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Gordon and I passed a quiet evening in the hotel. The clerk hadn’t been able to solve the uniform problem, but he did arrange for a private meal in our room so Gordon didn’t have to deal with hostile faces all night. Dinner was superb, fresh river trout with a cream sauce, roast beef medallions with a burgundy sauce, hot fresh bread, and an assortment of roast vegetables. There was also a fine bottle of wine 'with the hotel’s compliments' to round out the meal. Finishing the meal, we set our boots outside the door to be shined overnight, and set to cleaning up our uniforms to the best of our ability. It seemed strange to be wearing the uniform again, especially to a meeting with the Confederate military, but I reminded myself that we were unlikely to be the only men in Confederate service wearing blue.
Next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we departed the hotel for the War Department. The clerk, back on duty, hailed us a carriage and we were thus able to make a discreet exit. Our journey was uneventful and we quickly arrived at the imposing brick building where the new Confederate Army was being assembled. As we climbed the steps to the entrance, we passed numerous gray-clad officers, and a few in blue, coming and going. Gordon made a point of offering each man a hearty greeting, emphasizing his South Carolina accent to great effect. As we reached the entrance to the building, a distinguished looking man in a nondescript overcoat was just leaving. Seeing the two of us, he paused. “Good morning Sir,” I offered brightly. “We are here to speak to someone in the War Department, I have a telegram here-”
The man cut me off. “Yes, this sort of thing goes on all day. Lots of officers reporting in, looking for assignments. Good sons of the South, every one.” Here he glanced at Gordon. “Yes, sons of the South as I was saying. Now then, what are your names and where are you coming from, so I may direct you?” We made our introductions and were directed to follow him. “It’s quite a busy place around here of late. My, yes. Men coming and going, volunteers, militiamen looking for positions in the army, former Union officers like yourselves.” Here he stopped and turned to face us. “I must thank you both for what you have done. I realize all too well what it must have taken to give up your careers and return home. Your country needs you, gentlemen, and I thank you for heeding her call.” He turned and resumed his brisk pace down the corridor, with the two of us trailing in bemused silence. His polite distractedness made for a refreshing change from the focused intensity of Colonel Davenport, or the hostility of the people at the hotel. Here, at least, Gordon was welcomed.
At last we reached a small room; our guide knocked briefly, then entered, beckoning for us to follow him. Inside, an older man in a gray uniform was seated at a desk surrounded by stacks of paper. There were trays on his desk which had been filled to overflowing with letters and memos, while bags of mail were piled in the corner. The man looked to be in his early forties with dark hair, graying at the sides, and a full beard. He was busy scribbling what appeared to be names on a piece of paper, consulting a map of northern Virginia as he did so. Finishing the line he was writing, he put down his pencil and leaned back in his chair, looking up at us as he did so. “Well, good morning to you Mr. Walker, how are you today? And who are these gentlemen you’ve brought me?” The name hit me like a thunderbolt: Leroy Walker, Secretary of War for the Confederate States of America. That was our guide, the man I’d been smirking at behind his back. I glanced at Gordon and saw he looked equally sheepish about our conduct.
“A couple of fine young officers returning home to do their duty, Simon. I understand one of them has been summoned,” he said, motioning me forward. “I’ll leave them in your capable hands. Gentlemen,” he nodded politely to us as he left, closing the door behind him.
Gordon and I turned to face the officer behind the desk, coming to attention as we did so. “Sir! Captain Matthew Glenn, at your service. I have a telegram from the War Department inviting me to a discussion on service in the forces defending Virginia.” The man nodded in understanding. “This gentleman is Captain Joshua Gordon, on his way home to South Carolina. He’s had some- difficulties- in traveling and accompanied me in the hopes of receiving assistance in joining his home state’s forces.”
Standing, the man introduced himself as the clerk of the general in charge of accessions, adding that the general had gone to breakfast but would return shortly. He was a pleasant host, but I could tell our presence was disturbing him and keeping him from his work. Thanking him for his time, I assured him we would return shortly to meet with the general. As Gordon reached for the door, it was opened from outside. A tall man with dark, graying hair, erect bearing, and a crisp gray uniform bearing the three stars of a Confederate Colonel strode into the room. I knew the man from my days at West Point, and subsequent assignments in the field, my former commandant and commander. Robert E. Lee.
Gordon knew Lee as well, as he had served in Texas previously. “Why, it’s- it’s,” he paused, looking at the uniform. I understood his confusion well. We had been told to expect a general, yet this man was dressed as a colonel. Still, his manner suggested that this was his office- the clerk’s rigid position of attention was proof enough of that.
