Chains

Isabel returns from a morning errand to the market and is summoned by Madam Lockton to serve Master Lockton and his guests. The Madam, anxious over the meeting, attempts to listen in on the conversation. The New York City mayor and the man Isabel has nicknamed “Goldbuttons” are poring over a map in the library and discussing the next steps against the rebels.

The land bribe has been unsuccessful in gaining more Loyalist support, and the Continental Congress in Philadelphia is on the verge of declaring independence. The mayor wants to escalate actions to quell the rebellion. He is frustrated that the Crown has delayed invading, and he proposes bringing New York into submission quickly, thus cutting off a major city from the rebellion. He sees the capture and execution of General Washington as the only way to accomplish their goals. Lockton and Goldbuttons recoil at the idea, but the mayor asserts it is warranted since Washington has committed high treason, for which death is the penalty. The mayor has a soldier on the inside who is ready to do the deed, but he will require payment. Lockton unlocks a drawer in his desk and produces a stack of cash. He reluctantly agrees to the plan but only after he procures a signed document listing all the