Part 91 (2/2)
”Our only chance is to continue the struggle by a fierce guerrilla war--”
”For G.o.d's sake, let's do it, sir!”
”Can we,” the calm voice went on, ”as Christian soldiers, choose such a course? We've fought bravely for what we believed to be right. If I enter a guerrilla struggle, what will be the result? Years of b.l.o.o.d.y savagery. Our own men, demoralized by war, would supply their wants by violence and plunder. I could not control them. And so raid and counter-raid. Houses pillaged and burned by friend and foe. Crops destroyed. All industry paralyzed. Women violated. We might force the Federal Government at last to make some sort of compromise. But at what a cost--what a cost!”
”You can control our men,” Alexander maintained. ”Your name is magic.
The South will obey you.”
Lee gazed earnestly into the face of his gallant young Commander of Artillery and said:
”If I wield such power over our people, is it not a sacred trust? Is it not my duty now to use it for their healing, and not their ruin?”
General John B. Gordon suddenly rode up and sprang from his horse.
Lee eagerly turned.
”General Gordon--you have cut through?”
”I have secured a temporary truce to report to you in person, I have fought my corps to a frazzle. The road is still blocked and I cannot move.”
”What is your advice?” Lee asked.
”Your decision settles it, sir.”
A courier plunged toward the group on a foaming horse.
”Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry's broken through!” he shouted. ”The way's opened. The whole army can pa.s.s!”
”I don't believe it,” Gordon growled.
”It's too good to be true,” Taylor said.
”It's true!” Alexander exclaimed, ”of course it's true!”
”You come from Longstreet?” Lee inquired.
”Yes, sir. He asks instructions.”
”Tell him to use his discretion. He's on the spot.”
The courier wheeled and rode back as the crash of a musket rang out beside the baggage wagon.
”What's that?” Taylor asked sharply.
”It can't be an attack,” Gordon wondered. ”A truce is in force.”
Sam rushed to Lee.
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