Chapter Twenty Four
John Laurens
John found that, while he loathed being a husband, he liked being a father very much. He found himself distracted from his work, for he always wanted to see what new and exciting venture Frances had set out on. He listened to Marty, now, so long as she spoke about the child. His correspondence with Hamilton consisted entirely of stories about Frances. Hamilton's responses were always stiff and congratulatory. John wished that Hamilton could meet Frances. He was certain that Hamilton would adore the little girl just as much as he did.
Unfortunately, it quickly became evident that camp was no place to raise a child. Marty had to keep her locked away in the bedroom all day and night, for fear that she would contract one of the diseases which were running rampant among the camp. She was too young to experiment with the inoculation procedures that both John and Marty had undergone when they first set up at camp.
Every morning that John drilled and trained his men, he looked around camp and was acutely aware of all of the trouble which might befall Frances once she began to walk. There were broken bayonets littering the ground, glinting in the sunlight in a manner which could easily attract a toddler. The camp bordered the woods, where many predatory animals resided. The camp was full of soldiers who had less than stellar reputations. John feared that if Frances learned to talk at camp, her first word would be a profanity.
Marty had reluctantly agreed to return home with Frances once she and the child were well enough to travel. While it was a tremendous risk to travel north, where the British occupied a majority of the land, John took comfort in the fact that the wives of far more important men had traveled in far more dangerous areas and had arrived at their intended destination perfectly safe.
He avoided telling Marty how much he would miss Frances. He feared that if he told her, Marty would use the information as leverage in future arguments. Despite the obvious dangers to a child around camp, she made it clear that she wished to remain at camp with John. She enjoyed being around John, now that he was repentant of the things he had said just hours before Frances was born. He had been - and still was - far too ashamed of himself to utter another unkind word to her. Instead, he had tried very hard to be the sort of husband that Marty wanted. It was exhausting work.
Marty and Frances left camp when Frances was three weeks old. John gave Marty his two best horses to pull the carriage.
"I will miss you." Marty said, standing outside of the carriage. She looked at John earnestly, clearly hoping that he would make some declaration of love. Though John had been kind to her since Frances' birth, he had not told her that he loved her. He did not think he could bear to say such words.
"And I, you." John tried to mean it.
John then turned his attention to Frances. She was squirming in Marty's arms. John could feel a smile blooming on his face. He was certain that Marty noticed that he reserved his brightest smiles for Frances.
"And you, my darling, I will miss you." John could not help the way that his voice lifted an octave. He loved the little girl so. "You mind your manners on the journey, as it will already be extremely difficult for your mother."
As Frances was still only a baby, she wriggled in Marty's arms and made a vague sort of cooing noise. It was enough for John.
"Take care." He urged his wife.
"I will." Marty assured him. "And I will write you when we arrive home safely."
John nodded. He hoped that Marty would include infinite detail about Frances in her letters. He loathed to miss a single second of her childhood. He preferred to be a father rather than being an officer.
"Goodbye, husband." Marty handed Frances to one of the servants - paid, naturally - who had accompanied her to camp. John watched the transfer of the child with narrowed eyes.
Marty leaned forward to kiss John once her hands were free. John accepted the kiss without offering anything in return.
"Goodbye." He said, helping Marty into the carriage. The servant then handed Frances to Marty. Again, John observed the exchange carefully. He did not trust servants to handle Frances as carefully as he would.
The servant climbed into the carriage after Frances was suitably settled onto Marty's lap. The door was shut behind the servant. The coachman clicked his tongue, urging the horses forward. John stood where he was, watching as Marty and Frances rode away from him. He suddenly felt very alone.
Dear Colonel Laurens,
It is with my most sincere pleasure that I write to you on behalf of General Washington. Your presence is requested - though, not optional - at our camp (the location of which I must not disclose in writing, but which may be confirmed by your suspicions and friends along the route) for the purposes of a war conference.
Attending the meeting will be General Washington, General Lee, Major General Lafayette, General Greene, and General Knox. Please prepare your thoughts and materials accordingly.
It is my own desire that your wife and daughter do not obligate you to return to South Carolina immediately following the meeting. I would enjoy a few days more of your company, were you to permit it.
Adieu.
Yours,
A. Hamilton
Hamilton's letter arrived fifteen days after Marty and Frances' departure. John was delighted by its contents. He had suffered fierce loneliness in the absence of his family, the likes of which he had not dreamt possible. Now, he was presented with the opportunity to be reconnected with Hamilton. He had not dared to believe that he would see Hamilton again - at least, not until the end of the war.
"Gentlemen." John practically glowed as he emerged from his quarters and addressed whomever happened to be around. "It appears that I have been summoned by General Washington for consultation on our progress."
