It looked much as if an attack was to be made upon the king's representatives despite all Master Hamilton had said regarding the advisability of waiting for reflection and concerted plans.
Our commander remained by himself, midway between the front rank and the building, as if expecting that which occurred before we had been in position five minutes.
Then it was that David Edwards, the governor's secretary, appeared at one of the windows, and cried warningly:
"In the name of his excellency, Governor William Tryon, I bid ye disperse! Those who remain do so under the pain and penalty of being adjudged in rebellion against his most gracious majesty."
"We are in rebellion against tyranny and injustice," Master Hamilton replied in a loud voice which had in it no tone of menace. "It is our purpose to remain here until the wrong committed this day has been righted, and he who ventures out from among you in the meantime will do so at the expense of his life."
"But this is neither more nor less than armed rebellion against the king," Edwards cried as if suddenly understanding that we were in a position to enforce our demand.
"I repeat that we are not here against the king, but to uphold the laws which Tryon and his minions have trampled in the dust. We of the Regulators number five hundred men; within two hours we shall have as many more in our ranks, and it does not need much calculation on your part to prove that the power is with us, as the rebellion against his majesty is with you."
Master Edwards disappeared, and I was expecting each moment that the soldiers within the building would open fire upon us, when my father appeared at the door, holding up his hand to attract attention.
"It is William Butler, one of the Regulators!" Master Hamilton shouted for the benefit of those who might not have recognized my father. "Let him come out!"
Our commander advanced to my father's side, and the two held long converse, after which both came forward toward our troop.