OUR RETREAT
When General Marion reëntered the room where we boys were yet at table,
he gave the word for his followers to be assembled in front of the
dwelling, speaking not until this had been done. Then, standing on the
veranda in front of the force, he began in a tone and with the manner
of a man who says that which is disagreeable to himself:
“My men, it is the opinion of all in command, as well as those whose
judgment is entitled to the greatest respect, that we return without
delay to Snow’s Island, and I ask you to have confidence in us who have
arrived at this decision, which is as distasteful to those who made it
as it is to those who hear it. We know beyond a question that, because
of what has been done, the British commander is determined to wipe us
out, and it behooves us to gain a position which may be held against so
large force as will be sent from the coast.
“Nothing can be accomplished by staying here, where capture or death
must be the inevitable result; but so long as we remain at liberty so
long will the Cause live, and I promise that however unpleasant and
apparently disastrous may seem this move at the very moment when we
have been victorious, you shall yet have many opportunities of striking
a blow at British uniforms. I ask you to obey cheerfully and without
question, believing this plan has not been decided upon without due
deliberation.”
“We are to retreat,” Gabriel whispered in my ear, and at the same
moment a groan was heard from all the assembled men.
It is well I should dwell upon this scene. Our force was no greater
than five hundred when all who counted themselves as troopers had come
together, and here were two hundred or more who could not repress their
sorrow because, while they were threatened, as Master Sinclair had
every proof, by more than three thousand well-armed men, the greater
portion of whom were trained soldiers, the word had been given to fall
back. This was good evidence of the spirit of patriotism which animated
the hearts of the people of the Carolinas, that these brave fellows
were dissatisfied only because of not being brought face to face with
an enemy who could conquer them by sheer force of numbers. If the Cause
of Liberty was crushed out elsewhere, it yet lived and burned with
an ardent flame in the hearts of those who had pledged themselves to
follow General Marion, and among these patriots we Minute Boys of South
Carolina had the good fortune to be numbered.
When we rode out from Sinclair’s plantation knowing beyond a
peradventure that we were fleeing before the enemy, while none would
have openly questioned General Marion’s judgment in such matters,
there were many who grumbled because of not being allowed to make
a stand when there could be no hope of resisting successfully the
overwhelming numbers which were already in motion against us.
Master Sinclair remained behind because his house and the negro huts
were well filled with wounded men whom he would not abandon, whatever
might be the cost of playing the Good Samaritan. And here let me stop
sufficiently in this poor story to say that when Tarleton’s legion
arrived at the Sinclair plantation, two days later, they not only
burned all the buildings, but sent Master Sinclair to the prison-ships
in Charleston harbor, apparently giving no heed to the fact that, save
for his desire to minister to the wounded Britishers, he might have
made good his escape.
It must not be supposed that we Minute Boys had, even during the
heat of the battle just fought, forgotten that traitorous cur, Seth
Hastings. As a matter of fact he had been in our minds all the while,
and more than once did we speak of him, but because no one had seen
the young villain, we came to believe he was returned to Charleston,
where he might remain under the protection of those whose cause he
had espoused apparently only that he might work harm to his native
land. Therefore it was we counted him the same as having escaped our
vengeance, and were forced to content ourselves with the hope that the
time might come when we could give him his just deserts.
The ride was indeed a sad one for all. Once we were gone, our people
in that section of the country would be left to the tender mercies of
the British and Tories, who had in other parts of the Carolinas written
their names in blood and flame. Even though we Minute Boys were yet
lads, we were full grown in the knowledge of what had been and what
would come, therefore we were bowed down by sorrow as we set our faces
in that direction which would lead us away from home.
Although not riding hard, we arrived at Snow’s Island before morning,
and after a brief time of rest for the horses as well as the men,
instead of setting about fortifying the camp, as we lads had supposed
would be the case, it soon became evident that we were to retreat yet
further. There seemed to be every evidence that General Marion had, for
the time being, given over trying to harass the enemy.
Near about noon on the day of our arrival at the island all the members
of the “ragged regiment” were drawn up in line, and much to their
surprise the following order was given by the general:
“All married men, and those who are the only support of a family, are
commanded to return to their homes without delay, and there remain
until such time as they shall be summoned for further work.”
