As they mingled among the other men and overheard a few belligerent comments, Ethan thought that Henry was overly optimistic, both about the peaceful intentions of the Regulators and of the governor’s forces. He agreed that the local situation was bad, but it was unlikely that a few thousand dissatisfied farmers could change the existing order of things all the way throughout the colony and even in London.

There was a generally relaxed and confused atmosphere in the large clearing, with many of the men telling jokes and discussing farming, horses, and other frontier subjects. A few were gathered in a circle around two men who had removed their shirts and were wrestling with each other. Then word was passed, and the crowd assembled around a platform made of two barn doors laid across wagon bodies. Assemblyman Husband addressed them.

“This great gathering of interested citizens is a wonderful sight for those of us who have been feeling right lonely in New Bern.”

A wave of laughter indicated that the men were in a good mood.

“I understand that the governor, with some troops, has moved this way and is not far from us now, this side of Hillsborough. We hear that he plans to go from here on into Rowan County, where his militia forces have run into a little trouble with some of our Regulators and decided to go back home to plow.”

More laughter, and then Husband spoke in a more serious tone.

“There is no doubt that we mean to change things in this state, and we’ll do it for three reasons. First, because our cause is right! Second, because our numbers are great and our resolve is unshakable. And third, because the king and prime minister have made it plain that they want to see justice done in the colonies.

“Tryon claims that we are rebels in a state of war, but the fact is that we are peaceful citizens, loyal to our king, who only demand justice.”

It was obvious to Ethan that Husband had improved his skills as an orator since he’d first heard him speak at Maddock’s mill. There was loud and sustained applause and cheers after he made each point, and he waited just the right amount of time to be most effective. Now he was interrupted by a man who approached the platform and called him over for a message.

Husband raised his hand for silence and spoke again. “Gentlemen, I have just been informed that Governor Tryon and his militia are approaching us from the east and have demanded that we disband this meeting. Are we ready to do so?”

There was a thunderous chorus of “No!” from the crowd.

“Do you think he can arrest two thousand of us?”

The response was a cacophony of laughter, hoots, and various scornful comments, and then the men became increasingly silent.