“I’m still concerned about the proposal but will present it to both Colonel Prevost and Governor Tonyn, and will try to have an answer the next time I see you.”

At the suggestion of Sunoma, Brown departed on a tour of Indian territory in the western part of the colony, primarily canoe trips along the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers. He had accumulated a small quantity of goods that he left behind as gifts to the chiefs of each village and kept meticulous records of each visit. He also corrected errors in the rudimentary maps of this broad area. As expected, he found the leaders to be strongly inclined to support the British forces, wary and fearful of the land-hungry settlers, and shrewd enough to play one side against the other for their own advantage.

When Brown returned to St. Augustine after being away for almost a month, he was summoned to the office of the major, who used careful, diplomatic language to give Brown his response.

“Colonel Prevost has deep reservations because of the uncontrollable nature of your proposal, and also because it gives you direct authority to work with the natives. This is a duty that is supposed to be exclusively performed by Superintendent John Stuart, who is now spending most of his time in Pensacola. In fact, Stuart has already registered a strong complaint about your recent foray through Creek territory without his foreknowledge or permission. The colonel wants nothing to do with your proposal and is not disposed to receive your reports that I have offered to him. However, I must say that Governor Tonyn has found some merit in your proposal about recruiting a few assistants to expand the trading policies that have long been pursued by this command. He seems to be intrigued with the information that you gather, but he wants absolutely no responsibility for your so-called trading operations.”

The major paused and looked at Brown, smiled slightly, and almost winked. They both realized that their relationship in the future would be directly with the governor, but always so that any official responsibility could be denied.

“To summarize, you may continue your trading activities, and have my permission to use your own judgment about how individual transactions are concluded. I realize that it is probably inevitable that those known to be loyal to the crown will be given superior treatment. Although I wish to be provided information important to our command, there is no need to make official reports about the details of your activities. Do you understand my comments?”

“Yes, sir. I understand the unofficial nature of my work, and I shall be responsible for the success of this effort.”

“Your request for an extended leave of absence for you and Sergeant Baker has been granted. Also, with your experience and new responsibilities, it has been decided that, before you take leave, a promotion is in order. Congratulations, Captain Brown.”