“We all see you now as the real leader of the Indian tribes, representing the interests of His Majesty’s government. It is time for the natives to protect their property and to keep the Georgia and Carolina militiamen nearer their own homes so they can’t join the rebel forces. A show of strength by the natives would be very helpful. My hope is that service with the Rangers can provide them a way to fight the despised settlers without drawing a destructive reprisal against their people.”

Cameron was shrewd enough to detect the subtle promise of increased personal authority if he accepted the basic premise of Brown’s words, but he also recognized his own vulnerability in the upper Savannah River area from Elijah Clarke and an aroused militia if the frontier families learned that he was involved in fomenting what might be called another Indian war. He also knew that ultimate legal responsibility for dealing with Indian tribes still rested with Superintendent John Stuart, and that a decision to change this fact could be made only in London, and certainly not by Governor Tonyn or Thomas Brown. He wanted time to consult with his wife, both on whether to act and how to keep any positive response from being subsequently revealed. It was Blue Star who could provide the best answers to these questions.

“Commander Brown, I understand your message and agree with its import. It seems to me that this could not be done successfully without extending the operation along a broad frontier, and surprise would be crucial. I would request a few days to explore the attitude of the Creek and perhaps Cherokee leaders toward the possibility of their taking up arms.”

Brown agreed to this proposal and promised to send a scout to receive Cameron’s reply a fortnight from that day. Without remaining even for an offered meal, the Florida Rangers departed. Since Chief Sunoma had already discussed the matter with Blue Star several days before this visit, Brown had every confidence that the response would be positive.

Within an hour, Cameron and his wife had explored all the potential challenges and consequences of inciting the Indians, and had decided that the effort should be mounted.

Despite the severe punishment of the Cherokees farther north, Cameron and Blue Star expected to find a more willing response among the Creeks. Any punishment from the white community would be limited to raiding parties of militia groups, whose numbers, weaponry, and time of service would all be limited. As a personal precaution, however, they decided to move their family, slaves, and a small herd of livestock about sixty miles to the west, into the heart of the Creek nation and among Blue Star’s relatives. Next, they sought a meeting with Chief Emistisiguo, and within a few days they were ushered into his camp. They were surprised to find him alone, except for a young man who was identified as Newota.