THE CONVOY.
After the first flush of excitement had died away, leaving in its
stead that tremulous calm which is caused by exceeding great courage
or abject fear, we of the Regulation went about our task in proper
order and with due precaution.
It was Sidney who, when I was exultant and excited to the verge of
doing some foolish thing, brought me to a realization of the situation
by saying scornfully:
"I'm beginning to grow ashamed of the Regulators. To see them running
around here as if bereft of reason simply because a rascally
corporal's guard of a convoy is coming this way, one would say they
had never seen service. Is there like to be so much of credit in the
capture of ten or twenty men by a force of two hundred, that each
fellow burns with a desire to be in the front rank?"
For a moment I was ashamed at having shown so much emotion over what
was really nothing more than an incident, and then there came to my
mind the knowledge that this capture meant more to us of the
Regulation than would the taking of a force twice our size, and I said
decidedly, angry with myself for having been disconcerted by Sidney's
scorn:
"One whose heart is with the cause cannot fail of being excited and
anxious at such a time, no matter how small may be the force with
which we are to contend. It is the idea that the powder is sadly
needed by our people, which causes our company to be unduly excited.
Every man realizes the importance of doing the task well, and, quite
naturally, fears lest it be not performed thoroughly."
Sidney had no reply to make, and I fancy he was somewhat ashamed of
having spoken disparagingly of his companions.
Then the word was passed in a whisper for each man to conceal himself
and his horse as near the edge of the road as possible, remaining
there in readiness to spring out at the first word of command.
A squad of ten was sent a quarter of a mile to the north in order to
intercept any who might succeed in making their way past the main
body, and our preparations were complete.
I understood that the word for the attack would not be given until the
convoy was opposite the center of our line, so that we might
completely encircle it to prevent escape in either direction.
Then came half an hour of suppressed excitement, during which I could
distinctly hear the beating of my own heart, and finally, the rumble
of wheels in the distance, proclaiming the near approach of our prey.
The train consisted of two heavily laden carts convoyed by twenty men,
as I could see when the force was nearly opposite my hiding-place, and
these details had no more than been noted when Master Howell's voice
rang out like a trumpet:
"At them, lads! At them, and make certain none escape you!" To those
we were about to attack it must have seemed as if the thicket itself
suddenly sprang out toward them, and before they had time to draw up
in line ready to receive us, the party was completely surrounded.
I would have been ashamed had there been no show of resistance, for
the convoy was made up of Carolinians, and, whether they were for the
king or the people, it behooved them to display courage.
At the word we could have shot all the little company down, most
likely at the first volley, and in order to save bloodshed Master
Howell cried sharply:
"Surrender, you of the convoy! We are full two hundred strong, and
there is no good reason why you should throw away your lives!"
While one might have counted ten a deep silence, save for the pawing
or stamping of the horses, fell upon all that gathering in the road,
and then the leader of the convoy, having seen that there was no hope
of accomplishing anything by resistance, said curtly:
"We can do no less than obey your order to surrender."
"Lay your arms on the wagons, after having dismounted, and then march
toward the south."
No one spoke while this command was being obeyed until, the men having
marched down the road a dozen yards or more from the hindermost wagon,
Master Howell called upon them to halt.
Then ten men were told off with orders to guard the prisoners, and
when this squad had taken position near the convoy, our leader said in
the tone of one who has already mapped out his course of action:
"You will march your squad well to the westward of Salisbury, and
endeavor to gain our headquarters. Do not take any chances of coming
in contact with Waddel's force, and see to it that not a man escapes.
You may set off at once, gentlemen."
The prisoners were first searched to make certain they had no weapons
concealed about them, and then the little party rode slowly up toward
Salisbury counting on striking into the thicket before coming within
dangerous distance of the town.
When the party had disappeared in the distance, we set about taking
possession of the ammunition.
As a matter of course it was impossible for us to take the wagons with
us, therefore each man was ordered to carry such portion of the powder
as he could strap to his saddle, and we set about the work, the
greater number of us stripping off our outer shirts, which we
converted into bags by tying up the neck and sleeves.
So great was the supply that even when each trooper had all he could
conveniently carry, there yet remained a full third of the whole, and
this we proceeded to destroy by pouring it into the tiny creek which
bordered the western side of the road. Then the horses were
unharnessed and set free from the carts, which we left where they were
in the highway, and our company formed in line once more.
I had supposed that we would be ordered to join the main body of
Regulators; but in this I speedily found myself mistaken, for we rode
directly to the Yadkin River, and crossed it, going immediately into
camp in a grove of live oaks.
Once this had been done Master Howell sent off five men as scouts, and
soon we came to know that this last detachment was gone to spy upon
General Waddel's force.
