THE SEARCH FOR THE TRAITOR
It goes without saying that we lads were furious at having lost the
prisoner whom we had been so eager to take, but after talking the
matter over with Captain Horry we forgot our own disappointment in a
measure, as we understood more fully the meaning of that which the
general had said.
That some one in the encampment had aided Seth Hastings to escape was
positive, for all us Minute Boys had assured ourselves that the young
traitor could not by any possibility remove his bonds, and this we did
not only twice or three times during the day, but when we left him for
the night.
It was equally certain the Tories could not have rendered any
assistance, for they were as helpless as he, and therefore did the
matter narrow down to two questions. The first, as to whether some of
our company of Minute Boys, angered because the cur was to be treated
as a prisoner of war, had taken him away in order to wreak vengeance;
while the second and more serious was, in the event of our company
being able to show that the Minute Boys had no hand in the matter, as
to who had released the wretch.
It was indeed a serious matter in more ways than one if Seth had been
released and was now able to work us harm, because it was within his
power to conduct the enemy over the trail which led across the swamp to
our encampment.
More serious indeed than this last, was the fact that if the villain
had found a friend in our encampment, then had we a traitor among us,
and this possibility was sufficient to make even the most courageous
tremble.
General Marion’s plans were not kept secret from his followers, and if
one was ready to do whatsoever he might against the Cause, then were
the possibilities for mischief greater far than we could reckon.
Our company of Minute Boys were gathered in the camp we had built,
discussing the matter, when Captain Horry came over to have a talk with
us, and after he had gone we remained there until, considerably to our
surprise, General Marion appeared.
He shook his head when we arose to our feet expecting he would enter,
and said in a tone more grave than I had ever heard him use:
“I have no time to waste, lads, for it may be the situation demands
immediate change of camp. It is of the highest importance that I know
beyond a peradventure whether any of you Minute Boys, believing it your
right to inflict punishment upon your own prisoner, have taken Seth
Hastings away. I will not ask what you may have done with him; but
this it is necessary for the safety of all I should know: Are any of
you responsible for his absence? Do not answer now,” he said, holding
up his hand as half a dozen of us rose to speak. “Discuss the matter
among yourselves until you are thoroughly well convinced of the gravity
of the situation, and then tell the truth like honest men. The question
simply is if one of you know how the lad escaped? I shall expect an
answer within half an hour.”
With that the general walked away, and we remained silent and
motionless, staring at each other, for already had we come to realize
how dangerous was the position of this handful of men who yet remained
true to the Cause if the scoundrel was at liberty, and I hoped
sincerely that some of our fellows would be able to declare with truth
that they had had a hand in his escape, for then would our position be
far less perilous.
Gabriel put the question to all in such a way that I understood he
had much the same thoughts as mine, and I fancied he, like me, was
hoping, even though it would have been to the discredit of our company,
that some of the lads had taken it upon themselves to punish the cur
regardless of the pledge we had much the same as made.
Not a lad spoke in reply to the question as to whether any one could
give information concerning Seth Hastings, and Gabriel said, pleading
with the members of our company for the truth:
“The general has told us that he will put no other question than the
one I have just asked, which is: ‘Does any lad among us know how Seth
Hastings got away?’ We will drop all inquiry if one or more of you
acknowledge having had a hand in his disappearance, and, so far as I am
concerned, gain most intense relief of mind, because then there can be
no question that any of those who have pledged their services to the
Cause under General Marion did so with traitorous intent.”
No lad spoke, and Archie cried passionately:
“Put the question to each in turn, asking every lad to say on his oath
as a Minute Boy, and as a native of the Carolinas, whether he knows
aught concerning him.”
“I solemnly swear that I did not see or have any communication
whatsoever with Seth Hastings from the time I left him last night bound
securely, and have no knowledge whatsoever of how he may have escaped
or been spirited away,” Gabriel said, answering first for himself, and
then turning to me, put the same question, following it up by naming
each lad in turn.
Thus it was we Minute Boys swore positively we had no hand whatsoever
in the disappearance of the traitor, and I knew beyond a possibility of
doubt that each and every one had spoken the truth.
