Transcriber's Note:
Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have
been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal
signs=.
[Illustration: "Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall
shoot," said the Tory. Page 153.]
SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.
A Story of the Carolinas in 1780.
BY JAMES OTIS.
[Illustration]
With Six Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis.
A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,
52-58 DUANE STREET, NEW YORK.
Copyright, 1898, by A. L. BURT.
Copyright, 1899, by A. L. BURT.
SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.
BY JAMES OTIS.
NOTE.
"They were men admirably fitted by their daily pursuits for the
privations they were called upon to endure. They had neither tents,
baggage, bread, nor salt, and no commissary department to furnish
regular supplies. Potatoes, pumpkins, roasted corn, and occasionally a
bit of venison supplied by their own rifles, composed their daily
food. Such were the men who were gathering among the mountains and
valleys of the Upper Carolinas to beat back the invaders."--_Lossing's
"Field-Book of the Revolution."_
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. PAGE
A Britisher's Threat 1
CHAPTER II.
The Tory's Purpose 25
CHAPTER III.
A Desperate Venture 50
CHAPTER IV.
The Struggle 74
CHAPTER V.
Sarah Dillard 99
CHAPTER VI.
Greene's Spring 123
CHAPTER VII.
At Watuga 149
CHAPTER VIII.
The Prisoner 174
CHAPTER IX.
King's Mountain 200
CHAPTER X.
A Hot Chase 214
CHAPTER XI.
Success 238
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
"You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine
that noise to be caused by the Redcoats." 7
"Take your hands off! I am not to be treated as a prisoner,"
Ephraim cried. 32
Nathan did as his comrade suggested, and save for a slight
creaking now and then, the work was carried on. 91
The colt darted forward at full speed with Mrs. Dillard. 113
"Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall
shoot," said the Tory. 153
Nathan and Evan crept within three feet of the Tory. 193
SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.
CHAPTER I.
A BRITISHER'S THREAT.
In the year 1780 there was in North Carolina, west of Broad River, and
near the site of what is now known as Rutherfordton, a settlement
called Gilbert Town.
Within five or six miles of this village on a certain September day in
the year above mentioned, two lads, equipped for a hunting trip, had
halted in the woods.
One was Nathan Shelby, a boy sixteen years of age, and nephew of that
Isaac Shelby whose name is so prominent in the early history of North
Carolina; the other, Evan McDowells, son of Colonel Charles McDowells,
was one year younger than Nathan.
But for the fact that these two lads were sorely needed at their
homes, both would have been enrolled either among the American forces,
or with those hardy pioneers who were then known as Mountain Men, for
the time was come when the struggling colonists required every arm
that could raise a musket.
On the previous month the American forces under General Gates had been
defeated by Cornwallis at Camden. Tarleton had dispersed Sumter's
forces at Rocky Mount, and the southern colonists appeared to have
been entirely subdued by the royal troops.
General Cornwallis, now at Camden, was bending his efforts to
establish the king's government in South Carolina, and in punishing
those "rebels" who, despite their many reverses, were yet among the
mountains awaiting a favorable opportunity to strike another blow in
behalf of freedom.
It was at this time, and especially in the Carolinas, as if the
attempt to free the colonists from the oppressive yoke of the British
had utterly failed, and even the most sanguine despaired of being able
to accomplish anything in that section until General Washington should
lend them some assistance.
Nathan and Evan, lads though they were, understood full well the
situation of affairs, and as they sat upon the trunk of a fallen tree,
resting from the labor of seeking food--for this hunting trip had been
made for serious purposes, rather than in pursuit of sport--the two
spoke concerning the reverses which had been visited upon the
patriots.
"It is as if we were already whipped into submission," Evan said
sadly, "for how is it possible our people shall gather in such force
as to be able to offer successful resistance?"
"That seems indeed true," Nathan replied, "and yet will Colonel
William Campbell of Virginia remain idle? Do you believe my uncle,
Colonel Shelby, or Lieutenant-Colonel John Sevier, have laid down
their arms? Or even if those three are subdued, is it likely, think
you, that your father will rest content while the king's forces
overrun the country at their pleasure?"
"There are matters which cannot be mended, however brave men may be,
and it seems to me that now has come the time when we must say that
the struggle for liberty can no longer be continued."
"If all who have for four years opposed the king's will were as
faint-hearted as you, Evan, then indeed had the rebellion been crushed
before it was well begun."
"But tell me, Nathan, how may the Americans, with but few men, scanty
equipments, and little or no money, even attempt to hold their own
against the royal forces, which outnumber us mayhap ten to one?"
