WAR DECLARED.
At last the Regulation had forced Governor Tryon to acknowledge it as
an adversary, and this afforded the members no slight amount of
satisfaction.
Until he marched out of Newbern with the militia, it had been his good
pleasure to treat us as a lot of malcontents who should be dealt with
by constables or sheriffs, and in his proclamations, or statements
made to the people of other colonies, he was careful to so word his
communications as to make it appear that the people of the upper
Carolinas, instead of being banded together for a specific purpose,
were simply rioting and plundering.
And I doubt not but that many of the colonists considered us a gang of
bullies who had set their faces against law and order, never
understanding that ours was a purpose which lay close to the heart of
every true citizen, until that day came when he marched out against
us.
We, the Regulators, were encamped on William Payne's plantation when
the news came that our enemy had left Newbern after giving orders that
he be joined on the route to the Eno by this force or that, and Master
Rednap Howell said gleefully as he heard of that movement which might
result in the death of many of our company:
"It is the first cheering news we have had brought to us during the
past two years. Now must it be known in the other colonies that we are
standing up for liberty, and, instead of believing us to be a few
hot-heads, the people will understand that our party is a strong one,
otherwise there would be no need for the governor to come out with
such a force."
And Master Butler added:
"Tryon must fight this time, instead of sitting in his palace and
ordering that this or that gentleman be thrown into prison. We have
more than half attained our end when the other colonies understand
for what principle we are holding out."
In fact, this move of Tryon's caused the greatest possible
satisfaction among our people, who had been running hither and thither
for the past two years without opportunity of making public the
oppression against which they had risen in arms. Never a member of our
party who questioned as to what our leaders would do; it was to all of
us a settled fact that we would meet the government as speedily as
might be, and in anticipation of the command we began furbishing up
our equipments, or looking after the horses to make certain they were
in condition for a forced march.
By this time Sidney and I were eighteen years of age, and no longer
considered ourselves boys. Since having been permitted to join the
Regulation we had been credited with doing good work, never flinching
from a severe task or holding back because of danger, and thus we rode
with the company as equals.
I believe we two lads were more eager than any of our companions to
meet Tryon's forces in the open field; for it was our firm belief that
the Regulators would win the first battle fought and we burned with
impatience to show what we could do as soldiers.
"I never felt well inclined toward Governor Tryon until this moment,"
Sidney said in a matter-of-fact tone as we overhauled our
saddle-girths to make certain they were in good condition. "Now it is
very much as if he had suddenly become our friend, because of having
boldly taken the field against us."
"According to the report of our scouts, he must outnumber us two to
one," I ventured to suggest.
"The result will be the same if four against one is the odds. We must
win, and what a relief it will be to ride forward with a definite aim,
instead of going here and there without effecting anything, as we have
been doing these two years past."
"I agree with you on the last, Sidney; but holding our own against
twice our force is a different matter."
The lad looked at me scrutinizingly for an instant, and then asked
banteringly:
"Are you beginning to show the white feather just when our affairs
look the most promising, Clare?"
"Not a bit of it," I replied indignantly. "To my mind it is no
evidence of cowardice to count well the situation and strength of the
enemy."
"But you went farther, and was near to questioning whether Tryon's
force might not worst us, simply because of its size."
"And why might I not question it? A full thousand of his men are
citizens of the Carolinas, and should be our equals in both riding and
fighting."
"So they would were the cause the same; but they fight on the side of
oppression, while we are striving to do that which shall be of benefit
to every person in the American colonies."
I did not attempt to continue what was rapidly becoming an argument,
simply because it was useless just then. I believed it was folly to
claim that gentlemen of the Carolinas who did not hold to our opinions
were our inferiors: but knew full well that it would be impossible to
persuade my comrade to look at the matter in the same light I did.
It is a sad mistake to think that ourselves and our adherents are
better men than those who oppose us, and that, I think, has been fully
proven by this time.
I was ready to say that our cause was just, while theirs was not, and
further than such a statement I would not go.
Finding that I was not inclined for a wordy quarrel, Sidney ceased
boasting of what the Regulators could do, and set about speculating as
to whether Tryon would remain on the Eno until we could come up with
him, until suddenly, at the moment our people were least expecting it,
word was passed through the camp that we were to fall into line,
unmounted, to hear an important announcement from the commander.
"I wish we had been summoned to appear ready for marching," my comrade
said almost petulantly as he made his preparations for obeying by
washing his hands, which were covered with the grease he had been
applying to his bridle. "This talk of an 'announcement' has in it a
suspicion that the Regulators are not to break camp immediately."
"Don't begin to look after trouble," I replied with a laugh, knowing
well Sidney's disposition. "If we do not set out this night, the
Regulators will take the road to-morrow, and I'll warrant we see
Tryon's soldiers in good time."
There were many others besides Sidney who felt a certain degree of
irritation because we were to hear words, instead of commands which
would result in setting the entire company in motion toward the enemy;
but all of us soon learned that Master Hamilton had no idea of trying
to evade a pitched battle.
