They were all people of political connections and interactions with British royal agents, commissioners, and military local leaders. Once they got the response from George III, and knowing they were committed to Independence, they knew that if they were caught- they’d be hanged. It was no small thing, and so, they were brave. Every brave man, decorated or not will tell you they were scared. Medal of Honor recipients (living) will tell you they were scared, military men may gloss but most would tell you without training they would have been frozen in place.
I know all that, of course.
I’m saying they really telegraphed it.
Overdid it and it felt like a modern or contemporary portrayal.
I believe it would have in fact energized them knowing they were being taken deadly seriously and scaring the King.