Lincoln had a well-earned reputation as a raconteur, a man who would introduce a point with a lengthy story and humorous side stories. But this morning he got right to the point.
“Captain,” said Lincoln, “the USS California is our weapon for bringing this war to a swift close. Our objective is simple, but its execution will not be easy. We will convince President Jefferson Davis and the command structure of the Confederacy that a protracted war will mean not only the defeat of the South, but its destruction.”
“We will accomplish this task in three ways,” Lincoln continued. “First, the California will assist Navy Secretary Wells and his admiral staff in a naval blockade of the Southern states. Second, the California will actively engage the enemy at the Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the War, according to you folks. That will be three months from now. And third, but perhaps most important, we will fool the enemy into thinking that the California is but one of a vast fleet of Gray Ships about to devastate the rebel cause. Navy Secretary Wells and War Secretary Cameron will now tell us about the plan they have devised.
Gideon Wells began. “The detailed plans for the California’s involvement at Bull Run will be worked on by your staff and one of our generals who will be stationed on the California. Now I will speak about the plan to confuse the South into thinking that the California is not alone.”
“It will be called Operation Gray Ships. The plan will have two parts. The first part involves your ship itself. The California is very fast with a top speed over thirty knots, faster than any other vessel on the water. You will steam from location to location, bringing with you fear and confusion. But besides speed, we want the California to actually appear to be more than one ship. Our plan is to paint over the large number 36 on your hull, and also to change the name of the ship on her stern on a regular basis. We also want the appearance of the deck itself to change from time to time. When people report seeing the ship they will see that their reports do not match up to the same ship. As a dramatist may put it, this will be a one act play with multiple costume changes.”
“Your objective,” War Secretary Cameron said, “is to be seen, contrary to normal naval operations. Of course, if you’re fired upon, you will fire back. Is there any concern about that, Captain?”
“It will be the Confederate ship’s captain who will have cause for concern, Sir.”
“Captain,” continued Wells, “do you have enough personnel on board to do this work?”
“I believe we do, Sir. I know we have two excellent officers in our engineering department to make this plan successful. If we need additional workmen and carpenters, I will ask for your assistance.”
“And you shall get it,” said Wells.
“The second part of Operation Gray Ships will be more literary than military. We have contacts at all major newspapers, and we are going to see to it that articles about the Gray Ships are published regularly. We need not worry about putting them in Southern papers. Confederate spies will bring the papers south as soon as they are published. I understand, Captain, that the fellow I met, Lieutenant John Thurber, is a skilled writer and journalist. Please tell the lieutenant that he will write the articles.”
Secretary of State Seward stood. He looked at Lincoln and said, “Mr. President, I believe it would be accurate to say that never in the history of warfare has one military unit borne such a grave responsibility. The USS California can end this war.”
Lincoln rose from his seat at the end of the table. He leaned forward, supported by his long arms. “Captain Patterson, Secretary Seward is correct. The California is the key to a swift victory. God works in strange ways, and He has seen fit to bring you to us from another time. In His justice we will end this terrible war, and He will also aid me in ending human bondage. As you know, Madam Captain, vast thousands of people of your race are at this very moment enslaved. I thank God that He has brought us Captain Ashley Patterson to show us what freedom can become.”
Everyone in the room stood, faced Ashley, and gave her a loud round of applause. She nodded her head, proud that she managed to fight back tears.
Ashley sensed that the meeting was about to end. She had to have a private word with Lincoln, and it wouldn’t happen unless she asked.
Ashley said, after the applause stopped, “I thank you, Mr. President, and I thank all of you gentlemen for the confidence you’ve placed in the California. May I have a private word with you, Mr. President?”
Ashley knew that her request may be inappropriate, even insubordinate, but she knew she had to speak to Lincoln. “Of course, Madam Captain,” said Lincoln. Everyone filed out of the room except Ashley and Lincoln. He motioned her to a chair and he sat in the one next to it.
“Mr. President, I’m worried about the morale of my crew. It actually goes deeper than just a morale problem. Our chaplain, Father Sampson, has been dining with the enlisted personnel, trying to gauge how they are standing up under the strange times we find ourselves in. They’ve all left behind, in another time, families and friends. From day to day, actually from moment to moment, they’re without a sense of a certain future. They’re emotionally upset, frightened, and sad. We come from the year 2013. Our country has enemies, God knows, but the Civil War is a faint memory, something we read about in history books.”
“I have been wondering about this very thing, Captain, and I’m glad that you raise the matter. Do you have something to request of me? Is there something I can do?”
“Yes, Sir, there is. We have some strong evidence that the California may be able to return to 2013 by finding the exact location where we slipped through the time portal. What I’m asking you Mr. President is this: After the Battle of Bull Run, I would like your permission to say farewell and to bring my crew home.”
Lincoln stood and walked over to the window. He had just heard a request so reasonable he couldn’t see how he could deny it. But in his few months as President he had learned a great deal about military strategy and tactics. He learned that there was one thing predictable about war, that it was unpredictable.
He returned to his chair next to Ashley. “Captain I appreciate the problem your crew finds themselves in. The morale and enthusiasm of your crew is crucial to the success of our plans. I understand that they need some certainty in their lives. We fully expect that your participation in the blockade, the Gray Ships deception, and the Battle of Bull Run will turn the tide and force the South to capitulate. But war is full of surprises. So I can promise you this. If our plans are successful, you will have my full permission to return home, and I shall move heaven and earth to help you to accomplish it. But as President and Commander in Chief, I must say to you that your taking leave must depend on a successful outcome. Do you find that acceptable, Captain?”
Ashley knew it was all she could hope for.
“Thank you, Mr. President. We will make it a success.”
Chapter 37
Lieutenant Commander Nick Wartella, the ship’s Chief Engineering Officer called Lt. Jeff DeLouker and Lt. Jg. Nancy Forsyth to his office for a meeting. Wartella had been briefed by Captain Patterson and Commander Campbell on Operation Gray Ships.