Brown knew that his experience in Augusta was an extremely serious development, indicating a level of insurrection that no one in the government had expected or been willing to acknowledge. What the lieutenant wanted most was to lead a large group of horsemen back to Augusta, to arrest the perpetrators of the crime against him and the crown, and to see them hanged. He decided to report first to his military commander, Colonel Ezekiel Hawkins, to whom he would deliver his abbreviated written report, wanting to make a full account only to the governor, who would be the one to authorize a full-scale military operation. He was pleased to be ushered immediately in to see the colonel, who knew of his mission across the colony and understood the necessity for his traveling out of uniform. Brown noticed that the colonel seemed somewhat discomfited as he accepted the folded report and nodded for him to be seated, assuming that he was concerned about his obvious injuries. The colonel spoke first.

“I’ve had a report about your misfortune, Lieutenant, and hope your injuries are not too serious.”

“No, sir, except for the scalp wounds and my right foot being badly burned.”

“From what I’ve heard, this has been an unpleasant incident, and I am pleased to receive an explanation of your actions. I have already had one from Thompson.”

“Thompson! The scoundrel! He abandoned me at a critical moment, leaving me at the hands of the hoodlums and traitors in the Augusta inn. He deserves severe punishment.”

“This is not a decision for you to make, Mr. Brown. I understand that he had the good judgment to avoid a direct confrontation with the ruffians and to handle the unfortunate situation with diplomacy. He also reported that you were well cared for by the innkeeper, and only then did he leave Augusta to bring me as early an account of the affair as possible.”

Brown could not believe what he was hearing and started to reply angrily, but the colonel raised his hand with his palm outward, a clear signal for silence. He sat behind his table for a few moments and then said, “The governor is deeply concerned about what has happened and has instructed me that neither you nor Thompson may speak of this to anyone. He has seen the other report and would like your fuller explanation as soon as possible.”

“Sir, I prefer to see the governor in person so that I can discuss the matter with him fully before a decision is made on retribution for the criminals who attacked me.”

“I’ve given you the governor’s request for a full written statement, and tomorrow morning I shall send a messenger for it. In the meantime, you are to stay in your quarters within the military compound. An orderly will be at your disposal, and my personal physician will call upon you promptly so that your wounds can be treated properly.”