CHAPTER XVIII

MANŒUVRING FOR POSITION

I have already set it down that our people were much the same as wild with delight when it seemed probable we were about to set off in search of Colonel Tarleton, lest he might have some difficulty in finding us who were eager to meet him, and the greater number of our “ragged regiment” firmly believed we would give battle wheresoever we chanced to come upon the enemy.

I myself fancied, as did Gabriel, that our commander, believing his force sufficient to warrant acting on the offensive, would turn the tables by hunting Tarleton, when the truth was, as I learned later, that General Marion made a change of base in order to have choice of the battle-field, taking good care to arrange everything in his favor, if that might be possible, before trying conclusions.

That which was done during the week or two following our abandonment of the encampment provided for us by Colonel Tyne, proved that General Marion was an able soldier, and the fact that he came to grief in this one case does not detract in any little degree, so I have heard military authorities say, from his reputation.

If we Minute Boys had known that the order to break camp had been given simply because the general was not willing to meet Tarleton’s force at Tarcote, and that we were setting off only in order to manœuvre for position, as the captain of a ship jockeys to get weather gauge of his adversary, then it is certain we would have left the force sufficiently long to have one more try at capturing Seth Hastings. Had we done so, we might have saved a life that had become very dear to us, and much of the history concerning the Carolinas in the year of grace 1781 would have been written in a different strain.

Unfortunately, as it has ever seemed to me, we were in ignorance of the true reason for abandoning Colonel Tyne’s encampment, and believed it our duty to hold with the “ragged regiment,” to the end that we might do our full share of the fighting which seemed so near at hand.

Our horses were in good condition when we set off at sunset, leaving behind us all that store of plunder under guard of the brave fellows who had undertaken to hold it even when they knew that if any body of the enemy came up they must necessarily be killed or taken prisoners--which last was a worse fate than that of death. Every man among us was eager to measure strength with that human brute, Tarleton, who had devastated the Carolinas wherever he marched, and, because of the success which had been ours, we believed we might make an attempt under any condition, however disadvantageous, with the certainty of besting him.

We rode swiftly that night, and all the next day, hardly drawing rein save to water and feed our horses, until arriving once more at Nelson’s Ferry. This was the second time we had crossed the entire district of Williamsburg with a speed such as astounded the British horsemen, and it is little wonder that our general had received from them the name in which we of the “ragged regiment” gloried.

Exactly how strong the enemy were there was no means of knowing, although one might guess that Tarleton would not come out with less than his full legion, which numbered upward of eleven hundred men, but yet we pressed forward even after having come upon their trail until the moment arrived when it would have been folly to advance farther, because our horses were winded.

Then we made camp in the thicket, Gabriel complaining bitterly because his brother had called a halt, although the steed which the lad bestrode could not have kept his feet an hour longer.

With the enemy so near at hand, for Tarleton was reported to be no more than ten miles away, it was necessary to take every precaution at this encampment, and we were yet hard at work throwing up rude breastworks such as would suffice for the use of the sharpshooters, when Colonel Richardson, who had served under General Sumter until wounded and then retired to his plantation, came up.

He brought definite information regarding the strength and position of the enemy, and because our general did not appear to be greatly alarmed after the story had been told, he cried passionately:

“You can easily be surrounded here, and, with such a force as Tarleton has, must be cut to pieces, however bravely your men may fight! To make a stand now would be useless sacrifice of life, and I beg of you, General Marion, to seek a more advantageous place in which to meet the enemy, for if your regiment be defeated now, it will be a death-blow to the Cause in the Carolinas.”

Our people were hardly such idiots as to fail of understanding that talk like this from an experienced officer, one known to be a staunch friend to the Cause, was not to be disregarded, and, therefore, were prepared for the order which came half an hour later.

It was known that General Marion had every confidence in the opinion of the colonel, and was counting on following it, when the word was passed for those who were at work on the barricades to cease labor that the horses might be given due care in the hope they would be able to travel yet a few miles farther. The men were told to make a hurried meal, and this last command had, in many cases, not yet been obeyed, when the order was given to mount.

