The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter

Author:Jimmy Carter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

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CHAPTER 24

The Florida Rangers

DECEMBER 1775

One day, late in December 1775, Brown asked for private time with Major Furlong, and brought him some disturbing information.

“Some of my men have just come from Savannah and report that the Whigs are taking over the streets there. Some claim they want to continue as British subjects and just redress their imagined grievances, but the cursed Sons of Liberty are publicly calling for total independence and acting as criminals and traitors with relative impunity. It is my opinion that Governor Wright will soon be forced to leave America and return to London.”

Major Furlong responded, “Yes, we have seen this coming for some time. For all practical purposes the Savannah port has been closed to us, and you know we have had to depend on imports either directly from England or from the West Indies. What we lack is enough food for our one hundred and fifty troops and the growing number of Tory families who are moving here because of fear of what might happen to them in the future.”

“Sir, you’ve wisely identified a growing problem. As the Whigs become stronger in Savannah and other parts of Georgia, the settlers in the southern region are less willing to trade with us. But, with your permission, I would like to propose a possible solution. The Tories who are coming here now for their own safety don’t have anything to do. I would like to gather a few of them who have their own horses and weapons, give them some military training, and have them join me and Sergeant Baker. Then we’ll visit the settlers, buy what we can from loyal Tory families, and take what we need from the disloyal Whigs.”

Furlong’s response was instant, and negative.

“Governor Tonyn could never be responsible for any actions such as those you have described. There would also be no way to ensure that we do not abuse families who are loyal Tories. And besides, it would not be easy to recruit men away from their families unless they are given the full pay and privileges of military service.”

Having anticipated these concerns, Brown hastened to say, “Sir, respectfully, please permit me to respond. This would be a matter completely removed from official status. Both Sergeant Baker and I would take a leave of absence, and you, Colonel Prevost, the governor, and all others could disavow any connection with our activities. At the same time, what we collect in goods or intelligence would be placed at the disposal of whomever you designate to receive it. I will be personally responsible for its proper handling. Here in my hand is a dossier of every family within fifty miles of the Georgia border, with full information about their political loyalties, or, in some cases, a lack of any interest in politics. I will leave it here, with your permission, for you to examine. I can assure you of its accuracy. Our efforts among the settler families could, if desired, be restricted to those designated by you.

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