THE RESCUE
Just for a moment as we stood there in the midst of the battle, for
such indeed it was, did I believe it would be impossible for us to aid
Archie, howsoever eager we were to do so, and this same thought must
have been in the minds of my comrades, for Gabriel shouted as if to
arouse our courage:
“We should be able to make our way around the combatants! Our people
are holding their own despite the heavy odds, and I believe we may
leave them to do all the work since we are shirking the fight for the
purpose of rescuing a prisoner.”
“We can still be taking good part in the battle while making a change
of position,” Edward Marshall added, as if he thought it necessary to
argue me into the mood for going to Archie’s aid.
Even while making reply I glanced around, able now to take in the
details of the scene as I had not done before, for this brief
conversation had aroused me, so to speak, from the fever born of battle.
Our people were indeed holding their own, and more. The enemy had made
a stand near about the centre of the encampment, and although one
might have supposed that four hundred men would keep in check twenty,
we had driven them beyond the southernmost camp-fire--that is to say,
we were really in possession of their night quarters.
Perhaps, in order that he who reads may not have the idea I am
drawing the long bow for the purpose of praising our people to the
disparagement of the enemy, it may be necessary to state what we fully
realized at the time. It was that the advantage had been on our side
from the outset, since our coming was so much of a surprise that a
certain number of the redcoats were illy prepared for the encounter.
Then again, they were unable, just coming from sleep, to see as
distinctly as we who had been riding through the darkness, and these
things, taken into consideration with the fact that it was not to be
expected that men who fought for money, as did the king’s troops, would
do as valiant battle as those who were defending their homes and their
loved ones, explains why we were able to do all we did.
As I have said, we had driven the enemy beyond his line of encampment,
and in obedience to the commands of the British officers the redcoats
stood in line of battle, not breaking the formation when they gave way
before us; while we fought Indian fashion, from behind tree, rock, or
tent, so that we were sheltered from view. Thus it was our bullets went
straight to the mark, while theirs were fired at random.
Our people, and by this I mean the men under General Marion’s command,
already having forced their way through the camp, were now in such
position that their backs were toward the river-bank, and the redcoats
stood in battle array at the edge of the swamp, while we lads who had
come into the combat on foot were midway between our friends and the
right end of the enemy’s line.
Having thus explained the position as well as is possible for one new
to such work, that the suggestion, perhaps I should call it a command,
which Gabriel gave may the better be understood, I now set down that
which he said after having taken in all the details of the situation:
“By falling back twenty paces we shall be screened by yonder line
of bushes, and will try to make our way to the rear of the king’s
men slowly, firing as we circle around that it may appear as if
reinforcements were coming up.”
Having said this, he set the example, and in a few seconds we were
carrying out his commands, taking good aim as we discharged our
muskets; then advancing behind the screen of bushes while we reloaded,
and stopping again only long enough to send in another volley of
bullets, until we were come to the very edge of the swamp directly in
line with the redcoats.
Now lest it seem by the many words which I have set down that this
battle was being carried on a very long while, let me say that from the
time our people opened fire until we lads had gained the position of
which I have spoken, less than ten minutes had passed.
Our aim was to gain the place where we had seen Seth Hastings, and to
do this it would be necessary to pass directly across the rear of the
enemy’s line, by traversing a distance of perhaps a quarter of a mile
straight through the swamp, and even Gabriel hesitated to lead us along
this treacherous footing.
“We may find ourselves mired before going very far,” I ventured to say
as we hesitated a single instant before making the attempt, and the
dear lad replied in a tone of encouragement:
“It can be no worse for us than for the redcoats. If we are unable to
advance, surely they cannot fall upon us.”
Then once more he led the way, and we followed, speedily to find
ourselves floundering in mud nearly waist-deep, making such a racket
that but for the noise of the firing the enemy must have heard and
supposed a full company of men were endeavoring to make their way over
the bog.
It was not possible we could continue such a laborious advance for
many seconds without stopping to take breath, and when we were forced
to halt Edward Marshall bent back the bushes until we could see the
rear rank of that red-coated line. Then we discovered that they were
scurrying to the left in the hope of gaining the river-bank, thus
showing that they did not hope to cross the swamp.
