The entire party camped on the plantation that night, and before morning came, their plans for the future were fully formed.
It was decided that the gentlemen composing the Regulation should remain under arms until Governor Tryon fulfilled his promise, or ignored it altogether, and during this time of waiting all efforts should be directed toward protecting those who refused to pay the unjust tax.
On this evening Sidney and I were regularly admitted to the ranks of the Sons of Liberty, as if we were indeed men in age, and so wrought up was I by Master Howell's words, that I persuaded myself the colonies would speedily be freed from the rule of a master who had set over us such men as Tryon, Edwards and Fanning.
We left Master Payne's plantation next morning at sunrise, and in due time arrived at Maddock's Mill, where it had been decided the Regulation would have its headquarters.
It was no slight task to provide food and shelter for such a number; but once it was known that the governor evidently intended to play fast and loose with the people of our section, every one, including those who had not deemed it right to join the Regulation, set about bringing in stores of food for both men and horses. Then the men began building shelters, working in squads of five, three, or two, as was mutually agreed upon, and soon the neighborhood of Maddock's Mill resembled a military encampment.
The rebellion began to assume decided form.
As may be fancied, Sidney and I were camp-mates. We built for ourselves a lean-to which would shelter us from the rain at least, and in the rear of it made an enclosure into which the horses could be brought at night.
It was not believed safe for us to go home, even for a few hours, because Edwards and Fanning had men out in every direction picking up a victim here and there, and we lads knew full well that Sandy Wells would take full advantage of the opportunity in case he came upon us where we could not defend ourselves.
The Regulators were waiting to learn whether Tryon would keep the word given to the deputies, and a dull time of it we lads had meanwhile.
Since one day was passed much as another, with nothing by way of excitement save when news came of this or that high-handed proceeding on the part of the secretary and the attorney, I propose to set down here simply an account of the general happenings in the neighborhood.