Stars and Stripes 2 Stars & Stripes in Peril by Harry Harrison

Author:Harry Harrison
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2011-01-16T00:00:00+00:00

General William Tecumseh Sherman and General Robert E. Lee had Room 313 to themselves, with strict orders that they were not to be disturbed. Sherman now had his own key to the map cabinet. After bolting the room's door from the inside he unlocked the cabinet and opened its door wide.

"There it is, Robert. The country that we must free."

The two generals had become more than just allies working in a common cause, they had formed a close bond of friendship. Both men were of the same mind, tacticians who had a ruthless and determined drive to win. Neither enjoyed defending, both relished the attack. Now they were working to a common purpose.

"Do you have an invasion plan in mind?" Lee asked.

"A probable structure. Which is why I called you here today. First, let us look to the enemy defenses. The British have long worried about a French invasion of this island and have been building forts and coastal defenses for years. Most of them along the eastern coast where the centers of population are. They run from Londonderry here on the north coast—then go right around to Belfast and down to Newry. Past Dublin, to Waterford and Cork. There are forts and Martello towers all along the way, making this a very inhospitable coast. I can see no reason to charge headfirst against these obstacles."

"I am in complete agreement, Cumph. And for another important reason as well. The people."

"Agreed. We have friends in the south. But all of our reports assure us that the Northern Protestants will side with the English. I am assured by those who know that the population might very well rise against any invasion."

"I sincerely believe that they will. The north will be a tough nut to crack." Sherman looked up at the wall clock. "I asked General Meagher to bring Surgeon Reynolds here at three o'clock. He is a northern Catholic who can tell us what we need to know about the situation in Ulster. I am seriously considering taking him into our confidence about the invasion. That may be the only way to get the information that we must have."

Lee nodded. "A more than sensible suggestion. And one that goes very well with something I have been turning over in my head. I think that we are in agreement that the Irish Brigade will lead the attacks in the south of Ireland. They would burn us at the stake if we didn't let them do that. But I am sure that you will also agree with me that we want to keep them out of the north. However we go about the invasion there—we don't want them anywhere near it. That would be the one certain way to guarantee a civil uprising."

"I have been thinking exactly the same thing," Sherman said.

"Well then, if you think I'm fit, I would like to command in the north. Lead the attack with my Southern regiments. Every one of them a Protestant as well!"

"The job is yours if you want it.

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