"That I cannot do, and perchance even your father might find it
difficult to make reply to such question, but this much I believe to
be a certainty. The desire for freedom has not been crushed out from
the hearts of the American people, and while it remains strong as at
present, some way will be found whereby we shall have at least the
semblance of an army again."
"I would I could believe you."
"Is your mother thus despondent?"
"I cannot say, Nathan. It is now near two weeks, as you know, since I
have seen her."
"But think you she has lost all hope? She, who has dared to burn
charcoal in the fireplace of her own home, while the Britishers were
about, in order to carry it to your father, who was making gunpowder
in a cave among the mountains."
"My mother is brave, which is more, mayhap, than can be said for her
son."
"Ay; had she not been, when your father's cattle were driven off by
the British skirmishers, she had hardly called the neighbors
together, and by such show of strength recovered the property. With
women like your mother, and men such as your father and my Uncle
Isaac, I tell you, Evan, the cause of liberty is not lost."
"But it would seem as if we were further from our purpose now than
four years ago, when a declaration of our independence was read
throughout the colonies. Then we had more money, and it was not as
difficult to find recruits. Now ten dollars in paper is hardly worth
two cents--in fact, I am told that even the troops consider it too
cumbersome for its value to repay them for carrying it around."
"That is the case only with the paper money."
[Illustration: "You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can
imagine that noise to be caused by the Redcoats."--Page 7.]
"Ay, Nathan; and as for gold and silver, we still trust to that on
which is stamped the king's image. But it is not for you and I to talk
of political matters, when both are really in the same way of
thinking; the only difference between us is that I, who was never
so courageous as you, have grown faint-hearted."
Evan ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that instant both the lads
heard the hoof-beats of horses in the distance, and started up in what
was very like alarm as they listened, while exchanging inquiring
glances.
"It must be that the British are coming this way," Evan said, turning
as if to flee; but his companion clutched him by the arm, saying with
a laugh:
"You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine that noise to
be caused by the redcoats. Surely there are none nearabout here, and
even though there were, it is not likely they would attempt to make
their way through this wood."
Evan ceased his efforts to flee, but turned as if unwilling, with a
forced smile upon his face.
"Of course it must be as you say, Nathan, for the Britishers would
have no business here; yet it is even true they may be nearabout, for
we have heard that General Cornwallis was bent on sending a force into
this section, and he is not wise who refuses to take heed of any
warning in these times."
"You need not set me down as one who makes light of the information
which has been brought by those whom we could trust; but I refuse to
be alarmed without cause, and the idea that the Britishers would ride
into this thicket is--They _are_ redcoats! It is _I_ who am playing
the fool by setting myself up as an authority on those matters of
which I know nothing!"
The foremost of a mounted band had come into view, causing this sudden
change in Nathan's speech, and the two boys gazed in alarm at the
rapidly advancing horsemen, for now was it too late to make any
attempt at flight. Both knew, from reports which had been spread
through the country, of outrages committed among even those who were
not in arms, what it might mean to fall into the hands of the enemy,
who were bent on subjugating the country by any means, however harsh,
and they had good reason to expect brutal treatment once they were
caught in the clutches of the king's troops.
Involuntarily the lads clasped hands. Although armed, there was no
thought in the mind of either that resistance might be offered, and
indeed it would have been in the highest degree foolhardy to have done
other than they did at this moment--quietly await that foe from which
escape was impossible.
Where they stood the forest was open and free from underbrush,
therefore while the troopers were yet a quarter of a mile away they
were in full view, their red coats showing in vivid contrast among the
green leaves, and before the advance squad were yet arrived at where
the boys were standing, the entire company could be seen.
Fully two hundred men, a goodly portion of whom were Tories, clad in
the ordinary garb of the country, and the remainder wearing the king's
uniform, made up the party.
Among the foremost of the riders was one clad in the habiliments of a
major, and from what had been told by those who brought the
information of General Cornwallis' movements, the boys knew at once
that this must be Patrick Ferguson of the Seventy-first Royal
Regiment.
It was this officer who accosted the frightened lads, by asking in a
loud voice which had in it much of menace:
"What are you two doing here armed? Rebel spawn no doubt, who lie in
wait to do mischief when it may be accomplished without danger to
yourselves."
"We are out hunting, and if it please you, sir, in order to get meat
for the family," Nathan replied, speaking stoutly, although he was
inwardly quaking with fear.
"Tell me no lies or it shall go the worse with you. How long has it
been that you of the Carolinas must search for food in the forests?"
"Since his majesty's troops overrode the colony, quartering themselves
upon those whose store of provisions was already scanty."
