“Sit down, Lieutenant. I have read your statement and received reports from other sources, with amazement and deep concern. I prefer that you not speak for a few minutes while I explain the very disturbing situation that exists in South Carolina. This will demand your mature judgment concerning the overall state of affairs in this colony. At least for the time being, I am faced with a council of safety that is strongly influenced by William Henry Drayton, whom you know only too well. Until the king’s authority can be clearly reestablished, they have taken the debates in which you have participated to imply disloyalty to the Continental Congress. The fact is that at Ninety Six he has seduced Colonel Fletchall—”

Brown interrupted to say, “Sir, I can tell you that when Fletchall betrayed us to Drayton, he was drunk as a coot!”

The governor motioned for silence. “Let me continue. The fact is that Fletchall, claiming to speak for all Tories, signed a treaty there that promised, in effect, that any Tory who proposed helping the British army was subject to severe punishment. Since then, Fletchall has tried to deny his signed agreement, but Drayton has convinced the Council of Safety to arrest as treaty violators anyone accused of opposing the so-called provincial congress. They are demanding that you be arrested, along with Moses Kirkland, who has already found safety on a British ship, and a motion was even made in the council for me to be placed under house arrest. I am sure the situation will change, because Drayton’s influence is shaky, with most responsible people thinking he is too radical and trying to start a war. But for now, I am afraid there is no way for us to give you assistance, and it may be best for you to leave South Carolina for a while.”

The governor again raised his hand as Brown opened his mouth to protest, and continued, “The situation is not much better in Georgia. I have just learned that anyone opposing the crown has been officially declared to be a traitor and has lost protection of His Majesty’s government. His property will be confiscated, and he will face execution. However, Governor Wright has informed London that the laws of Parliament can’t be enforced, and he has just asked me to support his request to General Gage for more British troops in Savannah. They will not be forthcoming, and it is likely that the governor is under the same duress as I.”