There were interested murmurs among the men present. A few soldiers approached the small gaggle outside of John's quarters, eager to see what the fuss was about. No doubt, they hoped that John was distributing extra food or brandy.
"I will be accompanied by a few soldiers who have distinguished themselves in the months that I have observed you all." John continued, forcing his voice to reach a volume that he was not altogether comfortable with. "You will be given the opportunity to meet General Washington, yourself. Perhaps you will be able to impress him, as you have impressed me."
The murmurs grew a bit more excited. There were rumors that Washington's men received better rations. John knew that the rumors could not have been further from the truth - Washington imposed stricter rations and harsher punishments for stealing food from neighboring towns - but he would allow his men to hope for something better. The men needed to believe there was something better to be had, or they would lose their will to fight.
"Now," John could not stop smiling. It was likely that his men were puzzled by his sudden enthusiasm. John had been the very picture of despondent since Marty had left, bringing Frances with her. "I will depart from camp at the end of the week. I will select the men who will accompany the day prior. You all have the time between now and the end of the week to impress me. I recommend you hurry to the drills being run by Colonel Gregory."
Alexander Hamilton
John arrived two weeks after Alexander had sent him the letter at Washington's request. He arrived without his wife, and without his child. He brought with him only a few men who seemed more interested in Washington than they were in John.
He looked older. He still looked like John, of course, but a different version of John. His features seemed more defined than they had been when Alexander had last seen him. He walked with a confidence that Alexander had not known John possessed. His facial expressions were more reserved. When he spoke with Washington, Alexander could not see the hatred burning through his eyes the way that he had been able to just a few months ago. Alexander wondered how this new, mature John might view him.
He did not have to wait long to find out.
After exchanging courteous words with Washington, John afforded Lafayette a friendly smile and a handshake. The pair exchanged a few words. Lafayette laughed. John smiled indulgently, but withheld his laughter. John did not laugh as freely as other men did. He treated his laughter as a prize for only the truly worthy.
Once he was through with Lafayette, he turned to look at Alexander. Alexander smiled as their eyes met.
"Hamilton." John still addressed him informally. Alexander was glad of it. He never quite knew how John felt about him at any given moment. One moment, John might love him. The next, he might be in the throes of jealousy and resentful of Alexander's sheer existence.
"John." Alexander moved forward.
John extended his hand for a handshake, likely wishing to appeal to the formal etiquette that Washington imposed on his men. Alexander chuckled, then pulled John into a warm embrace. He did not mind if Washington disapproved of this display of friendship. He had witnessed Lafayette kissing Washington's cheeks after the pair had been separated for mere days. He would allow himself the small pleasure of holding John in his arms.
"We have much to discuss." Alexander told John as they separated. "Much has changed since you left our company."
"I would enjoy that very much." John agreed with a hesitant smile. Alexander could not guess the reason for John's hesitation. "Though I fear the time for such conversation may be limited, as we plan our strategies for a battle."
"Of course." Alexander forced himself to continue smiling.
John had been recalled for the specific purpose of assisting Washington with the stand he planned to make against the British at Monmouth. It was critical that Monmouth be a success, as many of Washington's former battles had been failures. With Congress discussing replacing him with the more successful General Gates, Washington needed a victory.
Alexander could not be surprised at Washington for packing John's schedule full of preparations for the imminent battle.
"Colonel Laurens." Aaron Burr stepped forward to shake John's hand. "It is a pleasure to see you again. I have enjoyed your correspondence very much. How is your daughter?"
Alexander clenched his jaw. Aaron had been writing to John since their initial introduction. Alexander was made aware of this by Aaron's constant references to letters which he received from John. Alexander suspected that Aaron wrote to John predominantly to bother him. John did not seem to realize this, though, and Alexander did not wish to diminish any friendship John wished to feel for Aaron.
"She is very well, thank you." John afforded Aaron a smile that Alexander had not seen before.
Alexander knew from John's letters that he was fond of his daughter. The extent of John's affection, Alexander admitted to himself, was something he may have underestimated. He imagined that John's wife was reading all of his letters, only approving long passages in which John described his daughter's miserable attempts at speaking. Seeing the smile on John's face, Alexander realized that he may have been wrong. John may have loved his daughter as much as he boasted in his letters.
"I am glad of it." Aaron smiled pleasantly. Alexander knew the smile was a false one. John's expression suggested that he was not aware of the false nature of Aaron's smile. "Now, Colonel Laurens, if I might escort you to your quarters. General Washington has asked me to compile a folder of documents - copies, of course - which might assist you in the meeting with the war council tomorrow."
"I would appreciate that greatly, thank you." John agreed. He nodded in Alexander's direction with an apologetic smile. Alexander forced himself to smile back.
Aaron gestured towards the quarters, then began to walk with John in that direction. Washington turned to Lafayette, discussing strategic positions which might be entrusted to John.