Lee smiled. “Good morning gentlemen, it is most pleasant to see two friendly faces. I beg your pardon for any confusion, I have been appointed a general in the Confederate Army, but until such time as we are our own free nation, I will wear the rank of the highest position I held in the old army- a colonel. Mr. Lincoln was kind enough to promote me, prior to my resignation.” He found the thought amusing. “And it appears the practice was not limited to senior officers, if my old eyes do not deceive me Mr. Glenn?”
I stood at attention. “Sir, I was promoted to captain upon selection as company commander, to replace officers whose states had seceded. When Virginia joined them, I followed her. My loyalty is to my home. Sir.” I added, unnecessarily.
Lee nodded slowly. “A Virginia patriot, to be sure. But you are just five years out of the Point, and already were a First Lieutenant. Based on your work in Texas, that promotion was well-deserved.” I beamed at his compliments. “I thank Providence for your decision to join with us, we will make great use of your talents. But you did not come alone,” he said, turning to Gordon. “And who might you be, Sir? You look familiar, from Texas perhaps?”
Gordon, also at attention, replied in parade-ground crisp tones. “Sir, the General’s memory is accurate. This officer was assigned to south Texas while the General was in West Point. There was a brief period where we were assigned to the same outfit prior to this officer accepting assignment at West Point.”
“Gentlemen, please- we are not on the parade field here. Let us dispense with the formality. I have need of you gentlemen, need of your talents, and we must be free to speak without any artificial barriers.” He looked around the office in dismay. “It would seem Simon has been busy with the personnel files. Let us go then and find somewhere we may speak more comfortably. Simon, if anyone needs me I will return in few hours.” With that, Lee turned and walked out of the office, Gordon and I trailing behind. He led us back the way we came before stopping at a closed door with frosted glass set into the frame, ‘WAR DEPARTMENT’ stenciled in gilt letters in the center of the pane. Opening the door, Lee led us into a large room with a round oak table surrounded by high backed leather chairs. Motioning us to either side, he seated himself opposite the doorway. “Now then. Captain Glenn, I had heard from mutual acquaintances that you had resigned your position. They had neglected to mention your promotion.” He smiled again. “Although I am certain you would make a fine commander, I had hoped to engage you in activities more suited for your particular talents. But let us speak of that in a minute.” He turned to face Gordon. “As to you Sir, how may I assist you?”
Gordon launched into an explanation of his service, his trip through the North, how he evaded the Provosts in Washington, and his experience at the hotel. “General Lee,” he concluded, “all I want to do is get home to South Carolina. I left everything I knew behind, left a young lady with whom I was social, and all my comrades, because my home needed me. I will defend her, or die in the attempt. I came with Captain Glenn in hopes that the War Department might facilitate my travel with orders or a pass, or even a uniform- anything so I can change out of this Yankee suit and stop drawing attention.”
Lee looked at him for a long moment, studying him. Finally, he spoke. “Captain, I understand your desire to serve your home. This is what has motivated all of us who turned our backs on the old Union. I will accommodate your request if you so desire. But I have a proposal to make to you. I do not know you, nor your record, but you are valuable to me for one very good reason.” He leaned forward in his chair. “You are already acquainted with Captain Glenn, and seem to get on with him favorably. I have a mission in mind for him, for which he will need a companion. I would have selected such a companion from among the officers who have presented themselves for assignment, but there is great advantage in selecting someone with whom there is already a degree, however slight, of familiarity. You are under no obligation to accept this assignment, nor you, Mr. Glenn, to accept him as your partner. If you choose to return to South Carolina, I will cut orders for you and you may leave this afternoon, accompanied by an aide from this office to ensure you reach your destination safely. However, you must choose now, for the assignment to which I refer may not be discussed by anyone outside this room.”
I had heard those same words barely 24 hours ago, spoken by a man with ambitions grander than himself. Then, they had seemed melodramatic; here, with this man delivering them, they carried a hidden sense of urgency and danger. There was no pretense, not with General Lee- whatever he had in mind was likely to be of vital importance. I had wondered at a telegram finding me at my parents’ house, and at the summons itself. It hadn’t seemed likely Virginia would concern itself with one newly-minted captain, not when hundreds of others were knocking down the doors to volunteer. But now, seeing General Lee, it made sense. He had been looking for me.
