he whole of the present district of Williamsburg, and a part
of Marion, were not altogether prepared to understand these British
proclamations. They were no great politicians, had no love of blind
vassalage, and naturally suspected all liberality of British origin.
They wished for certain explanations before they sent in their adhesion.
Not that they calculated upon resistance. This, no doubt, seemed to them
as hopeless as it appeared in all other parts of the State. But their
insulated position, which left them uninformed as to the true condition
of things, was, at the same time, a source of their courage and
indifference. As yet, the arms of the British had not penetrated into
their settlements. They were naturally anxious to prevent their doing
so. Under these circumstances, they held a gathering of their best
men for the purpose of consulting upon their affairs. The twin
proclamations--how unlike!--of the British commander, were before
them: and, in their primitive assembly, they sat down to discuss their
separate merits. These confused rather than enlightened them, and it was
resolved to send one of their number, in whom they had most confidence,
to the nearest British authority, in order that their difficulties
should be explained and their doubts satisfied. There was one sterling
family among them of the name of James. Of this family there were five
brothers, John, William, Gavin, Robert and James. No men under Marion
were braver or truer than these. Fearless, strong and active, they were
always ready for the foe; the first in attack, the last in retreat.
There were other branches of this family who partook largely of the
qualities of the five brothers. Of these, the eldest, Major John James,
was chosen the representative of the men of Williamsburg. This gentleman
had been their representative in the provincial assembly--he was
in command of them as State militia. They gave him their fullest
confidence, and he deserved it.

Under this appointment, Major James repaired to Georgetown, the nearest
British post, which was then under the command of one Captain Ardesoif.
Attired as a plain backwoodsman, James obtained an interview with
Ardesoif, and, in prompt and plain terms, entered at once upon the
business for which he came. But when he demanded the meaning of the
British protection, and asked upon what terms the submission of
the citizens was to be made, he was peremptorily informed that
"the submission must be un