There was a deal of grumbling and discontent because of this disbanding
of the force at the very time when it seemed we were most needed; but
both General Marion and Captain Horry held firm, obliging each man to
disclose whether or no he had helpless ones depending upon him, and in
case of an affirmative answer he was directed to stand aside. Thus it
was our ranks were weeded out until no more than sixty, including us
Minute Boys, were left.
Those who were to return to their homes were directed to take as much
of the provisions which we had captured from the enemy, as could be
conveniently carried, and the remainder of the plunder was packed in
convenient form for transportation on our led horses, we having by this
time even more of such animals than could well be cared for.
An hour before sunset the encampment on Snow’s Island was abandoned,
and the command dispersed in one direction and another, as I have said,
leaving sixty or thereabouts yet in service.
It was a mournful parting, when we had crossed the stream and there
separated. Many of those who were commanded to return to their homes
had already pleaded in vain with the commander for permission to
remain, but all their entreaties were in vain, and I believe of a
verity I have never seen a more disconsolate lot of men than those
comrades of ours who were obliged to turn their backs upon danger and
privation.
When we rode forward once more, General Marion and Captain Horry
leading the way, it was whispered from one to another that our
destination was the Black Mingo Swamp. It seemed incredible to me that
we were to go into North Carolina, leaving our native State absolutely
unprotected; but such proved to be the case, for after riding four and
twenty hours with no more than three halts by the way, we were come to
the place which had been decided upon as our refuge.
It was by no means to be despised as an encampment by those who feared
an attack. To come upon it one was forced to traverse a narrow trail,
where a misstep on one side or the other would plunge horse and rider
into mire and water, for a distance of two and a half miles, when the
traveller came upon a slight elevation of not more than four or five
acres of solid ground, on which grew perhaps twenty gigantic oaks.
It was old Peter who guided us to this place, and truly had he led us
to a safe refuge, for none might come upon our company save he who was
perfectly familiar with the devious windings of the blind trail. Had
we been closely pursued by the enemy, then was this a welcome spot,
but since our success had been so great, and the redcoats, when we
left Sinclair’s plantation, yet some distance in the rear, I failed
to understand, as did all the Minute Boys, why we were thus hiding
when it might have been possible to save many of our people from cruel
treatment.
It was a question which puzzled us not a little, as may be supposed,
and we turned the matter over and over among ourselves during the first
night in the new camp, until it was as if our curiosity could no longer
be restrained. Therefore when Archie Gordon suggested what seemed a
simple plan by which we might learn what we were so eager to know,
without being accused of unsoldierly conduct, all the lads insisted it
should be carried out.
Archie had argued that, because Gabriel was the general’s brother,
there was no good reason why he might not ask for an explanation of our
movements, doing so wholly on the plea of kinship, and not that we as a
company had any right to question the movements of the commander.
Gabriel was not averse to doing what he might toward gratifying our
curiosity, and at the earliest possible moment sought an interview with
the general, leaving the remainder of us Minute Boys to put up a hut
similar to the one we had built at the last encampment.
When he returned half an hour later we gathered around him eagerly,
and he told us in substance, although in not the exact words which I
have set down, that our commander and Captain Horry believed it would
be unwise to remain in South Carolina while the chase was conducted
with such spirit, for further attacks upon the enemy would result in
the entire country being laid waste. It was to avoid this wholesale
destruction of property and consequent sufferings of the people, that
General Marion had decided to take refuge in the Black Mingo Swamp, but
he counted on remaining there only until the pursuit had in a certain
degree been abandoned, when all the members of his command would be
summoned for duty, and we find ourselves with plenty of work cut out
for us.
Gabriel’s interview with his brother proved to be of considerable more
importance than that of gratifying our curiosity.
The general stated as his belief that we might be forced to remain
inactive for several weeks, and during that time it was in the highest
degree necessary he should have full information concerning what was
being done in the country roundabout. To such end he intended to send
out two small parties as scouts, three or four men forming one company,
and an equal number of the Minute Boys the other. These scouts were to
remain absent eight and forty hours, one squad setting off four and
twenty hours in advance of the other, thereby ensuring a report at
least once every day.
It goes without saying that this information pleased us wondrously, for
it would have been heart-sickening to remain there idle while knowing
that the king’s hirelings were working their will among our people, and
even though we might not have an encounter with them, there was a sense
of satisfaction in knowing that we were at least doing something in the
way of maintaining a hold upon our own homes, however feeble it might
be.
