He almost shifted his course over to them but heard a familiar voice rising from within the large tent. It was the enraged voice of Lieutenant Thadeus Taylor of the United States Navy. Taylor’s words became distinct as Wake neared the opening in the canvas.
“Colonel, my sailors and I are going up to where they are. If we’d only known that the army was sitting here waiting, we would’ve come ashore to help those sailors and get the job done last night when we heard the fighting.”
Wherley’s indignant voice rose to match Taylor’s. “What are you accusing this regiment of, Lieutenant Taylor? Cowardice? Let me tell you something, young man. If Wake had done what he was supposed to do and stayed here at this camp, we could’ve built up our strength slowly and overwhelmingly. Then we could have marched up the road and into the interior and liberated the state. We still can, in spite of what your damned sailors have bungled up at the crossroads. As for waiting, it was obvious that he would have to fall back, and I didn’t want to add to the confusion. Of course, I don’t expect a sailor to understand land tactics and strategy, Lieutenant. I just expect them to do their job and transport us ashore. Which, by the way, has taken far longer than I expected.”
At that moment Wake entered the tent. The terrified aide to the colonel tried to announce his presence.
“Ah, . . . another naval officer, sir!”
Wherley paused only briefly, his lawyer’s training coming through as he surveyed Wake’s demeanor upon entry into the hot musty tent. “Well, as I was saying, Lieutenant Taylor, Wake will most certainly have to fall back, and here he most certainly is!”
Wake’s struggled to control his voice and turned to Taylor, ignoring the colonel for the moment. “Would you please excuse us for a moment. Colonel Wherley and I have a personal matter to discuss. I want to thank you for coming ashore to reinforce us. I’ll explain the situation to you later.”
Taylor immediately sized up the situation, nodded to Wake and exited the tent with the aide, leaving Wake alone inside with Wherley. The colonel raised his right hand as if in admonishment, but Wake spoke first.
“Colonel, I would advise you to listen to what I am about to say. Carefully. Your personal future depends on your understanding the situation completely. Please acknowledge that, sir.”
Wherley stood there in shock, hand still raised. He registered the anger in Wake’s voice and knew that the younger man had the emotional and moral advantage. When he spoke, it was without the superior mien he usually adopted to intimidate others.
“Yes, of course, Mr. Wake. Go right on ahead. You obviously have something troubling you. I’m a reasonable man and would like to hear what it is you have to say.”
Wake moved closer to the colonel and kept his voice low, so that only Wherley could hear him. “Very well, Colonel Wherley. Here is the situation. Your regiment has been sitting here literally parading around and making themselves comfortable while a small under-equipped naval landing party has been prohibiting the enemy, a force of enemy regulars I might add, from bottling this invasion up by blocking the swamp road to Claresville. In fact, the naval landing party, originally planned to be a rearguard, has been doing all of the fighting here and has defeated the Fifteenth Florida Infantry by itself. Even after we sent for help. Even after we almost lost the crossroads to overwhelming odds. While your regiment sat here waiting for us to retreat back to you. That is the situation. Now I will tell you the perceptions of this situation from various views.”
Wherley showed no anger but did exhibit a curious look, as if he were waiting for a trial opponent to show his hand in court. He started to speak but stopped when Wake shook his head slightly.
“Colonel Wherley, this is vitally important and I need to continue.”
Wherley narrowed his eyes but waved for Wake to continue.
“The perception among the hundred sailors at Claresville is that you and your regiment are either incompetent or cowards. More to the point, the perception among the Floridians of that infantry regiment is that they could’ve beat you if we weren’t there to block them. That word will spread through Florida, and any of the citizens who might be disposed to come to our side will think twice. Making that switch in allegiance is very dangerous for them and they’ll only do it if they feel they will be protected by Federal forces in the area. They won’t have that feeling about your regiment. These perceptions are facts. They’re already established. And they spell the end of your personal reputation. But there is a solution.”
Wherley sat down in a camp chair, slumping over the folding table where a map of Florida was spread out. He suddenly appeared tired. He stared at Wake then said weakly, “Go ahead.”
Wake sat down in the chair across the table and tried to look sincere.
“Your reputation can be salvaged. This operation can go forward. The Floridians loyal to the Federal government can be made to feel safe under our protection.”
Wherley nodded his head briefly. Wake thought the man was coming undone and realized he must now proceed gently. Wherley looked as if he might start to cry at any moment.
“Turn the command of the regiment over to Major Martin. He is competent and can handle it. He can march forward and do what is needed here on this coast. You are sick with a fever. Order Martin to relieve you. Leave with the other sick and go to Key West, then go north on convalescent leave. Help the war effort by being a loyal supporter of the army and the president in New York. You can tell people what is needed because you have been to the front lines. You’ll be respected, listened to by the
