Sam, his ebony face shining, stood behind trying to look over hisshoulder. He couldn't make it out and his curiosity got the better ofhim.
"What dat yer writin' so hard, Gin'l Taylor?"Without lifting his head the Adjutant continued to write.
"Orders of promotion2 for gallantry in battle, Sam.""Is yer gwine ter write one fer my young Marse Robbie?"Taylor paused and looked up. The light of admiration3 overspread hisface.
"General Lee never promotes his sons or allows them on his staff, Sam.
General Custis Lee, General Rooney Lee, and Captain Robbie won theirspurs without a word from him. They won by fighting.""Yassah! Dey sho's been some fightin' in dis here wilderness1. Hopes terGod we git outen here pretty quick. Gitten too close tergedder ter suitme."The clatter4 of a horse's hoofs5 rang out in the little clearing in frontof the tent.
Taylor looked up again.
"See if that's Stuart. General Lee's expecting him."Sam peered out the door of the tent.
"Dey ain't no plume6 in his hat an' dey ain't no banjo man wid him.
Nasah. Tain't Gin'l Stuart.""All right. Pull up a stool.""Yassah!"Sam unfolded a camp stool and placed it at the table. A sentinelapproached and called:
"Senator William C. Rives of the Confederate Congress to see GeneralLee."Taylor rose.
"Show him in."The Senator entered with a quick, nervous excitement he could notconceal.
"Colonel Taylor--""Senator."The men clasped hands and Taylor continued to watch the nervous mannerof his caller.
"My coming from Richmond is no doubt a surprise?""Naturally. We're in pretty close quarters with Grant here to-night--"Rives raised his hand in a gesture of despair.
"No closer than our Government in Richmond is with the end at thismoment, in my judgment7. I couldn't wait. I had to come to-night. Youhave called an informal council as I requested?""The moment I got your message an hour ago."Taylor caught his excitement and bent8 close.
"What is it, Senator?"Rives hesitated, glanced at the doors of the tent and answered rapidly.
"The Confederate Congress has just held a secret session without theknowledge of President Davis--"He drew from his pocket a letter and handed it to the Adjutant.
"You will see from this letter of the presiding officer my credentials9.
They have sent me as their agent on an important mission to GeneralLee."He paused as Taylor carefully read the letter.
"How soon can I see him?""I'm expecting him in a few minutes," Taylor answered. "He's riding onthe front lines trying to feel out Grant's next move. He is very anxiousover it.""This battle was desperate?" Rives asked nervously10.
"Terrific.""Our losses in the two days?""More than ten thousand.""Merciful God--""Grant's losses were far greater," Taylor added briskly.
"No matter, Taylor, no matter!" he cried in anguish11, springing to hisfeet. He fought for control of his emotions and hurried on.
"The maws of those cannon12 now are insatiate! We can't afford to lose tenthousand men from our thin ranks in two days. If your army suspectedfor one moment the real situation in Richmond, they'd quit and we'd belost.""They only ask for General Lee's orders, Senator. Their faith in ourleader is sublime13.""And that's our only hope," Rives hastened to add. "General Lee may saveus. And he is the only man who can do it."He stopped and studied Taylor closely. He spoke14 with some diffidence.
"The faith of his officers in him remains15 absolutely unshaken?""They worship him.""My appeal will be solely16 to him. But I may need help.""I've asked Alexander and Gordon to come. General Gordon did greatwork to-day. It was his command that broke Hancock's lines and tookprisoners. I've just slated17 him for further promotion. Stuart is alreadyon the way here to report the situation on the right where his cavalryis operating."The ring of two horses' hoofs echoed.
"If Stuart will only back me!" Rives breathed.
Outside the Cavalry18 Commander was having trouble with Sweeney, hisminstrel follower19, an expert banjo player.
Stuart laughed heartily20 at his fears.
"Come on, Sweeney. Don't be a fool."The minstrel man still held back and Stuart continued to urge.
"Come on in, Sweeney. Don't be bashful. I promised you shall see GeneralLee and you shall. Come on!"Taylor and Rives stood in the door of the tent watching the conflict.
"Never be afraid of a great man, Sweeney!" Stuart went on. "The greaterthe man the easier it is to get along with him. General Lee wears noscarlet in his coat, no plume in his hat, no gold braid on his uniform.
He's as plain as a gray mouse--"Stuart laughed and whispered:
"He's too great to need anything to mark his rank. But he never frownson my gay colors.""He knows," Taylor rejoined, "that it's your way of telling the glory ofthe cause.""Sure! He just laughs at my foolishness and gives me an order to lick acrowd that outnumbers me, three to one."He took hold of Sweeney's arm.
"Don't be afraid, old boy. Marse Robert won't frown on your banjo.
