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 unconditional." To an inquiry, whether the inhabitants were to be allowed to remain upon their plantations, he was answered in the negative.

"His Majesty," said Ardesoif, "offers you a free pardon, of which you are undeserving, for you all ought to be hanged; but it is only on condition that you take up arms in his cause." James, whom we may suppose to have been very far from relishing the tone and language in which he was addressed, very coolly replied, that "the people whom he came to REPRESENT, would scarcely submit on such conditions." The republican language of the worthy Major provoked the representative of Royalty.