“Gentlemen, let me report first of all that I have exchanged several messages with General Sir Henry Clinton, who will now be the supreme commander in America. He has suggested that we assemble here to review the situation in the colonies and receive some information about decisions that have been made in London. I need not remind you of the sensitivity and the need for absolute confidentiality concerning these reports.

“You are all aware that we have had notable successes in the northern colonies, but we must also acknowledge that something of a stalemate has now developed there. The recent alignment of the rebels with France has complicated the situation, and it may be that active French involvement will be forthcoming. I have already discussed the strategic decision with General McPherson, who has arrived here this morning from New York, and I would like to summarize it for you.”

The governor was obviously enjoying his role. He paused to sip from a silver tumbler of water, while the others waited with different expressions. McPherson had a self-important air as the one who had brought the important message, and Prevost was impatient at the drawn-out ceremony. He had made clear his disapproval of Brown’s presence and was only partially assuaged when his aides were permitted to occupy the last two chairs at the table. Subordinates mirrored the demeanor of their superiors, while the Ranger commander tried to ignore the secondary position of his own location.

Tonyn looked around and then continued, “This frustrating situation is about to change, and we are likely to play the major role in ensuring a rapid and inevitable British victory. A decision has been made in London that we will hold New York as our primary base in the north, defeat the revolutionaries in that region whenever possible, retain our control of the seas, and continue to convince citizens of the advantages of loyalty to the crown.

“The force of the British Empire will henceforth be focused on the southern colonies, a decision that I have long advocated. This position has been strongly supported by both Governor Wright and Governor Campbell, who are eager to return to their former posts. Our first thrust will be to recapture Savannah, providing a base for the taking of Charles Town. We will then be positioned to move against Washington’s forces simultaneously northward from the Carolinas and southward from New York, while preventing the rebels from receiving any supplies from overseas. In very general terms, this describes the strategy of our government. If there are any questions, either General McPherson or I will be prepared to answer them.”

Without acknowledging Tonyn’s leadership, Prevost addressed his question directly to McPherson: “Sir, to what extent is General Clinton willing to assign naval and ground forces necessary to take Savannah?”