Therefore it was there could be no longer any question but that among
the men who had sworn to labor earnestly for the Cause was one who
stood ready to do whatsoever he might against us. If you can picture to
yourself our position, surrounded on every hand by redcoats and Tories
who thirsted for our blood,--we the only persons in all the Carolinas
who were ready to bear arms against the enemy,--you may have some faint
idea of the consternation, ay, the terror, which came upon us with
such knowledge.
Gabriel lost no time in reporting to his brother the result of the
questioning, and while he was absent we lads whispered among ourselves,
speaking as people do in the presence of the dead, for already did it
seem as if we were doomed.
Through the information that had been brought in by those who yet
remained friendly to the Cause, we knew that Tarleton with his legion,
and Colonel Wemyss in command of not less than a full regiment, were
hot in pursuit of us, and if either of these forces should so surround
our little band that retreat was impossible, then would we be cut down
to the last man, for according to my Lord Clinton’s proclamation, no
mercy was to be shown--we were outlaws already doomed to death.
Before Gabriel returned, the scouts who had been sent out four and
twenty hours in advance of us lads, returned bringing with them such a
budget of news as would have raised our spirits to the highest notch,
but for the fact that we had among us one who might not be trusted, and
who he was it seemed impossible to learn.
Each man must perforce look at his neighbor with doubt, and those who
were most devoted to the Cause could not but understand that they were
liable at any moment to be suspected of traitorous design. It seemed
to me as if the efficiency of the force must be weakened until it was
possible to discover which of that devoted band was playing the Judas.
Now let me set down here what we learned from our lately returned
scouts, the information covering all the time from the day when we set
free the one hundred and fifty prisoners who refused, save in the case
of a few true men, to join our force. Major Wemyss had marched seventy
miles from Nelson’s Ferry straight across the district of Williamsburg,
devastating a path fifteen miles in breadth after such a merciless
fashion that one would have said he had been taught in the school of
the savage.
All the dwellings on his way, save those occupied by well-known Tories,
were given to flames; the people were plundered of their possessions;
such property as the troopers could not use was destroyed, while the
animals were wantonly shot and allowed to rot where they fell; those
who were thus plundered saw all of their buildings swept away by fire,
and they, even to the women and children, were held forcibly back to
prevent them from saving the smallest article of value.
Men were hung without a semblance of trial, and when their loved ones
pleaded for mercy, the British soldiers rode them down. All the time it
seemed almost as if the good God had forsaken the Colonies, yet we came
to know that these acts of barbarous cruelty were necessary to arouse
our people from the fear and despondency into which they had fallen.
The scouts reported that those men who had been lukewarm in the
Cause, and yet were not Tories, had been aroused by these acts of
wanton cruelty, and now asked only for an opportunity to make
reprisals and at the same time defend their homes. They were ready,
so the information came, to join General Marion as soon as he should
be willing to receive them, and even those who had been rescued at
Nelson’s Ferry and refused at the time to enlist, were now begging for
an opportunity to bear arms against the foe.
Verily did it seem as if the people of the Carolinas had needed just
such a lesson as the Britishers were eager to give them, in order that
they might be taught their duty, and now has come the time when the
“ragged regiment” could be recruited to a full battalion.
Save for the fact of that unknown traitor who lurked among us, we would
have rejoiced exceedingly at the news brought in, for it told us that
at last might it be possible for us to stand up like men against the
foe, instead of being forced to skulk here and there, striking a blow
only against small bands of Tories or detached squads of soldiers.
We lads speculated long and earnestly after hearing the reports of the
scouts, as to what General Marion might decide upon doing, and before
the sun set did we have an inkling of his plans, for then word was
given that each man should provide himself with as much of provisions
and ammunition as could be conveniently carried, to the end that he be
ready for the march at a moment’s notice.
Now, as Gabriel and I figured it out, and as a matter of course we
could but little more than guess at what might be in the commander’s
mind, it had been decided we must continue the work while the traitor
remained a member of the force, for it would be impossible to ferret
him out, because if the question was put, as it had been to us lads, to
the other members of the company, he who was ready to sell his country
to the enemy would be loudest in protesting his innocence.
