CHAPTER XI

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.