He'll just smile as he recalls what the cavalry did in our last battle.
Minstrel man, make yourself at home."Sweeney timidly touched the strings21, and Stuart wheeled toward Rives.
"Well, Senator, how goes it in Richmond?"Rives answered with eager anxiety. His words were not spoken in despairbut with an undertone of desperate appeal.
"Dark days have come, General Stuart. And great events are pending22.
Events of the utmost importance to the army, to the country, to GeneralLee.""Just say General Lee and let it go at that," Stuart laughed. "He _is_the army _and_ the country."He turned to Taylor.
"Where's Marse Robert?""Inspecting the lines. He fears a movement to turn our flank atSpottsylvania Court House.""My men are right there, watching like owls23. They'll catch the firstrustle of a leaf by Sheridan's cavalry.""I hope so.""Never fear. Well, Sweeney, while we wait for General Lee, Senator Rivesneeds a little cheer. We've medicine in that box for every ill that manis heir to. Things look black in Richmond, he tells us. All right. Giveus the old familiar tune--_Hard Times and Wuss Er Comin'!_--Go it!"Sweeney touched his strings sharply.
"You don't mind, sir?" he asked Taylor.
"Certainly not. I like it."Sentinels, orderlies, aides and scouts24 gathered around the door asSweeney played and sang with Stuart. The Cavalryman's spirit wascontagious. Before the song had died away, they were all singing thechorus in subdued25 tones. Sweeney ended with Stuart's favorite--_Rock ofAges_.
General John B. Gordon joined the group, followed by General E.P.
Alexander.
Taylor called the generals together.
"Senator Rives, gentlemen, is the bearer of an important message fromthe Confederate Congress to General Lee. I have asked you informally tojoin him in this meeting."Rives entered his appeal.
"I am going to ask you to help me to-night in paying the highest tributeto General Lee in our power."Gordon responded promptly26.
"We shall honor ourselves in honoring him, sir.""Always," Alexander agreed.
Rives plunged27 into the heart of his mission.
"Gentlemen, so desperate is the situation of the South that our onlyhope lies in our great Commander. The Confederate Congress has sent meto offer him the Dictatorship--""You don't mean it?" Stuart exploded.
"Will you back me?"The Cavalry leader grasped his hand.
"Yours to count on, sir!""Yes," Gordon joined.
"We'll back you!" Alexander cried.
Rives' face brightened.
"If he will only accept. The question is how to approach him?""It must be done with the utmost care," Alexander warned.
"Exactly." Rives nodded. "Shall I announce to him it once the vote ofCongress conferring on him the supreme28 power?""Not if you can approach him more carefully," Alexander cautioned.
"I can first propose that as Commanding General he might acceptthe peace proposals which Francis Preston Blair has brought fromWashington--""What kind of peace proposals?" Gorden asked sharply.
"He proposes to end the war immediately by an armistice29, and arrange forthe joint30 invasion of Mexico by the combined armies of the North andSouth under the command of General Lee."Alexander snapped at the suggestion.
"By all means suggest the armistice first. General Lee won his spurs inMexico. The plan might fire his imagination--as it would have fired thesoul of Caesar or Napoleon. If he refuses to go over the head of Davis,you can then announce the vote of Congress giving him supreme power."The general suddenly paused at the familiar sound of Traveler'shoofbeat.
The officers stood and saluted31 as Lee entered. He was dressed in hisfull field gray uniform of immaculate cut and without spot. He wore hissword, high boots and spurs and his field glasses were thrown across hisbroad shoulders.
He glanced at the group in slight surprise and drew Stuart aside.
"I sent for you, General Stuart, to say that I am expecting a courier atany moment who may report that General Grant will move on SpottsylvaniaCourt House."He paused in deep thought.
"If so, Sheridan will throw the full force of his cavalry on your lines,to turn our right and circle Richmond."Stuart's body stiffened32.
"I'm ready, sir. He may reach Yellow Tavern33. He'll never go past it."In low, tense words Lee said:
"I'm depending on you, sir."Stuart saluted in silence.
Lee turned back into the group and Taylor explained:
"I have called an informal meeting at the request of Senator Rives."Lee smiled.
"Oh, I see. A council of both War and State."Rives came forward and the Commander grasped his hand.
"Always glad to see _you_, Senator. What can we do for you?""Everything, sir. Can we enter at once into our conference?""The quicker the better. General Grant may drop in on us at any momentwithout an invitation."Rives smiled wanly34.
"General Lee, we face the gravest crisis of the war.""No argument is needed to convince me of that, sir. Grant's men havegripped us with a ferocity never known before.""And our boys," Alexander added, "in all the struggle have never beensuch stark35 fighters as to-day.""I agree with you," Lee nodded. "But Grant is getting ready to fightagain to-morrow morning--not next month. His policy is new, and it'sclear. He plans to pound us to death in a series of quick, successiveblows. His man power is exhaustless. We can't afford to lose many men.
