Brown could envision a greater role for the Rangers in the Carolina operation, with a need for maximum native support. His thoughts were immediately focused on the importance of Augusta, but he decided not to speak further. His best opportunity to expand his ideas would be in more private discussions with Governor Tonyn, who obviously had a direct and personal relationship with General Clinton.

The men continued their conversation for an additional hour, which gave General McPherson an opportunity to go into some detail about current plans. General Clinton, in New York, would remain in overall command, and dispatch a force by sea from New York to attack Savannah. Realizing that the timetable for the invasion was still being considered, everyone urged that it be delayed until at least October, when the southern weather would be more cooperative and military operations in the north less likely. Brown could see these intervening months as necessary in recruiting Indians, intimidating doubtful settlers, and preparing his Rangers for operations farther north than had been customary.

•  •  •

Early in 1778, Captain Chesley Bostwick was commissioned in the Continental forces and assigned for service at Fort Howe on the Altamaha River. Thomas Brown was aware of the appointment even before Bostick arrived at his post. He called in Sergeant Baker for a private consultation.

“Sergeant, I am giving you the strictest orders that a man named Chesley Bostick, now a captain in the Georgia militia, is not to be killed. I can tell you that he is devious and a coward, and has been ordered to Fort Howe for duty. If you learn his exact whereabouts, I want to be told. If he should be captured, I want him brought to me immediately. Do you understand?”

Baker understood more than he acknowledged, having long ago learned of Bostick’s role in ordering the torturing of the commander. This was a story frequently told by the people around Augusta, often with hilarity, but it was a subject that was never discussed in Brown’s presence.

“Yes, sir, I’ll relay these orders to our people.”