It was a great risk to run, thus setting off with one in our midst who
was looking for every opportunity to betray us, and yet no other course
could be pursued. We might not remain even in hiding now that Seth
Hastings was escaped to tell what he knew concerning our whereabouts.
The encampment in the Black Mingo was abandoned in much the same
fashion as had been the one at Snow’s Island, save that in this
instance we left no men behind to guard the plunder, for it would have
been dooming them to death in case Seth Hastings led any force to that
place. Whatsoever we had there that could not be carried away on our
saddles, must fall into the hands of the enemy, since we could not
guard it.
It was two hours before sunset when word was given to break camp,
and little did we lads, as we climbed into the saddle, dream of the
exhausting march before us.
I might fill many pages with words descriptive of what we suffered, but
must leave it to the imagination of him who reads these lines, simply
stating that during the succeeding three days and three nights we made
no more of halts than was absolutely necessary in order to keep the
animals up to their work; at times so stiff and lame that it was with
difficulty we could remain in the saddle, and on dismounting required
assistance before it was possible to take our position in the line.
I question if many of us could have withstood such a physical strain,
but for the fact that here and there, as we rode along, our force was
joined by men who had hitherto been lukewarm in the Cause yet were
now burning with that same desire which had animated us, and this
knowledge, that the people of the Carolinas were at last awakening from
the lethargy which had come upon them when the redcoats overran the
land, gave us a certain fictitious strength to hold out until the end
of the journey.
The end came when we were once more on the banks of Lynch’s Creek,
where were gathered no less than four hundred well-armed men waiting
for the commander whom they knew full well would lead them wheresoever
the enemy might be found, regardless of the dangers.
Here it was, while we lay upon the ground absolutely helpless after the
long march, that we learned of the work which lay near at hand, and if
it was to be performed, must be begun with the least possible delay,
so it appeared to us. These new recruits told us that Colonel Wemyss
had retired to Georgetown, weary with chasing the “Swamp Fox,” and a
body of six hundred well-armed Tories, under the command of Captain
John Bell, were encamped only fifteen miles below us on the bank of the
creek.
Now it must be understood that we had arrived at this halting-place
when the afternoon of the third day was about half-spent, and I venture
to say that of all our company who had come from the Black Mingo,
none save the commander himself, and, possibly, Captain Horry, had
been able to hold their eyes open, so heavily did slumber weigh upon
them. Yet these two, quite as much fatigued as any of the others, had
such devotion to their country, that instead of giving themselves up
to the repose which was so sadly needed, turned all their attention,
regardless of bodily weariness, toward mapping out for that very night
another blow to be struck against those who were devastating the
Carolinas.
That General Marion was considerate of those who followed him, ever
ready to take upon himself the brunt of all the hard knocks, is shown
by the fact that not until near midnight did he and Captain Horry set
about wakening us, who lay in a deep sleep of fatigue like unto dead
men. It was necessary that some of the men be dragged around roughly,
and even lifted to their feet, before the chain of slumber was shaken
off. As a matter of fact, I saw a trooper mounting his horse, having
saddled him while his eyes were closed, and I believe of a verity the
man was even then moving unconsciously in his sleep.
When we were mounted, however, General Marion awakened us most
thoroughly by saying in that clear, ringing voice of his, which was
like unto a trumpet:
“Hardly more than two hour’s ride from this encampment is a force of
those renegades whom we call Tories. They outnumber us slightly, but
even though they were twice as many, I believe you who have served
so gallantly since I came into the Williamsburg district could whip
them in open field. We are told that recruits are flocking from every
quarter to this section to join us, and by waiting we may double our
strength, yet it is possible the enemy might take alarm if given too
much time. Therefore have I proposed that we march at once to strike
such a blow as shall give Tarleton and Wemyss to understand that the
spirit of liberty has been revived, rather than broken, by their
butcheries and barbarities.”
A ringing cheer, in which every man participated, was the answer to
this speech, and more than that no commander could need.
It is not my intention to linger long over that which we did on this
night, however much pride I could have in the telling. If I am to set
down what we Minute Boys did before the invaders were driven from the
soil, then must I hurry over this action, else shall I find myself
cut short for lack of space before the tale is really come to an end.
