George Washington's Socks

As Matt worries about the chances of returning home, he watches men in blue and buff uniforms with a cannon. A colonel tells a Major Crane that the cannons known as 3-pounders will probably arrive soon. Major Crane refers to the officer as Colonel Knox, a name Matt recognizes. Colonel Knox, a bookseller-turned-rebel, took charge of artillery for the army. Knox complains of the delay caused by the storm. General Washington encourages patience and comments how dim daylight conditions might work for them. His demeanor reminds Matt of his own father coaching Matt to have patience while waiting on grilled burgers.

Matt sleeps a bit, but Captain McCowly wakes him to march. Israel has trouble standing. His illness worsens. They march with the other soldiers through terrible sleet, ice, and wind. Matt reflects on the soldiers’ blind determination, and how six dollars seems such a pittance for risking their lives. He wants to be back home with the comforts of modern life and reasserts his responsibility to find a way.

With a runny nose and a hurting body, Matt dreams of a warm car ride. Israel suffers through coughing fits that stop and weaken him. Matt and Israel overhear officers discussing the plan to overtake the Hessians by surprise.