CHAPTER VIII

THE PRISONERS

There was no hope in my mind, as we stood ready to begin the attack upon the redcoats who guarded the prisoners, that we might be successful, and I fancied from his silence that Gabriel Marion had much the same idea as I.

Even with those new recruits which had just joined us, the “ragged regiment” was yet no more than a handful of men, who were about to try conclusions, as I have already stated, against the pick of the English forces. That we should be able to ride through this camp, as we had the other two, seemed an absolute impossibility, and, as the matter presented itself to my mind, the utmost of success which could be reasonably anticipated was that while we engaged the attention of the escort, some of the prisoners might succeed in escaping.

I firmly believed that when this combat was come to an end, we, who took the patriot side of it, would have struck our last blow in behalf of the Cause; for when it was ended there seemed little probability any of us would be alive or at liberty.

We lads who called ourselves the Minute Boys made ready for the coming engagement by forming a compact body, each being determined that we would bear our share in this fight as a separate command, for we were like never to have another opportunity of riding shoulder to shoulder in behalf of the Cause.

“It is not fair that Gabriel should ride in advance of us, even though he be the leader,” Archie Gordon said in a whisper during those brief moments when we were awaiting the signal of attack. “There are few of us lads, and each should have an equal opportunity of showing whether it is in him to play the part of a man.”

“And that is what you shall have, lad,” Gabriel replied as he pulled his horse back until standing in line with the others, and he had no more than spoken when General Marion said in a low tone, but so distinctly that all could hear the words:

“Follow me, comrades, and do not make the mistake of thinking that this is anything of a desperate dash, for you have but to do what has been done twice before and victory will be ours beyond a peradventure.”

Then he spurred his horse forward without further word of encouragement or command, and in another instant we were riding at full speed straight for the encampment where there was every reason to believe three or four hundred well-trained, well-armed soldiers were ready to receive us to the best of their ability.

Were it not that all this account of what was done at Nelson’s Ferry by the handful of men under General Marion’s command has been set down again and again in the pages of history, I would hesitate to tell the story, lest those who may read it accuse me of drawing the long bow in order to make that which we did appear all the more heroic. I am free to confess that even now, as I look back upon that night in memory, it seems more like some fantastical dream than an absolute reality, for by all the rules of war we should have been wiped out of existence before we had come within striking distance of the encampment.

However, I am setting down only that which was done, and there are hundreds of men living to-day who can bear me out in every statement I make.

We were about midway from where the last halt had been made and the British camp, which was set up in true military order, with tents in abundance and sentinels posted properly, when our commander gave the word for us to make ready for opening fire.

“See to it that every shot counts!” he cried, now that the redcoats could be seen pouring out from their tents like so many wasps from their nest. “If we can strike a sufficiently heavy blow at first, the work is done before having been fairly begun, therefore look well to your aim.”

We were less than half a musket-shot distant when the word to fire was given, and by this time the surprised soldiers were gathered in a dense mass, as if awaiting the word to form into line, and he who would have failed to hit a target must have shot wild indeed.

The effect of this first volley was that men fell by scores, one bullet most like wounding several, and the officers had not yet buckled on their finery to receive us according to the British ideas of warfare, when we were riding directly upon the soldiers, who would have fought bravely enough had they stood in proper alignment according to their training.

It was with these disciplined soldiers as it had been with those we had previously encountered; they were bewildered, frightened by what one of them afterward called our “unsoldierly attack.” Had we been sufficiently polite to give them due warning that they might have formed in rank to receive us, then indeed had we been wiped out as one snuffs a candle. Or perchance, if the officers had had time to show themselves in proper uniform, then might the result have been different, but as it was we rode straight through them, many leaping into the stream to wade or swim across as best they might, while others took to the woods on the right, and the greater number fled before us, an undisciplined, terrified mob. We gave them three volleys as we rode on in pursuit for half a mile, the Minute Boys cheering wildly because they had, as was indeed the fact, ridden in the forefront of that stampede, and then to my surprise came the word to halt.

