DISAPPOINTMENT
Strange as it may seem, I am not able to tell what occurred from the
time we started on that mad rush down the hill until the redcoats and
Tories were fleeing in every direction. The fever of excitement had
such a hold upon me that I saw nothing, heard nothing, was conscious
only of the desire to strike a blow, and might have discharged my
weapon once, or a dozen times without knowing it save for the fact of
the bullets in my pouch, which, on being counted later, showed that I
had sent but two shots into that red-coated mass which rose up only
when we were nearly riding over their encampment, and then dispersed.
I was aroused to distinct consciousness of the surroundings finally,
when I heard Gabriel Marion shouting in my ear as if to awaken me from
what can be called little less than the delirium of excitement:
“It is for us to find Seth Hastings! Have you seen him yet?”
I was so much ashamed at having lost myself entirely, as it were, that
instead of declaring I had seen nothing save that mass of red which
seemingly rose up from the earth, I simply replied in the negative to
his question, and Archie Gordon, for it seems that we three lads had
ridden closely together during the charge, shouted as he turned his
horse around, thus forcing Gabriel and me to do the same:
“He must be among those who are fleeing down the river! If there is any
bottom to our horses now is the time to bring it out.”
We had simply checked the speed of our steeds on coming to where half
a dozen or more shelter-tents had been put up, and hardly a second was
lost before we were in pursuit of the terror-stricken enemy.
Then it was I noted that even in the confusion of their surprise both
soldiers and Tories had striven to mount their horses, leaving behind
them saddles and bridles, for there had been no time to do more than
leap upon the backs of the animals and cut the ropes by which they were
picketed. It was simply a question as to which side was the better
mounted, whether we take prisoners or no, and there was a sense of
exultation in my heart as I felt the strong stride of the horse beneath
me, telling of the pace which he was setting.
Now, because I am speaking of none save us three comrades, it must not
be supposed that we were the only ones in pursuit of the fugitives.
Considerably in advance of us I could see General Marion and Captain
Horry riding side by side, while at their heels were ten or a dozen
men, and as many more were behind us. Therefore we were not in good
position to distinguish ourselves by making any captures, nor indeed
did we hope to do so. Seth Hastings was the game we were after, and
I question whether we would have turned aside to take so important a
prisoner as Major Gainey, if perchance we had seen the traitorous cur
who would have consigned us to the prison-ships.
It was a mad race in which was no semblance of military formation on
either side, but simply one mob of men pursued by another, riding at
hot speed down the bank of the stream regardless of the obstacles in
their way, and more than one, venturing too near the water’s edge, was
pitched out of the saddle as his steed floundered in the mire.
Within five minutes I understood that we were behind in the race. Our
steeds were stout and honest, but not blooded; urged by blows and voice
they were doing their best, while our leaders were outstripping us
swiftly, and a few seconds after this fact had impressed itself upon my
mind, old Peter, who had been as eager in the chase as either of us,
urged his horse to my side as he said:
“Dar’s no sense, honey, in blowin’ dese yere horses fur nuffin.”
I pushed aside the hand which he would have laid upon my bridle-rein,
impatient at the suggestion that I fall out of the race, so great was
my desire to catch a glimpse of the lad to whom we owed such a debt,
and would have pressed my horse on yet faster but for the fact that
just then one of the troopers who had followed General Marion most
closely came riding back as he shouted:
“The orders are to return to the encampment just vacated by the
redcoats. Nothing can be gained by further pursuit, and there is a
chance that these fellows in advance may be leading us into a trap.”
As a matter of course we brought our horses to a standstill, for young
in the service as were we Minute Boys, it was well understood that an
order from the officer in command must be obeyed on the instant, but
Gabriel grumbled as he slipped out of the saddle to loosen the girth:
“It can be no more dangerous for us to go on, than for General Marion.
Why should he not fall back and leave those who are of less importance
to take the chance of falling into an ambush?”
“The orders are to go back to the camp we surprised,” the trooper
replied curtly, and then it was I recognized him as one of the bravest
defenders of Charleston during the siege. He was an old soldier, and as
such had neither sympathy nor patience for lads who would discuss an
order which had been given.
It is not necessary I make any attempt at picturing the disappointment
we felt because of having failed in capturing or shooting down
the traitor who had thus brought the enemy on our trail. Having
flattered ourselves that with this surprise of the camp it would be a
comparatively simple matter to take Seth Hastings prisoner, one can
readily understand the feeling of chagrin amounting almost to shame,
which was ours after having failed thus signally.
