CHAPTER VII
NELSON’S FERRY
Edward and Joseph Marshall were in high glee at thus being allowed to undertake a mission of danger, or as they themselves put it, “were feeling right well satisfied because commands had been given to the Minute Boys as if they were in truth an independent company.”
“Take care not to be too careless in your gratification,” Gabriel said warningly, “else are you like to advertise among the men that which it appears to me the general intended should be kept secret.”
“What harm would come if they suspected that we were going out on a scout?” Joseph asked quickly.
“That I am not able to say; but certain it is we should try our best at doing what the commander wishes. Otherwise might we interfere with his affairs.”
I saw, or fancied I did, that the Marshall boys were disgruntled whenever Gabriel gave them advice. Not having become thoroughly well acquainted with the dear lad, they seemed to have an idea he was reading them a lesson, when in truth he was speaking as one boy to another. Therefore did I change the subject of conversation, by idly questioning as to how near General Marion proposed to advance toward the ferry without halting.
My attempt was successful, for straightway the Marshall boys began discussing the possibility of our being able to liberate any of the prisoners, and this was a subject which we could dwell upon without fear of exposing the plans as set down by the general.
The company rode, as nearly as I could judge, for an hour more, and then we Minute Boys continued on, when the “ragged army” was halted, much as if we had not heard the order. Now once more does it seem necessary I should review the position of affairs, so far as concerns this body of men with whom we had joined fortunes.
It was true we might strike a signal blow in the vicinity of Nelson’s Ferry, thereby releasing a greater or less number of those who would be taken to the horrible torture of the prison-ships but for our intervention. Yet he who reads should remember that ours was probably the only armed force within the Carolinas which remained true to the Colonies; then bear in mind that the Britishers overran our land even as did the locusts of old, and say how might a small squad like ours oppose those which the king had sent against us.
[Illustration: “‘I PROPOSE THAT WE HALT HERE.’”]
Surely for us of the Southern Colonies, this night, when we five set out to spy upon the victorious troops coming down from Camden with our friends as prisoners, was the most desperate for the Cause ever known. We were beaten, hemmed in, and like rats in a corner, could only make one desperate fight, not against death, but simply as proof that our courage held good even until the last moment.
When we passed General Marion and Captain Horry at the head of the column, both sat their horses motionless as statues, looking neither to the right nor the left, but each, as it were, peering into the recesses of his own heart, asking in what manner the end would come. It seemed to me as if we were taking final leave of them; as if this parting was to be the last.
More than that I saw nothing, and five minutes later, that little handful of Carolinian patriots, tried and true, were left behind, while we five lads rode forward, hoping against hope that it might be possible for us to accomplish something toward showing the British king how strong in our hearts was the desire for liberty.
Our horses, jaded by the long march of the day, went forward slowly, and we had not the heart to spur them on, because it was much as if they shared our feelings.
I believe we were about midway between where our people had halted and Nelson’s Ferry, when Gabriel reined in his horse as he said, with the air of one who even while speaking is taking counsel with himself:
“I propose that we halt here. Surely the beasts must be in good condition when it becomes necessary for us to return with an account of what has been done, and now I question whether we could keep them at a trot an hour longer. We shall all be the better for the work in hand if we rest until an hour past midnight.”
He had started off at right angles with the highway while speaking, we following perforce, and when the road was hidden from view by the foliage, he stopped once more.
A better place for camping could not have been found. A tiny brook ran through a grove of pines where the underbrush was so dense as to form ample hiding-place as well as shelter from the dews of night. There was little green feed for the horses; but we carried a goodly store of grain on our saddles, and, heedless of the possible necessities of the future, which seemed so dark, we allowed the tired steeds to eat their pleasure from the store. Such food as we had, and it was, as I have already said, that which we took from the enemy’s camp, we ate, and then, lame and sore in every joint from the long hours in the saddle, laid ourselves down for perchance the last sleep on this earth.
There was no desire for conversation; even the Marshall boys, overjoyed as they had been at being allowed to take part in the work of danger, appeared to have come to a realization of all this scout might mean for us, and had ceased to speculate upon what it might be possible for us to do.
