We see a patrol of twenty green-uniformed horsemen riding along a dirt road through Germantown, just outside of Philadelphia.  At their head is Colonel John Graves SIMCOE, a British officer.  The men are dragoons of the Queens Rangers, a Loyalist unit serving with the British Army of Occupation.  As they ride up to a tavern, they notice a British officer, he is Banastre TARLETON.  He is wearing red.

SIMCOE

Ah Tarleton - what in blazes are you doing out so far from the piquet's?  Aren't you afraid some Yankee will come along and take you as you did Lee at the Widow White's near Brunswick?

TARLETON

Amusing John; no, for you see that unlike Lee whose men ran off in naught but their night shirts, several of my men are, er, reconnoitering in this very same public house!

SIMCOE

Well, good for them Banastre! That’s pleasant duty for any soldier.  How goes it with you anyway?  Enjoying the infantry dear captain?

TARLETON

Enjoying the rank at any rate.  How goes the Queens Rangers?

SIMCOE

Staying lean out here in the countryside, chasing down rebels and ragamuffins - not like the line companies feasting and whoring in the City of Brotherly Love!  I dare say you've put on a pound or two.

TARLETON

Well then Colonel Simcoe, perhaps I may join you for a jaunt?

SIMCOE

If your men can spare such a devoted infantry officer!

TARLETON

             (calling out)

First Sergeant!

A BRITISH SOLDIER appears at the doorway.

BRITISH SOLDIER

Yes Sir?

TARLETON

First Sergeant, I am going on a scout with Colonel Simcoe here.  Once the men have finished their duty, take them back to quarters.  And sergeant…

BRITISH SOLDIER

Sir?

TARLETON

If in the line of duty you were to say, apprehend a comely Quaker lass, who would enjoy the company of a King's captain, bring her along.

BRITISH SOLDIER

Right sir!

TARLETON

As I see it Colonel, the principal problem in occupying Philadelphia is discerning at a respectable distance between a Quaker girl and one of these damn German girls whose language is like that of the barbarians to the Romans!

SIMCOE

I see your problem Banastre… You are too focused on talking! 

The two officers ride along together at the head of Simcoe's troops.

TARLETON

Still wearing the green uniforms John?  Why not switch over to the King's colors?

SIMCOE

Green is our corps traditional color.  Beginning in the last French war, our unit has worn green - and fought like the savages.

TARLETON

Ah, old Robert Rogers - I remember reading his books after the last war.  Interesting chap.  From New Hampshire as I recollect.

SIMCOE

Right on both counts Banastre.  Rogers was an Indian fighter since he could walk, and in the last war, he raised his own corps of rangers, stationed out of old Fort Edward on the Hudson.  Had two or three companies of Indians with him as well, mostly Stockbridges, but other Algonquians too.

TARLETON

No Mohawks?  I’ve heard they have the fiercest reputation.

SIMCOE

No.  The Iroquois were Sir William Johnson's bailiwick - the two nations never quite got along.

TARLETON

And so it is today all these years later.  The Mohawks are our fiercest native allies, but I hear the Stockbridge Mohicans and other praying Indians are on the side of the rebels.

SIMCOE

More to it than that I'm afraid.  Same ministers teaching Christ to the New England Indians are teaching the Oneida and Tuscarora!  Kirkland's as much an enemy to the Crown as the old fox, Washington.

TARLETON

Well John,

 spurring his horse onward ahead of Simcoe

you know what our good Philadelphia friend Mr. Galloway has to say, these damn rebels are nothing but Congregationalists, Presbyterians and smugglers! 

SIMCOE smiles and continues to ride at the head of his men, while Tarleton advances in the lead.