Even while Gabriel was repeating to us the conversation which had
passed between his brother and himself, three of the men rode out
through the swamp under the guidance of old Peter, and we knew that the
first party of scouts had begun the work of gathering information. Then
came the question as to which of our company should first go on this
duty.
As a matter of course every fellow was eager to be up and doing as
soon as possible, and it would have been unfair had Gabriel made any
selection when one had as good a right as another to be foremost in the
work.
It was Archie Gordon’s proposition that we draw lots for the coveted
task, and in order that there might be no question as to the fairness
of this method, old Peter was called up as soon as he came back from
guiding the men, to prepare seventeen twigs, three of which should be
shorter than the others, and those who drew these last were to comprise
the first scouting party.
If I had been given the privilege of naming these fortunate ones the
matter could not have turned more to my satisfaction, for, oddly
enough, Gabriel, Archie, and myself drew the shortened twigs. However
much the others might grumble because they were to remain idle in camp
eight and forty hours, there could be no question as to the fairness of
the award.
It can well be fancied with what care we groomed the horses selected
for the journey, and how critical we were in selecting weapons,
portioning out the ammunition, or making up packages of provisions
sufficient to last us two days. We completed this work before sunset,
and then had nothing to do save wait until the following noon, for
it was the general’s desire that each scouting party should leave
twenty-four hours later than the preceding one.
It seemed to me as if the time would never come, so heavily did the
moments lag, and I dare venture to say we three lads were in the saddle
a half an hour before Captain Horry gave the word for old Peter to lead
us out over the trail. No special orders had been given. We were simply
to scout in whatsoever direction we chose, taking good care not to run
such risks as might jeopardize our liberty, for the task set us was
to gather information, without striking a blow, however tempting the
opportunity.
It seemed wise to me that we travel toward the south, for in that
direction not only lay home and friends, but the enemy as well,
although there was little belief in our minds that we should come
across the redcoats in this section of the country. It was reasonable
to suppose, however, that the people living near about could give us
word concerning what was being done, and more than that we did not hope.
There was a possibility, however, that we might come across one or more
beggarly Tories who were striving to earn the reward my Lord Clinton
had offered for the discovery of the general’s hiding-place, and unless
we found such cattle in too large numbers, we were instructed to make
them prisoners in order to prevent their carrying back any word which
would be of value to the enemy.
Therefore it was we rode along the banks of the Waccamau River until
late in the afternoon, our faces turned toward Williamsburg District.
Then, as we halted to give our steeds a chance to drink, Archie said
as he dismounted and began to unloose the girths of his saddle:
“Since we cannot expect to gain any information which may be of value
during the night, why should we not halt here rather than four or five
miles farther on?”
We were the more ready to agree to his proposition because of having
remained in the saddle sufficiently long to cramp our limbs, and
therefore it was that our scout came to end, for the time being, hardly
fifteen miles from the starting-point. We picketed our horses in a
clump of bushes forty or fifty feet from the road over which we had
been riding, and then, partaking sparingly of our provisions, stretched
ourselves at full length on the ground near the animals.
How it chanced that we three remained there without speaking I cannot
explain, but because of our silence we were enabled to accomplish
that which had seemed improbable. The sun was already setting when
faintly from the distance, but sounding nearer and nearer each instant,
came the thud of horses’ hoofs, causing us to hastily seek better
concealment. In due time we saw coming up the bank of the stream from
the south, a party of seven armed men, or so it seemed, who were making
their way with a certain degree of caution, which told that they were
in search of something or some one.
Although not absolutely certain, we felt reasonably sure these
travellers were enemies; but when the party passed near where we were
in hiding they ceased conversation, and therefore we had no means of
determining who they were, save that all whom we could see from our
place of concealment wore British accoutrements, while our people held
to the powder-horn and shot-pouch.
Not until they were lost to view in the distance did either of us
speak, and then it was Archie who said, much as if he had made an
important discovery:
“They are Tories, and searching for General Marion’s encampment!”
“I allow all that to be true, lad, and now what may be our duty?”
Gabriel asked, as if questioning himself, whereupon I said, without
giving weight to the words:
“We should learn where they halt for the night, and then carry the
information back to camp.”
