It was Clay Gesslin and James Hampton. Moses let them in and offered what was left of the wine. “No thanks,” Hampton said, declining the wine. It was obvious he had important news. “We have just had one of my men return with news of Proctor,” he said, getting right to the point. “My man says Proctor was fit to be tied after hearing Perry defeated Barclay. In fact, his words were…” Hampton paused, as he pulled a paper from his coat, unfolded it and read, “The loss of the fleet is a most calamitous circumstance. I do not see the least chance of occupying to advantage my present position, which can be so easily turned by means of the entire command of the waters here which the enemy now has, a circumstance that would render my Indian force very inefficient. It is my opinion that I should retire on the Thames without delay…” “So it’s to be the Thames,” Jonah said excited. “That it is. General Harrison plans to march at daybreak, only now we have a destination.”
