BARFIELD’S CAMP
Not until we were come to that portion of the thicket where the
moss had been cut and trampled by the feet of the horses, did we
see a fallen and curiously twisted oak-tree which proved beyond a
peradventure that we were standing in the very spot where we had left
Archie and his prisoner. Then we two lads were forced to the conviction
that some dire disaster had befallen our comrade.
We stood gazing at each other as though unable to speak, while one
might have counted thirty, and then Gabriel asked, as if he neither
knew nor had any idea where duty lay:
“What is to be done?”
Before he could say any more I replied hotly, angered because he had
questioned as to the course which should be pursued:
“We must search for Archie, and having learned his whereabouts, do
what we may toward his escape, for there can be no doubt but that Seth
Hastings, being now his keeper instead of his prisoner, will make it as
uncomfortable as possible for the poor fellow!”
“That is what we would do, William Rufus, if we three had come here
on our own affairs; but I am asking if we have the right to consider
Archie at all in this matter?”
“Why should we not consider him?” I cried passionately.
“For the reason that we shall be untrue to the Cause if, in order to
save the life of one, we sacrifice twenty or more, as will be the case
if we spend our time searching for poor Archie when we know my brother
and his men are riding in this direction depending upon the information
which we should give them.”
“But would you leave a comrade to be killed, perhaps, for who can say
what Seth Hastings will not do, when it may be possible for you to save
him?”
“Hark ye, lad,” and now Gabriel Marion spoke as a man twice his age
might have spoken. “All our efforts are to be for the benefit of the
Cause, and it is the same as if we had solemnly sworn it. Now tell
me, with Archie on one side, and all our people who have rendezvoused
at Snow’s Island on the other, which are we to sacrifice? It comes
exceedingly near being in our power to say that the troops shall be
allowed to tempt death, but at the same time we are not positive any
assistance can be given the lad.”
“But, Gabriel!” I cried entreatingly, for it cut me to the heart that
he should set our comrade aside as he might an entire stranger. “Are we
not bound to do all we may toward aiding one of our company, and you
know Archie ventured here only that he might be counted as a member of
the Minute Boys? Are we to turn our backs upon him, raising no hand in
his behalf?”
“Rufus, you and I have been warm friends since first we could remember,
and if you, instead of Archie, had been taken prisoner, and he argued
with me as you are doing, I should then say as I say now: Our duty
lies in that direction where we may best aid the Cause. The lives of a
few boys are not to be compared with those of thirty men. You yourself
must admit that the Carolinas can lose us three lads without suffering
an irreparable loss, whereas if my brother--and I’m not saying this
because he _is_ my brother--and those who are gathered around him
should be cut off now, then must all hope of resistance to the king’s
forces in this section of the country be abandoned, at least for a
certain time.”
“But they may continue on without information from us, and attack the
camp with the same result as when they charged down on Major Gainey’s
force,” I cried, and Gabriel answered with a tone of reproof in his
voice:
“Now, lad, you know full well that your words are empty ones. We have
seen the force here, and I ask what in your opinion would be the result
if our people charged this camp as they did the one last night?”
As a matter of course I could do no more than hold my peace, for it
went without saying that if General Marion and his followers should
attempt any such manœuvre as had been executed a few hours previous,
the chances were as ten to one they would come to grief. This I was
forced to admit to my companion, while yet unwilling to leave Archie to
his possible fate without having made some effort to aid him, and after
a short pause I said with as much of firmness in my tone as it was
possible to command at the moment:
“You shall go back and give the necessary information to our people,
and I will do what I may hereabout.”
“I was afraid you might make some such proposition as that, Rufus
Randolph.”
“Why were you afraid?” I asked irritably.
“Because it could have no other effect than that of giving Seth
Hastings two prisoners instead of one. Recall to memory what we have
seen, and then tell me if you believe on your honor that it would be
possible for you to effect anything whatsoever toward Archie’s release?
The only hope--and it would be one chance in ten--is that Seth Hastings
remains with his prisoner somewhere outside of the encampment; but
that we both know, whether willing to admit it or not, is in every way
improbable. The Tory cur, mindful of his own hide, and desiring above
all things to keep our comrade in his clutches, would ride at full
speed to the Britishers, to show them whose favor he is unquestionably
desirous of gaining, that he had been able to capture a scout and
three horses. Verily a deed like that would win him some consideration
from Captain Barfield, however much that officer might dislike such
a traitor as Seth has shown himself to be. Then again, as a second
reason for his seeking the encampment at the earliest possible moment,
he would do so for his own safety as well as the proper guarding of the
prisoner, because of our being at liberty. However much of a cur that
scoundrel may be, you cannot truthfully say he is an idiot.”