“What say you, Archie?” and I saw from the expression on Gabriel’s face
that he had already formed some plan in his mind.
“I believe we have been sent out to learn whatsoever we may concerning
just such people as those who have passed, and therefore, it seeming
reasonable they will halt for the night shortly, we ought to creep up
on them, for surely some word will be dropped during their conversation
which will give us an idea of what they are about.”
“And in case we learn beyond question that they are Tories?” the dear
lad continued with a smile on his face which told me more positively
his mind was already made up as to our proper course.
“That is for you to say,” Archie replied. “Surely Rufus and I have no
right to dictate to the commander of the Minute Boys.”
“I had supposed we were three scouts working together, and one of the
same rank as another,” Gabriel said quietly, “but howsoever you put it,
this plan which I have in mind must be agreed to by both, else I shall
abandon it. It seems to me, in case we learn that those fellows are
Tories, we may safely count on their having been sent out to discover
where the general is in hiding, and therefore it seems our duty to
carry them into camp lest they learn more than may be advantageous to
us.”
“But they are seven to three,” Archie replied, without giving himself
time to realize he was suggesting that which might imply fear on his
part.
“Ay, so they are; but did you hesitate to hold with the troop when we
made the attack upon Major Gainey, where we were outnumbered six or
eight to one?”
“I have no care as to the numbers,” Archie replied, coloring deeply as
he understood that he had spoken unwisely. “I am agreed on capturing
the party, and will do my full share.”
“Of that there is no doubt,” Gabriel said, clapping him on the shoulder
in a friendly fashion, lest there be somewhat of irritation in his
mind. “We will leave our horses here, and follow those fellows to where
they have encamped for the night, unless it so be they go too far
before halting.”
There was no need for argument, because we were all eager for such an
adventure as would redound to our credit, and after making certain
that the horses were securely picketed, we set off up the road until
coming to a point where freshly broken twigs of bushes told that they
had struck across country.
There is less difficulty in successfully stalking a man than a deer,
and this last had all three performed time and time again until it
seemed like a simple task.
We pressed forward as rapidly as was consistent with silence, until
coming so close upon their heels that it was possible for us to hear
them making their way through the underbrush, and then followed at
equal pace until such sounds came to us as told that they had halted.
Now it was only a matter of waiting, which under almost any
circumstances is a difficult task to perform patiently, yet every lad
who has hunted wild turkeys is well schooled in such work, and it can
safely be said that we did not risk a valuable opportunity by being
over eager.
The strangers having advanced with but little caution, seemed to
realize the fact that there might be enemies in the vicinity, for they
refrained from building a camp-fire, and thus rendered our work rather
more difficult than it otherwise would have been.
After it was certain they had settled down for the night, we crept
nearer and nearer until it was possible to distinguish words spoken in
an ordinary tone, when we remained motionless and silent, straining our
ears to catch that which should tell us of what complexion were those
whom we had tracked.
They talked of this thing and of that; sometimes as to the good points
of their horses, and again of the make of saddle most suited to a
rider, never saying anything to give us a clue as to their purpose
until nearly two hours had passed, when the conversation turned upon
the next day’s journey, one of them saying carelessly:
“There is little likelihood we shall come across any rebels during
the next two or three days’ march, for all the people around about
here are loyal to the king, therefore may we ride as fast as we please
to-morrow.”
This was all we heard betokening their intentions, yet the words were
sufficient to tell what we desired to learn. There could no longer be
any doubt that they were searching for the “ragged regiment,” incited
to such task, most likely, by the rewards which had been offered by
the British for reliable information concerning the whereabouts of the
“Swamp Fox.”
It would have been a simple matter for us to capture a certain number
of the party, but in order to do our work thoroughly it was necessary
we take even the last one, for if either escaped us, then would the
word be carried back that General Marion was in the vicinity of this
camp, because none save he would venture thus to brave the anger of the
king’s troopers. Therefore it behooved us to take every precaution lest
a single man slip between our fingers.
We waited fully two hours after the last sound of conversation had
died away, and then was it certain, if the strangers were counting on
sleeping that night, their eyes were closed in rest.
Gabriel motioned for us to follow him, and we did so knowing full well
that upon the strict silence in which we made our way all the success
of the adventure depended.