Alexander was left standing on his own. He remembered a time, not so distant, in which everyone appeared to be vying for his attention. Now, Washington was preoccupied with achieving a victory in battle and John was preoccupied with the command he had been awarded.
"Sir." Alexander did not like being on his own. He had been on his own enough for one lifetime. He knew that he could get away with interrupting Washington in front of Lafayette.
Washington gave an overexaggerated sigh, then turned to look at Alexander. His expression was good-natured, despite the pressures of the looming battle. Alexander knew that such patience was limited. He would have to phrase his request very delicately.
"Might I speak with you privately, Your Excellency?" He suggested in an exaggerated humble tone. Though Washington boasted humility as one of his most impressive traits, Alexander was perfectly aware that he enjoyed every ounce of power that he held.
Washington considered this request for a moment, his lips pursed. Alexander resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Lafayette stood beside Washington, shifting his weight from one foot to another and fidgeting with his hands uncomfortably.
"Very well." Washington agreed, at last.
Both Washington and Alexander knew that Washington would consent to the meeting, but it was important to Washington that Alexander pretend otherwise. Alexander disliked how many rules were involved in his relationship with Washington. He much preferred John, who had no rules whatsoever.
"You may visit my quarters at nine o'clock." Washington said.
Alexander nodded.
"Yes, sir." He said with reluctance.
"Hamilton!" John emerged from his temporary quarters at supper time. He looked tired, but pleasant. He smiled in Alexander's direction as he approached the circle.
Alexander rose from his seated position at Washington's side. He felt Washington's disapproving stare, but ignored it. He had an infinite amount of time to appease Washington's insecurities about John. He only had a few days to enjoy John's presence.
"John." Alexander moved away from Washington. He joined John a few feet away, near a few seats available and away from eavesdropping ears.
"I see that the food conditions have not improved." John noted, nodding to where his men were eating some murky stew and fire cakes with great reluctance.
"No." Alexander did not want to talk about the food at camp. "They have not."
The men were silent for a moment. Alexander sat down in one of the seats. John followed suit. Both of them looked around, hoping to witness something which might strike up a conversation. It seemed that, while apart, they had forgotten how to talk to each other. At least, they had forgotten how to talk to each other in front of strangers, with their clothes on and their intimacies a great secret.
"So, your daughter…" Alexander did not particularly want to talk about John's daughter, but it seemed to be a safe topic. "Is she residing in South Carolina while you are creating a new nation for her?"
John smiled. It was the same smile that he had afforded Aaron earlier. Alexander found that he did not enjoy the smile as much as he enjoyed John's other smiles. This smile seemed reserved for John's family, which Alexander was not a part of.
"No. My wife and I agreed that a camp was no place for a young child." John replied, his smile fading somewhat. "Though I was loathe to part with her, I take comfort in her safety. She and my wife are staying with my father in Philadelphia."
Alexander nodded. He was relieved that John brought up his father. Henry Laurens was the president of the Continental Congress. Alexander could talk about the Continental Congress.
"Speaking of your father," Alexander worked at a casual tone. "Have you heard anything further about General Gates' ambitions to replace General Washington? I do not wish to give credence to such rumors, but I fear if someone does not, General Washington will find that those who are disloyal to him will have abused his oversight on the matter."
"Congress remains enamored with General Gates following Saratoga." John replied, faking a regretful tone. Alexander did not know if John would be disappointed to see Washington replaced. Given his father's position, John's own job would be secure regardless of which commander-in-chief was appointed.
"One of Washington's former aides was exchanging letters with General Lee, supposing that Lee might be one of the candidates to replace Washington." Alexander had been holding onto this piece of gossip until he could speak with John in person. After witnessing the dangers of mail falling into the wrong hands firsthand, he was not eager to gossip about Washington in a letter.
"How do you know?" John shifted in his seat, leaning closer to Alexander. His eyes lit up with excitement.
"Washington believed the letter was intended for him and opened it." Alexander replied, grinning. "Once he realized the nature of its contents, he forwarded the letter to Lee with a note of apology. Lafayette was present when Lee received the letter. He said that his face went white as the snow. Lee has been avoiding Washington as best he can since."
John threw his head back and laughed. It was an unbridled display of mirth which was uncommon at camp. Everyone looked in their direction. Some of the men scowled, having lost all of their own sense of joy. The rest of them smiled, happy to be reminded that joy still existed in the world.
Alexander's chest warmed at the sound of John's laughter. He racked his brain for anything else which might make John laugh again.
"Poor General," John chuckled, his volume lowering. "It must have been a shock for him to receive a letter which was anything less than a commendation."
