Cameron and Blue Star had decided in advance that he would be the only one to speak, and that his presentation would be cautious and designed to solicit the opinions of the great chief. After exchanging the proper courtesies, Cameron said, “As you know better than I, our brother Cherokees to the north have suffered greatly after they rose up against the settlers, and the king who has honored you as a great medal chief is determined that a similar situation does not occur in Georgia.”

Emistisiguo did not respond, but merely nodded, almost as though he were preparing for sleep.

Then, somewhat hesitantly, Cameron continued, “The Cherokees in Carolina acted alone, and without any involvement with their British friends.”

The chief smiled wryly and responded, “It may be more accurate to say that they were abandoned by your people, and left to be massacred.”

Cameron decided to get directly to the point. “There are now opportunities for some warriors to give support to our common effort and to be associated directly with the British.”

“How is this to be done?”

“With the king’s Rangers.”

The chief glanced at Newota, who exchanged a slight smile with Blue Star. She realized that Cameron was now the only one there who did not know that this proposal was one long discussed much more directly between Thomas Brown and Emistisiguo.

The chief said solemnly, “It seems to me that this possibility may be promising at this time. I will have Newota pursue it further.”

After his visitors had departed, Emistisiguo said, “This is the commander’s way of letting me know that he has received permission to expand the role of the Rangers with the participation of more of our young men. You may discuss the terms of their service with Sunoma and ascertain how many are needed, what their compensation might be, and the rules under which they will operate. I would like to give final approval to the proposal before it is initiated.”

Newota felt bold enough to ask, “Why has Commander Brown proceeded this way?”

“Because he desires to have a British government official involved and knows that John Stuart opposes everything he is doing. To recruit the deputy to his side is a second but beneficial choice. Furthermore, he realizes that there are many young Creeks who would not be free to participate without my tacit approval. Now there may be an effective but fragile coalition that extends from London through the governor of Florida, and from Brown to Sunoma and our warriors, without bypassing me.”

“What about Cameron?”

“Henceforth, he can be bypassed.”

CHAPTER 28

Florida Rangers Versus Georgia Militia

A week later, Newota was standing before Emistisiguo, who was seated on a folded blanket in his dwelling. They were alone, and the young Indian had just returned from a visit with Chief Sunoma, designed to build upon the initiative from the Ranger commander through Cameron and Blue Star.