The young officer took deep breaths and tried to think about more pleasant and interesting times, notably his recent experiences. He had been born in 1754, the son of a wealthy merchant in Liverpool, England, and spent his early life as a student with no apparent purpose in life. When he’d learned about the stirrings of rebellion in America, he’d decided to embark on a military career, and his father had bought him a commission as a cornet, the lowest officer rank in a cavalry unit. Early in 1776, he had volunteered for service in the colonies under Lord Cornwallis and soon distinguished himself with his personal prowess, daring exploits, and intense ambition.

In a bold raid late that first year in America, he had been instrumental in capturing Major General Charles Lee, who had been one of the most notable defectors from the king’s service to assume a command in the revolutionary forces, second in rank only to George Washington. Emboldened by this success, Tarleton later attacked General Lighthorse Harry Lee in a tavern near Valley Forge, and this famous American leader narrowly escaped capture. It was obvious to everyone that Tarleton had become one of the favorites of Lord Cornwallis, who recognized these exploits by skipping the rank of lieutenant and promoting the young man to captain and only eight months later to lieutenant colonel, when he was not quite twenty-four years old. He could hardly believe his rapid advancement, but felt that he had fully deserved it.

After an hour or so topside, he saw an orderly emerge from below, and Tarleton rose to his feet, kept one hand on the mast to steady himself, and revealed his presence. He was told that the senior officers were assembling in the general’s quarters. After standing for a few moments, he felt well enough to walk unsteadily to the leeward side of the ship, where he looked around to be sure he was not observed and then emptied the bucket into the sea. Back in the general’s quarters, he found General Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Cornwallis, and others gathered around a small table, examining a chart of Savannah and its sea approaches. Cornwallis was speaking: