Read Online Charleston by John Jakes - Free Book Online

was Mr. Hughston, a tanner whose loyalty to the patriot cause appeared to be waning. “General Lincoln’s strategy will send us all to our graves.”
    â€œOr the gallows,” another man grumbled. Batteries on the Neck opened up an exchange of fire, distant and desultory; hardly a man took notice, Hughston least of all:
    â€œWe cannot defend against a siege of indefinite length. The enemy has an advantage we lack, namely unrestricted ability to resupply ammunition and rations. Lincoln should evacuate the troops while he can still cross the river and get away. Banastre Tarleton’s dragoons and infantry are roaming the countryside from here to Moncks Corner. The retreat routes may be cut off at any moment.”
    â€œGeneral Washington’s in favor of Lincoln withdrawing,” Hughston’s friend observed.
    Christopher Gadsden slapped his hand on the dining room table. “No. The governor’s council is responsible forthe city’s defense and we will not allow Lincoln to abandon us.”
    Gadsden, a slender man with a receding hairline and dark Irish eyes, was Tom Bell’s closest friend among the patriots. He controlled and directed the Liberty Boys—mechanics, artisans—“the herd” so despised by Lydia’s father. Loyalists called Gadsden a traitor to his class because he was one of the two or three richest men in America. Henry Laurens, even richer but more conservative, had condemned Gadsden as “a rash, headlong gentleman,” and split with him over Gadsden’s uncompromising and, to Laurens, “indecent” espousal of revolution.
    Adrian drank a considerable amount of Madeira. Seated against the wall opposite his brother at the table, Edward could tell that Adrian was, if not tipsy, then close to it. He slurred his words as he said, “Mr. Gadsden, I beg leave to differ. Whether Lincoln stays or goes, isn’t it folly to think that resistance can have a salutary outcome? The British have twelve thousand men surrounding us, perhaps more.” Tom Bell glanced at Edward and frowned. “Wouldn’t it be better if Governor Rutledge asked Clinton for terms? Food is in short supply. The army is a disorderly rabble.”
    Tom Bell interrupted. “Adrian, these gentlemen are guests. You forget yourself.”
    â€œNo, sir. I speak the truth.”
    Gadsden fixed him with a stern eye. “I am sorry to say it to you, Adrian, but your truth seems to be proclaimed through a Tory trumpet.”
    â€œWell, I’m not alone in my feeling that—”
    One of Gadsden’s adherents broke in. “Could that be the reason Malvern was burned by the irregulars while Prosperity Hall is still standing?”
    The speaker was older, a thin and feeble man. It didn’t prevent Adrian from rising to confront him. “Sir, in ordinary times that kind of remark would demand satisfaction.”
    A sudden hush fell over the dining room. A naval gun boomed in the silence. Adrian’s face was livid. Edwardsuspected the reason—the speaker was right about Adrian’s plantation.
    The thin old man surprised everyone by responding not with anger but laughter. “Adrian, my boy, I’m afraid you’ve just confessed your politics to the world.”
    Adrian threw a look to his father, hoping for succor. There was none. Tom Bell said, “Gentlemen, I’ll see to more refreshments. Please apologize to our guests, Adrian.”
    â€œDamme if I will, sir.”
    Christopher Gadsden said, “We have been friends for many years, Adrian. Now I think our different paths are clearly marked.” He saluted Adrian with his cup. “Long live the Congress.”
    Several others, including Tom Bell, exclaimed, “Hear, hear,” and “Long live the Congress.” Edward stepped forward, touched his brother’s sleeve.
    â€œLet’s walk in the garden. I have a favor to ask.”
    Under the great live oak