Isaac Ruddell managed to obtain good treatment and lodgings for his remaining family when the post commander learned that he was a Freemason. According to the Freemasonry code of conduct, Freemasons were obligated to help any other Freemason they met even when they were on opposite sides of a political situation. This preferential treatment, however, angered some of the other prisoners who saw Isaac's friendly relationship with a British officer as evidence of Tory leanings. Through this officer's efforts, the family except for Stephen and Abraham was allowed to return to Virginia in October of 1782, By this time, Margaret Ruddell had married Henry Dewitt whom she met during her captivity. Upon their arrival in Virginia, Isaac was accused of treason by some of his fellow captives who had been released with him and underwent a court martial in Frederick County. He was acquitted of all charges but he remained an object of censure by some. The sentiment was negative enough that Isaac placed a notice in the Virginia Gazette in 1783, stating the circumstances of the station's attack and capture of its inhabitants, and his actions during the attack and afterwards.