My eyes were closed in slumber within two or three minutes after I was thus stretched at full length upon the bed of pine-needles, and it seemed as if I had slept several hours when something--I know not what--awakened me.
There was no movement on either hand, and even the light of the stars did not penetrate the thicket; yet I could see that the horses were lying down; that my comrades were wrapt in slumber, and it puzzled me to make out why I was thus wakeful.
Then, turning my head for no other reason than to make a change of position, I saw what appeared to be the reflection of a camp-fire through the underbrush. When one knows that he is surrounded by enemies, the slightest thing out of the ordinary arouses his suspicions, and although this gleam of light was so faint that at another time I would have given no heed to it, now it seemed absolutely necessary I should understand the cause.
Rising cautiously to my feet lest I disturb the tired lads around me, I was on the point of advancing, even while saying to myself that I had grown over-suspicious, when suddenly there came between my eyes and the tiny flame three dark figures.
Only at this sign of danger did I realize that I had arisen without taking up the weapon which lay by my side when I fell asleep, and to correct such unsoldierly oversight I turned to get my musket, at the same time laying my hand over Gabriel’s mouth that he might not make an outcry as I awakened him.
The dear lad struggled to rise on the instant, pressing my hand to show that he understood danger of some kind was near at hand, and as I released him he sprang lightly to his feet, musket in hand.
Then, before I could pick up my gun, there came on the still air a cautious hiss like unto the noise which it is wrongly said is made by a serpent, and I wheeled about quickly, knowing that if those outlines I had seen were enemies, they surely would not be thus giving warning of their approach.
Gabriel advanced a few paces, uttering the low hoot of an owl, and then assured that this announcement had been understood, three strangers advanced swiftly yet silently toward us.
Before they were come up, however, I had my musket ready for immediate use in case it should so chance their intentions were not friendly; but such precaution was needless, for as the foremost of the strangers came near, Gabriel seized him by the hands.
“Who is it?” I whispered with impatient curiosity, and Gabriel replied:
“This is Jacob Breen, a neighbor of ours in St. John’s Parish, whom I would have gone in search of if we had had time on that day we stopped at my home.”
“And with me are Henry Moulton and Jared Green,” the newcomer said in the faintest of whispers, adding immediately afterward, “Come farther back into the thicket, for yonder, where you may see that tiny flame, is encamped a squad of Britishers, who have with them a lad whom, if I mistake not, I have seen in Charleston.”
“Seth Hastings!” burst from the lips of both Gabriel and me, and then he who was known as Jacob Breen proposed leaving our comrades peacefully sleeping, for so weary were the poor fellows that it would have required something more than a whispered conversation to have awakened them, while we five went forward.
Not until we had walked two or three minutes, and then come upon a dense thicket, did we halt, when Gabriel squatted upon the ground, which movement we took as a token that we should follow his example, lest even in the gloom of the night our forms might be seen by some prowling enemy if we remained erect.
There, huddled together like frightened sheep, we were completely hidden, and I asked, before any one else could speak, the question which had come to my mind when Gabriel spoke the name of Jacob Breen:
“How did you come to find us in the darkness?”
“We were riding from home, counting to gain Snow’s Island to-morrow morning, travelling at night rather than in the day because of knowing there were so many redcoats hereabout, when we came upon old Peter.”
“Then you must have gone on to where the command is halted.”
“I know not what you mean by that,” Jacob replied in perplexity. “We met the negro less than a quarter of a mile up the road, and there he remains looking after our horses.”
Now indeed was I puzzled, as well I might be, for when we left the “ragged army,” Peter was riding in the rear of the force as if his only desire was to hear the word given which should halt that company, and I said to Gabriel in my perplexity:
“Can you make out what your friend means, lad?”
“Ay, that I can, William Rufus. When old Peter saw us riding away after word had been given to halt, he understood what was in the wind, for that old negro’s head isn’t as thick as you may think. Without permission from my brother he has followed, keeping just far enough in the rear to prevent us from seeing or hearing him, while at the same time he could get a fairly good idea of what we were about.”