The temptation was too great to be resisted, and Gabriel raised his
weapon as a signal that we should fire at the targets before us.
There was no reason why we could not take careful aim, and at the first
volley it was possible to see the line of scarlet waver, thus showing
that the fire from the rear had struck terror into the hearts of a
score or more.
“Give it to them once again,” Gabriel whispered, hurriedly reloading
his weapon, and we did more than obey the command, for three volleys
were fired before we changed position. By that time, to our intense
surprise and delight, had been effected a wondrous change in affairs.
The redcoats must have believed, as indeed they had good reason, that
reinforcements had come up in the rear. The smoke of our third volley
had not cleared away before we heard a ringing shout from near the
river-bank, and saw that line of red broken here and there as the
soldiers fled in a panic.
Verily we lads had done good work for the Cause that night, and yet in
accomplishing so much did it appear as if we had defeated our purpose,
for with the enemy in hot flight there was no possibility of our
creeping around to the left of the line in order to aid Archie.
“We have destroyed the last hope for the poor lad!” I cried as the
result of the victory was thus forced upon me, and there was a tone of
sorrow in Gabriel’s voice even though his words rang out triumphantly:
“We have done more than could have been accomplished had a hundred men
joined the general’s force, for even then the odds would have been in
favor of the enemy, while now they are fortunately ignorant of how many
may be in their rear.”
I heard the voice of General Marion as he urged his men to spur their
horses hard in order that they might slay or capture the fugitives
before they could reach the shelter of the forest which lay between the
river and the swamp, and I dragged myself as rapidly as possible over
the mire to solid ground in order to join in the chase, but feeling
as sore at heart as if we had suffered defeat instead of having won a
signal victory.
We lads had no opportunity to take part in the chase. The horses of the
enemy were picketed near the bank of the river, as we soon learned,
and toward them the fugitives were making their way. By the time we
Minute Boys came up the greater number of the redcoats were riding away
hotly pursued by our people, and we were left helpless spectators of a
most terrible scene. It was as if here, there, and everywhere could be
seen blotches of red, even amid the gloom, which told of the dead and
wounded, for the fire of our people had been most effective.
I had seen scores of men shot down during the siege of Charleston,
but at such times there were many near at hand to care for them, and
the evidences of the conflict were speedily borne away. Here all the
disabled remained where they had fallen, and the cries for help,
mingled with moans of pain, were most distressing.
We lads forgot that those who called upon us were enemies; forgot
everything save the need of ministering to the poor creatures who had
fallen under our own fire.
A British soldier near where I had halted was begging for water, and
it must have been the cry of delirium, for the fever of thirst could
not have fastened upon him so strongly as appeared to be the case, in
so short a time. I did not stop to think of this, but ran with all
speed toward the river, bent on relieving as much of war’s cruelty
as lay within my power; but on gaining the edge of the stream I came
full upon a man who was bending over another as if robbing him. In a
twinkling I had halted and pressed my musket against the fellow’s head,
when, greatly to my surprise, up rose none other than old Peter, who
cried in a tone of relief as he recognized me:
“Look yere, Marse Randolph, don’ you see wha’ I done gone found?”
It was Archie, who lay upon the ground bound! When I came up Peter was
trying to remove a gag from his mouth! It can readily be supposed how
quickly my sorrow turned to rejoicing, and I plied the dear fellow
with questions while aiding old Peter in his task, although it was
impossible for him to make answer until the belt which held in place
the wad of grass had been unbuckled.
“Tell me about it, lad, as soon as you are in a condition to speak. How
did that Tory cur chance to leave you here? I had sooner thought he
would have put a bullet through your head.”
“And perhaps he might if our people had not come up so quickly,” Archie
replied, speaking with difficulty because his jaws were numb and
cramped from having been held open so long by the cruel gag.
Before he could say more a wounded man lying close at hand cried out
piteously, begging for us to drag him to the water’s edge where he
might bathe his shattered limb, and we set about the task, working as
tenderly, I am glad to say, as if he had been one of our comrades. From
that time until near daybreak, we who called ourselves the Minute Boys
of South Carolina acted the part of nurses, not only among those of our
own people, six of whom had been wounded and one killed, but toward the
enemy.