"Be careful how you speak! I am not in a mood to hear insolence from
those who rebel against their lawful king," and the major made a
threatening gesture, bending from his horse as if he would strike the
boys.
Evan stepped back a pace in fear; but Nathan boldly held his ground as
he asked bravely:
"Think you, sir, that two lads like us may do the king harm?"
Major Ferguson's face reddened with rage, and motioning for one of the
troopers to advance, he said:
"Disarm and bind these insolent cubs who dare bandy words with their
betters. They shall talk in a different strain before I am done with
them."
"Would you make prisoners of us who are not soldiers?" Nathan asked
even as the man seized him by the arm. "Would you carry away from
their homes two boys upon whom a family is depending for food?"
"Where are your fathers?" Major Ferguson asked sharply.
"I have none," Nathan replied. "My mother is a widow."
"And yours?" he continued, turning toward Evan.
"Colonel Charles McDowells."
"As rank a rebel as lives in the Carolinas. See that you bind them
well, my man, for I doubt not these two, innocent as they would
appear, have already had their fingers in the rebel broth."
"Since you are bent on making us prisoners, sir, it is useless to deny
that we have done aught against the king, save it be a crime to
perform our share in feeding those dependent upon us."
"If those who make up the ragamuffin following of _Mister_ Washington
could not depend on such as you to provide for the women and children,
they might be forced to remain at home where they belong, instead of
hatching treason, and I could then, perhaps, clear this portion of the
colonies of every male inhabitant who is old enough to be of service
in any capacity. Before I have performed my mission you of the
Carolinas shall understand what rebellion means, for it is my purpose
to teach you a lesson."
Having said this the valiant major turned his horse that he might
speak with some of his followers, and the trooper who was bidden to
disarm and bind the lads had well-nigh finished with the task.
Nathan and Evan were rudely searched, and with such effect that even
their spare flints were taken from them. Their hands were bound
behind their backs securely with leathern straps; the fowling pieces
and the scanty store of ammunition were taken charge of by one of the
troopers, and he who had been detailed to seize them stood as if
awaiting orders of his commander.
"Keep up a brave heart, Evan," Nathan whispered courageously. "Do not
give yonder redcoated brute the satisfaction of seeing that we are
afraid."
"We are likely to be carried very far from home, Nathan, and it may be
that much suffering is in store for us."
"Of that there can be little doubt; but no good will come to us by
showing the white feather, for of how much weight, think you, tears
and prayers be upon such as our captor. It would please him were we to
give free rein to our sorrow, and I am not minded he shall have such
gratification from me."
"But surely there is no reason why you should anger him by bold
speaking--that will not avail us."
"No more than it would if we pleaded for mercy, and there is much
satisfaction to be gained by depriving him of the pleasure that would
come with the sight of our tears. Hold firm, Evan McDowells, as your
father and your mother would do were they in like situation, and
mayhap the time will come when this Major Ferguson's grasp will be so
far lessened that we shall see a chance of slipping through his
fingers."
"I have little hope of any such good fortune," Evan replied, with a
long-drawn sigh, and then both the boys fell silent.
The horsemen had dismounted, and it was evident that a prolonged halt
would be made.
The major gave no further orders concerning his prisoners, and the
trooper stood guard over them four or five paces away, giving no
apparent heed to the conversation in which they had been indulging.
During half an hour the situation remained unchanged, and then came
into view two hundred or more men on foot, the greater number wearing
scarlet uniforms, the remainder being evidently Tories.
At first glance the boys believed this last body of Britishers had
come by accident upon the halting-place; but as the men exchanged
salutations with the members of the advance party, it could be seen
that they all formed one company under the leadership of Major
Ferguson, and had been temporarily separated because of the more rapid
traveling of the horsemen.
When another half-hour had been spent here the order was given to
resume the march, and an officer in the uniform of a captain brought
word from the major to the man who was guarding the boys, that he
would be relieved from duty, one of the foot-soldiers taking his
place.
When the change of guards had been effected, Nathan and Evan were
ordered into line midway of the column, and thus hemmed in on every
side they were forced to advance, traveling with difficulty, and even
pain, because their arms were fettered.
As a rule, the men gave very little attention to these young
prisoners, save when one or the other of the boys fell slightly in the
rear, and then a blow from the butt of a musket would warn him that he
must keep pace with the remainder of the troop or suffer because of
inability to do so.
Now that the lads were completely surrounded by foes, no conversation
of a private nature was possible, and in silence they marched on, with
ample food for unpleasant thoughts.