"Yes," our leader said decidedly in reply to a question from one of
the older men, "I count on attacking the force which is now at
Salisbury. It would be little less than criminal to let slip such an
opportunity as is now before us. Waddel is short of ammunition, now we
have captured his supply, and I'm of the opinion that he will make an
effort to join Tryon, in which case we have him at our mercy. It will
not cause us more than two days in time, and we shall be doing great
service by preventing the union of the forces."
Now indeed were we doing something in aid of the cause, and my heart
leaped high with joy, for it was reasonable to suppose that, in case
our leader accomplished all he had set himself, the main body of the
Regulators could readily take care of Governor Tryon's army.
It was at this time, although we did not come to know of it until
after several days, that Master Rednap Howell showed himself to be a
great leader, inasmuch as he caused to be conveyed to General Waddel,
without trouble or inconvenience to ourselves, that information which
we desired him to have, and the task was performed in this fashion:
Those who had in charge the captured convoy were instructed to allow
one of them to escape, after the party were so far north of Salisbury
that there would be little likelihood of pursuit, and then it was
certain the fugitive would take refuge with Waddel's force.
All this was done in accordance with Master Howell's orders, and thus
it came about that when we were on the easterly bank of the Yadkin,
the general came to the conclusion that his wisest course would be to
join Tryon with the least possible delay, regardless of the fact that
the powder had been lost.
Within twelve hours after we had made a camp in ambush, one of our
spies came hot foot from Salisbury with the word that the king's
forces at that town were making ready for the march. In addition to
this information we learned considerably to our surprise, that
Waddel's men were in a state of disorder nearly approaching mutiny.
With but few exceptions they were members of the militia, and openly
avowed that they would not fight under any consideration; others were
favorably inclined toward the Regulation, and already had many
deserted.
We were unprepared for such good news; but it did not require much
reflection for Master Howell to hit upon a course of action which
promised success.
Without delay two of our party, the eldest among us, were sent with
all speed under a flag of truce for an interview with the general.
They were instructed to warn the commander to remain where he was, or
retreat to the coast, as might best please him, otherwise we would at
once engage him.
It was only natural Waddel should believe that the entire force of
Regulators was within striking distance, and while his men were so
sadly disorganized he could not well risk an encounter.
We remained in hiding, ready to mount at a moment's notice, and before
our messengers returned one of the scouts came in with the word that
the militia was crossing the river, evidently bent on making at least
one effort to join Tryon.
Five minutes after this information was received we were riding out of
the thicket toward that road which it would be necessary for the
general to take if he counted on meeting the governor, and within two
hours we were in advance of the king's poor soldiers, ready and eager
for an engagement.
It was only natural that Sidney and I should be among those who most
desired to be led against the enemy, for now, the first time in two
years, might we add to whatsoever good reputation we had made as
Regulators, and we put aside the possible danger in the belief that
we would succeed in distinguishing ourselves.
Skirmishers were sent out to learn when the enemy approached, and the
remainder of us waited in anxious expectancy the moment when we might
come face to face with the foe.
In this we were doomed to disappointment, however.
Waddel also had skirmishers in advance, and immediately his men came
in touch with ours they retreated, and soon word was brought that the
entire force was retreating across the river again.
Now began a chase, when our horses were fresh, but handicapped
considerably by the loads of powder they carried, and we were positive
success would be ours whenever we could come within range of the foe.
All evidence of military formation was lost sight of as we forded or
swam our horses across the river, and in less than half an hour we
were among the rear guard; but even this did not satisfy Master
Howell. He believed the time had come when we might make prisoners of
the entire force, and panted for the glory of capturing General Waddel
himself.
To effect this fifty of us whose horses were fleetest, and among the
number Sidney and I, were directed to make a detour across the country
in order to strike the enemy in front before he could gain shelter in
Salisbury, holding him there at whatsoever cost until the force was
absolutely surrounded.
How we rode that day! The horses were sent forward at racing speed,
regardless of the danger that they might be foundered by carrying such
a weight, and Sidney and I were among the foremost when we broke cover
directly in advance of the retreating column.
"Look after the general!" Sidney shouted as we pressed on, our horses
running neck and neck. "Now has come the time when we can make names
for ourselves which will not soon be forgotten!"
We could see the leader and his officers plainly, and rode directly
toward them without taking heed as to whether we were followed; but
there yet remained a sufficient number of the men who were loyal to
the king to prevent us from carrying out the plan.
We speedily found ourselves confronted by a squad of twenty or more
who stood bravely in line while their officers rode swiftly away, and
this little party must be attended to before it might be safe to push
on in pursuit of the prize.
We drew back within the shelter of a clump of trees, where we were
joined by a dozen or more of our men, and then began the first real
fight in which I ever took part.
There was no room in my mind for fear. I thought only of what might be
done if we could disperse the party, and I fired and reloaded without
realizing that my one desire was to take human lives.
The militia held their ground well, and both sides were at a
disadvantage because of trying to take aim while in the saddle. With
such marksmen as we had among us that squad of the king's men should
all have been disabled within ten minutes, and yet half an hour
passed without any perceptible advantage on either side.
