“Something hidden. Go and find it. …. Lost and waiting for you. Go!”

– Rudyard Kipling

“Artist, author, visionary Eric Sloane.” Story about what he saw – a hidden wonder.

Let's go look.

“In mid-September 1780, Washington rode to Hartford to confer with Rochambeau. The colonial capital was roughly half-way between Newport, Rhode Island, and Washington’s Headquarters in New Windsor, New York, about 100 miles by horse back in either direction. Unfortunately, the conference had to be cut short because of the threat of an attack by the British fleet. Although little was accomplished at this first face-to-face meeting, Washington did make a positive and deep impression on the French–with his size, dignity, graciousness and heroic demeanor. However, the French General was disappointed that the Commander-in-Chief spoke only in generalities and did not invite the French officers to ride over to the Hudson to have a look at the American Army–which was probably intentional on Washington’s part for fear the bedraggled Continentals and militia might so shock the French professionals that they would return to France. It wasn’t until May 8, 1781– after a long winter of delay, doubt and uncertainty – that the comte de Rochambeau received important dispatches from the French ministers of war and the marine informing him that Admiral de Grasse’s fleet of 26 ships of the line, 8 frigates and 150 transports had been ordered to the West Indies and would be available to support the upcoming summer campaign in America. There was no time to lose.”

• From a PDF Webb-Deane-Stevens House, linked here.

This house no longer stands, but you can explore the explore the Great Meadow in Wethersfield and learn more about it and the rich history of this town by the Connecticut River visited by George Washington. Yorktown. Rochambeau.

Explorations can shape a writer's life. For instance:

“My childhood in Corfu shaped my life. If I had the craft of Merlin, I would give every child the gift of my childhood.”

― Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals

“Roger and I would sit in the heavily scented shade of the myrtle bushes and watch the array of creatures that passed us; at certain times of the day the branches were as busy as the main street of a town.”

― Gerald Durrell, Birds, Beasts and Relatives

Roger the dog and Gerald Durrell, whose curiosity and passion for the natural world led to amazing work. Image is linked to official site about his legacy … and ongoing work.