We were not in a mood for conversation as we wheeled about and moved
up the stream at a leisurely pace, and once arriving at the enemy’s
camping-place came to understand of how much importance this surprise
would prove to those who had rendezvoused at Snow’s Island. As I have
already said, our people were illy equipped, lacking almost everything
except horses, and the party who had come in pursuit of us brought with
them even luxuries.
In this encampment we found weapons, ammunition, provisions, and horse
equipments beyond all expectation, and even those who, like my comrades
and myself, were most bitterly disappointed at having been forced to
turn back in the chase, forgot for the moment everything except the
pleasing fact that in this first adventure the “ragged regiment” had
won a most valuable victory, even though they failed in taking a single
prisoner.
It was while we were gathering up the spoils preparatory to taking them
to Snow’s Island that we saw the leaders return, and with them two
captives, the sole fruit of the entire race.
Although our people had succeeded in capturing only a couple of men, it
soon appeared that, so far as concerned us, the cream of all the mob
of fugitives had been taken. They were Tories, and, like many of their
breed, such arrant cowards that immediately after finding themselves in
the clutches of the patriots, they were willing to tell all they knew,
regardless of the fact that by so doing they were playing the traitor.
It was from these weak-kneed renegades that General Marion gained
such information as was in the highest degree valuable, for if he had
remained in ignorance regarding the matter, the chances were more than
equal that all our little force would speedily have been gobbled up.
Without making too many words of what really deserves to be spun out
into a longer story, I must content myself by explaining that the
prisoners speedily confessed that somewhere on the banks of the Great
Pedee, between where we then were and the ferry at Georgetown, was a
large force of Britishers and Tories who had been sent to cooperate
with Major Gainey, the plan having been that the latter advance along
the Charleston road while this second and greatly superior force come
up the river-bank. The report was that the other party could not be
less than four hundred strong, under the command of Captain Barfield,
a name which we of Charleston would not speedily forget, for he it was
who had command of the squad that carried the chief citizens of the
city to the prison-ships.
One needed not to be a soldier in order to understand what might have
happened had our people continued the pursuit very long.
Those whom we had surprised, knowing of this larger force in the
vicinity, were, of course, doing all they might to join them, and most
likely hoping we would keep at their heels until finding ourselves
confronted by a company which could speedily overcome us.
The cold chills of fear were creeping up my spine as I thus thought
of all the possibilities, and I started like one who suddenly finds
himself on the brink of a precipice, when a trooper came up quickly to
say to us three lads:
“General Marion would have speech with you, and at once.”
“Speech with us?” I said half to myself. “We have done nothing which
calls for reproof.”
“And why do you fancy we are to be reproved?” Gabriel asked with a
laugh as he set about picketing his steed. “Do you suppose that my
brother can wish to see us only in order to find fault?”
“But why should he have speech with us? Surely not to ask advice!” I
said petulantly, because of my nervousness and disappointment, and
Archie Gordon replied with a laugh:
“If you will make ready to obey the summons we shall the sooner know
what is required.”
Like the simple I was, the summons disturbed me not a little, but when
we were come a short distance down the stream where stood Captain
Horry and General Marion, the latter greeted us with such a friendly
smile that my forebodings speedily vanished, and I began almost to
believe that during our mad rush down the hill, when I remained all in
ignorance of what was being done because of the excitement upon me,
I might have performed some great deed which was now to be publicly
acknowledged.
I mention this fact only to show what a thorough simple I do make
of myself at times. When we were approached so near the fire that a
conversation could be carried on in a low tone, for it was evidently
the intention of the commander that the remainder of the force should
not hear what was said, the general spoke.
“You lads have announced your intention of forming an organization to
be called the Minute Boys of South Carolina, and I have no doubt you
expect to be received as an independent company in whatsoever army you
may choose to honor.”
I wondered whether he had simply summoned us for the sake of making
sport of our intentions, and remained silent, not knowing what to say,
but Gabriel replied without hesitation:
“Ay, sir, that is our purpose.”
“And as yet you have had no experience as soldiers?”
“Save what we may have gained during the siege,” Archie interrupted,
and the general added with a smile:
“I question whether that might be of any great value. However, the time
has come when you may, if you so desire, prove your claim to enter the
army as a distinct organization.”
Now it was that I began to have some inkling as to what he was driving
at, and gathered myself sufficiently to ask before either of my
companions could speak:
“What would you have us do, sir? If we can be of any service at this
time, there is no need of overly many words to screw up our courage,
for we are minded to do all that boys may, and perhaps a bit more.”