Now I could not in reason make any further protest, and Gabriel
insisted, for his arguments were unanswerable, that unless I was
willing to take the chance of working irreparable injury to the Cause,
it was necessary to turn my back upon the brave little lad who would
have risked every danger in order to aid one of us.
My heart was sore indeed as we set off up the stream, on foot, of
course, since we had lost the horses, and the only ray of light which
came to my mind in all that distressing situation, was that most
probably General Marion would be willing to make an attack upon such an
overwhelming number rather than quietly leave one of his recruits in
their hands.
“In such a warfare as we of the Carolinas must carry on now in order
to hold even a footing in our native State,” Gabriel said, “it stands
to reason that for a time at least whenever we make a movement, the
odds will be heavy against us. Therefore it is I have somewhat of an
idea that Captain Barfield’s camp will not remain undisturbed to-night.
Neither Captain Horry nor General Marion is inclined to count the
odds when there is an opportunity to strike a telling blow, and that
information which we can give regarding the number of the force behind
us may have weight with those two officers. In which case, unless we
are cut down at the outset, you and I may yet be able to raise a hand
in behalf of Archie Gordon.”
Although there was little hope in my mind just then that our people
would do other than give the encampment a wide berth, Gabriel’s words
soothed somewhat the pain in my heart, and from that moment, until we
joined our friends, we ceased to speak of the possibilities, but gave
every attention to making the utmost speed, for it was important we
should come up with our party as soon as might be.
It yet lacked two hours of sunset when we caught a glimpse of those
who were scouting in the advance of the troop, and five minutes later
we were telling our story to the commander, giving it in the minutest
details, even to the mysterious behavior of Seth Hastings.
To my surprise General Marion gave little heed to that portion of the
story which related to the disaster at Camden. I had feared when he
learned that most of our troops in the Carolinas had been cut down and
dispersed, his first thought would be to secure the safety of those who
had joined him; but he brushed the matter aside as if of no consequence
as compared with the information we gave concerning the location of the
camp. Even the size of the force under Captain Barfield was to him of
secondary importance.
Then, our report having come to an end, he said quietly, as if reading
the thoughts of all who were concerned in the capture of Archie:
“At the time you met the traitor he probably knew that in the immediate
vicinity were a greater or less number of Barfield’s force, and counted
that while holding you in conversation they would come up and capture
all three. He did not make any objection to being gagged, because of
knowing there were so many redcoats around him that he could not long
remain undiscovered, and hoped to be able to bag you as well as Archie.”
“But the puzzle of it is that we heard no sound betokening a struggle
while we crept up to get a view of the encampment,” Gabriel interrupted.
“And that is not strange, lad,” the general replied. “Most like the
redcoats took your comrade entirely by surprise, and thus had no
difficulty in preventing him from making an outcry. They had every
reason to work quietly, more particularly after Seth Hastings had told
them of you. The only mystifying part of the entire story is, that you
succeeded in making your escape. How far away is the encampment?”
“Three or four miles,” Gabriel replied.
Then it was that General Marion gave word for his “ragged regiment” to
dismount, and while the men fed their horses with such corn as had been
brought by the party, the commander and Captain Horry stepped aside,
evidently for a consultation, whereupon I whispered to Gabriel:
“They are deciding as to whether an attack shall be made upon the
encampment,” and he replied with a smile:
“I venture to say, William Rufus, that the question between them is as
to _how_ it shall be made, for if I mistake not, their countenances,
while we were making our report, told that an attack had been decided
upon without words.”
There was no opportunity for us to discuss the matter just then, for
the Marshall boys and old Peter came up, having felt obliged to remain
at a distance while we were in conversation with the commander, and
insisted on hearing from our lips the strange story.
Gabriel took it upon himself to describe the adventure, and as if
thinking one or the other of the listeners might find fault because we
had turned our backs upon Archie in his time of danger, the dear lad
explained at great length how difficult it had been for him to persuade
me to rejoin the general’s force.
“We’s gwine to have that young Archie out ob de sogers’ han’s ’fore
mornin’,” old Peter exclaimed in a tone of conviction, and Edward
Marshall laughingly asked him why he was so positive, repeating again
that which we had told him as to the number of men under Barfield’s
command.
“Marse Marion is in de head ob dis yere army,” was all the negro
thought it necessary to say, and I, who should have known the general
better than he, could have kicked myself for doubting when an old
servant had such implicit confidence in the bravery and daring of his
master.
