The Fateful Lightning by Jeff Shaara

knew it had only to do with Seeley’s service to Forrest. “Yes, sir. Been reading now for a week or two. Learned how from one of
your
men.”
    He knew Wheeler wouldn’t respond to any attempt at humor, Wheeler now focused on the others in the room. The talk was quiet, urgent, most of the observations about the Federal river crossing already well known, the rains dampening the enthusiasm for any of the troopers to keep out in the open for long. From the front of the house, Seeley heard boot steps, a chorus of voices, and Wheeler turnedabruptly, said, “I wish it was General Beauregard. But perhaps we’ll get some orders. Or answers.”
    Two officers entered in a flurry of rainwater, followed by a cluster of aides, all of them unwrapping from heavy raincoats, the aides taking them away, too late to prevent a puddle from spreading across the floor of the grand parlor. The gauntlets were off now, low comments to the aides, who quickly made their exit. Seeley saw a tall, handsome man, the rank of lieutenant general. He was older, with a tight beard on a face that showed experience. The other man was shorter, thick-waisted, beardless, a major general, his uniform unsoiled, none of the frayed cuffs and split seams the rest of them couldn’t hide. Seeley saluted, others in the room doing the same, and Wheeler said, “General Hardee, your presence is most welcome.”
    Hardee returned the salutes with a simple gesture of his hand, scanned the room. “Maybe. Have you been introduced to Georgia’s former governor, Mr. Howell Cobb? Forgive me.
General
Cobb.”
    Cobb was the shorter man, looked at the cavalry officers with undisguised pride. “Not at all. I am grateful to make the acquaintance of General Wheeler, as well as his distinguished officers. I appreciate the presence of professional soldiers, men who have ‘seen the elephant.’ I am entirely in your debt. Georgia is suffering as it has never before done in this war. No one shall doubt your bravery or your sacrifice on our behalf.”
    Hardee seemed to suffer through the brief speech, looked straight at Wheeler, said, “The ‘general’ here has organized the militia and the transportation as effectively as possible. He has also issued a call for every capable man to rise in defense of his state.”
    Cobb seemed oblivious to Hardee’s sarcasm, said, “Oh, well, thank you, General Hardee. But I must offer my appreciation to Senator Benjamin Harvey Hill, who watches our predicament here with a hard eye. Even from his office in Richmond, the senator is certain to inspire native Georgians to cast out the foe.”
    Cobb pulled a paper from his pocket, straightened it with a flourish, read, “ ‘You have now the best opportunity ever yet presented to destroy the enemy!’ Well, there’s more, but he concludes with a cry that must reach the ear of every Georgian: ‘Be firm! Act promptly, and fear not!’ ”
    Seeley saw a slight frown on Hardee’s face, and Hardee held up his hand, said, “Yes, very well, Governor. How many militia have you been able to bring together in Macon?”
    Cobb seemed to deflate, his words softer. “Some fifteen hundred, sir. I had hoped by now to treble that number. It might still happen. General Gustavus Smith…I believe you know him. He is in direct command of those forces and has taken to training them as quickly as possible.”
    Hardee kept his eyes on Wheeler. “Yes, well, we shall keep up our hopes. General Wheeler, if Macon is to be assaulted, how many men have you at hand?”
    “Two thousand effectives, perhaps more. Scouting parties are scattered a good bit, but even in this rain, I am able to summon most of them. I have kept a sizable force farther north, observing the track of Sherman’s more northerly advance, anticipating that he might move on Augusta. If you will allow me to continue on that course, sir, I believe we must observe from every vantage point. The enemy has given us no real information as to his intentions.