Clark bluntly demanded unconditional surrender.

Hamilton refused.

They argued the matter.

Helm put in his oar, trying to soften the situation, as was his custom on all occasions, and received from Clark a stinging reprimand, with the reminder that he was nothing but a prisoner on parole, and had no voice at all in settling the terms of surrender.
"I release him, sir," said Hamilton.

"He is no longer a prisoner.