There was not a trooper in the company who did not feel positive that
as soon as night had come we would be struggling with the enemy, and it
stands to reason that I could not fail of being convinced when every
one around me took it as a matter of course that an attack would be
made. Therefore did I consult with my companions--meaning those of us
who called ourselves Minute Boys of South Carolina--as to what should
be our course of action when we charged the encampment.
“We must ride together, doing whatsoever we may to aid in the general
attack, and at the same time giving the greater portion of our
attention to seeking out the prisoner and his keeper,” Edward Marshall
said decidedly, and Gabriel replied with a laugh which had in it
nothing of mirth:
“You two lads may be able to take part in the charge; but Rufus and
I have no longer horses, therefore must we follow on foot, and I am
questioning whether, if the work be cut out as sharply as it was last
night, we shall be able to arrive very early in the encounter.”
Now, strange as it may seem, until this moment I had not thought of
how sadly Gabriel and I would be handicapped in the coming battle, for
I believed of a verity there would be a battle, because it was not
reasonable to suppose so many men could be put to flight by so small a
number as ours, and straightway my hopes, which had been growing, faded
away almost to despair, for at that time it seemed as if nothing could
be done toward effecting Archie’s release unless I myself had a hand
in the matter.
It was while I was thus mentally raging against fortune because our
little party did not have with them led horses which might be pressed
into service, that I chanced to remember, as if my memory was going
back to seek out all of mischief and all of ill luck it could find,
that Gabriel had unwittingly revealed to Seth Hastings the number
of our force, and immediately I reminded the lad of his slip of
tongue, suggesting that, perhaps, if General Marion knew how much of
information the enemy might have concerning us, he would be less eager
to take the chances of making an attack.
The blood left Gabriel’s face as he remembered, on thus being reminded,
those unfortunate words, and he said with a tremor as of fear:
“In playing the braggart with such as Seth Hastings I may have
compassed the death of these brave fellows! Come quickly, Rufus, and
let me confess my fault!”
Then, running at full speed as if every second was precious, he went to
where the general and Captain Horry were in consultation, breaking in
upon them with a hurried recital of what he had said to Seth.
If I had expected to see Francis Marion give way to anger because his
brother had been so injudicious, then was I grievously mistaken, for
instead of displaying any impatience, the general said in a quiet tone
to Captain Horry:
“As everything has turned, we have good reason to believe that victory
will not be gained as easily in Barfield’s camp as at Gainey’s. The
enemy must know that these lads were sent out as scouts, and with the
knowledge of our strength it is not to be supposed we can make much of
a fist at frightening them.”
“It will not displease me overly much if they stand up against us for
awhile,” Captain Horry replied, as one would who speaks of matters
which are going entirely to his liking. “We cannot get any especial
credit for such work as last night’s; but if we can hold our own, or
more, against an enemy as strong as we shall encounter this night,
then much of the fear which the weak-kneed of our people are suffering
because of the disaster at Camden will be overcome.”
It was on my tongue’s end to suggest that twenty could hardly hope to
stand up very long against four hundred; but, fortunately, the words
were not spoken, and thus I did not again prove myself a simple.
If you ask me whether I felt any fear regarding the coming attack, when
we were to be outnumbered twenty to one, I must say “no,” and this not
because I can be counted a lad of wondrous bravery, but simply for the
reason that the desire to release Archie Gordon was so great there was
no room in my mind for any other thought. To make this attack was but a
means of gaining the end I so ardently desired.
Our people made no other preparation than that of resting and feeding
themselves and their horses until an hour after sunset, and one would
have said we were a party of idlers who cared only to pass the time as
comfortably as might be; but when the commander and Captain Horry began
saddling their horses, the bustle and excitement were decidedly of a
warlike nature.
Old Peter proposed to carry me, during the short march, behind him on
the saddle, and one of the troopers who bestrode a heavy beast afforded
like service to Gabriel. Therefore we were not forced to lag in the
rear during this march, which was made at a slow trot until having
arrived at a point which Gabriel and I believed was not more than a
mile from the encampment.
Then it was that we were halted, and our commander said, speaking in a
low tone and yet so clearly that all could hear him:
“You already understand what may be expected when we strike the enemy.
You know quite as well as I how important to the cause it is that we
should come off victorious in whatsoever attempt is made just at this
time. If you would save your own lives you must fight as you never
did before, and if you would free your country, there must be in your
hearts no fear of death.”
It was not so much the words, as the tone in which they were spoken,
that thrilled me. Every nerve in my body was aquiver with excitement
as I, in obedience to Captain Horry’s gesture, slipped off from old
Peter’s horse and made ready to follow as best I might in the mad
charge so soon to be made.