“It is fortunate for us that he did so,” Jared Green said in a matter-of-fact tone, “else might we have gone on to meet the general’s forces, when, if what Peter tells us be true, this is where we belong.”
“What did he tell you?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“That you lads were forming an independent command to be known as Minute Boys, and such is the company we desire to join. Of course, when we halted and turned back in search of you, the remainder of the party went on, having been told by the negro where they would probably find the general and Captain Horry.”
“What do you mean by the remainder of the party?” I cried, as a great hope sprung up in my breast, and it was destined not to be dashed, for the lad replied:
“We numbered sixteen when at Gardine’s Ferry, but we three were the only lads.”
“Then Marion’s force will be nearly doubled!” I cried in exultation, and while Gabriel did not give words to his joy, I understood that he was no less pleased with the information than myself.
It was as if we forgot entirely that a squad of the enemy lay near at hand, and not until Gabriel had explained with considerable of detail what we lads counted to do in the raising of a company of Minute Boys, did I realize that it stood us in hand to have a look at those whose camp-fire I had seen.
“How many are there yonder of the enemy?” Gabriel asked when I brought to his mind the fact that we had other work than that of discussing private matters, and Jacob Green replied:
“Twelve or fourteen, counting the boy, and from what we saw of the party it did not appear that they were camping there for the night, but had halted to await the coming of friends.”
“Let us see if we can learn more concerning them,” Gabriel suggested, and as we arose to our feet I stepped aside, thus indicating that he was to take the lead, for there was none in all the Colonies who could do such work better.
We advanced, making no more noise than would have been caused by an Indian, for in those days lads were trained to woodcraft from the time they could go abroad, until we were come to the edge of the road, on the opposite side of which was the fire, as if it had been built to attract attention. Around it, sitting or lying on the ground, were a dozen men or more, and on the side nearest us, where we could have a good view of his face, was that villainous traitor, Seth Hastings.
Nearby were tethered the steeds belonging to the party, and because there were no pack-horses among them, I inferred that this squad had been sent out from Nelson’s Ferry to guide some expected party to a certain encampment.
At the moment, however, I did not give full rein to my speculations, for the fellows were talking with Seth Hastings, and it stood us in hand to listen, because the information to be gained might be valuable. It would seem as if the men had been questioning Seth Hastings as to his ability to do something which had been spoken of, for one of them said when I came within earshot:
“It’s a blind chase, this searching for a party of rebels who by this time may have returned home, hoping to keep secret the part they have been playing.”
To this Seth Hastings replied quickly, as if speaking of a friend:
“Francis Marion will never lay down his arms so long as one other can be found to stand by him.”
“But what reason have we for believing you can lead us directly to him?”
“Because I know his haunts,” the scoundrel said, as if he was telling the truth. “So far all they have accomplished has been done by surprising your people, and I guarantee that two companies of soldiers like you, who shall come out determined not to be taken off your guard, will make a different showing.”
“Of that I have no question; but the rebels, knowing well the country, can easily disperse between the time we have ferreted them out and word has been sent back to the regiment. Then again, we must trust to your finding them, which I misdoubt greatly, else are you a keener lad than I have heretofore seen in the Carolinas.”
Then it was that one who wore the straps of a sergeant, and was evidently the leader of the squad, said decidedly, as if he would put an end to the discussion without further words:
“Even though the rebels may be where this lad has stated, I fail to see what excuse we have for advancing without orders. What is to be gained by spending the night in the saddle, when we may remain quietly until daylight, perhaps?”
“For my part,” another trooper added, “I would rather sleep here than go scouting among the trees after such a slippery customer as Marion is said to be. By holding closely to the orders given us, we may lie down behind these bushes until those whom we are expecting come up.”
“And then,” the sergeant added, “we have simply to go back to Nelson’s Ferry, when those who have remained idle in camp may watch over the hundred or more scurvy rebels which are being brought down from Camden.”
Then it was that the troopers ceased speaking, as if the matter had been definitely settled among them, and we had no need to remain longer, since we knew very much of that which the commander had desired we should learn.