Archie did his full share of the work, and I question if any of us
lads knew when General Marion and his followers came back to camp,
further pursuit being impossible because of the darkness, and the thick
undergrowth into which the fugitives had ridden.
Not until the wounded on both sides had been cared for to the best of
our poor ability did we have time to look about the encampment, and
then we learned that here, as at the last engagement, the foe had left
behind him plunder of all kinds; so much that when once it was carried
to Snow’s Island we would have sufficient to outfit as many of our
people as might answer the general’s summons.
In addition to the camp equipment, provisions, and ammunition which had
thus come into our possession, we had a large number of horses which
the troopers gathered in as they returned from the chase--twenty-eight
all told, I believe. Before setting about getting breakfast we three
lads selected from the animals such as pleased our fancy, Captain
Horry having given word that we were to make our choice.
Then we sat down in front of the fire to toast bacon and bread while
we made a plentiful supply of coffee, helping ourselves generously
from the stores which the panic-stricken soldiers of the king had left
behind.
Not until this moment did we have opportunity to hear Archie’s story,
and the lad told it in few words, since indeed it could not be spun
out to any length, because of the fact that he had spent the greater
portion of the time bound and gagged, unable to see what was going on
about him.
It seems that within five minutes after we left him in charge of the
horses, four men came through the woods directly upon him and his
prisoner. Even at the very instant he was about to cry out a warning
to us, one of the troopers caught him by the throat. Seth Hastings was
set free, as a matter of course, and when he told these men that we
had gone to spy out the camp, one of them was sent to the rear with
Archie and the horses, while the others followed us. The poor lad felt
positive we would be captured, for escape seemed impossible, but as the
moments went by and no more prisoners were brought in, his hopes grew
high.
“I knew that I should not remain long with those troopers if you lads
were at liberty,” he said confidently, “and therefore counted on a
speedy deliverance, unless peradventure Seth Hastings shot me offhand,
as I make no question the cur would have done had he dared. Even while
I was being led by a roundabout way to the encampment he would have
struck me, but that the soldier threatened direst punishment if he
dared lift his hand against a prisoner, and the villain was too much of
a coward to do other than obey.”
Once in the encampment, Archie was taken before Captain Barfield, who
did not think it necessary to spend overly much time on him after
asking for what purpose he had come. The lad could do no less than
tell the truth, for Seth Hastings had already been made aware of the
strength of our people, and also knew that Gabriel and I had crept
forward for the sole purpose of learning the strength and position of
the enemy.
“I was triced up to a tree, but not in any barbarous fashion,” Archie
continued, as he made a fresh attack upon the redcoats’ bacon, “and
if it had not been for Seth Hastings I should have considered myself
exceedingly fortunate; but that miserable whelp, who was aching to
maltreat me but not daring to raise a hand, spent his time picturing
what would be the fate of our people once they were so foolish to make
an attack upon such a large force of well-drilled soldiers. It was not
that I believed the fellow, or that he frightened me, but you well know
how annoying the buzz of a mosquito is, and how disquieting the rattle
of a snake. Therefore you can understand that the time was not passed
pleasantly by me. I firmly believed you fellows would come shortly
after night had set in, but must confess that I had little faith in the
ability of our people to overcome so strong a company.”
[Illustration: “IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR SETH HASTINGS, I SHOULD HAVE
CONSIDERED MYSELF EXCEEDINGLY FORTUNATE.”]
“Then you were not gagged all this while?” I asked, and he replied:
“Not until the first alarm was given, and then Seth Hastings himself
was the one who did the deed, thrusting a bunch of grass into my
mouth even at the moment when I opened it, hoping by the sound of my
voice you would know where I was. Then he unloosed me from the tree,
trussing me up as you have seen, with the intention, I believe, of
dragging me so far away that he could work his will without fear of the
consequences. In fact, he did give me a few hard blows; but I was so
excited by the noise of the battle, so fearful lest you would not come
off victorious, that he might have inflicted double punishment without
my being aware of what he was about.”