In less than an hour from the time Colonel Richardson came into the encampment, we were urging our jaded steeds through that gloomy swamp known as the “wood-yard,” and, two hours later, the command was halted on the bank of Jack’s Creek.

We had covered only six miles in all that time, owing to the condition of the horses, but it was sufficient, so far as eluding the Britishers was concerned, because they might not come across us unless, perchance, that traitor among our number--he who had aided Seth Hastings in escaping--found opportunity to send back word to the Britishers, and that was a possibility which our officers had ever kept in mind since it was known we had in our ranks one who would serve the king at the first safe chance.

While Colonel Tarleton was a butcher--one who had no idea of mercy or compassion--it is only just to give him credit of being a good soldier after his own particular fashion. As a man to lead hard-riders, he was perhaps the best in the king’s service, and we who were now fleeing before him understood that not a single moment would be lost in the pursuit if he had an inkling of our whereabouts.

Ride as fast and as long as we might, his men would ever be at our heels, while they could hold the pace, and it was endurance and the speed of the horses which would give the final result.

Therefore it was that from the moment when, at Colonel Tyne’s old encampment, it was known the Britishers were devoting all their efforts to the one purpose of crushing the “ragged regiment,” not a man of the command, save those whom General Marion knew personally were devoted heart and soul to the Cause, were allowed to leave the ranks or the camps. The sentinels were selected from such of the regiment as had been proven beyond a doubt, and the word passed at all times was that an alarm should be given without delay if any one lagged behind on the march, or attempted to stray beyond the lines marked out for the encampment.

During this last painful, but short, march, we Minute Boys had been ordered to bring up the rear, that we might guard against straggling on the part of our people, and all along the line rode men whose duty it was to shoot down without warning any one who did not hold his designated place in the ranks.

The fear of what that single traitor whom we had reason to believe was among us, would be able to do, was far greater than that of meeting all the redcoats Tarleton could bring against us, for the rank and file of our “ragged regiment” had not yet come to understand why we might fail to ride at ease through any body of the enemy that opposed our advance.

At daybreak our brigade was on the march once more, the men weary to the verge of exhaustion, and the horses so jaded that they appeared unable to continue, even at a walk, a single mile farther. But yet we kept on over bogs and through swamps until arriving at Benbow’s Ferry, about ten miles above Kingstree, where was a strong natural camp.

It was a place with which we were familiar. It commanded the ferry, and as within easy riding distance of all the country roundabout from which we must draw provisions and provender. As a rallying point it could not have been equalled in the Carolinas, and should we be hard pressed there were three difficult passes through the swamp in the rear where, if necessary, we might make a stubborn fight.

Strong as was this position, General Marion set about strengthening it yet further. Trees were felled, breastworks built, and in eight and forty hours we were prepared to hold our own against Tarleton’s much-vaunted legion, reasoning that our defences made up for lack of numbers until we were fully the enemy’s equal.

By this time those of our people who had been most confident in their ability to whip any force of the Britishers that might be sent against us were beginning to realize the mistake. Every one knew that General Marion was a leader who would willingly take desperate chances, and if he was doubtful of the issue, then did it seem reasonable to believe there was good cause for prudence. Again, Colonel Richardson’s reputation was such that no person could accuse him of being over-cautious, and, take it all in all, we of the “ragged regiment” were coming to understand that while we had had wonderful success thus far, we were not as formidable as many had fancied.

Now, however, we were convinced that a decisive battle would soon be fought, but it was not destined that the struggle in the Carolinas should be brought to so speedy a conclusion.

Tarleton pursued our “ragged regiment,” having learned that we were much the same as fleeing before him, losing time here and there to burn dwellings which sheltered only women and children, until he was come to within less than twelve miles of our camp, when, to the surprise of enemies as well as friends, he turned suddenly about, marching with all speed to Camden.

