Montgomery County, Maryland
March 1864
Burgoyne was in his tent, poring over maps drawn by his topographical engineers. They showed Washington City and the ring of forts and batteries which surrounded it. Burgoyne was aware of the great irony, that George McClellan, now hunkered down behind those defenses, had in fact designed them.
As an engineer, Burgoyne had a keen interest in and understanding of military fortifications, and from a purely professional standpoint he liked what he saw. McClellan was clearly capable, and the placement of the defenses was quite sound.
But Burgoyne’s interest in Washington’s defenses was, at this point in the war, purely academic. He had no intention of attacking in force. Knowing McClellan as an opponent, as he now did, he was quite sure that it was enough to threaten and feint to keep the Union Army immobilized in the city. McClellan, and Lincoln, couldn’t afford to let their capital fall once more.
Outside the tent, a horse’s hooves pounded to a halt. A sentry poked his head through the tent flap.
“Major Packenham has returned, sir.”
“I’ll see him at once.”
Burgoyne smiled at the sight of Packenham standing at attention and saluting, while dressed in the guise of a prosperous businessman.
“The hat is a particularly nice touch, Thomas.”
Packenham snatched the bowler hat from his head. “Beg your pardon, sir. Thank you, sir.”
“What news from President Davis?”
Packenham seemed to struggle for words in uncharacteristic fashion. “I should describe him as disappointed, sir.”
“Well. So. Life is full of disappointments, is it not?”
“Just so, sir. I believe President Davis had some expectation that this army might either launch a full attack on Washington City, or perhaps even swing south and defend Richmond.”
“I can assure you, Thomas, that no such promises were ever made. Our agreement was always that we would launch a northern front, which we have done.”
“Yes sir.”
“What else, Thomas?”
“President Davis expects that General McClellan is charged with the defense of Washington City and that General Grant will take the field and advance on Richmond. I believe that President Davis fears a siege above all things.”
“As well he should. His challenge is to defeat Grant in the field, or at the very least drive him from Southern soil once he begins his advance. We shall do our part in keeping General McClellan behind his formidable defenses.”