“Well spoken, Master Randolph, and it is what I might have expected
one of your name would say. Here are the facts, if so be our prisoners
have told the truth: Somewhere along the line of the river is a force
of perhaps four hundred Britishers--I am inclined to believe the number
has been overstated. However that may be, it is my purpose to advance
upon them without unnecessary delay; in order to do so with any hope of
success I must have some idea as to their position, and that within the
shortest possible space of time.”
“Meaning that you would send us on the scout, sir?” Gabriel said
quickly, his face lighting up with joy.
“Ay, lad, that is exactly my meaning, and it is not necessary for me
to tell you how much danger there may be in such a reconnoissance, for
those who have joined me here know full well that when men like us
undertake to strike a blow at the king’s forces in this vicinity, they
take their lives in their hands. Are you minded to set off at once?”
“There is no need for such a question, General Marion,” I made bold to
say. “We came to Snow’s Island hoping there might be an opportunity
for us to do a soldier’s full duty, therefore stand ready to obey any
command.”
“But in such a case as this, lads, I would not give a command. He
who sets out on the scout with the chances of running full upon an
overwhelming force, must go as a volunteer.”
“That we are ready to do, sir,” Archie replied, and the general added,
with a nod of his head as if he had already known what our answer would
be:
“Then you are to start without delay. I would not undertake to say how
the task can best be performed. The Tories who gave us the information
were themselves ignorant of the precise location of Captain Barfield’s
command, therefore your method of gaining information must be according
to the circumstances which arise. Do not burden yourselves with rations
or weapons; take only so much as may be necessary to defend yourself
from the chance comer, and in the event of being surrounded, surrender
quickly rather than sacrifice your lives. As to provisions, sufficient
for one meal will be enough, since after breakfast to-morrow morning
you will be in another world, with us again, or prisoners among the
foe. At noon to-morrow we shall set out at a slow pace down the river,
hoping to meet you on the way, and our course will be somewhat with
that of the stream, although we may have to enter the woods to the
southward of it in order to remain under cover of the timber. That
which I want to know is somewhere near the number of the enemy, the
general situation of the camp, and, if may be, an approach to it by
which a surprise can best be effected. I shall hope to see you before
sunset to-morrow, lads.”
With this the general turned away, thus showing that he had no further
command to give, and I asked myself why he brought the interview to a
close so abruptly? Was it because he had no further time to waste upon
us, or that he dared not trust himself to say aught which might smack
of parting lest he weaken our courage?
We did not speculate many moments as to this last. It was enough for us
that we had our work cut out, and most eager were we to be at it.
When, on going back to where we had left our horses, we found the
Marshall boys awaiting us, Edward asked eagerly:
“For what were you wanted?” and Gabriel explained in the fewest words
possible the purport of the interview, but was not yet come to an end
before Joseph began saddling his horse, whereupon Archie asked why he
was making ready to move.
“That we may go with you, of course.”
“But the orders were given only to us three.”
“Yet we have joined you as members of the Minute Boys’ company,
therefore it is our right to share in whatsoever danger you may
encounter,” Edward cried hotly, and during the next few minutes we had
quite a warm interview.
Finally Gabriel explained that the greater the number who went on the
scout the greater the danger, also that it was the general’s privilege
to select whomsoever he might for the mission, and the lads gave way,
although, as I could see plainly, very much to their disappointment.
And thus I ever found it with the boys of South Carolina during those
terrible days when the enemy so overrun us as to leave little or no
hope as to the future. There was not a lad in the State, save of Tory
inclination, who did not grieve when debarred from taking part in some
perilous enterprise which might prove of benefit to the Cause.
We had no need to search for provisions, because the redcoats had left
food in plenty behind them, therefore when we three had gathered up
as much as might suffice for one meal, seen to the equipment of our
horses, and the charging of our weapons, we were ready for the work.
No one of our people gave any particular heed to us as we rode slowly
away. The fact of our having had an interview with the general was
sufficient indication that we had been sent on an enterprise, and I
fancy every one knew the purpose of our going.
I confess to feeling exceeding proud, as, leaving our people behind,
we three rode out into the night on what must at best be an extremely
hazardous adventure, for if the Tories had told the truth, then were we
like at any moment, despite all precautions, to come upon a force of
the enemy so great that resistance would be folly.