We lads were yet around the camp-fire satisfying our hunger and
curiosity at the same time, when, shortly after break of day, orders
were given for all hands to set about making ready for the march. It
seemed to be understood without question that we were to retreat to
Snow’s Island, for the double purpose of carrying there our plunder,
and gaining a place where we could better resist an attack, for unless
these soldiers of the king were arrant cowards they would soon recover
from the panic into which we had driven them, and return to make
reprisals.
Every horse was loaded with as heavy a burden as he could carry, and so
also were the men. Even then we were forced to leave behind much which
might have been of greatest value to those who were struggling for the
Cause.
There was not one among us, save the officers themselves, who did not
believe we would spend the night on Snow’s Island, therefore great was
our surprise when, after a march of about two hours, we were halted,
and three members of the company told off to take charge of the plunder
and spare horses.
While we were looking at each other wondering what could be the reason
for such an odd proceeding, the command was given that each man, save
the three already spoken of, was to take from the general store as
much of provisions for himself, and provender for his horse, as would
suffice during eight and forty hours, all of which was to be packed
behind the rider in the most convenient form for carrying.
This done, the company, with the exception of those who had been
detailed to camp service, was sent forward at a leisurely pace
southward, making no further halt until the sun was high in the
heavens, when we were come to a ford on the Black River six or seven
miles south of Kingstree.
Here it was announced that men and horses would be allowed a rest of
an hour. General Marion and Captain Horry, as if incapable of feeling
fatigue, rode ahead nearly due west, leaving us alone.
“What is the meaning of this?” I asked while unsaddling my horse that
his back might be washed, and Gabriel replied with a laugh which had
in it considerable of satisfaction:
“I am of the opinion that our commander does not intend to sit still
and gloat over his laurels.”
“Meaning that he counts on striking another blow at once?” Archie asked
in surprise.
“Ay, lad, that is what I think he will do. Francis ever believed that
in warfare the weaker army should be constantly the aggressor so far as
possible, and he is, if I mistake not, now simply carrying out his own
theory as to how it may be possible for raw recruits, who love their
country, to worst a superior force.”
I was by no means averse to aiding in such a plan; but it appeared
to me that if we were thus to ride to and fro over the country,
alternately fighting and running away, the chances of recruiting the
ranks of the Minute Boys would be slight indeed. I had counted that we
might be able to go here and there where we knew certain lads lived,
and thus enlist them; but it looked just then as if our party of five
was to constitute the entire strength of the Minute Boys of South
Carolina.
Shortly before the expiration of the time set for the halt, General
Marion and Captain Horry returned, and when next we advanced it was in
the direction they had scouted. We rode at a fairly good pace until
arriving at the road leading from Georgetown to Nelson’s Ferry, and
then I began to have an inkling of what was our purpose in this section
of the country.
It is well known that the “war-path” from Charleston to Camden crosses
the Santee River at Nelson’s Ferry, and there above all other places
would one who was eager for fight be likely to get his fill.
In order to avoid dwelling too long on what others may consider
unimportant details, I have said nothing regarding this day’s march,
but must set down the fact that more than once during the ride had we
learned from white men and negroes who remained true to the Cause,
additional particulars concerning the blunder of General Gates,
and before arriving at the Georgetown road we understood beyond a
peradventure that the story told by Seth Hastings was only untrue in
so far as it did not contain all the disaster which had befallen the
American army.
Now we knew how many prisoners had been taken during the
much-to-be-regretted engagement, and, what was more to the purpose,
learned that our unfortunate countrymen were being sent as rapidly as
possible from the scene of the one-sided conflict to Charleston.
While we were riding along the highway, Gabriel, Archie, and I side by
side with the two Marshall boys, and old Peter directly in our rear, a
sudden thought came to my mind, and turning in the saddle, I asked:
“Are you lads well acquainted with the country hereabout?” and Edward
Marshall replied:
“It is as familiar as our own plantation.”
“Then tell me, if those troopers whom we stirred up last night did not
recover courage sufficient to come back in search of us, where would
they be most like to go?”
“Nelson’s Ferry is the only place I can think of as at all likely.”
“You are hitting the truth closely,” Gabriel said as if it were
possible to read my thoughts.
“But of what was I thinking?” I asked laughingly.
“As to why we are going to Nelson’s Ferry.”
