“He’s a good man, one of our most respected leaders, and knows more about what goes on in the Orange County courthouse than anyone else. He’s not afraid to speak out and is always pushing for us to take more action and not just have meetings to organize.”

After the men left, Ethan was worried about his brother and decided to learn more about what was happening. On Henry’s next visit to the farm, Ethan described the men who had visited him and repeated some of what they’d had to say.

“Ethan, I know these two. They’re from a settlement up the Haw River and are inclined to be a little rowdy every now and then. Basically they’re good men, and seem to agree with me most of the time. I’m not apologizing for them, but want you to know that we have some smart and responsible men among us who know how to do things carefully and legally. Herman Husband is our overall leader, and he is a peaceful man—a Quaker, in fact—who is well educated and a prosperous farmer. Our approach is a peaceful one. We prepared a petition that has been signed by more than two hundred men here in Orange County, and the same one went to Anson and Rowan counties to be signed. We then sent copies both to New Bern and to London to express our grievances.”

“That seems to be the right way to go, but I’ll be surprised if anything comes of it. If not, what would be your next step?”

“This won’t fail, because we’re right and are accumulating a broad base of support. As you know, we in the western counties now have too big a population to be ignored any longer, and there’re a few honest legislators that approve of what’s being done. If nothing happens in New Bern, we’ll just have to rely on the king’s officials who come over from London.”

“Well, I reckon we folks out here have a right to petition, and I’m glad to hear that the Regulators are trying to remain peaceful. How many do you think have joined up?”

“You would be surprised. Although our meetings are limited to twenty or so, more than half the men I know in Hillsborough are supporting us, and a good many of the farmers. There’ll be a meeting at Joseph Maddock’s mill during the afternoon of the first Saturday, and I hope you’ll be there.”

“I may or may not, but I can’t believe the leader of the Quaker families out here is publicly supporting the Regulators.”