According to the men, Vernon’s primary mission from Tryon is to seek out Continental soldiers or militiamen whom he can induce, by either force or persuasion, to switch sides to the British. One of the prisoners provides more details: [Vernon] went on board … the Duchess of Gordon, and there conversed with the Governor … who urged him to be active in procuring as many men as possible…; that above fifty or sixty soldiers now in town in the Continental service were engaged by the said Vernon for the service of the Ministry.
