George Washington's Socks

Hard realization hits the boys and tears threaten. General Washington mentions how the British have used “babes as runners” (38). The General gestures for a soldier to bring them all aboard, which is challenging because Hooter is holding onto Tony for comfort. Matt gathers up Katie once on board the soldier’s boat. She sleeps as he holds her, still covered in General Washington’s cape.

Matt realizes some of the soldiers are men of Marblehead, a harbor town in Massachusetts. In history class Matt and Q studied John Glover and his Marbleheaders, sailors who brought their sea skills to help the cause. Matt touches Washington’s boot, fascinated. He reflects on the soldiers’ strong devotion to a cause, despite facing many unknowns. A young shoeless soldier sits next to Matt dressed in loose, thin clothes and rags. Matt also sees other boats, more soldiers, and skittish horses on a raft-like vessel crossing the river. He recognizes that the clean, strong look of imminent battle he imagined in class is not the reality.

The young soldier near Matt receives orders via an officer from General Washington. He is to take the children back across the river, stay at McConkey’s Inn until morning, then take them to his own family for safekeeping.