It can well be fancied that we did not indulge in overly many words
during the journey, for silence was our best friend at such a time. The
raising of our voices in conversation would have been much the same as
giving the enemy warning of our approach. Only once did Gabriel speak,
and that was perhaps ten minutes after we left the encampment, when he
said half to himself:
“If we had the slightest idea as to how far away this Captain Barfield
may be, the work could be done much more quickly.”
Neither Archie nor I made reply to this, and indeed there was no
necessity, for we recognized the truth of it; not one of us but would
have given all of worldly goods he possessed to have known within a
radius of two or three miles where the enemy had encamped.
During half an hour more we rode on in almost perfect silence, save
for the hoof-beats of the horses, and then, when we were come to the
bottom-lands, which were covered with a growth of scrub-oaks, we heard
a noise as of a horseman forcing his way through the foliage.
There is no need for me to say that we halted on the instant and
unslung our muskets, for we knew by the noise that but one was
approaching, and were determined to be the party which should give the
surprise.
Silently, hardly daring to breathe, fearing each instant lest the noise
from one of the steeds should betoken our whereabouts, we waited in
nervous expectancy, never dreaming of that which was coming upon us.
One, two, three minutes passed, and then there rode out from amid the
scrub-oaks none other than that traitorous cur, Seth Hastings!
“Halt!” Gabriel cried, and the fellow looked up to see three muskets
levelled full upon him.
If I had had time in which to consider the matter, I would have
expected to see a look of dismay and fear overspread his face; but much
to my surprise the whelp gazed at us, while obeying the command, as if
this unexpected meeting gave him the greatest pleasure.
“So you have left Snow’s Island, eh?” he asked insolently, before
either of us had an opportunity to make answer, but Gabriel said
sternly:
“It makes little difference to a renegade like you where we have come
from; dismount and throw down your weapons!”
Seth Hastings obeyed as if there was nothing in the matter to cause him
the slightest apprehension, and Gabriel said to Archie as the fellow
stood there with uplifted hands anticipating that which was to come:
“Dismount and search the cur; but make certain he strikes you no foul
blow, for a boy who will turn tail, when he is one of a party of a
hundred or more, to flee in hot haste from only twenty, is cowardly
enough to take any wicked advantage.”
I could see on the instant that Gabriel Marion had made a grave
mistake and at the same time aroused Seth Hastings’s anger, for he had
unwittingly proclaimed the feebleness of General Marion’s force when he
taunted the fellow with cowardice, although at the moment it did not
seem such a serious matter, because while we held him prisoner there
was little opportunity of his repeating the information thus gained.
[Illustration: “‘DISMOUNT AND THROW DOWN YOUR WEAPONS!’”]
“There is no need for us friends of the king to exchange shots with
you rebels,” Seth Hastings cried vindictively while Archie was making
thorough search of his clothing for concealed weapons. “The situation
of affairs in the Carolinas has changed since you ran away from
Charleston, and in four and twenty hours there will not be a rebel left
within the borders of the two States.”
“Meaning that Captain Barfield’s force is going to wipe us all out of
existence, or into the prison-ships,” Gabriel said with a scornful
laugh which still further roused the Tory’s ire, and he replied with a
hiss which was much like that of an angry cat:
“Meaning that your General Gates with his ragtag, bob-tail of an army
has been cut to pieces at Camden by Lord Cornwallis, and there is now
left in the Carolinas none to uphold what you have boastingly called
the ‘Cause,’ save those twenty on Snow’s Island of whom you speak.”
Had he struck me full in the face I could not have been more surprised
and angered, yet I knew he must have told the truth regarding the
disaster to General Gates, for since we held him prisoner he could be
made to answer for any cock-and-bull story which he might invent on the
moment.
We three sat speechless with dismay, gazing at each other
questioningly, and yet believing what the villain had said.
Unfortunately we soon came to learn that he had exaggerated no part of
it. And now right here, in order to show, while Archie is searching
and binding the prisoner, in what sore distress were we who still
adhered to the Cause, let me round out his story. General Gates, who
was less of a soldier than he believed himself to be, gave battle with
raw recruits, on lines formed in a swamp, to the most experienced of
the king’s soldiers that were in the Carolinas, and one can fancy what
would be the result of such a meeting, particularly when, with all
other disadvantages, Gates’s men had been drawn up in the most awkward
place that could have been found.
The battle of Camden had been half-fought and wholly lost, and to us
who sat there gazing in dismay and astonishment at the villainous Tory,
it seemed indeed that we who had struggled so hard for freedom were at
last entirely undone.