He can. An endless blue line is streaming to the front.""And that's why I'm here to-night, General," Rives said gravely.
"Grant is now in supreme command of all the Armies of the union. Whilehe moves on Richmond, Butler is sweeping36 up the James and Sherman ispressing on Atlanta. We have lost ten thousand men in two-days' battle.
In the next we'll lose ten thousand more. In the next ten thousandmore--""We must fight, sir. I have invaded the North twice. But I stand on thedefense now. I have no choice.""That remains to be seen, General Lee," Rives said with a piercing look.
"What do you mean?""A few days ago, your old friend, Francis Preston Blair, entered ourlines and came to Richmond on a mission of peace. He has now before Mr.
Davis and his Cabinet a plan to end the war. He proposes that we stopfighting, unite and invade Mexico to defend the Monroe Doctrine37.
Maximilian of Austria has just been proclaimed Emperor in a conspiracybacked by Napoleon. The suggestion is that we join armies under yourcommand, dethrone Maximilian, push the soldiers of Napoleon into thesea, and restore the rule of the people on the American Continent."Lee looked at him steadily38.
"Mr. Davis refuses to listen to this proposal?""Only on the basis of the continued division of our country. Lincolnnaturally demands that we come back into the union first, and march onMexico afterwards. Mr. Davis refuses to come back into the union first.
And so we end where we began--unless we can get help from you, GeneralLee--""Well?""The Confederate Congress has sent me as their spokesman to make aproposition to you."He handed Lee the letter from the Congress.
"Will you issue as Commanding General an order for an armistice toarrange the joint invasion of Mexico?""You mean take it on myself to go over the head of Mr. Davis, and issuethis order without his knowledge?""Exactly. We could not take him into our confidence.""But Mr. Davis is my superior officer and he is faithfully executing thelaws.""You will not proclaim an armistice, then?"Lee spoke with irritation39.
"How can you ask me to go over the head of my Chief with such an order?"Alexander pressed forward.
"But you might consider a proclamation looking to peace under thisplan--if you were in a position of supreme power?""I have no such power. I advised our people to make peace before Iinvaded Pennsylvania. I have urged it more than once, but they cannotsee it. And I must do the work given me from day to day.""We now propose to give to you the sole decision as to what that workshall be.""How, sir?""I am here to-night, General, as the agent of our Government, to conferon you this power. The Congress has unanimously chosen you as Dictatorof the Confederacy with supreme power over both the civil and militarybranches of the Government.""And well done!" cried Gordon.
"We back them!" echoed Alexander.
"Hurrah40 for the Confederate Congress," shouted Stuart--"the first signsof brains they've shown in many a day--"He caught himself at a glance from Rives.
"Excuse me, Senator--I didn't mean quite that."Lee fixed41 Rives with his brilliant eyes.
"The Confederate Congress has no authority to declare & Dictatorship.""We have.""By what law?""By the law of necessity, sir. The civil government in Richmond hasbecome a farce42. I acknowledge it sorrowfully. Your soldiers are illclothed, half starved, and the power to recruit your ranks is gone. Thepeople have lost faith in their civil leaders. Disloyalty is rampant43. Inthe name of ultra State Sovereignty, treason is everywhere threatening.
Soldiers are taken from your army by State authorities on the eve ofbattle. Men are deserting in droves and defy arrest. You have justlydemanded the death penalty for desertion. It has been denied. Bands ofdeserters now plunder44, burn and rob as they please. You are our onlyhope. You are the idol45 of our people. At your call they will rally. Menwill pour into your ranks, and we can yet crush our enemies, or invadeMexico as you may decide.""He's right, General," Gordon agreed. "The South will stand by you to aman."Alexander added with deep reverence46:
"The people believe in you, General Lee, as they believe in God."A dreamy look overspread Lee's face.
"Their faith is misplaced, sir! God alone decides the fate of nations.
And God, not your commanding General, will decide the fate of the South.
The thing that appalls47 me is that we have no luck. For in spite ofnumbers, resources, generalship--the unknown factor in war is luck. TheNorth has had it all. At Shiloh at the moment of a victory that wouldhave ended Grant's career, Albert Sydney Johnson, our ablest general,was shot and Grant escaped. At the battle of Chancellorsville in thesevery woods, Jackson at the moment of his triumph-Jackson my rightarm--was shot by his own men. To-day Longstreet falls in the same waywhen he is about to repeat his immortal48 deed--"He paused.
"The South has had no luck!"Alexander eagerly protested.
