Billy Green Saves the Day by Ben Guyatt

commanding the 8th.”
    Vincent buttoned his jacket. “Good, good. We’ll take one cannon. Any more will slow the march. You take the point, and I’ll bring up the rear.”
    â€œYes, sir. I also think we should split our forces once we get there.” Harvey placed a hand-drawn map of the Gage property on the desk. “I suggest Fitzgibbon and I follow the road in while Ogilvie attacks from the south and Pleanderleath from the north.” He pointed with his finger. “Norton will lead his Indians from the high ground on the southwest corner of the farm. I’ve evenly split the militia between both regiments.”
    â€œI just pray to God the Americans don’t attack us here while we’re advancing on them,” the general said, attaching his sword.
    â€œAbout that, sir, I’d really like to see more men going to Stoney Creek.”
    â€œIt’s out of the question, Colonel. If we should fail, Burlington Heights is all that’s left between this country and the Americans. We need more men here.” Vincent opened a drawer in his desk, retrieved his Bible, and sat in his chair. “I need some time alone. Please leave me now. I’ll be out in a minute.”
    Harvey saluted. “You’re doing the right thing, sir.”
    General Vincent returned the gesture. “John?” Harvey turned. “Whatever happens, it’s been an honour serving with you. I personally want to thank you for your courage and your candour.”
    â€œYou’re most welcome, General.” Harvey smiled and then exited.
    Vincent opened the Bible and closed his eyes as he murmured a prayer.
    Several British soldiers were asleep in their bedrolls as condensation exhaled from their mouths with each breath. The fog crept beneath the tent as the men unconsciously pulled the covers tight.
    Suddenly, a British officer threw back the flap and kicked at the soldiers’ boots. “On your feet and prepare for duty! I want you outside now!” he barked, and hurried out. Soon the British regulars and militia formed ranks as the Indians did the same under John Norton.
    Billy anxiously kept step with Colonel Harvey, who supervised the beehive of activity. “Please, I want to fight.”
    â€œYou’ve done enough,” Harvey said, continuing the survey of his troops.
    â€œI need to do this, sir. Please, I’m begging you. I know this area better than anybody. I know it as well as any animal. I could be your scout.”
    Harvey stopped walking and confronted him. “I’m sorry, son, but leave this to the professionals.” He slapped Billy on the back before striding away.
    Dejected, Billy watched as the combatants assembled outside General Vincent’s tent. After a few moments, the general stepped out, dressed in his crisp uniform. A hush fell over the crowd.
    â€œGentlemen, we’re going to march the three hours to Stoney Creek and launch a surprise attack on the Americans.” The general’s announcement caused an instantaneous reaction of whispers, both of support and disbelief.
    Vincent inspected the musket of a nearby infantryman. “This will be a cold-steel exercise, people. There will be no flints in the firelocks, so nobody fires prematurely.” He turned to Harvey. “Colonel Harvey has convinced me that this attack is essential. If we stay here and do nothing, it will only be a matter of time before the Americans surround us. This raid truly represents Upper Canada’s only hope of maintaining independence from American domination and expansion. This is a moment your children can say they witnessed ... and hopefully remember the sacrifices made to keep their future in their own hands.” Vincent patted the head of a nearby infant in his mother’s arms.
    The general’s eyes drifted off, and he frowned. “If Upper Canada falls to the United States, Lower Canada will surely follow. The destiny of a nation