The filibusters were not to be pacified; they abused England and her representatives in the most violent and abusive terms.
The grievances of Maine must be redressed.

Governor Lincoln ordered out the militia to the frontier, while an army of filibusters was ready to take possession of the territory.

They thought to work a plan to throw blame upon Sir Howard, in the hope that the English troops might be led to engage in a conflict with the American militia; but the experience of the British representative served him aright, as on former occasions.
Baker, an unprincipled filibuster now resolved to force proceedings, rushed into British ground and tauntingly hoisted the American flag.

At this juncture of affairs it was expected that English troops would interfere and a general fight would be the result.
Sir Howard had kept the troops at a respectable distance, where he could order them up at short notice; but he had no such intention.

Imagine the surprise of both parties when a constable, having arrived, knocked down the flag and took Baker prisoner.