It was afterward said by the Tories that Lord Cornwallis had expressly ordered him to return, but more than one of our company believed the red-coated Britisher, who could be so courageous when he had none but old men, boys, and women in front of him, was actually afraid to measure strength in a fair battle with General Marion, and our spirits rose accordingly.

While we remained here in camp with safety, gathering numbers every day, much was done by our friends in other parts of the State. General Sumter gave battle to Tarleton at the Blackstock farm on the banks of the Tyger, defeating him utterly, but at a terrific loss, so far as the Cause was concerned. The Britishers had ninety-two killed and one hundred and four wounded. The patriots lost only three killed and four wounded, but in the latter list was the general himself, who had been severely injured in the breast by a British bullet. His men, true to him as was our “ragged regiment” to General Marion, lashed him in the raw hide of a bullock slung as a litter between two horses, and thus, guarded by a hundred picked men, he was carried to the upper part of the State, where, so we were told, he lay hovering ’twixt life and death.

At this time, also, was fought the battle of King’s Mountain, when the British under Major Ferguson were defeated handsomely, the killed, wounded, and captured of the enemy amounting to eleven hundred men, and among the dead was the major himself.

And now, after the “ragged regiment” had remained inactive near two weeks, and the Minute Boys were eating their hearts out because they could not go in search of Seth Hastings even at the risk of meeting Tarleton’s men, our leaders decided that the time had come when we must show that lingering long in camp had not made us timid.

The British post at Georgetown was the one place which our people of the Carolinas most needed as a base of operations against Charleston, and, in fact, to hold our own in the Williamsburg district. Situated as it was, we were constantly menaced while the enemy held possession of the place. In addition to that, it was a depot of supplies of salt, clothing, and ammunition for the king’s troops, and the capture of the goods would be a severe blow to the Britishers.

To take Georgetown would be an exploit such as might advantage the Cause more than had the victory of King’s Mountain, therefore it was to this end our general proposed to bend all his energies. It was believed the enemy lay at Georgetown in great force, perhaps to the number of four thousand men, and we knew full well the nature of the fortifications roundabout the post. A direct assault would have been fatal to us. It was only by such methods as had won for our general the name of “Swamp Fox” that we could succeed, and, as can well be fancied, none of our people was averse to the attempt, believing so far as backwoods strategy was concerned, we were far superior to any of the king’s forces.

The first we Minute Boys knew of what it was proposed to do was when, much to our relief, we broke camp, carrying with us all our equipage and so much of provisions as could be gathered, crossing the Black River at Potato Ferry, thus advancing toward Georgetown by that road known as “Gap Way.”

Now this much as regards Georgetown must be understood: Three miles from that post is an inland swamp known as White’s Bay, which, discharging itself by two mouths, the one into the Black River and the other into Sampit, completely cuts off the post, which stands on the north side of the last named river, near its junction with Winyaw Bay. Over the creek that empties into the Sampit is a bridge, two miles from the town.

Our Minute Boys were in high feather at the prospect of seeing active service, for we were weary with loitering in camp and, as a matter of course, we hoped by taking to the field once more it would be possible to satisfy the one desire of our hearts--the recapture of that Tory cur who had escaped us so readily. In fact, we had come to think more of taking him, while eating out our hearts at Benbow’s Ferry, than of what we might do for the Cause.

There was no need we should be told where an attack was to be made, once we had come into the road leading to Georgetown. Every member of the force knew how eager our commander was to get possession of that post, and, looking around, I could see every fellow’s face lighten with joy as he came to realize that at last we were to try for so great a stake, instead of spending our time upon a few squads of Tories.

From the moment of starting until we halted in the rear of the swamp known as White’s Bay, the orders had been strict against straggling, and it was well known that whosoever should venture to move out of the line ever so slightly would be shot down. And this to the end that the traitor whom we had among us might not be able to ride on in advance for the purpose of giving information. Therefore did we feel reasonably sure it would be possible to come upon the enemy by surprise, but in case we failed to do so, then the chances would be heavily against us.

