Baker assumed that the colonel had not mentioned the recent costly effort to invade the home base of the Georgia militia, and asked, “What did he have to say about his orders not to abuse them in any way, and to prohibit our Indian Rangers from joining us in military action?”

“Well, I’m not sure we saw completely eye to eye on these subjects, but he certainly understands my position.”

It was clear to Baker that this was a subject not to be pursued further, and they began to discuss how best to end threats from the remaining rebel militiamen, some of whom were still active west of the Savannah River.

“We’ve learned the hard way how difficult it is to catch a coward like Elijah Clarke, who lacks the courage to stand and fight. He and his bunch of rogues only know how to fight from ambush, and to shoot any adversary in the back.”

The sergeant nodded in agreement, having heard this discourse many times in the past. Now Brown added a new dimension.

“The first loyalty of those outlaws is not to the revolution and certainly not to any superiors. What they want is to protect their own property and steal from others. We can’t stop them from robbing defenseless Tories, but we can make damn certain that everything they own is gone the next time they visit their homesteads.”

Baker rode silently for a few minutes and finally asked his question: “But how about the general’s orders against attacking civilians?”

“Hell, they’re not civilians, and it’s obvious to everyone that their families are just as guilty of treason as the men that are fighting us. When I was with him in person, I didn’t find Lord Cornwallis all that eager to protect people like these. I’m sure those were instructions forced on him by people in London who don’t know a damn thing about what’s going on over here.”

Despite his glib answer, the question had made an impact on Brown, and he considered how he might make his plans more acceptable to British authorities. Then it came to him.

“What we’ll do is demand a declaration of loyalty from the entire family of every one of Clarke’s militiamen. Even though the men may be off fighting or hiding, we’ll direct that the wives or adult sons can speak for the family. If any of them refuse, then we’ll just sequester their property.”

Baker asked, “What does this mean?”

“It means to confiscate the property of a person for nonpayment of debts or for treason against the crown. As the commanding officer in north Georgia and as Indian superintendent, I will issue the order myself, couched in terms that will be approved by His Lordship. Then we can act accordingly, so as to accommodate each individual circumstance.”