Therefore it is that I propose to copy down here what I afterward saw
printed; it was written by one of those men who make a business of
telling the history of one portion of the world or another, and because
you can take it as no more than bare truth, I stand no chance of
hearing it said I colored matters too highly simply to give more glory
to the Minute Boys of South Carolina than they deserved.
It is necessary I first explain, however, what we came to learn on
arriving near where the Tories were encamped. There it was we learned
that the enemy were on the south side of the creek, and in order
to come at them we must cross a wooden bridge upon which, however
cautiously we might ride, the sound of our horses’ hoofs would ring out
sharply enough to give the alarm. It was thus that the Tories were made
aware of our coming, for no sooner had the foremost of our men ridden
across the planks than the alarm was sounded from the encampment. Now
shall the story be told in words of another:
“After the alarm-gun sounded, promptness and swift riding were as
necessary as had been caution, and the general ordered his men to
follow him at a gallop until the force reached the main road, about
three hundred yards from where it was known the enemy lay.
“Here, with the exception of a small number who were to act as cavalry,
the entire command dismounted. A body of picked men was ordered down
the road to attack the house where a goodly portion of the Tories had
been posted. Two companies of footmen under Captain Horry were sent to
the right, the cavalry being ordered to the left to support the attack,
and General Marion himself bringing up the rear.
“It so happened, however, that the Tories had left the house
immediately after being alarmed, and were strongly drawn up in a field
near at hand. Here it was they encountered Horry’s command on the
advance, with a fire equally severe and unexpected. The effect was
that of a surprise upon the Colonists, and Horry’s troops fell back in
confusion, but were promptly rallied and brought on the charge.
“Immediately the battle became obstinate and bloody, but the appearance
of the men who had been ordered to attack the house, and who came up
suddenly in the rear of the Tories, soon brought it to a close. Finding
themselves between two fires, the enemy gave way in all directions to
flee for refuge toward the neighboring swamp.”
The same historian states that we lost near about twenty men, when as a
matter of fact, I know beyond a peradventure we had but one killed and
two wounded.
Another mistake which the same historian makes, is that we took
twenty-three prisoners, whereas I saw one hundred and two ranged in
line when the last of the fugitives had disappeared in the swamp.
The Minute Boys saw but little of this engagement, owing to the fact
that they were counted as among the cavalry, and the mounted men had
little of fighting to do, not being ordered into action until mayhap
four or five minutes before the victory was complete.
It was another feather in the cap of General Marion, and yet further
reason why Tarleton and Wemyss should come once more upon our trail,
but of this fact we gave little heed just then, for having been hunted
so long, it was no new sensation.
We understood, however, that this last victory would win for us yet
more recruits, and was of greatest aid to us in the work of driving the
invader from the Carolinas.
It is not needed I say we took possession of the Tory encampment that
night. Immediately after our work had been so thoroughly done, it was
as if every man who had taken part in the long march from the Black
Mingo suddenly became conscious of the fatigue which was his, and which
had been banished only by the excitement of the engagement. Those
recruits whom we found awaiting us on the bank of Lynch’s Creek stood
guard against a possible attack, and we weary ones, after giving our
faithful steeds a goodly store of provender belonging to the Tories,
lay down wherever we chanced to be, there to sleep without interruption
until the sun marked the hour of noon.
The first duty which we Minute Boys attended to after being aroused
from a most refreshing slumber was the care of our horses. The poor
animals had not been groomed since we left the Black Mingo, and more
than one of them was severely galled from having worn a saddle so long.
Therefore it was we had little opportunity for conversation until the
day was well-nigh at an end, and word whispered about camp that shortly
after sunset we were to make another change of quarters lest the enemy
come upon us unawares. More than one of our fellows grumbled because,
after striking a blow, we were forced to run away like frightened
sheep, and to these Gabriel made answer much like this:
“Before our work has been finished we shall march and countermarch many
a weary mile, for I question if there be true men enough living in the
Carolinas to make up such an army as would be needed to stand long
against the force which the Britishers will send. Because Tarleton and
Wemyss have seemingly tired of chasing us, is no proof that they will
not soon be in hot pursuit. While we were at the Black Mingo they may
have believed it was General Marion’s desire to run away, but now they
know to their cost that we are somewhat alive.”