This last halt placed us within three miles of Georgetown, and that our commander would make an effort to ride straight through the Britishers, trusting to throw them into a panic of fear at the outset, we had good reason for believing since it was his favorite method of attack. Proof that this was to be so came when the word was passed for every trooper to look carefully after his horse in anticipation of the work before us, when the speed of the animals would, perhaps, avail even more than the accuracy of our aim.

It was near to ten o’clock at night when Captain Horry in a low voice summoned the men to form in a square around him and General Marion, to the end that arrangements be made for the coming work. When we were thus assembled the captain said, speaking so that every man might hear:

“Two squads of twenty men each are needed for particularly dangerous work such as may, perhaps, ensure the death of all. Because of this, volunteers are called for, and I ask that such of you as are so minded to sacrifice their own lives for the good of the Cause and safety of the brigade will step forward two paces.”

Gabriel, Archie, and myself were standing side by side at the time, and it was as if each had the same thought in his mind, for we three moved as one. Then, turning my head ever so slightly, in order to learn what the others were doing, a flood of joy such as was like to have choked me came into my heart when I saw that every man and boy among us had advanced two paces, thus showing that those who followed General Marion were ready to sacrifice everything, even life itself, for the advancement of the Cause.

“You be brave lads, all!” Captain Horry said, as he looked about him, and there was an expression of keenest delight on the general’s face. “Your courage has been proven again and again, and because of the past every one is entitled to the honor of sacrificing his life for the others, but only forty can be used in the movement. Therefore I ask that such of you as are minded to forego your own desires to those of your comrades will step back two paces.”

Not a man moved; every trooper remained firmly in place as if he and he alone should be the one to give up his life for the others, and among these brave men our Minute Boys--comrades all who were destined that night to see one of our number foully murdered while yet we were powerless to raise a hand in his defence.

Then it was General Marion’s turn to speak, and it seemed to me that his face was actually lighted up with pleasure as he said in a low tone, but so clear that we could hear distinctly every word:

“I have good reason to know how true and brave are you of the ‘ragged regiment,’ but because it is possible those who volunteer for this dangerous service may be cut down to a man, I cannot allow more than forty to ride on in advance. Therefore I ask that such of you as have wives, families, or any helpless ones depending upon you for support, step back as Captain Horry has said, for I repeat that those who go take more than an even chance never to return, and we must not make more widows and orphans than may be absolutely necessary to the Cause.”

Again the men held firm, never one giving way, although considerably more than half the troopers were men of families.

General Marion looked around him again with pride, and once more he spoke, but this time in a tone of command:

“I admit that you have equal right to the honor, but a choice must be made, and in making it I shall show favoritism by selecting those whose death will be mourned by the fewest. To that end as your names are called, advance two more paces.” Then he cried out sharply, “Gabriel Marion!”

My heart beat furiously, fearing lest we two lads were to be separated in the time of danger, but before there was opportunity to give much heed, I heard my own name called, and while stepping proudly forward to the side of our leader, Archie Gordon was summoned; then the two Marshall Boys, and the selection from the ranks of the Minute Boys had been made.

Beginning with the troopers, General Marion called first for Master Sawyer, and then rapidly, as if time was precious, he made up the list until the forty who were to go, perhaps, down into the flood of that dark river which lies between us and the other world, were standing in the centre of the hollow square triumphantly happy, as if life was a thing to be thrown heedlessly away, while all their comrades gazed at them enviously.

Then it was that Captain Horry stepped in front of our chosen company, and said almost in a whisper:

“You know, because of what has been told you, that the chances are much against your seeing another sun rise. Therefore I ask if there be any who have a request to make ere it be too late, pledging my word that such wishes shall be sacredly carried out.”

There was silence for a minute, and then one man asked that word might be sent to his people stating he had volunteered for the service; another desired that in case he was killed a certain comrade should care for his horse; and so on until, mayhap, half a dozen had spoken, and then during a few seconds was there perfect silence.

