A Blaze of Glory Read Online Free PDF

respite.”
    Forrest stared sharply at Johnston, and Johnston felt the protest coming, held up his hand.
    “No discussion on this, Colonel. Do not take this as an insult. I have approved your promotion to full colonel, and that is a high compliment. You should reflect on that. I know precisely what your men have accomplished, and you will continue to be a valuable service to this army. Many … things will take place in the next few weeks, changes perhaps, involving commanders or spheres of authority. Richmond is a noisy place right now, Colonel. There is a considerable lack of confidence in certain commands in this theater. We must all recognize where our best assets lie, whom we may trust and depend upon. Your good work is noted, and will be mentioned prominently to Richmond. But I need you to rest your men. Be prepared to return to action within two weeks.”
    To one side, the engineer, Gilmer, spoke up.
    “I for one am pleased that we have at least one commander in the field who realizes what a war is.”
    Johnston knew that Gilmer was hot, had been as frustrated as anyone in Johnston’s command by the failures at the two forts, and the astounding lack of cooperation offered the army by the civilians in Nashville. Johnston had heard this already, did not need another debate on failure.
    “Let that be, Colonel. A discussion for another time. Colonel Forrest, you have your instructions. Offer your men my deepest respects and assure them they will be of great service to this army. But feed them, do what you can to replenish and refit their weapons, and see to your horses. I will call upon you when the time comes.”
    Forrest slumped.
    “As you wish, sir. But the enemy is so close …”
    “Right now, that is not your concern. Captain Morgan’s cavalry are on the prowl between this headquarters and the enemy, and he reports success in damaging the bridges and rail lines that are in the enemy’s hands. We are blessed with good cavalry.”
    Gilmer spoke up again, his arms clamped hard across his chest.
    “And not much else.”
    Johnston did not need the engineer’s contribution, not right now.
    “Colonel Gilmer, your good work is noted as well. Please accompany Colonel Forrest outside, and see that my staff provides the horsemen with anything they require to begin their journey.”
    The instructions silenced both men, and Forrest offered a brisk salute, said, “I wish only to serve, sir.”
    Gilmer growled something Johnston couldn’t hear, led Forrest out of the room. In a chair to one side, a fourth man sat back, observing, a smile on his face. The two men were alone now, and Johnston said, “What could possibly inspire your good cheer, Governor?”
    “I do love headquarters . Generals can slice their way through the most thorny of situations just by their authority. That is never as simple for a politician. In my world, it is essential that we dance through our pronouncements, make sure that no one’s feelings be injured.”
    “I do not seek to insult anyone. But I am in command, and until President Davis has a change of mind about that, I will not hesitate to tell my officers what I expect of them.”
    Harris laughed. He was a thin, balding man, his face adorned with a wide mustache. Officially, Isham Harris was the governor of Tennessee, but from Johnston’s first days in command of the forces west of the Appalachians, Harris had been attached to the general’s staff. It was an arrangement that seemed to work for both men, Harris appreciating Johnston’s mannerisms, the habit Johnston had of choosing each word carefully. Johnston was soft-spoken, would never rail aloud at anyone in his command, no matter what he might be feeling. Some made the deadly mistake of assuming Johnston’s slow speech to be slowness of brain, but Harris had always seen past that, had seen too many men in Nashville, and in the army, whose quick words did not always mean a quick mind. But Harris brought more than insight to