“When I questioned him, he responded that John Stuart is not involved in his proposal and may even disapprove if questioned directly, but has been aware for many months of the Creeks who have cooperated with the Rangers. Increasingly, Governor Tonyn is making overall decisions, as Stuart has become relatively inactive and somewhat isolated in Pensacola from the contested frontier areas. Since the departure of Governor James Wright, the colony of Georgia is in the hands of the revolutionaries, and he used Elijah Clarke as an example of their attempt to frighten and control the Creeks by the threat of terrible destruction of our villages and people. The commander considers any peace or trade proposal by the rebels to be by ‘rum and false words.’ He summarized by saying that he desires to expand the participation of natives in a much wider geographical area, can guarantee adequate compensation, and will be glad to meet with you personally or to communicate through Chief Sunoma and me.”

Emistisiguo nodded and then said, “The commander’s talk is good, for what he and the governor want, and much of it is true. John Stuart is also eager for our help, but he and the British military leaders oppose our working with the Rangers. None of them can be trusted to fulfill promises made to us. I will continue to communicate with Stuart, who also speaks for Prevost. Regardless of what I say, Brown will continue to expand the Rangers, dealing directly with local tribes over which I have little control. You may tell Sunoma that I want local villages rewarded for their help and protected from retaliation. As Brown knows, this is the only response I can give.”

As he departed with his predictable message, Newota knew that Brown’s influence among young Creeks was now greater than that of the great chief. In the tribes’ relationship with white people, they had found that only among the Rangers were they always treated with respect and as equals. There was firm discipline, but adequate praise and loot, which the participating braves shared generously with their home villages. His thoughts turned to the conclusion of his mission, and a return to his home village, and Kindred.

•  •  •

As Brown fully realized, the level of combat would soon increase. Within a few weeks there was an adequate reserve of young Indians, almost all Creeks, who were available to perform assignments as prescribed by the Ranger commander. He gave the new recruits as much freedom as possible regarding their activities, but insisted that their attacks be strictly limited to those geographical regions and families approved by him in advance. Although some fragmentary information about their increased activities reached the frontier, most families assumed that these were just more of the constant rumors of impending Indian attacks that were a natural part of their lives.