The Regulator leaders were fully informed about Tryon’s activities, having made certain that a number of their key people had volunteered to serve in his forces. There was considerable discussion about their best response to the militia force. One more moderate group, including Husband, preferred that the dissidents lie low for a while, until the governor was forced to permit the militiamen to return to their homes because of inactivity. Henry and others believed that this was the time to demonstrate their overwhelming public support, and to force the colonial government to accede to what they considered their totally justified demands for reform.

The dispute became moot when the Regulators learned that Tryon was coming to Hillsborough. They decided to have a mass rally, to demonstrate peacefully both their political and military strength. It was scheduled for noon on the third Saturday in May, to be held on the banks of Big Alamance Creek, about fifteen miles west of Hillsborough. Governor Tryon condemned the assembly and claimed that it would be a violation of the Riot Act. But Regulators posted handbills and went throughout Orange County urging all men to attend, to “help secure through peaceful and legal means the just rights of poor Industrious peasants, honest industrious familys, and other poor Inhabitants.”

Henry came by Ethan’s home early on the morning of the meeting day, and Epsey served breakfast to the brothers. Once they were done, the two stepped outside. Ethan started the conversation. “Henry, I’ve heard what y’all are planning over on Alamance Creek, and I need to know what you have in mind.”

“There are enough spies on both sides so we know what’s going on as soon as a decision is made. Tryon is moving toward Alamance Creek with some of his militia, but we will proceed with our meeting and will make sure that it is completely peaceful. We’re expecting more than two thousand to join us, and we’re glad he’s coming, so he can see how many people are sympathetic to our cause.”

It was obvious that Henry was exuberant, totally convinced of the invincibility of the Regulators and discounting the seriousness of the situation.

Ethan said, “Public demonstrations are one thing, but a military battle is something else. I’ve heard that the militia are well armed, even with cannon, and are led by some of the best British officers. You won’t have a chance against them if real fighting breaks out.”

Henry smiled and replied in a confidential tone, “Well, let me give you some recent news. Tryon sent scouts out against us, led by Colonel John Ashe. We captured him, one of his captains, and several men.”

“What did you do with them?”

“They’re being held prisoner but will be released when Tryon moves back to New Bern, where he belongs. Some of our men roughed them up a little, so they won’t forget the experience.”