As the tide began to turn, making landing more difficult, Captain Cameron swore. “We’re losing men for no purpose here,” he said. “Even if we land, we will be shot to pieces before we form up.”
“What are your orders, sir?”
“Back to the ship!” Cameron had to shout above the thunder of musketry. “I’m not throwing our lives away.”
“Can we fire back, sir?” MacKim asked.
“No. Save your ammunition.”
One by one the boats withdrew, to learn later that Brigadier Murray had ordered the retreat. As he stood on the ship’s deck, looking over the landing spot where the bodies of brave men still floated on the water and powder smoke drifted through the buildings, MacKim swore in anger and frustration.
“That’s yet another reverse. Whoever said war was glorious was a liar. It’s pure butchery.”
“I kn