“What about the prisoners we have taken?” Jared Breen asked, as if
fearing it might become his duty to aid in guarding them, and one of
the troopers near by replied:
“They have been sent away, lad. You need have no fear that our
commander will hamper himself with such as they.”
“Sent away?” I cried with something very near akin to horror, for at
the instant I fancied he might be telling us they had been sent out of
the world in the same manner the Britishers had disposed of score upon
score of our people.
“The ‘Swamp Fox’ does not fight that way,” the trooper replied. “Even
though the Britishers declare we are not soldiers, but only a ‘ragged
regiment’ of planters who hardly know how to load a musket, we guard
our honor as men, and refrain from murdering prisoners. I can’t say
where the Tories have been sent, but certain it is from this time out
we shall hold all that can be captured and cared for, instead of
letting them go free to have another blow at us.”
It was a relief to know we were not to be hampered with prisoners, and,
as a matter of fact, if we had considered the situation for a moment we
would have understood full well that with such tactics as the general
was employing, it would be impossible to carry on our swift marches any
such useless and even dangerous lumber.
I was more concerned in learning who might be the traitor among us, and
what had become of Seth Hastings, therefore said as much to Gabriel,
who replied in a tone of irritation:
“I am counting that it will be many a long day before the first
question can be answered, and as to the second, we need not give overly
much care until such time as we are able to lay hands upon him once
more, for now this last attack has been made it is of little moment
that he tells the enemy where we were three days ago.”
“But it is in my mind that we Minute Boys should give whatsoever
attention we may toward finding him, for until the scoundrel has
answered in some way for the injury he would have done us, I shall not
believe we have performed our duty.”
“I am more than willing to join in any attempt which it is possible to
make, William Rufus,” the lad said laughingly, “but it is my opinion
that we have our work cut out for us yet this many a day, and hunting a
traitorous cur will not be a portion of it.”
“What do you mean?” I asked in surprise thinking perhaps he had
information from his brother as to our possible movements.
“Nothing more than you yourself can see plainly,” he replied. “The
Tories whom we have driven into the swamp will soon make it known that
the ‘ragged regiment’ has increased in size until able to give fair
battle to an army of five hundred, and such news having been carried to
the British camp, what think you will be the result?”
“They will come hotfoot after us, as a matter of course,” I replied,
and it was as if the words had no more than been uttered when two of
our people came riding into the encampment at full speed, their horses
white with foam, and the riders urging them on until having come
directly in front of our commander.
We who saw this had no need to ask questions. The evidences of hard
riding told quite as plainly as words could, that the enemy was near at
hand, and in such numbers that flight was necessary.
While they were yet talking with the general I began saddling my horse,
and the remainder of our company of Minute Boys followed my example,
all of us believing that within a few moments at the most would the
command be given to break camp.
We lads went even so far as to mount, with our few belongings strapped
to the saddles, and then came that word which caused me greatest
astonishment.
“Picket the horses in the building,” Captain Horry shouted, “and see to
it that they are tethered securely.”
I dismounted like one in a daze, saying to Gabriel:
“Can it be possible that we are to fight a pitched battle?”
“Surely it has that appearance, lad, and I am not to be considered a
braggart when I say to you that it gives me much pleasure, even though
the odds may be so strongly against us. We have turned tail after every
successful attack, as if it was possible only for us to fight when we
could surprise the foe, and it seems to me that a good drubbing, if we
were not wiped entirely out of existence, would be better than beating
so many retreats.”
The dear lad showed real enthusiasm at this prospect of making a stand
against the enemy, and while I am by no means willing to own myself a
coward, I must in truth confess that the prospect was far from pleasing
to me.
The cold chill of fear ran up and down my spine, and I asked myself
whether at the time when courage was most needed I might not show the
white feather.
It was the fear of showing that I was afraid, rather than of meeting
the enemy, which caused me discomfort of mind.