Archie Gordon had not allowed this disheartening information to
interfere with his duties, and while Gabriel and I were almost entirely
overcome by dismay, he had expeditiously searched the prisoner and
bound his hands behind his back, asking, after that had been done:
“Where will it please you to have this fellow?”
“Help him to mount his horse, and use your knife if he does not aid
himself. Whether General Gates has been defeated or not, we have our
work to perform, and it shall be done.”
“Meaning that you are minded to find Captain Barfield’s camping-place,
eh?” Seth Hastings asked in a tone which aroused my anger afresh,
although his seemed to have died away entirely. “If it so be that is
what you want, I have no hesitation about acting the part of guide.”
The impudence and boldness of this proposition struck me dumb; surely
the Britishers must be in greater force than we had been led to
believe, and nearer at hand, else would he have been less rash, or
striven to give us the slip rather than thus propose to show us the way.
Gabriel gave no heed to either the Tory’s words or his tone, but said
cheerily:
“If it so be you please, we will take advantage of the offer; but
remember this, Seth Hastings, if by chance or intention you lead us
into an ambush, my first act shall be to blow out your brains.”
“I question if he have any,” Archie said as he mounted, and Seth
replied in a scornful tone:
“It may be I have too many for your purpose. At all events you shall
blow my brains out if I lead you into an ambush, and you shall set me
free when I have shown you Captain Barfield’s force.”
“I say ‘yes’ to the first, and ‘no’ to the last,” Gabriel replied
sternly. “You may guide us or not, but we shall proceed.”
“Then you have less than half a mile to go,” the cur said quietly, and
I racked my brain to know what purpose he had in his mind, for surely
there must be something which he knew that would work to our undoing.
Gabriel led the way, and Archie and I followed with Seth Hastings
riding between us, I carrying my musket over one arm in order to
execute the threat which Gabriel had made, if so be there were any
signs of fresh treachery.
We rode at a walk five minutes longer, and then far in the distance
was it possible to see the glow of many camp-fires, thus telling that
Seth Hastings had indeed done what he proposed, for we were come as
straight to the camp as a crow could fly.
Gabriel brought us to a halt with a softly spoken word, and,
dismounting, said as he handed the bridle of his horse to me:
“Wait here until I return.”
“But surely you are not going alone,” Archie Gordon cried in dismay,
and I added, following Gabriel’s example:
“Indeed he has no need. One is sufficient to guard that Tory cur and
look after the horses, therefore I shall go with you, Gabriel.”
He made no protest; as a matter of fact I believe he felt relieved
rather than otherwise that he was to have company, and after cautioning
Archie not to move out of his tracks, since it might be we would have
need of coming upon him in a hurry and must know exactly where he was,
we started, but before having gone many paces Gabriel wheeled about,
saying as he did so:
“We are proving ourselves poor soldiers indeed, if we leave that Tory
in such shape that he may be able to raise an alarm in case any of his
companions pass by. A bit of a gag in his mouth will do him no harm,
and guarantee silence.”
Again was I mystified by seeing Seth Hastings peacefully open his
mouth for the billet of wood which Gabriel clapped between his teeth,
buckling it in place with the cur’s own waist-belt. It was as if all
which we did met with the approbation of the scoundrel. This done, once
more Gabriel and I turned about to perform the task for which we had
been sent.
The work proved easy, although it was not possible to absolutely
count the men, who were scattered over quite an area, some sleeping,
others playing cards by the camp-fires, and not a few carousing. From
a careful estimate both Gabriel and I decided that there were more
than four hundred, rather than less, and this information we deemed
sufficient for General Marion’s needs. As to the location of the camp
itself, the troop might come upon it most readily by the same course
which we had pursued in our advance, the scrub-oaks on the bottom-lands
affording ample cover.
“I see no reason why we should linger here,” Gabriel said within five
minutes after we had crept up to where a view of the camp-fires could
be had, and then we retraced our steps, but although going back as
I believed on our own trail, we failed to find either Archie or the
prisoner.
There was no thought in our minds that anything had gone awry; first,
because we had been absent no more than ten minutes, during which time
nothing of a suspicious nature had been heard, and secondly, we felt
positive our comrade would have contrived to let us know, either by
discharging his gun or shouting, if an attack had been made.
Then we set resolutely at work to find him, blaming ourselves for being
stupid, and searched here, there, and everywhere along the bank of the
river above the encampment, until a full half-hour was spent in the
fruitless task.
Then, not suddenly, but gradually, was the horrible truth forced upon
us. The enemy--surely it could not have been Seth Hastings alone--had
captured Archie Gordon, and taken possession of the horses!