Gordon looked surprised. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Looking at me, he addressed General Lee: “Sir, my desire is to fight for my home state. But I will serve where I am most needed. You appear to have something specific in mind, and if I may help to accomplish it then I feel it is my duty to do so. If I may, Sir, I’d like to request that I be returned to South Carolina for service as soon as my duty here is complete.”
Lee nodded. “A reasonable request Captain, most reasonable. But let us now turn our attention to the matter at hand.” He leaned forward in his chair and looked directly into my eyes, staring at me intently. After a long moment, he sat back, apparently satisfied. “Mr. Glenn, I need information,” he said at length.
I knew at once what he expected from me, and a shiver ran up my spine. This was likely to be quite hazardous to myself and anyone who accompanied me. I couldn’t let Gordon walk blindly into this. “Sir, respectfully, I think Captain Gordon should be excused. I believe I know what it is you require from me, and I cannot in good conscience ask him to commit himself without knowing the nature of the assignment.”
Gordon’s head snapped to face me as I spoke. Before General Lee could respond, he replied. “I thank you for your concern Captain, but I must protest at your speaking on my behalf. I have volunteered for this assignment without reservation, and without requiring any advance knowledge. If this is dangerous, I accept that. If it is to be a mission from which there is no return, then again, I accept that. I am a soldier Sir, and have pledged to defend my country with my life. I will do so in any capacity required.” Although he spoke to me, the words were clearly directed at the general. Gordon finished speaking, gave me the briefest of nods, then turned back toward Lee.
With a faint smile, General Lee addressed us both. “Gentlemen, I see I was correct in offering this to you.” Turning to me he added, “Captain Glenn, I trust in your abilities, and with the aid of Captain Gordon I am certain it will not be quite as hazardous as you believe.” He stood up and moved to the wall, where a curtain hung over an alcove. Pulling back the curtain revealed a map of the area around Washington. “Gentlemen, the enemy is preparing his troops to invade. I need to know his intentions.”
So that was it. I looked at Gordon, who appeared puzzled, uncertain as to the General’s meaning. It was clear to me, however. We were to sneak into the Capitol region, infiltrate the Union garrison, and determine the troop dispositions and movement orders. We were to uncover the enemy’s battle plans. If successful, we would provide the nascent Confederate army with vital information, enabling it to prepare to meet whatever attack the Federals made. Marshalling our forces, we could blunt the enemy attack, drive them back, defeat them. If we failed, however, we would be blind to the enemy’s movements. Worse, we would no doubt send in further scouts, who would be facing a now-alerted enemy watching for such infiltrators. Successive attempts would face a more difficult challenge. We had one chance to do this.
“What exactly would the General have us do? Gordon asked, reverting to parade-ground address.
Lee brushed off the question, looking directly at me instead. “I trust my meaning is clear to you, Captain?”
“Perfectly clear Sir.” I replied. “When do you require the information?” From the corner of my eye, I noticed Gordon start to speak, but he thought better of it. Good, let’s get through this and I can fill you in later, I thought.
“I should like you both to leave immediately and return within the week,” Lee replied. A week? That meant he expected something soon. “It will take time to move forces into position, time to strengthen defenses, and time to organize and provision our armies. The longer we take to ascertain the enemy’s intent, to determine where the first blow is to fall, the worse will be our chance to deflect it. Our independence, gentlemen, hangs in the balance of this first engagement. Already some are beginning to question the decision to secede, and the viability of this Confederacy. If we fail to halt the Federals, those voices may grow stronger and more powerful. Should we desire to return to the old Union, it is doubtful we may be allowed to do so without significant concessions. Concessions which would alter the balance of power in the country and leave the South in a state of perpetual subordination to the North. On the other hand, a decisive victory on the battlefield will demonstrate to the Federals that we will not be coerced back into the Union we voluntarily left and no doubt convince them to give up the attempt. One quick battle should secure our independence. You must give me the information I need to win that battle.” With that, he stood, ending the meeting.
Gordon and I jumped to attention as Lee moved toward the door. “Sir,” Gordon began. “There was another officer who visited us in our lodgings, a Colonel-”
Lee cut him off. “Yes, Lt. Colonel Davenport. I must have a word with him. He’s, ah, enthusiastic in certain matters. Do not concern yourself gentlemen, I’ll take care of him. Captain Gordon, you have my thanks for volunteering for this mission. I will make a note of it for whatever record you compile. Captain Glenn, it is very good to see you again.” With a short bow, he turned and left the room.