The only question in the minds of both was as to the destination of
this body of Britishers, for there seemed little reason why so many
men should penetrate this mountainous portion of the Carolinas, where
there was no important stronghold to be captured.
Until five o'clock in the afternoon the troop advanced steadily, and
then the foot-soldiers were arrived at a small valley where the
horsemen had already apparently halted for the night.
Fires were kindled here and there; some of the soldiers were engaged
in cooking, others in caring for the horses, and all so intent upon
making themselves comfortable that it was as if the prisoners had been
forgotten by everyone save him who was charged with their custody.
When an hour had passed the lads were still standing where they had
been halted, and Nathan said with a mirthless laugh:
"It looks as though we might be forced to keep our feet until morning,
for so nearly as I can make out food has been served to all save
ourselves and our guard."
"I am counting on being relieved before many more moments pass," the
soldier said petulantly, for Nathan had spoken so loudly that he could
not fail to hear the remark.
"And are we to be starved because we neither wear red coats nor are
willing to march shoulder to shoulder with them?"
"It matters not to me what disposition may be made of you, so that I
am given an opportunity of getting my rations," the soldier said, and
a moment later one of his comrades came up, musket in hand, to relieve
him.
To this last guard Nathan repeated his question as to the probability
of their being provided with supper, and the soldier replied
carelessly:
"I am not the quartermaster of this detachment, and if I was I
question whether much time would be spent over such as you."
Then he fell to pacing to and fro, watching his comrades as they
lounged around the campfire; but all the while keeping close guard
over the two lads, who were so weary from the hunting of the forenoon
and the march of the afternoon that it is questionable whether they
could have fled even if the opportunity presented itself.
"I had expected to be ill-treated," Nathan said with an assumption of
carelessness to his comrade; "but did not count on being starved. It
is a pity, since we were to be made prisoners, that this gallant Major
Ferguson could not have come up after we had partaken of dinner, for
it seems as if many hours had passed since we ate breakfast."
Evan was on the point of making some reply to this mournful remark
when from the distance he observed a lad, who, coming directly across
the valley, was halted by the sentinels stationed around the
encampment.
"Look there!" he said, in a low tone of excitement. "If I mistake not,
it is Ephraim Sowers, and what may he be doing here among the
redcoats?"
"It is as I have always believed," Nathan cried, forgetting that the
man who acted as their guard could hear every word he spoke. "Ephraim
is neither more nor less than a Tory, and I venture to say he comes
now to give information concerning our friends."
"It is not the first time he has met this detachment of men," Evan
added, "See! He speaks now with one of the soldiers as to an old
acquaintance."
"Who may say for how long he has acted the spy? When it was told on
the day before yesterday that he had gold in his possession, I would
not believe it; but now it is plain to be seen that there was truth in
the statement, and we can say how he earned it."
This Ephraim Sowers was the son of one who claimed to be "a man of
peace;" one who by many a loud word had declared that he believed it
a sin to resort to arms, whatever the provocation, and, living a near
neighbor to the McDowells, was in a position, if it so pleased him, to
give much of valuable information to the enemy. Until this moment,
however, there had been no suspicion that he might be tempted to play
the part of spy, and his son's arrival at this encampment told the
boys as plainly as words could have done how it was General Cornwallis
had reliable knowledge concerning that portion of the colony, for he
had given good proof that he knew who among the inhabitants favored
the king or the "rebels."
Ephraim advanced leisurely, and with the air of one who believes he is
expected, until his eyes rested upon the prisoners; then he started
suddenly, a flush as of shame came over his face for the instant, and
straightening himself defiantly, he walked up with a vindictive smile
until he was within half a dozen paces of the two lads.
"I had thought that the sight of a redcoat was so displeasing that it
went against your stomachs," he said tauntingly, "and yet I find you
hobnobbing with Major Ferguson's men."
"It seems that you know who commands this detachment," Evan said
sternly, forgetting all his fears now in the anger he felt that this
lad whom he had once trusted should have been all the while a Tory.
"I'll warrant you two know as much."
"Ay; but we are here as prisoners, and you have come as a visitor--one
who has seen these men before, to judge from the manner in which you
accosted them."
"Well, what does that prove?" Ephraim asked, an evil look coming into
his eyes.
"It proves you to be a spy, and when we shall make known what has been
seen this night, I am thinking neither you nor your peace-loving
father will find the Carolinas a pleasant abiding place."
"And I am thinking that when such rebels as you have the chance to
tell what has been seen, the rebellion will have been crushed out, for
now that you are here, if my words go for anything, you will not soon
be set at liberty."