I pressed Gabriel’s arm in token that it was time we moved on, and he turned to retrace his steps at once, knowing, most like, that it was time for us to be up and doing.
When we were arrived at where our comrades were sleeping I gave words to the perplexity which was in my mind:
“We know full well why the squad is camping there, but how does it chance that Seth Hastings can be with every party of redcoats whom we come across?”
“It would be of little benefit could we know of his movements, because he was so thoroughly frightened last night,” Gabriel said with a laugh; “but the chances are that the men in Captain Barfield’s command had had quite as much of the sneaking traitor as they desired, and cast him off. In making his way to Nelson’s Ferry, perhaps in the rear of those whom he had lately called friends, the scoundrel came upon this squad and attached himself to it, promising, in order to gain friendship, that he would lead them directly to General Marion’s camping-place.”
“Unless he makes a longer halt than he has since we joined him, I question whether it can be said that he ever does have a camping-place,” I replied, and Gabriel interrupted, as if believing we had no time for idle conversation:
“It is plain we must first have a look at the enemy near Nelson’s Ferry in order to be able to give such information as is needed. Then must we ride back at full speed, for, as it appears to me, our work will then have been completed.”
“There is no need of your going to Nelson’s Ferry,” Jared Green said quickly, “for most likely the general already has news regarding the situation there. Our party had a good view of the camp as we came up, and learned from those who lived near by that the redcoats were halted there to take charge of the prisoners which were to be brought from Camden. They are scattered along the water’s edge a full quarter of a mile on either side of the ferry, and if it would be possible to come upon them during the night, I question if they could make very much of a stand.”
I was eager to ride back at once with such report as we would be able to give, for knowing now of Seth Hastings’s whereabouts, I said that the next time we made a dash that traitor should be my prisoner. Gabriel was of the same mind, as I learned when we awakened our comrades, and ten minutes later we were leading our horses through the woods at a respectable distance from the road, until having come to where old Peter had stationed himself.
The negro made no excuse for having followed us, even when Gabriel told him harshly that he should be reported to the general for having come away without permission; but aided the new recruits in mounting, and then got into his own saddle, keeping silent all the while, as if the possible reproof which he might receive from the commander made but little difference to him.
After mounting, our progress was no more rapid than if we had remained on foot, for it seemed impossible to urge the animals at a pace faster than a walk, and I believed morning must be near at hand when we finally come to the place where our people had halted.
All of our men were not given over to slumber, as we knew by our being challenged before understanding how near to us were our friends, and five minutes later we were standing by the side of the general and Captain Horry, the former asking without rising to his feet, as if his eyes had not been closed in slumber:
“What disaster has befallen you?”
We soon gave him to understand that fortune had played us a good turn, and immediately the information was given both the officers were on their feet. One would have said that neither had ever known fatigue, to have seen the two as they ran here and there shaking the slumberers into wakefulness.
I supposed the news we brought would have caused some sensation in camp, but never believed it would be acted upon so quickly. Within fifteen minutes from the time of our being challenged by the sentinel, every man was in the saddle, and we eight lads who formed the company of Minute Boys were riding at the head of the column in order to point out the place where the soldiers and Seth Hastings were encamped.
We now learned that it was midnight; the tired men and their horses had enjoyed six hours of rest, and although our advance was not rapid, we pressed forward with greater speed than I had believed possible, for our own steeds appeared to be revived by the companionship of the others.
Old Peter had not been reprimanded as was his due; indeed the fact was that neither Gabriel nor I had remembered to tell the general of his having followed us, so great was the excitement after our arrival at the camping-place, and he had no share in my thoughts as we advanced, until suddenly he came riding up from the rear, saying when he was abreast of Gabriel:
“Down yander am wha’ I stood wid de hosses, Marse Gabriel,” and hearing this, our commander gave the order to halt by bringing his own steed to a standstill.
But for the old negro we might have overridden the place in ignorance of our whereabouts, and thus we were spared the chagrin of acting as guides while not being familiar with the ground. Without delay eight men dismounted that they might continue on under cover of the foliage, and thus surprise the squad.