Alexander's grin widened. It had been a long time since he had been around someone equally comfortable with criticizing Washington's obvious shortcomings. He had missed the way that John would laugh at Washington's pompous behavior and self-righteous anger behind closed doors.
"He has grown rather paranoid following the incident." Alexander murmured, risking a glance in Washington's direction. Washington was conversing with Lafayette, obviously trying to ignore the scene that Alexander and John were creating.
"Paranoid?" John echoed, quirking an eyebrow.
"He instructs us not to open letters which are not expressly addressed to him." Alexander explained, glad to have found a topic which he and John could discuss. "Though once or twice I have seen him struggling to read through thinner envelopes to see what other mutinies may be stirring in his own quarters. All of his aides have been suspected of disloyalty once or twice in his particularly emphatic tempers."
John let out a sigh and shook his head.
"One almost feels bad for the man." He said.
"Almost." Alexander warned him from affording Washington too much sympathy.
"I would like to see you tonight." John said, rather out of the blue.
Alexander looked at him, surprised. John was usually not so forward. It was usually up to Alexander to arrange such rendezvous. Alexander found that he did not mind that John was expressing his desire to trespass upon Alexander's quarters. He liked that John wished to spend time with him just as much as Alexander did.
"I would like that, too." Alexander waited for John to supply the rest of the details. He would not seek to take over this proposition.
"Would you come to my quarters tonight at nine o'clock?" John requested. "If anyone asks, you might tell them that I have questions about the documents in the file General Washington provided me."
"Nine o'clock." Alexander echoed regretfully. John's face fell at the tone of Alexander's voice. He thought that his advance was being rejected. "John, I would very much like to see you tonight, but I've already promised…"
"All right." John's cheeks reddened. He busied himself with cleaning up his few dishes. He was preparing himself to storm off. John was always storming off. "No, it's all right. I understand. I have been away for months, and your loyalty was never something which we discussed…"
"No, John." Alexander caught John's hand in his before he could run away. John looked around the camp in horror. Only a few men had noticed the exchange, and none of them cared very much at all. They had seen worse from Alexander and John.
Alexander dropped John's hand, regardless. He did not wish to embarrass him so thoroughly. John returned to his seat begrudgingly. He did not meet Alexander's eyes. He had always been so awfully jealous.
"There isn't another." Alexander assured John in a low voice. He ducked his head in an attempt to meet John's eyes. "I have agreed to meet General Washington tonight at nine o'clock only to ask for a command."
John began to pull away at the mention of Washington's name. Alexander hurried to justify himself further.
"It is nothing, John." He persisted. "If he grants me the command, I will excuse myself to prepare for tomorrow's meeting. If he denies me the command, I will accept his answer and excuse myself for the evening. I will go to your quarters immediately afterwards. On my honor."
"Your honor." John echoed with a humorless laugh.
Alexander swallowed the injury with as much dignity as he could.
"Please, John." It was his only remaining argument.
John let out a huffy sigh and rose from his seat. This time, Alexander made no attempt to stop him. He watched as John walked off in the direction of his quarters. He could only hope that he had not angered John so quickly after being reunited with him.
"No."
It did not surprise Alexander that Washington denied his request for a command without a second thought, but it did anger him. It angered him watching as French aristocrats with no military experience were awarded positions as generals and commanders, while he was chained to Washington's desk.
"Who is more qualified than me to lead the first offensive measure?" He demanded. It was an act of disrespect, but Alexander could not worry about propriety in the midst of his anger.
"There are twenty men more qualified in this camp and I only need one." Washington bit back. "I have offered the command to General Lee. If he is uncomfortable with the position, I will offer it to General Lafayette."
Alexander ground his teeth to avoid saying a word against Lee. He had learned not to mention Lee's disloyalty to Washington. To speak of the unfortunate incident would risk Washington lashing out at him; the anger reserved for Lee would suddenly be directed at Alexander.
"Very well." Alexander said with great difficulty. "Then I suppose I will retire for the evening."
"What?" Washington demanded, indignant. "You're going to leave?"
He had been expecting more from Alexander's visit. He typically received more from Alexander's visit. Alexander was typically obliging, doing everything asked of him in the hopes that he would eventually receive the recognition that he deserved.
"Yes, I am." Alexander replied. "If you'll dismiss me, sir."
Washington did not like this response.
"Hamilton, if you mean to manipulate me by making yourself scarce, as you have done before, I will -"
"No, sir." Alexander interrupted, his tone one of over exaggerated innocence. "I wished to converse with you on the subject of a command. Now that we have had such a conversation, I have nothing further to say to you. I believe it is now proper to take my leave of you, if you will grant it."
Washington grit his teeth.
"Granted." He permitted, his tone venomous.
Alexander bowed lower than usual, then moved for the exit of Washington's quarters. He walked straight to John's quarters, not caring if Washington watched his path from the window.
