“His Lordship has assured me that adequate power will be exerted to accomplish this goal. This will be done even if it requires a temporary holding action in the northern colonies. We assume that many loyalists will rise up to assist us when we prove our strength. We have estimated that it will require about two thousand troops to capture Savannah and five thousand to take Charles Town, and more will be assigned if later intelligence indicates their need.”

“What role will be expected from the limited troops now in Florida, who have, on occasion, been hard-pressed to defend our own territory from rebel attacks? Our regular troops have performed heroically, but I have to state that the lack of a unified command by our adversaries has been a major factor in their repulsion.”

“The major thrust against Savannah will be from the sea, but this in itself will be an impossibility with rebel troops marshaled to oppose us in the marshland approaches. It will be necessary for all available forces to make a simultaneous attack by land. I have brought you orders from General Clinton and would like to return to him with an assessment from you about your additional needs. There are a few other military units in the Caribbean which might be available.”

Brown had noticed that Prevost did not mention the involvement of the Rangers in defending Florida, but he decided not to comment. In his mind was a map of the torturous channel from the sea to Savannah, with a latticework of tidal creeks that would have to be crossed. A concerted defense of these crossing points would make an attack very costly, provided the rebel forces were forewarned about the invasion.

There was a pause in the conversation while everyone contemplated the ramifications of the news, and finally the governor nodded to Brown. “Commander, do you have any comments or questions?”

“Yes, sir. To what extent will we be free to recruit assistance from the native tribes, and with what rewards can we entice them to play a significant role?”

Tonyn said, “Let me attempt to answer that. This issue has not been addressed in the instructions I have received, but I shall recommend strongly that we capitalize on the natural friendly relations that exist between His Majesty and the aboriginals. If they see that their own best interests will be served by cooperation with us, then they must be welcomed to this partnership.”

Brown chose not to pursue the subject of rewards, but addressed an additional question to General McPherson. “Sir, what tentative plans have been made concerning Charles Town?”

“We contemplate bypassing the city for the time being, concentrating on Savannah, and then launching a subsequent attack from sea and land, with a much heavier dependence on our army forces on this second phase of the military operation. A prolonged siege may be necessary, which will require substantial forces to seal off Charles Town from the mainland.”