"I don't agree with you, sir. God has given the South Lee as herCommander. Your genius is equal to a hundred thousand men. And in allour terrible battles, at the head of your men, again and again, as youwere to-day, with bullets whistling around you, you've lived a charmedlife. You're here to-night strong in body and mind, without a scratch.
Don't tell me, sir, that we haven't had luck!"Stuart broke in.
"You're the biggest piece of luck that ever befell an army."Lee rose.
"I appreciate your confidence and your love, gentlemen. But I've mademany tragic49 mistakes, and tried to find an abler man to take my place.""There's no such man!" Stuart boomed. "Give the word to-night and everysoldier in this army would follow you into the jaws50 of hell!"Lee's eyes were lifted dreamily.
"And you ask me to blot51 out the liberties of our people by a single actof usurpation52?"Alexander lifted his hand.
"Only for a moment, General, that we may restore them in greater glory.
The truth is the Confederate Government is not fitted for revolution.
Let's win this war and fix it afterwards.""I do not believe either in military statesmen or political generals.
The military should be subordinate always to the civil power--""But Congress," Rives broke in, "speaking for the people, offers yousupreme power. Mr. Davis has not proven himself strong enough for thegreat office he holds."Lee flared53 at this assertion.
"And if he has not, sir, who gave _me_ the right to sit in judgment uponmy superior officer and condemn54 him without trial? Mr. Davis is thevictim of this unhappy war. I say this, though, that he differs with meon vital issues. I urged the abolition55 of Slavery. He opposed it. So didyour Congress. I urged the uncovering of Richmond and the concentrationof our forces into one great army for an offensive--"Rives interrupted.
"We ask you to take the supreme power and decide these questions."Lee replied with a touch of anger.
"But I may be wrong in my policies. Mr. Davis is a man of the highestcharacter, devoted56 soul and body to the principles to which he haspledged his life. He is a statesman of the foremost rank. He isa trained soldier, a West Point graduate. He is a man of noblespirit--courageous, frank, positive. A great soul throbs57 within hisbreast. He has done as well in his high office as any other man couldhave done--"He looked straight at Rives.
"We left the union, sir, because our rights had been invaded. Ourrevolution is justified58 by this fact alone. You ask me to do the thingthat caused us to revolt. To brush aside the laws which our people haveordained and set up a Dictatorship with the power of life and death overevery man, woman and child. For three years we have poured out our bloodin a sacred cause. We are fighting for our liberties under law, or weare traitors59, not revolutionists. We are fighting for order, justice,principles, or we are fighting for nothing--"A courier dashed to the door of the tent and handed Lee a message whichhe read with a frown.
"This discussion is closed, gentlemen. General Grant is moving onSpottsylvania Court House. My business is to get there first. My work isnot to jockey for place or power. It is to fight. Move your forces atonce!"
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
wilderness
|
|
| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
promotion
|
|
| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
clatter
|
|
| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
hoofs
|
|
| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
plume
|
|
| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
judgment
|
|
| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
credentials
|
|
| n.证明，资格，证明书，证件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
nervously
|
|
| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
anguish
|
|
| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
cannon
|
|
| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
sublime
|
|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
spoke
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
solely
|
|
| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
slated
|
|
| 用石板瓦盖( slate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
cavalry
|
|
| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
follower
|
|
| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
strings
|
|
| n.弦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
pending
|
|
| prep.直到，等待…期间；adj.待定的；迫近的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
owls
|
|
| n.猫头鹰( owl的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
scouts
|
|
| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
subdued
|
|
| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
plunged
|
|
| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
supreme
|
|
| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
armistice
|
|
| n.休战，停战协定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
joint
|
|
| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
stiffened
|
|
| 加强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
tavern
|
|
| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
wanly
|
|
| adv.虚弱地；苍白地，无血色地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
stark
|
|
| adj.荒凉的；严酷的；完全的；adv.完全地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
sweeping
|
|
| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
doctrine
|
|
| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
irritation
|
|
| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
hurrah
|
|
| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
farce
|
|
| n.闹剧，笑剧，滑稽戏；胡闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
rampant
|
|
| adj.(植物)蔓生的；狂暴的，无约束的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
plunder
|
|
| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
idol
|
|
| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
reverence
|
|
| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
appalls
|
|
| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
immortal
|
|
| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
tragic
|
|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
jaws
|
|
| n.口部；嘴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
blot
|
|
| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
usurpation
|
|
| n.篡位；霸占 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
Flared
|
|
| adj. 端部张开的, 爆发的, 加宽的, 漏斗式的 动词flare的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
condemn
|
|
| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
abolition
|
|
| n.废除，取消 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
throbs
|
|
| 体内的跳动( throb的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
traitors
|
|
| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |