the tavern, bringing with them a heavy draught of cold air from the street outside. Hawkwood looked towards the door. The new arrivals were in uniform; grey jackets, as opposed to the tan of Quades tunic. As they took a table in the corner of the taproom, Quade eyed them balefully over the rim of his now-empty glass.
Pikemen, he murmured scornfully. God save us. Itll be battleaxes next.
Hawkwood knew his puzzlement must have shown, for Quade said, My apologies; a weak jest. Theyre Zebulon Pikes boys. Fifteenth Infantry. Hes had them in training across the river.
Across the river meant the town of Greenbush. Hawkwood had been surprised and not a little thankful to discover that Albany wasnt awash with military personnel. It had turned out that General Dearborn had set up his headquarters not in the town but in a new, specially constructed compound on the opposite side of the Hudson. This was much to the relief of the locals, who, while mindful of the economic advantages of having an army camped on their doorstep, didnt want the inconvenience of several thousand troops living in their midst. It was a compromise that suited all parties.
Battleaxes? Hawkwood said, confused.
Pike has this notion to equip his men with pole-arms. Hes introduced a new set of drills: a three-rank formation. First two ranks armed with muskets, the third with pike staffs. He reckons itll enable a battalion to deploy more men in a bayonet charge.
It does sound medieval, Hawkwood agreed warily.
Quade grunted. That was my thinking, though there could be some sense in it, I suppose. Most third ranks are next to useless when it comes to attacking in line. Even with bayonets fixed, their muskets are too short to be effective. A line of twelve-foot pikes would certainly do the trick. Would you face a line of men armed with twelve-foot pikes?
Only if I had fifteen-foot pikes, Hawkwood said. Or lots of guns.
So, maybe I stand corrected, Quade said. Im sure theyll give a good account of themselves when its required. He eyed the recent arrivals. Theyll be enjoying their last drink before heading north to join the rest.
The rest? Hawkwood said.
There was a pause.
They did tell you that Dearborns in Plattsburg, Quade said. Didnt they?
Hawkwood raised his glass and took a swallow to give himself time to think and plan his response.
I only landed in Boston a few days ago. No ones told me a damned thing.
Quade shook his head and made the sort of face that indicated he despaired of all senior staff.
Typical. Just as well we met then, though youd have found out eventually. Hes been there since the middle of last month. Winter quarters. Pikes up there with him. Ive no doubt my orders will be to join them, which is why Im in no hurry to return to the bosom. Ive a day or two of freedom left and I intend to make the most of them.
He sighed, stared into his glass and then, clearly making a decision, stood it on the table between them.
Another? Hawkwood asked.
To Hawkwoods relief, the major shook his head. Thank you, thats most generous, but on this occasion Ill decline. Ive a prior appointment and, no disrespect, Captain, but shes a damned sight prettier than you are! Quade grinned as he reached for his coat and cane. A tad more expensive, but definitely prettier.
In that case, Major, Hawkwood said, dont let me detain you. He waited until Quade had gained his feet and then accompanied the major as he tapped his way towards the door.
On the street, the major paused while buttoning his coat. If youre free, why dont you join me?
Another time, perhaps, Hawkwood said.
Quade, not in the least put out, smiled amiably. As you wish. If you should change your mind, youll find us on Church Street the house with the weathercock on the roof. The doors at the side. Theres a small brass plate to the right of it: Hoares Gaming Club. It
Seeing the expression on Hawkwoods face, the major chuckled and spelt out the name. Yes, I know, but what would you have it say the Albany Emporium? Anyway, as I was saying, it caters for the more how shall I put it? discerning gentleman, so youd be in excellent company. A lot of the senior officers from Greenbush take their pleasure there.
Another reason for giving the place a wide berth, Hawkwood thought. Well, Ill certainly bear that in mind, Major, if I find myself at a loose end.
Ha! Thats the spirit! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, eh? Besides, were at war. Whos to say we shouldnt enjoy what could be our last day on earth before we head to the front?
I thought everyone was going to be snowed in for winter, Hawkwood said. There wont be a front until March.
Ah, but the ladies dont know that, do they?
God save us, Hawkwood thought.
As an ear-splitting shriek shattered the surrounding calm.
Hawkwood pivoted. Heart in mouth, he paused as a broad grin of delight opened up across the majors face.
Ha! Quade exclaimed gleefully. Had the same effect on me, the first time I heard it. Thought it was the cry of the banshee come to carry me off! They do say its caused seizures in at least half a dozen of the citys older female folk. Not seen her before? Quite a sight, aint she?
The major pointed with his cane.
As his pulse slowed to its normal rate, Hawkwood, embarrassingly aware that other passers-by had not reacted as he had, looked off to where Quade was indicating. They had come to a halt adjacent to the river. Only the width of the street and a patch of open ground separated them from the quayside and the vessels moored alongside it.
The Hudson was Albanys umbilical. It was from the busy wharves and slipways crowding the mile-long shoreline that goods from the citys granaries, breweries and timber yards were transported downriver to the markets of New York, one hundred and fifty miles to the south.
Scores of cargo sloops and passenger schooners competed for mooring space with smaller barges and hoys. It could have been a scene lifted from the Thames or the Seine, had it not been for the tree-clad hillsides rising from the water on the opposite shore and the extraordinary-looking vessel that was churning into view beyond the intermediary forest of masts and rigging. The throbbing sounds that enveloped the craft as it manoeuvred towards the jetty were as curious as its appearance and like nothing Hawkwood had heard before.
There was no grace in either its movement or its contours. Compared to the other craft on the river, it occurred to Hawkwood that the clanking behemoth, with its wedged bow and wall-sided hull had all the elegance of an elongated canal boat, while the thin, black, smoke-belching stove-pipe poking up from the boats mid-section wouldnt have looked out of place on the roof of a Cheapside tenement.
The threshing sound was explained by what appeared to be two large mill wheels, their top halves set behind wooden housings on either side of the hull, forward of the smoke-stack. They were, Hawkwood saw, revolving paddles; it was their rotation that gave the vessel its momentum through the water.
Another drawn-out screech rent the air, sending a flock of herring gulls, already displaced by the first whistle, wheeling and diving above the nearby rooftops in raucous protest.
Quade moved to Hawkwoods side. Shes the Paragon, up from New York. She can do six and a half knots at a push. Seven dollars a ticket, Im told, and it only takes thirty-six hours. It takes the schooners four days. Youve not seen any of them in action?
Hawkwood shook his head and watched as the steamboat shuddered and slowed. For a few seconds the clattering from her paddles seemed to diminish before suddenly increasing in volume once more. Hawkwood realized the wheels were now revolving in the opposite direction and that the vessel was travelling in reverse.
Takes ninety passengers, Quade said matter-of-factly as the boats stern started to come round. Fulton used to swear they could turn on a dollar the boats, that is, not the passengers. Dont know if thats strictly true. No ones thrown a dollar in to find out. He chuckled.
For a moment Hawkwood thought he might have misheard.
Fulton? he repeated cautiously, trying to keep his tone even.
Robert Fulton, Quade said. He looked at Hawkwood askance. Good God, man, you must have heard of him! How long did you say youd been away?