As for myself, I believed we who were thus chosen would perish in whatsoever of danger there was before us. It would be a glorious ending of one’s life, yet as I reflected upon it without the slightest desire that I might have been among those who were to remain, I said to myself that it would be sweet to live until we had thrown off the king’s yoke. At this moment when we sat face to face with death, almost feeling the chill breath from the great white angel’s wings, I was certain our people would finally win the victory however many hirelings his Majesty might send upon us, as I was certain that my life might, within a very few moments, be the cost of this adventure.

Then we were told off into two squads of twenty each, and after this had been done General Marion said, in a voice which I fancied he had difficulty in holding firm:

“While the two squads are acting together Master Sawyer is to be in command. When you separate, he is to lead one division, and my brother the other. In selecting a lad to lead men I know full well you may raise, and with good reason, the charge of favoritism, but when I am sending into most dangerous service the only person left in this world whose blood is the same as mine, then do I believe you readily accord me the poor satisfaction.”

He waited a moment as if to learn whether there were any who questioned the wisdom of his decision, and as no one spoke he turned toward us who were going, saying firmly, as if having done with personal feelings:

“The plan of attack is this: You forty men will set off at once for Georgetown, advancing with every care lest you betray to the enemy your movements. Once having come as near the post as may be with safety and secrecy, you will divide, one passing to the right and the other to the left, until having gained positions nearly opposite on either side of the camp. If while executing this manœuvre you find that there has been any material change in the post, such as reinforcements, or the throwing up of breastworks, messengers are to be sent back to the main body at once. Failing in that, you are to remain in hiding until hearing a single shot from the direction of this road, when, without an instant’s delay, you will charge into the camp, beginning the attack. It is my intention to offer you as a sacrifice, if so be one is needed, to the end that you shall keep the enemy employed until the regiment may fall upon him at his weakest point.”

Having said this the general turned away, Captain Horry following; but those who formed the hollow square stood in position, gazing at us as if hoping at the last moment one or more might grow weak-kneed, thus giving opportunity for some of them.

“It goes without saying that we are to advance on foot,” Master Sawyer said, addressing us of the two squads who were drawn up in line. “We are to make our way around the camp over swampy land, and surely some of us have had sufficient experience in trying to get horses across such ground without needing more, therefore, because the advance must be slow, I propose that we set off without further delay.”

We waited only long enough to get all our equipments, and while we lads were doing this the remainder of the Minute Boys crowded around as if to bid us good-by, but we would have none of it.

“Words of parting at such a time are not seemly in the mouths of soldiers,” Gabriel said, as, his preparations completed, he strode away to where the volunteers were already standing in line, and we followed him, I for one thankful because he had shut off the leave-taking.

Proud and eager though I was, it would not have required much just then to weaken me, and if, peradventure, I was going away from these comrades for the last time, I desired they should remember me as one who went forth to duty with a brave heart.

I believe the commander must have given certain orders to those who remained, for when we formed in line the other portion of the “ragged regiment” was at the opposite side of the encampment busied with various duties as if they had no part in, or heed to what we were doing.

We set off in double file, Master Sawyer leading the way, and because of the possibility that we might betray our whereabouts, word was passed that no man speak during the march.

We went at our best pace, and in little more than half an hour were come to where we could see the settlement of Georgetown, with the canvas tents standing so thickly among the buildings that it looked like a veritable city.

Thus far we had met no person, for the night was well advanced, and when the squads were divided while we stood within the shelter of the trees just off the main road, Master Sawyer said to Gabriel in a whisper:

“So far as I know there is no choice between the two positions, lad; but if you have any, say the word, otherwise we will move as we are standing--you to the right and I to the left.”

“Whatever suits you, sir,” Gabriel replied, and motioning to his squad, Master Sawyer moved off swiftly, so silently that we who remained would not have been aware they had left us but for the passing blotches against the lighter sky, which told of their march.

Gabriel did not linger after the others had gone, and well was it for me, because at such a time, when we had been warned plainly of the dangers to be encountered, delay would have soon made me timorous.