Oh, why doesn't he answer? Why doesn't he come? It's been more than a week now since I ordered him to join me at once! Have you heard any rumor about him? Has he left Peekskill yet? Has he crossed the Hudson?
REED
I haven't heard a word. He hasn't even acknowledged the last half dozen orders I've forwarded to him.
WASHINGTON
That's the most discouraging thing of all! If the second in command won't obey orders, is it any wonder that the rest of the army is out of hand? Oh, well! We can't hope to do anything without Lee's help, so there's nothing for us to do but retreat—
REED
Again?
WASHINGTON
Yes, Colonel, our small force is uselessly exposed here. We can't risk capture—that would be the end of everything!
REED