Free Long Knife by JAMES ALEXANDER Thom

toward the inn, walking faster and faster, his bootsoles and heels rasping and clicking on the street. The cold air stung his face and lifted his cape behind him; he seemed to walk in a wide saucer of blackness under a lid of starpoints, ringed by a horizon of barking dogs. The tension built in him faster than he could walk it off, a kind of savage bright eagerness which held off around the dark edges of his consciousness a throng of nameless and unadmitted fears, as a campfire in a wilderness holds off the wild things. He knew what those fears represented, but would not let his consciousness use their names, which were
disappointment
, and
death
, and worst of all,
failure
.
    He had to anchor his thoughts to something before they should run away with him; coming into a fringe of strong light from a tavern window, he stopped and drew out the secret version of his orders, unfolded the sheet, and read it again, to attach his mind to words, as he was unable yet to attach his physical self to action.
    In Council W ms burg Jan y 1778
    Lieut Colonel George Rogers Clark
      You are to proceed with all convenient Speed to raise Seven Companies of Soldiers to consist of fifty men each officered in the usual manner & armed most properly for the Enterprize & with this Force attack the British post at Kaskaskia.
    It is conjectured that there are many pieces of Cannon & military stores to considerable Amount at that place, the taking & preservation of which would be a valuable acquisition to the State. If you are so fortunate therefore as to succeed in your Expectation, you will take every possible Measure to secure the Artillery & Stores & whatever may advantage the State.
    For the Transportation of the Troops, provisions &c down the Ohio, you are to apply to the Commanding officer at Fort Pitt for Boats, &, during the whole Transaction you areto take especial Care to keep the true Destination of your Force secret. Its Success depends upon this …
    As he read in the lamplight, he was watched from the mouth of a pitch-black alleyway by two rancid and swarthy town thugs, who saw by the cut of his garments that he was a gentleman of substance, alone and unguarded. They elbowed each other in the darkness and then posted themselves in a niche from which they could ambush him when he resumed his walk. One drew a knife and the other a lead-loaded leather sap.
    … It is earnestly desired that you show Humanity to such British Subjects and other persons as fall into your hands. If the white Inhabitants at that post & the neighbourhood will give undoubted Evidence of their attachment to this State (for it is certain they live within its Limits) by taking the Test prescribed by Law & every other way & means in their power, Let them be treated as fellow Citizens & their persons & property duly secured. Assistance & protection against all Enemies whatever shall be afforded them & the Commonwealth of Virginia is pledged to accomplish it. But if these people will not accede to these reasonable Demands, they must feel the miseries of War, under the direction of that Humanity that has hitherly distinguished Americans, & which it is expected you will ever consider as the Rule of your Conduct & from which you are in no Instance to depart …
    “I claims them boots,” whispered one of the thugs, a short, scrawny man with a patch over his left eye. “I ain’t had warm feet for a month!”
    “Shush!” hissed the other. “Look you, he’s a big lad. Better take ’im quick. Might be he’s armed.”
    … It is in Contemplation to establish a post near the Mouth of Ohio. Cannon will be wanted to fortify it. Part of those at Kaskaskia will be easily brought thither or otherwise secured as circumstances will make necessary.
    You are to apply to General Hand for powder & Lead necessary for this Expedition. If he can’t Supply it the person who has that which Cap t Lynn bro t from Orleans can. Leadwas sent to Hampshire by my Orders & that may be