His term of enlistment expired
soon, and he was already counting the days. He was not alone in
his discontent, for there was much homesickness and disaffection
among the Connecticut troops. Many had already departed, unwilling
to stay an hour after the expiration of their terms; and not a few
had anticipated the periods which legally released them from duty.
The organization of the army was so loose that neither appeals nor
threats had much influence, and Washington, in deep solicitude,
saw his troops melting away.
It was dark by the time the heavy tramp of the working party was
heard returning from the fortifications. The great mess-pot,
partly filled with pork and beans, was bubbling over the fire;
Zeke, shifting his position from time to time to avoid the smoke
which the wind, as if it had a spite against him, blew in his
face, was sourly contemplating his charge and his lot, bent on
grumbling to the others with even greater gusto than he had
complained to himself. His comrades carefully put away their
intrenching tools, for they were held responsible for them, and
then gathered about the fire, clamoring for supper.
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