Storm of Love - A Historical Romance Set during the American Revolutionary War by Nathaniel Burns Page A

Whether or not any of their weaponry would do any good he couldn't tell, but his gun, at least, was a match for the British. While he had worried that his gun would give him away—and still did—he knew he had the advantage in a fight against them. But this was not the same as any time before. This was different. And what could he, one man, really do against the entire British army? Very little, perhaps, but he would fight and he would try.
              As he was debating these things with himself in his mind, he heard a horse riding in from his right. This was not the direction from which the British army should have been coming, and he didn't think it was plausible that they would be making so much noise upon their arrival. He looked toward the origin of the noise and realized that it was one individual, a stately man dressed in a blue and white uniform, though the white had been soiled into a yellowish color. His posture was straight. His horse was swift. Before introductions were made, Edward knew who he was looking at. General Washington had come, and just in time, too. It was clear that the men didn't know what to do. All of them assembled in their ragtag clothing, most of it hanging off them in an unceremonious manner with a variety of weapons they knew may or may not do the trick.
              Their leader had finally arrived, returning from his journeys away to bring back intelligence and let them know what kind of battle they were up against. He had no doubt gotten a glimpse of the British as he made his way back to camp and knew what they intended to do. As he rode up, he surveyed his people like a father surveying his sons about to go to war, about to fight for a noble cause, some of them surely about to die. General Washington had a strong presence and was unmistakably serious about what he wanted done, what the men needed to do, and how they were to behave, but he was kind, as well, and genuinely cared for his troops.
              Finally, he came to a stop before them, majestic on his steed. The men all waited, and Edward could hear the steps of the British ever louder in the background, moving steadily closer to where they stood. Every eye was on General Washington, expecting to be told what to do, how to fight, how this was going to be the battle they won.
              ”Men!" shouted General Washington to the crowd in order to get its attention. "Today is a fine day in the life of our new nation. As you hear the encroaching sound of battle threatening to knock on your door, know this: that you have been called to action not only by me, but by God Himself. This is a divine providence that we should have this land, that this nation should be ours. Whatever happens today, you men must know that the cause we carry forth is indeed a just and noble one and we must, in duty bound, follow the call of freedom."
              To this, Washington was greeted with approving murmurs from the crowd, including from Edward. He wasn't sure whether he should look up at Washington or lower his head. What if somehow this general realized that he was from the British side? There would be no time to explain. But certainly Washington hadn't memorized every face of all the British forces, hadn't committed to his mind and memory every British troop threatening his people. Surely not. As he pondered this, Washington continued.
              "Ready yourselves for battle, men. To defend the cause of freedom and liberty across this great nation of ours and to stake your claim in history. This will be the day that you remember for the rest of your lives as the day you sent the British running. Wait until they breach the tree line, then fire as you will. Do not run, do not back down, and do not stop firing. Defend your freedom, men! Defend your life and the lives of your children and your grandchildren and their grandchildren. Make them proud!"