Read Online Tempest at Dawn by James D. Best - Free Book Online

easily as
one of those celebrated balloons.”

    Sherman followed Washington when he saw the
general move away from the crowd.
    “ General, may I have a private
moment?”
    “ Of course, Mr. Sherman.”
    They stepped around the corner of Franklin’s
home to a quiet spot. As Washington faced him, Sherman marveled at
his immaculate dress. The buff and blue colors had a hint of the
military without looking martial. Washington’s shoes glistened with
a luster that could only come from fastidious care. Sherman
couldn’t help but glance at his own scuffed footwear.
    “ What’s on your mind,
Roger?”
    “ As I’m sure you’re aware, many of the
small states feel uneasy about the plan that Gouverneur Morris
alluded to. Perhaps we’re unduly apprehensive, but fear is the
handmaiden of the unknown.”
    “ I gather you have a specific
request?”
    “ I believe a Committee of the Whole
will alleviate anxiety and hold the convention together at its
crucial beginning.”
    “ Is there a threat to bolt the
convention?”
    “ I didn’t mean to imply
that.”
    Washington only stared in response.
    Sherman tried to regain the initiative. “A
Committee of the Whole is a standard practice for delicate issues.
It would be seen as a sign of fairness and would engender
goodwill.”
    Washington looked thoughtful. Sherman knew
he was calculating. A Committee of the Whole, like any committee,
could not pass resolutions but only report out recommendations.
Declaring the entire assemblage a committee created something like
a rehearsal. As issues were debated and voted on, the parliamentary
device would expose strategies and the strength of coalitions. A
second vote would be required when the Committee of the Whole
dissolved and the actual convention reconvened.
    A long moment elapsed before Washington
spoke. “If I agree to support you in this, will you promise to
argue for careful reflection by the hesitant states? More
important, and crucial to my support, will you keep Connecticut at
the convention?”
    Now it was Sherman’s turn for silent
contemplation. He knew the proposition would carry a price, but he
hadn’t expected it to be so personal. If he agreed, he would have
to represent the small states’ views, while arguing for their
continued consideration of the plan: a difficult thread to
weave.
    “ You have my word,
General.”
    “ Good. Then I will use my feeble
influence to get a Committee of the Whole.”
    Sherman smiled. “I’m sure your feeble
influence will be sufficient. You undoubtedly will be president of
the convention.”
    “ That’s a responsibility I neither
seek nor covet. The convention must make its own
choice.”
    “ General, this convention needs your
leadership to garner the support and energy necessary for our great
task. Surely you won’t decline?”
    Washington turned his back to Sherman and
walked two paces. He stood there a second and then spoke without
turning around. “Others have made your argument.” Another
hesitation. “I will not decline, but I’ll consent with great
reluctance.” The general appeared to have a new thought and turned
back to face Sherman. “If a draft does ensue, will you encourage
the small states to support my candidacy?”
    Was this another condition for a Committee
of the Whole?
    “ General, I’d be honored to urge your
election to my fellow delegates. I believe it both necessary and
richly deserved.”
    “ Thank you, Roger. I appreciate your
confidence.”
    As Washington turned to other guests,
Sherman wondered who had got the better of the exchange.

    Sherman migrated with others toward the
dining room. A servant with a deep melodic voice had delivered the
call to supper. No one hesitated. The aromas had roused people’s
appetites, and all the guests were anxious to experience one of
Franklin’s famed dinners. Book-lined walls, expensive rugs,
beautifully crafted furniture, and a perfectly arranged table
promised a refined meal. Six uniformed black servants