An Echo in the Bone

Chapter 6 opens with a list of events: the signing of the Declaration of Independence, British General Howe’s arrival on Staten Island, American General George Washington’s arrival in New York, and William Ransom’s departure for Staten Island to join General Howe’s staff.

Lt. Edward Markham offers William “a suck of [his] pickle” (80), noting William’s seasickness as they arrive on Staten Island. William fills in for a sick commander in the second wave of the coming battle but wishes to command the vanguard instead. His late arrival, caused by his errand for Richardson, means that William has a poor understanding of the circumstances of camp. In the ensuing skirmishes, William feels “godlike” giving orders, is compassionate toward the enemy dead, and has his men sing to boost morale. William notices a button engraved with “PUT” on the uniform of a dead Continental solider. Later, William is summoned to General Howe’s council when fighting is suspended. Although the older officers think that the Americans may surrender, William tells Howe that General Putnam is leading the Continental forces based on the “PUT” button, and that he is not likely to back down. William is thanked but dismissed from council.

General Clinton summons William, but William gets lost in a fog and is robbed by two Continentals who cut off his pigtail.