"Since this association was formed, it has been the custom to discuss
any important movement with all the company, therefore have you been
summoned," our commander said when we had been formed in a hollow
square with him in our midst. "It is not necessary for me to promise
that you shall be led against the enemy at the earliest fitting
moment, and I also declare that you shall not be allowed to hurl
yourselves upon the government troops like an unruly mob. When we
have made ready, Governor Tryon shall see us. Our scouts have brought
in the information that General Waddel is halted with a small force at
Salisbury, awaiting the arrival of powder from Charleston. The
Regulators need that powder, and I propose that we take it. Two
hundred men well mounted will be sufficient for the enterprise, and in
order that there shall be no charge of favoritism made against me,
instead of detailing a force of such size, I ask that the best mounted
among you step three paces to the rear, in token that you are willing
to make the venture."
The old gentleman had hardly more than ceased speaking when the entire
company moved back as if with one accord, thus showing that every man
of us was eager for active service, and that each one believed his
horse superior to all the others.
Master Hamilton laughed heartily, and then asked that none but the
youngest volunteer for the service, and do so by stepping forward into
the former position.
Once more was the square formed in the first position, for not a man
was willing to be left behind at such a time.
It was positive that all the company could not be spared for a service
which might be performed by two hundred men, and I wondered how the
matter could be arranged without causing jealousy.
Then our commander explained that it would be unwise to go for the
powder with such a large company, and announced that since we could
not settle the matter among ourselves, he would be forced to decide
for us.
"We will begin with William Husband and count from one to five in
regular order," he said at length. "Every fifth man is to fall out of
line and make immediate preparations for a forced march."
Sidney was standing by my side, and, fearing lest one should be taken
and the other left, I whispered hurriedly to him:
"Move up until you are the fifth from me, and then if one goes the
other will be with him. I would be as sad to leave you behind, as you
would to see me stay in case you drew the lucky number."
He agreed at once, for Sidney was a true comrade in every sense of the
word, and hardly had he taken up a new position when Master Husband
began the count.
My breath came thick and fast as the numbers sounded nearer and
nearer, so fearful was I lest the number should doom me to stay in
camp when glory might be earned, and I had so worked myself into a
fever that when the man standing next beside me spoke the word "four,"
it was almost impossible for me to add the next number.
I fell out of line silently, and one of those who had been selected to
remain behind, thinking I was afraid to venture on the enterprise,
whispered eagerly:
"I'll swap my new saddle for your old one, if you'll give me your
chance."
"I'd not consent if you threw into the bargain the best horse in the
company," I replied, and an instant later Sidney and I were shaking
hands vigorously in token of delight because of our good fortune.
It can well be supposed that we were not many moments making ready for
the expedition, and when we came to the center of the encampment,
where the lucky ones were assembling, it was learned that Master
Rednap Howell had been selected as the leader of our party.
The only orders Master Hamilton had to give were announced in the
hearing of all. We were to ride toward Salisbury until arriving at the
bank of the Yadkin, which river was to be crossed in order that we
might come upon General Waddel from Cabarras County, thus hoping to
give him the impression that the Regulators were south of him, instead
of in the course taken up by Tryon.
Master Hamilton was good enough to explain that he believed beyond a
peradventure we would soon fight with the governor's forces; but it
was his hope that we might meet them elsewhere than near about our own
homes.
A ride of between eighty and ninety miles was before us; but we gave
little heed to the distance, since each yard traversed brought us so
much nearer the enemy, and I venture to say that a more eager, happy
party of men never set out to provoke a battle.
When I say that the Regulators were in sore need of powder, it can be
understood that this venture of ours meant more than the worrying of
General Waddel; we were depending upon him for ammunition with which
to wage battle against Tryon.
In less than an hour from the time when we had been summoned to hear
Master Hamilton's announcement, our company of two hundred were riding
away from the encampment, envied by every man who was forced to remain
behind.
Many a time since Governor Tryon gave us the slip at Hillsborough had
we ridden across the country in company; but never before with the
certainty before us that we might measure strength with the oppressors
of the colony if it so pleased us, and this fact it was which put us
in such wondrous spirits.
It was the first opportunity we had had of striking a blow, and we
were determined to give a good account of ourselves, regardless of
the numbers to which we might find ourselves opposed.
We rode at an easy pace, believing there was no urgent need for haste;
but did not draw rein until sunset, when Master Howell gave the word
to halt and unsaddle.
"There is plenty of water and grass here," he said in explanation,
"and the animals need a rest, not having the same spur to exertion as
was given us with the news that Waddel might be where we could get at
him."
Each man carried his share of the provisions, and as soon as the
horses had been cared for, we ate a hearty supper, knowing that many
hours might elapse before another opportunity for satisfying hunger
presented itself.
At the end of two hours we were in the saddle again, and we rode until
near two o'clock in the morning, with but one short halt, when the
company had arrived at the bank of the Yadkin.