“You two lads shall not be handicapped by arriving too late,” General
Marion said as if conferring upon us some great favor. “We will wait
here ten minutes while you are advancing, and if it so be no obstacles
are found in your way, you should be ready to join us in the attack.”
His was a thoughtfulness which touched me deeply, for it is not often
that a man eager to win renown as a champion of his country’s cause,
overburdened by that desire, stops to realize the sorrow a lad may feel
because he is not allowed an opportunity of showing whether he can
do full duty as a soldier. I vowed then, while I pressed forward by
the side of Gabriel, who was advancing at his best pace, that however
sorely fortune might buffet me, so long as Francis Marion remained at
liberty to march against the enemy, so long would I follow him while I
might.
Although Gabriel pushed forward rapidly, we were by no means careless.
Not minded to lose our opportunity by coming across any of the enemy
who might overpower us before the work began, we took due heed to
everything around, and within the time set were hidden among the bushes
less than forty yards from the nearest camp-fire belonging to the
redcoats, our muskets charged, the ammunition where it could be got at
most readily. Our ears were strained to catch the faintest sound which
would tell us of the approach of those gallant men whose coming we
awaited with breathless expectancy; I speculating, without thought of
fear, however, as to how long our small number might stand before so
great a force.
Then, far in the distance, I heard the muffled footfalls of the horses,
and whispered to Gabriel:
“They are coming!”
“Ay, lad,” he said cautiously. “Now we will rise to our feet and be
ready to join them as they come on, for I am not minded to bring up the
rear at such a time.”
It was as if he had hardly more than spoken when there came a mighty
trampling noise, as though on the instant all our people had spurred
their horses forward, and I saw by the gleam of those fires in front of
me men rising up quickly here and there, showing they had been awaiting
some such warning, until it seemed to me a full regiment was waiting to
oppose us.
After that there was no time for me to take in the details of this
or that portion of the encampment, for Gabriel and I were running
immediately behind the leaders, he having seized the tail of Captain
Horry’s horse and I clinging to the general’s stirrup, until we were in
the very midst of the enemy; muskets spitting fire; bullets whistling
here and there; and with the pungent odor of burning powder filling
one’s nostrils until the fever of battle was overpowering--until one
was become as a machine, and yet a machine formed with the deadly
purpose of taking human life.
I remember dimly that Peter, while I was loading and discharging my
weapon with careful aim as rapidly as possible, rode up and insisted
that I take his horse, claiming he could fight better on foot, and
indeed the old fellow was doing his full share of the desperate work.
I refused the offer, giving no reason, but knowing that my aim would be
better on the ground than in the saddle, and then came the knowledge
that Gabriel Marion was pressing as closely to my side as he might,
whereupon, when I moved as if to give him more room, he said grimly:
“Let us stand together, lad, for if it so be we get a glimpse of our
comrade, or of that churlish Seth Hastings, it is needed that we act in
concert.”
One more picture of that battle in the night still dwells in my memory,
and it was presented when the Marshall boys, halting their horses by
the side of Gabriel, leaped hurriedly to the ground and began firing at
the redcoats as coolly as if engaged in a trial of skill, whereupon I
said:
“Why do you not keep in the saddle that you may follow our people?” and
Edward replied with a laugh which had in it no tremor of fear:
“Are we not Minute Boys of South Carolina as well as you, and shall we
separate at the very moment when there is opportunity of showing what
our company may do?”
However dire had been the danger, I must have laughed at that moment,
when he spoke of us four boys as representing the company which we
hoped would some day win renown, and yet the lad was right in telling
us to stand together, for, without in any way thinking to take praise
to myself, we did on that night make such a name for the company yet
to be formed as brought to us more recruits than we had anticipated
even in our wildest dreams.
I know not how it may be with others, but as for me, once the fumes
of powder are in my nostrils, and the angry buzzing of bullets sounds
in my ears, I lose consciousness, so to speak, even as I did on this
night when I loaded and discharged my weapon until the barrel of the
musket was hot, so that it burned my hands. I was wondering what must
be the result when the gun was no longer in condition for use, but was
interrupted in my speculations by a wild cry from Gabriel, as he seized
my arm and rushed forward in what seemed to be the very thick of the
fray, where were horses and men in one confused tangle.
“See! Yonder is Seth Hastings dragging Archie to cover!”
Then for the first time did my heart sink within me, because the cur
of whom he spoke, with our comrade in his power, was on the other side
of the encampment. Between them and us were both friend and foe, and
it seemed absolutely certain we must plunge straight into death if any
attempt to reach them was made.