The Shut Mouth Society (50 page)

“
The Virginia Plan is flawed,” Butler interjected, “but it’s a starting point. I’d feel more comfortable, however, if Jefferson were with the Virginians.”

“
I disagree,” Pinckney said. “We might need Jefferson’s words, but not Jefferson. He’d disparage all but his own schemes.”

“
Gentlemen, we don’t need Jefferson or his elevated prose,” Sherman said. “Nor do we need rabble-rousers like Patrick Henry or Sam Adams.”

“
No fear of Henry darkening our chamber,” Pinckney sneered. “He spurned his election as a delegate.” Pinckney made a show of looking around the room. Then he lifted his nose and sniffed noisily. “He said he smelled a rat.”

Butler made a tiny grimace and said, “Patrick fears we’ll discard our revolutionary ideals for stability.”

“
I believe Henry stayed in Virginia so he can throw brickbats at our latticework when we return to seek sanction,” Pinckney taunted.

“
Just as well,” Sherman said. “Our passions must abate so we can build a nation. This job is for realists, not revolutionaries—or philosophers.”

“
Men such as yourself, Roger?” Pinckney said with an edge.

“
I’m here to represent my state. Unlike others, I have no grand scheme.”

“
Virginia provides desperately needed leadership,” Butler said defensibly.

“
Leadership—or deception?” Sherman asked. “The interests of the large states differ from our respective states.”

Butler looked dubious. “Our interests aren’t common. The interests of New England and the South are as different as the interests of Russia and Turkey.”

Sherman had brought the conversation to where he wanted it. “Perhaps our interests are more common than you suppose.” He leaned toward Butler and lowered his voice. “There will be disappointments coming from the large state quarters.”

“
Surely you’re not suggesting an alliance?” Butler asked.

“
No, you’ve made commitments.” Sherman shifted his gaze until he caught each man’s eye. “Just remember to see me when you feel your vital interests threatened. Connecticut will work with the South on her sensitive issues.”

Butler and Pinckney looked intrigued. That was enough for the moment. The innkeeper provided another opportune interruption by bringing Sherman his meal. He eagerly turned his attention to his soup and the inn’s famous cornbread.

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank Barbara Cunningham and Richard Bigus for all their help in bringing this book to fruition. A special thanks to Sergeant Gary Marshall of the Santa Paula police department for his technical advice and encouragement. I also appreciate the generous assistance of the docents and librarians at the various locales in the storyline. Any mistakes, of course, are my own.

Last, but certainly not least, I wish to thank Diane, my wife, who not only helped enormously, but put up with my moods and frustrations during the process of writing
The Shut Mouth Society
.

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