At the previously arranged place in Charles Town, they met Joseph Maddock, who first expressed his impatience with their late arrival, two days later than scheduled. Then he outlined for them his plans for the rest of the journey. They learned that they could make arrangements for their land grants in Augusta, but would still take a roundabout path. Their route would take them southwestward along the coast halfway to Savannah, and then westward, crossing the Savannah River at a shallow ford known as Pallachucola, and then up the west side of the river to Augusta. There was a more direct route, but it was not the one Maddock and the other Quakers preferred, since it incurred payment of more ferry fees.

They had traveled only a short distance before trouble arose. They all knew that Joseph Maddock was the acknowledged leader of the Quakers and that he had made the arrangements for the land in Georgia, so although there had not been any general agreement, no one objected when he assumed that he was the undisputed boss of the caravan. Ethan had known Maddock as an honest and hardworking miller who treated his customers courteously, but now he seemed to be excessively proud and domineering, not deferring at all to the family who did not share his religious faith, headed by a man who seemed so mild-mannered and obliging. One day, while Ethan was tending the herd of cattle and sheep, Epsey was alone with the draft animals. She stopped them and walked to a nearby tree, where she heaved with nausea for a few minutes and then walked back toward the lead ox. Maddock rode his horse back down the line, stopped in front of Epsey, and shouted, “Doesn’t thou know how to handle oxen? Move up, or else let thy husband manage the team!”

Then he whirled and rode away, leaving Epsey with her face flushed, both in embarrassment and anger. She had never had anyone speak to her in this way. When Ethan returned, he walked beside his wife for a few minutes without speaking. He could see that she was distressed.

“Are you not feeling well?”

“I’ve been nauseated, but no more than usual. I’m just angry at Mr. Maddock.”

She explained what had occurred, and Ethan handed her the whip and untied his horse. Epsey urged him to forget what had happened, but Ethan galloped forward and found Maddock.

“What have you said to disturb my wife?”

“Nothing. I only urged her to close the gap between thy wagon and the one ahead.”

“It’s not what you said, it’s the way you spoke that I cannot accept.”

“Cannot accept?”

“That’s right. Don’t you ever speak to my wife again.”

“Mr. Pratt, I consider thee to be a guest in this caravan, and thou art welcome. But there can be only one trail master and I am that person.”