Tempest at Dawn Read Online Free PDF

he’ll be selected
chairman. We can trust our fellow Virginian to follow the general’s
wishes.”
    Madison was about to address another
sensitive subject, when two impeccably dressed gentlemen
interrupted them.
    “ General, sir, sorry for the
intrusion, but we wish to express our delight in seeing you once
again lead our nation in this hour of peril.”
    Washington stood. “Gentlemen, may I
introduce Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Vose and Major William Perkins.
Both served with distinction in the Continental Army.”
    Everyone stood. Madison reflexively stepped
back when their foul breath accosted him. The soldiers, wearing
inane grins, had obviously imbibed well beyond the limit of a
gentleman. The little ceremony had an awkward feel as chairs
scraped and extended hands tangled, and the two officers gawked
when Gouverneur Morris stiffly lurched onto his wooden leg.
    “ Excuse me, sir, did you lose your leg
in service to your country?” Perkins got this out just before a
tiny burp punctuated the query.
    “ Oh, my goodness, no,” Morris said.
“It embarrasses me to admit this to you fine soldiers, but I lost
it jumping from a lady’s balcony.”
    The officers, looking nonplussed, wavered
slightly in a vain attempt to maintain erect posture.
    With an impish grin, Washington said, “Yes,
indeed, and the experience has sharpened his morals. He now works
harder to control his illicit impulses.”
    “ My dear general,” Morris said, “you
argue the point so handsomely that I’m tempted to part with the
other leg.”
    All six men now enjoyed an easy laugh that
erased the uncomfortable moment. Madison forced laughter to keep
from spoiling the story. Morris had actually lost his leg in a
carriage accident, but he savored his reputation as a rake, and
this little scene had been played many times before.
    “ Gentlemen, before we part, I must
correct your erroneous notion that I shall lead the Federal
Convention,” Washington said. “I’m a tired old soldier. We need men
with far greater political skills than I to set our government
right.”
    Vose blanched. “Excuse me, sir, but
the situation is far too grave for dithering politicians.” The man
tried to steady his bearing, shuffled half a step, and, after
catching himself, comically puffed himself up. “Many fine men have
expended their estates, hazarded their lives, and sacrificed their
families’ needs in the service of our country. Now disorder and
anarchy rule. The time has come for decisive
action  action dictated by
leaders with the will to suppress the rabble.”
    Washington’s expression grew as stern as his
voice. “This rabble, as you call them, is composed of our
countrymen, who are trying to deal with problems not of their
making. Our leaders must see themselves as servants of the people,
not disciplinarians.”
    “ Sir, we spent our youth as servants
of the people, spilled our blood, and have come to know their
miserly and ungrateful nature. Now they defy authority like unruly
children,” Perkins responded. He added in a rather nasty tone, “The
country needs a strong taskmaster, one backed by a loyal army to
impose his will.”
    Madison watched Washington turn crimson.
When he spoke, Madison had never heard a colder voice. “May I
remind you, a soldier’s place is on the battlefield. In peacetime,
a warrior may feel discarded, but his blood does not buy him the
right to ration his countrymen’s liberty. Good night,
gentlemen.”
    Both officers rocked back on their heels.
Vose somehow found enough composure to bow and say, “My apologies,
General. Impatience prompted our rash comments. We shall leave you
to your business.”
    With that, the two officers squared their
shoulders, executed an awkward about-face, and departed with as
little staggering as they could muster.
    “ Did that man threaten an overthrow by
the military?” Robert Morris asked.
    “ I believe so,” Gouverneur Morris
said. “That young officer sounded as if he