WASHINGTON If Lord Howe crosses the Hudson in force, we'd be trapped between the Hackensack and the Passaic Rivers. REED I'm afraid so, sir. WASHINGTON So--we've got to begin our retreat at once. REED The troops are ready to move, sir. It shouldn't take us long to get out of danger with our small force. WASHINGTON Yes, yes, that's one advantage of a small army, isn't it, Colonel? At least we can retreat rapidly! I suppose the force we have is even smaller today than it was yesterday? REED I'm afraid so, sir. The morning report showed less than five thousand present and fit for duty! WASHINGTON If we only had Lee's seven thousand! But we haven't. You may order the retreat at once, Colonel. REED Yes sir, over what route? WASHINGTON We'll move across the Acquackonack bridge, and thence to Newark. REED Yes, sir. I'll write the orders, sir. (_rattle of paper_) WASHINGTON Colonel John Glover with his Marblehead regiment will cover the retreat as usual. REED Yes, sir. And the advance? WASHINGTON Knox and his artillery will lead. We mustn't lose our guns--the few we have left. REED Yes, sir. WASHINGTON (_half to himself_) Retreat--retreat--retreat! Is there nothing else in store for us? REED Will you sign these, sir? WASHINGTON Yes--the quill. REED Here you are, sir. WASHINGTON Thank you. (_rattle of paper_) You may send the orders at once, Colonel. REED Yes, General. (_calling_) Orderly! VOICE Yes, sir. REED Deliver these orders at once! VOICE Yes, sir. WASHINGTON I suppose it's useless to send another order to Lee. REED We can send one--I don't think it will have any effect. WASHINGTON He ought to be informed of where we're going--yes, write him again, tell him we're retreating to Newark-- REED Very well, sir--and after Newark? WASHINGTON Retreat again I suppose. New Brunswick--Trenton--across the Delaware into Pennsylvania. REED Yes sir, if we have any army left by then. WASHINGTON We have some loyal souls who will stand with us to the end. We may have to retreat to the back country of Pennsylvania; but winter is coming, Lord Howe is not an energetic foe, and he will hardly press us after the snow falls. Then if we can fill up our depleted ranks we'll be ready for him in the spring. REED Oh, General, if we could only make one stand against the enemy! Make one bold stroke to put new heart into our discouraged countrymen! WASHINGTON I know--I know, Colonel! If Lee would only obey my orders! REED Very little hope of that! WASHINGTON I know--and I can't understand his motives! REED Why sir, they're perfectly plain to me--and to the rest of the army. WASHINGTON Indeed? REED Certainly--he wants to discredit you--to bring about your failure--so that he can succeed to your command! WASHINGTON So--? (_pause_) Well, if Lee can bring victory where I have failed, I'll be only too glad to step down in his favor. REED