It would seem that his bad opinion of Yankees was not quite so comprehensive as it had been.

The whole proceeding went forward with the utmost politeness.
"General, Mr.Binkus and John Irons, Jr., are my friends," said Captain Preston.
"Indeed!" the General answered.
"Yes, and they are friends of England.

They saved my neck in America.
I have assured young Irons that your words, if they were correctly reported to me, were spoken in haste, and that they do not express your real opinion." "And what, sir, were the words reported to you ?" the General asked.
Preston repeated them.
"That is my opinion." "It is mine also," young Clarke declared.
Solomon's face changed quickly.

He took deliberate aim at the enemy and drawled: "Can't be yer opinion is wuth more than the lives o' these young fellers that's goin' to fight." "Gentlemen, you will save time by dropping all thought of apologies," said the General.
"Then it only remains for you to choose your weapons and agree with us as to time and place," said Preston.
"I choose pistols," said the young Britisher.

"The time and place may suit your convenience, so it be soon and not too far away," "Let us say the cow wallow on Shooter's Hill, near the oaks, at sunrise to-morrow," Preston proposed.
"I agree," the Lieutenant answered.
"Whatever comes of it, let us have secrecy and all possible protection from each side to the other when the affair is ended," said Preston.
"I agree to that also," was the answer of young Clarke.
When they were leaving, Solomon said to Preston: "That 'ere Gin'ral is as big as Goliar.".