Said Mister Foster, "And with just cause. How can men be ex­pected to de­cide? Our hearts lean neither toward the Colonies nor England. Surely you see it is a decision that does not come easily."

"With all due respect, Mister Foster, I am not yet twenty. I do not pretend to understand loyalties to England, but let me make it plainer. I would not blame a man for choosing either side. It is no decision at all that is found wanting."

"I vowed we would choose neither side," Uriah said.

"As you have often said, Father and I agreed before I understood. The boys go to battle neither loving the side they are on, nor hating the one they fight. Without a firm purpose, they question why they are about to die and with no ready answer, they run. Having disgraced themselves and dishonored their families, they re­turn to the army humbled, only to desert once again in the next battle. Captains cannot be certain how many men can truly be counted among the dependable. Father, the Americans switch sides."

"Surely you are not serious," Adam said.

"The Continental army offers little food and supplies, so they switch sides to fill their bellies and gain ammunition. The man you shoot at in the morning skirmish could well be standing next to you in the afternoon."