One afternoon in May, George came to Lachlan’s room at Tondee’s tavern, accompanied by a man named Backmon from Charles Town. After they exchanged pleasantries, Backmon said, “There is a British ship, the Philippa, in Charles Town and we have learned that it will be loaded with powder and lead to be delivered to Savannah for the Indian trade, or perhaps to be used against anyone supporting action against Parliament. It would be difficult for us to interrupt this process, but we have been thinking about capturing the ship and its cargo after it is loaded.”

There was no response, and Backmon began to fear the reaction to his bold proposal.

Then Lachlan asked quietly, “How long before the ship will be ready to sail?”

“At least two weeks, perhaps more.”

“Are you positive that its destination will be Savannah?”

“Yes, our source of information is authoritative and dependable, and we will know if there are any future changes in the plans.”

“Why do you come to us?”

Backmon now hesitated and then responded, “There are those of us who think that if we move in Charles Town, the ammunition may just be returned to safekeeping or to its former owners. Also, British troops will be guarding the ship closely.”

After a moment, he looked from Lachlan to George and continued, “We are also interested in seeing some activity in Savannah that will demonstrate opposition to London’s abusive policies and help solidify Whig strength in Georgia.”

He looked directly at Lachlan and added, “We thought you might consider taking the Philippa after it arrives here.”

George spoke for the first time. “Lachlan, I have learned that there is a small but adequate vessel already completed by a shipbuilder on Daufuskie Island, and that its present owners are merchants who are now concerned that the trade embargo will prevent its proper use.”

It was soon agreed that close cooperation among the men would be maintained, and that the Georgians would proceed with an effort to arrange for a surprise when the loaded ship arrived from Charles Town, either from land or perhaps by acquiring and outfitting the merchant vessel.

The next day Lachlan and George went to Daufuskie Island to see the ship and were pleased with what they found. It was a schooner, somewhat roughly built but strong, entirely of oak, with a fifty-foot keel and twenty-two-foot beam, designed to hold three hundred barrels of rice. The two masts were lying alongside on sawhorses, ready to be stepped. A small sign tacked to the hull proclaimed that the ship was the Elizabeth, and the shipwright said this was the name of the owner’s wife. When Lachlan questioned him closely, he admitted that the merchant financiers had begun to have doubts about its value and had been reluctant to make the final payment and accept delivery.