The vast throng were inflamed by anger. They shouted threats against the soldiers, who were evidently alarmed by the demonstration, and had General Hamilton given the signal to make an attack, I believe of a verity that every man, whether armed or not, would have joined the fray.
At seeing us ride up the citizens shouted yet more loudly; but when we halted, they turned about to learn the reason of our delay in giving Tryon a lesson, and Master Hamilton cried out to them, speaking so loudly that every word must have been heard by those who yet remained in the court-room.
"We, the Regulation, beg that you will not put your lives in jeopardy while unprepared for battle. If you will disperse, each sending his women and children home out of danger, the Regulators will meet you in solemn deliberation this evening when our plan of action shall be decided upon."
"And are we to let Tryon and Fanning sneak away?" one of the throng asked angrily.
"Not so, my friend. While the Regulators are under arms you know full well that no one can leave Hillsborough without our permission. The cause will not suffer by this delay, and we shall be in better position to demand that which you have failed of receiving this day—justice. Send your families home, collect your weapons, and join us who have sworn to drive the oppressors out of upper Carolina."
If Tryon was in the court-room, as many of the throng declared, then he had heard every word spoken by our commander, and I venture to say he felt ill at ease, for it was plain to be seen that if the Regulators should be reinforced by these men who were raising their voices against the farce of a trial, he stood in great danger of being made prisoner.
He might use the court-house as a fortification, and could hold it two or three days, perhaps; but we would take good care that he did not send any messengers to Brunswick or Newberne, and there could be but one ending to the affair.
The people seemed to understand all this, for straightway they began to move toward the river, followed by their families, and in less than half an hour few save the Regulators remained around the building.
The soldiers who had been stationed outside now crowded inside the court-house, never waiting for orders to move, and we were left like jailers who are satisfied with holding their prisoners in closed cells.
Master Hamilton told off a dozen men for sentinels at each side of the building, and as many more in the rear, with orders to shoot down any who attempted to escape from the windows, while the main portion of our force remained thirty yards or more from the front doors.