Brown now thought of McGirth, rolled out of the hammock, dressed quickly in his cool, spartan room, and within an hour was with Sergeant Baker, who was never surprised at these impromptu tactical planning sessions.

“I think it’s time for a direct confrontation with the rebel military forces in Georgia.”

The sergeant realized immediately that this proposal represented a radical departure from their previous policy, based on hit-and-run tactics when dealing with Continental or organized militia forces. Any direct confrontation had always been the role of British regulars, but Baker was not surprised by the proposal because he also felt the need for revenge and for the restoration of the reputation and morale of the Rangers. He was familiar with the constant concoction of plans in Savannah to launch another invasion of Florida, and the self-congratulations of the rebel leaders about the establishment of a remote outpost south of the Altamaha.

“Yes, sir, it may be advisable to show who controls south Georgia. Where do you think we might make a move?”

“This time it should be against a military installation and not just some settler outposts. We need for our men to gain this experience and at the same time demonstrate to Governor Tonyn that we are capable of more ambitious military operations. What do you know about Fort McIntosh?”

The sergeant smiled as he looked at some notes in a ledger. “I like the name as a target. General McIntosh is a favorite of Washington, and an attack here would wake up the Georgians. Also, I’m sure McGirth would welcome an opportunity to visit a certain lieutenant. Sunoma had three of his men in the fort last week, trading venison for some knives, which was all the Continentals had available. According to their report, there was a Captain Winn in command, and he has just a few troops under him, all infantry, including Lieutenant Christie and one other, and three sergeants. They seemed fairly well trained, but not very alert inside the little fort after they closed the entrance for the night. I’ve heard that Captain Winn is a nephew or cousin of Governor Bulloch.”

“Send a couple of our good men back in there, preferably settlers who can pose as loyal Whigs. Let them take some of our best food supplies as though they were on the way to Savannah and need to stay overnight for safety. They’re willing to sell to the fort to save the long trip. Let them know what information we need, but don’t share our plans with them.”

“When do you think we should make our move?”

“Well, I don’t want to fail. We’ll have to train our men on how to take a fortified military post. Do you think we can gather information and train a hundred men within a month, say by the middle of February?”

“Yes, sir.”