“In that you are wrong, lad. I asked our comrade where those whom we
whipped last night would be most likely to go, because with them rides
Seth Hastings, unless they have grown weary of such a traitor as he,
and it is that same cur I am aching to meet once more. It would pain me
much to know we were riding directly away from where it may be possible
to come upon him.”
“He had already gone out of my mind, so intent was I upon the errand
which it seems probable we are bent on,” Gabriel said thoughtfully. “I
believe we shall be led to better work than that of punishing a dirty
traitor.”
“Now, what mean you?” I asked irritably, for it was to me as if the lad
tried to speak riddles.
“We have already learned that the prisoners which Lord Cornwallis took
are being sent to Charleston as rapidly as possible, and you know
as well as do I that they must cross the river at Nelson’s Ferry.
Therefore am I believing that it is our commander’s purpose to do
whatsoever he may toward freeing those unfortunates, and in such work
he will be striking another blow at the enemy.”
On the instant my desire for revenge was forgotten. I no longer felt
conscious of fatigue, and would have cried out against our making a
halt just then, even though but a few moments before I had been hoping
the word to camp for the night might be given. To have a hand in the
freeing of those who had been captured through a blunder--even though
it can be called by no worse name--of their commander, was sufficient
to set all my nerves a-tingle, and I hoped fervently that Gabriel was
not mistaken in his guessing.
We who called ourselves Minute Boys were yet eagerly discussing
the possibility which had suddenly presented itself, when one of
the troopers came riding back from the front, and drawing rein on
approaching us lads, said:
“The general would speak with you.”
“With whom?” I asked quickly, believing some one was needed for an
especial service, and fearing lest Gabriel might have been signalled
out for the honor, leaving us behind.
“The word was sent to the lads, and since you five are all the
youngsters we have with us, I’m counting you’re the ones the commander
meant,” the man said with a smile, as he turned his horse and spurred
forward again.
“The Minute Boys may not count for much in the way of numbers, but
surely it seems as if there was work for them to do in this kind of
warfare,” Archie cried gleefully, and one would have thought, as he
urged his horse forward, eager to gain the advance over Gabriel and me,
that some great prize awaited him, instead of what might be a mission
which would end with his death.
There was not much of military stiffness in this “ragged army” of
General Marion’s, and we lads rode up like a party of schoolboys until
coming abreast of the general, when we reined in familiarly by his
side, but without halting. He welcomed us with a smile and a nod,
heeding not the fact that we had failed to salute properly, and said in
a brotherly tone:
“We should be near about twenty miles from Nelson’s Ferry.”
“Well?” cried Gabriel eagerly as the general ceased speaking.
“Perhaps you have already guessed our destination, and I am telling you
nothing new when I say that probably early to-morrow morning there will
be many men from Cornwallis’s army cross at the ferry with American
prisoners. Now it is important I should have early information of such
movements, and to that end have sent for you lads, because, small
though this company is, it would awaken suspicion in the minds of the
Tories living near about if we should be seen, whereas you lads would
not be so likely to attract attention.”
“When are we to start, sir?” Archie cried joyously, not waiting for
the command to be given, and General Marion continued, heedless of the
interruption:
“Any force coming from Camden will make certain halt near about the
ferry. I propose that this troop go into camp within an hour, and that
you ride on along the river-bank, keeping under cover as much as may
be, until discovering the approach of the enemy. Then you are to wait
only so long as may be necessary to learn how strong he is in numbers,
before riding back to Tar Heel Creek, on the first bend of which we
shall be encamped. You know the place, Gabriel? It is where we have
often slept while hunting.”
“Shall we set off now, sir?” I asked, tightening my horse’s rein.
“There is no reason why you should not ride with us so far as we are
counting on going, and when word to halt is next given you are to
continue on without making unnecessary show of having been sent on a
mission.”
We all understood this to mean that it was not well the remainder of
our force should know exactly what we were about, and I set the example
of saluting him as a soldier should his commander, after which we fell
back to our proper places in the line, our hearts beating high with
excitement and hope, for it seemed probable we might not only be able
to free some of our people who were being driven like sheep into the
prison-ships, but at the same time strike a blow for ourselves upon
that traitorous cur, Seth Hastings.