All of us lads would have accompanied them, but General Marion bade us remain where we were, saying that we had already done enough of labor that night, and in silence we waited to hear those sounds which would tell that Seth Hastings was in our power, although it would have pleased us better to have had a hand in taking the traitor.
However, no signal came to betoken a fight, and as the minutes passed on in silence Captain Horry grew impatient of delay, thinking, most likely, that we might not be able to gain Nelson’s Ferry before daybreak, therefore proposed that we move on at a slow pace.
This we did until having come to the embers of a camp-fire, where our scouts were awaiting us with empty hands. Then it was that my heart grew heavy with disappointment, for I understood, although wholly ignorant of how it may have been brought about, that once more Seth Hastings had given us the slip.
Lest I make too many words in the telling of what may not seem to a stranger as of great importance, let me say, without going into details, that we soon came to guess at what had happened.
It was most probable that the wretched prisoners with their guards had come down the highway while we were riding back to give the commander the result of our efforts in the way of scouting, and the squad we were eager to capture had gone, of course, in the direction of Nelson’s Ferry as guide to the newcomers.
To me this was a most bitter disappointment, for I had counted positively on seeing Seth Hastings before we tried conclusions again with the enemy; but our officers were of a different opinion.
“It has happened most fortunately for us,” General Marion said. “The noise of an encounter might have given the alarm to those still farther on, if peradventure those fellows had made a fight of it, and the men guarding the prisoners would have come up. Now the way is clear for our purpose, and we have nought to do save ride directly on, taking due care not to overrun the game.”
“And in the meantime that sneaking cur will have the chance to give us the slip,” I whispered to Gabriel, and the dear lad pressed my hand, as if understanding how sore at heart I was, as he replied:
“Please God, there are many long days yet ahead of you and me, William Rufus, and before they come to an end we will have triced up that young scoundrel where there can be no danger of his giving any more information to the redcoats.”
Once more the “ragged regiment” moved on, and what happened for a time I am unable to say of my own knowledge, for I fell asleep while in the saddle, regardless of my bitter disappointment because Seth Hastings had escaped, not being conscious of anything more until the halting of my horse nearly threw me over his head.
We had arrived within a mile of Nelson’s Ferry, and it was yet night. Unless some unfortunate accident occurred at the last moment, there would soon be an opportunity of learning whether the cream of the British army would hold firm under such a surprise as we might be able to give them.
The purpose of the halt was not to reconnoitre, as I had at first supposed, but in order that a squad might be detached from our small force to gain possession of the road in the swamp at the point known as Horse Creek, while we were to attack the main body in the rear.
The scouts had been sent ahead half an hour before my awakening, and now came back with the report that the prisoners had arrived, the enemy being yet encamped on the east bank of the creek, not having made an attempt to cross in the darkness.
Once more would General Marion have a chance to execute his favorite manœuvre, the only one by which he could hope to win while the odds were so heavily against him.
Twenty minutes or more were spent in waiting for the detachment to get into position at Horse Creek, when the advance was resumed, this time at a slow pace, lest the tread of our horses upon the road should give the alarm.
Despite the fact that I knew full well we would soon be engaged in a deadly encounter, slumber weighed heavily upon my eyelids, and it was only with difficulty I could prevent them from closing. Rather like one in a dream, than a lad who burned to give his life for the Cause, I held myself in the saddle, and it seemed as if no more than ten minutes had elapsed when we were halted again, this time so near the enemy that the gleam of his camp-fires could be seen.
General Marion’s force was about to be hurled upon the best men in the king’s army, as we knew full well, through the report given by those men who had accompanied Jacob Breen and his comrades, for they told us that the Prince of Wales’s Regiment and a portion of the Sixty-third had been selected to conduct the prisoners. Therefore was it reasonable to suppose that there were considerably more than three hundred men to be encountered.
We who knew little or nothing of military tactics, we who were mounted upon jaded steeds, and half-stupefied through lack of sleep, were to charge a camp of well-armed men, most likely in the best possible condition, and if the end for us of the Southern Colonies was near, it seemed as if this was indeed the last moment on earth.