Now was come the time when scouts should be sent out lest we come upon
the enemy before gaining possession of the powder, and it was near
daybreak before the march was resumed.
By that time we had learned that General Waddel's force was in
Salisbury, and counting on remaining there until the ammunition train
came up.
Two miles below was a ford where we might cross the river without
swimming the horses, and when the sun showed himself we were headed at
full speed for the road leading from Charlotte to Salisbury, over
which it had been reported that the powder would be sent.
Our horses were well blown; but we had made good time, and the only
thing which might prevent the venture from being a success, was that
General Waddel had already received the ammunition.
"If it turns out that we are too late to intercept the convoy, we must
try conclusions with Waddel," one of our party said when we were
waiting on the west side of the river for our people to get into line,
and, overhearing the remark, Master Howell said emphatically:
"Don't fear that we'll miss of getting our hands on the powder. We'll
have a try for it even though it becomes necessary to face all the men
Tryon has brought with him."
But that we were in an enemy's country our people would have cheered
this statement; but as it was the men contented themselves with
raising their hats to such a leader, and then we rode on, now intent
only on finding a hiding-place where we might remain until scouts had
been sent out to learn the condition of affairs.
Eager though Sidney and I were to come face to face with those who
wore the king's uniform, both were well pleased when the word was
given to halt and make camp under cover. We had ridden nearly four and
twenty hours, and although our hearts were stout for a battle, our
bodies were sadly in need of a rest.
We had halted by the side of the road between Charlotte and Salisbury,
along which the powder must pass if it had not done so already, and on
either side the highway were groves of live oak where five hundred men
and horses might readily have found a hiding-place.
Five were told off as sentinels to give the alarm when the ammunition
train came in sight, and five more were detailed to scout in the
direction of Charlotte to make certain the powder was yet to the south
of our hiding-place.
Neither Sidney nor I envied those who were obliged to remain in the
saddle yet longer. If, four and twenty hours previous, there had been
an opportunity to act as scouts, we two lads would have been willing
to fight for the honor; but now we congratulated each other on the
possibility of gaining a little sleep before the battle was begun.
We tethered our horses near by; placed saddles and bridles where they
might be come at in a hurry, and laid ourselves down in a thicket of
small oaks, falling asleep almost as soon as we touched the ground.
It was sunset when I awakened, and looked about me fearing, by some
unlucky chance, the company had got away without my knowledge; but my
mind was soon set at rest by seeing a score or more of men lounging
near at hand as if discussing some matter of importance.
Without stopping to awaken Sidney, I went toward them, and soon
learned that our journey had not been in vain. The scouts had come in
with the report that the powder and its convoy had not yet arrived at
Charlotte, therefore we had only to wait patiently for the desired
opportunity.
I was also told that Master Howell had stationed guards three miles
down the road, in order that we might have timely warning of the
movements of the train, and there was nothing for us to do but pass
the time as best we might, providing all hands were ready for a quick
jump at the word of command.
When we first halted I was so sore in body from long riding that I
believed four and twenty hours of a rest would not be sufficient to
satisfy me; but within half an hour after awakening and being told
that there was no doubt as to the coming of our game, I was eager to
be in the saddle once more.
Although our sentinels were four miles away, and would come into camp
at their best pace on hearing or seeing the ammunition train, the word
was passed that no man should speak above a whisper, while the horses
were to be guarded closely lest by whinnying they betray our
whereabouts.
Then came a most trying time of waiting, when we crouched in the
darkness close by our accouterments that there might be no delay in
laying hands on them immediately the alarm was given, and expecting
each instant to be engaged in deadly conflict.
Sidney and I were side by side, not making any attempt to start a
conversation because our nerves were strung too tightly to admit of
anything like ordinary topics, and I do not remember of passing such
dreary, dismal moments.
One had ample time in which to figure all the chances in favor of his
being killed or wounded, and to speculate upon the probabilities of
success. It seemed as if each moment was ten times its usual length,
while the hours were like entire days.
Once when I believed it must be near morning, and was looking up at
the sky for the first faint light of the coming dawn, I heard Master
Howell say that it yet lacked a quarter of an hour to being midnight,
and then both patience and courage oozed out at my finger ends. The
cold chill of fear ran up and down my spine, and I believe that had
the enemy made his appearance just at that moment, I should have been
forced to fight against an inclination to run away.
It is needless and impossible to try to give any correct story as to
that night when we waited for the enemy, fearing because success was
so necessary to our cause, that, by some blunder or unforeseen
accident, we might fail.
The sun had risen, showing haggard faces amid that thicket of live
oaks, when we heard among the underbrush some distance away, that
crashing which tells of a heavy body trying to force its way through
the foliage.
Every man of us sprang to his feet and held his horse's bridle ready,
when we saw one of the scouts in company with a sentinel.
"The train will be here within an hour!" was the whisper, and even
though the time when we might meet the foe was so far in the future, I
ran with all speed to saddle my steed, exulting and at the same moment
timorous.