After creeping for five minutes or more so cautiously that not a twig
snapped beneath our weight, we came to the small cleared place which
the strangers had selected as an encampment, and even in the gloom
could see that they were sleeping near the foot of a pine-tree that had
been overturned by the wind. The overhanging mass of roots formed a
certain shelter which served to protect them from the dew. Their rifles
were stacked against one of the bushes at a distance of no more than
three yards from where they lay, and, as a matter of course, it was
first necessary to secure possession of these.
I would have moved on in advance in order to do this most important
portion of the work, but that Gabriel held me back, himself taking the
lead, and when Archie and I were come within perhaps a dozen paces
of the sleepers, we halted until our comrade rose up from behind the
bushes with the muskets in his arms.
Then we stood erect, our weapons levelled full upon the unconscious
men, and Gabriel cried in a loud voice:
“You have come to an end of your work as far as hunting rebels is
concerned, and now yield yourselves prisoners or we shall fire!”
The strangers half-rose, staring about them stupidly, not understanding
for several seconds the true situation of affairs, and while they were
trying to gather their scattered senses it was impossible for me to
restrain a cry of joy and exultation, for among them was none other
than that cur we had so long been seeking, Seth Hastings.
At the very moment when we had given over, for the time being, all
hope of coming upon that traitorous lad, he was in our power. We had
searched for him in this encampment of the enemy and that, but without
succeeding in our purpose, and now, when making what appeared an
unimportant capture, we had the scoundrel at our mercy.
He did not recognize us at first, as I understood by the grayish hue of
fear which came over his face a few seconds after he opened his eyes,
and then, glancing from one to the other only to see those whom he
would have so cruelly wronged, the Tory villain sank back as if fearing
we were about to wreak vengeance upon him then and there.
His surprise was no less than ours, and had his companions kept their
wits about them, observing closely all our movements, they might have
succeeded in effecting their escape while we stared at the lad in
mingled surprise and joy.
However, exultation soon gave way before the knowledge of what we had
yet to accomplish, and we set about making certain that those whom we
held at our mercy could not give us the slip.
It can well be understood that Seth Hastings was the first to whom we
gave our attention. Archie and Gabriel stood with levelled muskets
while I advanced unarmed to search the prisoners for concealed weapons,
and bind them in such fashion that they could not run. When I came
to that Tory cur he gave me a look which told how greatly it would
pleasure him to take my life, and I laughed aloud as I realized the
impotence of his rage.
“Be careful, Seth Hastings, not to make any sudden move, or I shall
take it as an indication that you intend mischief, and fire with true
aim,” Archie cried, and again I saw the pallor of fear creep over the
cur’s face. He could plan to send to the prison-ships three lads who
had never done him injury, and yet cringe with cowardly fear when there
was possibility his own precious body might come to harm.
I found on the scoundrel two pistols, which no doubt had been loaned or
given by whatsoever British officer had sent him in search of us. These
I put in my own pocket, as a matter of course, saying as I did so:
“We rebels are not in the way of getting such fanciful weapons as
these, and ought to thank you for bringing the toys so far.”
“I will bring you worse than that, Rufus Randolph, before many days
have passed,” he said in a low, vindictive tone, and I laughed while
fastening his arms behind him with his own belt.
“It will be necessary for you to give us the slip before it is possible
to work any more of your Tory mischief, and I am of the opinion that
we shall hold you fast until it is decided whether you be hanged as you
deserve, or put to death in some other way.”
Such words were much like striking a fellow when he was down; but I
could not resist the temptation after all that young villain would have
done to us, and as if he thought I was lingering too long over the task
Gabriel cried:
“Remember that we have much to do this night, Rufus Randolph, therefore
it stands you in hand to finish that work as quickly as possible.”
There was a certain tone of reproof in his voice, and I realized that
it was merited, for I had no right to indulge myself at such a time,
therefore the remainder of the work was performed with utmost despatch.
Ten minutes later our seven prisoners, their arms fastened behind them
by straps around each elbow, were lifted on to their horses, and by way
of further precaution we tied their ankles to the stirrups.
Then we set out for the place where we had left our steeds, pushing
forward with all speed, for it was in the highest degree important, or
so it seemed to us, that we should regain the camp in the Black Mingo
Swamp before sunrise next morning, lest these Tories have friends near
about who might make an effort at rescue.