Three of our men were down, and four of theirs had dismounted or been
knocked out of the saddle; but by such time the general and his
officers had surely succeeded in making good their escape.
From the sounds of firing which came from every direction we knew full
well that all our party was engaged, and the question had just come
into my mind as to whether this force of Waddel's had been as badly
demoralized as we were led to believe, when I heard shouts in the
rear, and a moment later saw Master Howell ride up with eight or ten
men at his back.
"Throw down your arms, and surrender!" he cried to our adversaries.
"The remainder of the command have yielded, and you can do Tryon no
good by holding out longer!"
In a twinkling the men came forward empty-handed, and the fight was
won; but I failed to feel any great elation because of what we had
lost, while Sidney was furious with rage.
"But for their holding out, we two might have captured Waddel with,
perhaps, some of his officers. It is a clear case of cheating, and we
have got the worst of it!"
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," I cried laughingly, for my
sorrow was dissipated by Sidney's rage. "We never counted very surely
on capturing the general, and should thank our lucky stars that we
have deprived him of his force, for thus have we weakened Tryon."
He would not be consoled for the lost opportunity of distinguishing
himself, and for a moment I really believed he was on the point of
striking the disarmed men who had baffled his desires.
There was no reason why we should not feel proud of our work. We had
captured the ammunition, which was the first task set us, and, in
addition held as prisoners a force which Governor Tryon counted on as
adding to his own. Surely we had done well, and if the remainder of
the Regulators could do as much, then was it certain Tryon would be
driven in shame from this portion of the colony.
Now it was that we had more prisoners than were convenient. As a
matter of fact it would be impossible to feed them during the march to
the Alamance where we counted on meeting our companions-in-arms, to
say nothing of providing them with horses, for not more than half the
number were mounted, therefore Master Howell called for a consultation
in which all hands were to take part.
It was not necessary to spend very much breath over the question as to
whether we would try to hold them captives. They must be disposed of
in some manner, and without loss of time; but yet our duty was to make
certain they did not join Tryon.
After hearing such propositions as our people had to make, and some of
them were wild indeed, Master Howell raised the question as to whether
it would not be wise to release them on parole?
This was the solution to the whole matter, and if he had so stated it
at first, we would have decided within a few seconds.
On being consulted, our prisoners declared that they would readily
take an oath not to bear arms against us until after having been
properly exchanged, and all seemed pleased at being able to get out of
the scrape so easily.
The men were formed in a hollow square, and each was required to
repeat the oath Master Howell administered, after which we parted
company, the paroled force going toward Charlotte, and we riding at
full speed toward the Alamance, for it was to be expected that Tryon
would go there to seek us.
I would it were possible for me to set down all the details of our
movements; but the yarn has already been spun out to such a length
that much which might, possibly, be interesting to strangers must be
omitted.
It suffices to say that within three days after this encounter with
General Waddel's force, we of the two hundred which had been sent out
to gather in a supply of ammunition rejoined the main body of
Regulators, and much rejoicing was there in camp after our story had
been told.
It was as if each of us had done something remarkable, to judge of
the treatment we received, and certain it was that those who had been
weak-kneed regarding our chances of a successful opposition to Tryon,
straightway became convinced that we could force him to retreat when
the two forces came together.
During our absence it had been decided by our leaders that we would
await the enemy on the banks of the Alamance, and there was no good
reason to change the plan after we returned. We now had plenty of
powder, and the women from roundabout melted lead into bullets until
our wants were fully supplied.
We had already fought and captured a full third of the force Governor
Tryon counted on bringing with him, and this was done by only two
hundred of our people, therefore it seemed positive that when we met
them, a thousand Regulators against no more than fifteen hundred
militia and a few companies of soldiers, the result would be in our
favor.
Twenty men or more were sent out as scouts and the remainder of our
company lounged idly in camp, when, as a matter of fact, every moment
should have been spent in fortifying the position.
More than one of our people suggested that it would be a good plan to
throw up breastworks, but our leaders gave no heed to the suggestion,
and for the reason that they were suddenly plunged into distress not
unmixed with dismay.
Our old commander, the man upon whom all relied at such a time, was
taken with a most serious illness, and it was believed that his days
on this earth were few.
It was necessary to carry the old gentleman to a dwelling, and half a
dozen of our best men undertook this duty, leaving the command of the
force to Herman Husband, that member of the force in which we placed
implicit confidence.
As I look back upon that time, when all were confident regarding the
future, it seems indeed strange that we should have selected as Master
Hamilton's successor the only member of our company who would play us
false.
It was as if the gallant Master Hamilton had but just been carried
away from us, when the scouts came in with the news that Tryon was
approaching, having heard of General Waddel's defeat.
Then it was we leaned upon Master Husband, that man for whom we had
risked our lives three several times in order that he might be spared
imprisonment, and learned in the end that he was no more than a broken
reed.