The secretary remained silent for a moment or two and then said, “Lieutenant, this is an incident that is regrettable and, as you say, deeply insulting. Jokes are already making the rounds of the city about what happened to you, and Mr. Drayton and the Council of Safety are calling for your arrest. This is damage that has already been done to you personally, and this cannot be undone.” Appling paused for a few seconds and then added, now in a more confidential tone that indicated he was speaking for himself and as an objective observer, “The governor is determined to minimize the tainting of himself or anyone in London, including His Majesty.”

As the secretary left, Brown was incensed. He concluded his document with the words: “Any failure to punish these scoundrels will, in effect, reward them for their actions and indicate that their own influence is greater than it actually is. These radical Whigs with their treasonous ideas are a tiny minority of the population and need to be stamped out as quickly as possible. This is a good opportunity to take strong action to demonstrate the authority of the crown.”

Early the next morning, he could hardly wait for the earliest opportunity to have his horse brought around, and then set out for the governor’s office with his report. Only an orderly was there when he arrived, and he dismounted and seated himself outside the locked door of the government building. After about an hour, which seemed much longer, Mr. Appling arrived and seemed startled to see Brown.

“What can I do for you?”

“I’ve come to see the governor.”

“The colonel has informed us that your statement would be in writing and that you would be remaining in your quarters for a few days of medical treatment.”

“I’m quite able to move about, as you can see, and have brought my report, but wish to supplement what I have written and to answer any questions the governor might have. Also, I have some suggestions on what specific action might be taken that I believe should be shared directly with him.”

“The governor will not be available this morning, but I will relay your report to him and bring his response to you.”

Brown had reached the end of his patience and refused to leave until the governor arrived even if ordered to do so by other top officials in the government. He waited almost two hours before Governor Campbell rode up, seemed startled to see Brown, accepted the envelope, and disappeared. A half hour later, Brown was invited into his private office. After the two were alone and with the door closed, the governor turned to his visitor.