He thought for a few moments, smiled to himself, and added, “A number of the militiamen’s homesteads are outside their so-called protected area, and we’ll pick a few of those families and get some of our Indian scouts to help us teach them some unforgettable lessons that the others will be sure to remember. As you know, we have the name of every one who has taken up arms against us, and we’ll just have to decide who will make the best examples.”

After riding for a few miles in silence, Brown added, with a slight glance at the sergeant, “The life of a Georgia planter won’t be bad after the war is over. I think I’ll revisit Brownsborough and see if I can get the place back in shape.”

Back in Augusta, Brown moved rapidly to implement his plans, but he had made too good an impression on Cornwallis. The general was convinced that the Rangers were a strong fighting force, especially in the wilderness areas of the few remaining rebel militia, and he was also reassured that these revolutionaries in the deep south were dispirited and would end their fruitless rebellion. He ordered that all regular troops be dispatched from Augusta to his forces in the Carolinas. The Ranger commander protested vigorously, but with no effect.

CHAPTER 45

Attack on Augusta

SEPTEMBER 1780

Despite the dismal situation from Virginia down through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida, Clarke and his key men were not prepared to accept defeat. They continually discussed how effective they and the Over Mountain men had been, and slowly developed among themselves a sense of invincibility, at least if they could fight according to their own rules and tactics. Although Clarke’s neck and shoulder wounds had not healed and he was physically incapable of personal combat, he became more determined to orchestrate an attack on Brown’s forces in Augusta. From two men in the town who remained loyal to the revolution, he received word that all the British regulars had gone and there were only 150 Rangers and a few Creeks to defend the town. Realizing his own vulnerability, Brown had sent his scouts to recruit a contingent of Indians, with promises of almost unlimited presents.