While we were yet aquiver with the excitement of the sudden dash and unexpected victory, came the order to wheel about, and at full speed, as if bent on retreating at the very instant he was victorious, General Marion led us at our swiftest pace back to the encampment.

Here we found about a hundred and fifty prisoners, some of whom, when their guards fled, began searching for weapons dropped by the redcoats in their flight, and at the same time taking good care to secure one or more horses.

“Let every man follow this force!” General Marion shouted, raising his voice to the full strength of his lungs in order to make himself heard by all, for many of the prisoners were very nearly in the same state of bewilderment as were those whom we had driven out of camp. But he understood that some reason must be given, else would those so lately released refuse to obey. “The British will not go far before their officers are able to bring them into something approaching order, and then may we expect an attack. If you would save yourselves now that we have freed you, obey without questioning whatsoever commands may be given!”

He halted no longer than was necessary for those who had been driven down from Camden like sheep, to understand what he said, and then, urging our horses at their best pace, we rode back over the road just traversed.

“And now, what?” Jacob Breen asked of me in an angry tone. “Is this how General Marion fights, by running away when he has the upper hand of the enemy?”

“It is not for us to question what he may or may not do,” I said with considerable of sharpness in my tone. “When a man has led such a handful as followed him half an hour ago to the victory which we have just won over so large a force, his courage cannot be questioned.”

All this I said as if in my mind everything had been done as it should be, and yet I was sore even as Jacob showed himself to be, because of what looked like nothing more or less than a shameful retreat. Gabriel rode by my side moodily, while Archie Gordon did not venture to make any comments upon our last success, thereby showing me these two also were disturbed in mind.

Our horses had been jaded some time before we overrode the British camp, and now that we were retracing our steps it was with difficulty they could be forced forward at anything like a decent rate of speed, while the prisoners, whose steeds were comparatively fresh, would have pressed on in advance but that Captain Horry and General Marion forced them to remain in line, threatening to shoot the first who should make any attempt at gaining the lead.

In this sorry fashion we travelled perhaps five miles, and then we were come to what seemed an advantageous position in the event of being attacked, whereupon word was given to halt and make preparation for defence.

When the horses had been picketed amid the timber of a small hill, one side of which formed a bluff on the bank of the creek, and those whom we released from captivity had fraternized with our men, General Marion ordered them into line, coupling such command with orders to his own force to round the strangers up into shape if they were not inclined to obey.

I was filled with astonishment as we lads stood somewhat apart from the remainder of the force watching the proceedings, for I had supposed that these men who had been rescued from a horrible fate would be so thankful that every command would be obeyed on the instant, whereas they lounged here and there as if to show that they considered themselves free from military authority.

However, after a time, they were ranged in ranks two or three deep, and our commander, with Captain Horry, stood in front of them more like a suppliant, as it seemed to me, than one who had every right to be obeyed.

Then, as if he had been a recruiting officer pleading for enlistments, he told of what he hoped might be done in the future toward ridding the Carolinas of the enemy which overran the soil; he belittled the disaster at Camden, put the blame where it belonged, rather than upon the men themselves, and concluded by asking that those who were willing to join his “ragged regiment” step forward half a dozen paces.

I expected to see every man advance, for even though they might not have had the love of country so very strong in their hearts, gratitude because of what had been done in their behalf should have compelled them to do as our commander requested.

Instead, however, to their shame be it said, only sixteen of that one hundred and fifty presented themselves as recruits, and this at a time when their native land called for every hand which could be raised in her defence!

I am not mindful to dwell upon this disgraceful event in the history of the Carolinas, but will hasten over it by making some explanation, if indeed any be needed, as to why we failed to enlist every man who had been released that night.

Instead of railing at the former prisoners, General Marion called to his side those who had stepped forward, and the remainder were allowed to discuss the matter among themselves, most like with the hope that others might yet decide to join their force.

Then it was that many of those who had shown themselves to be cowards, as I looked at the matter, began to make excuses as to why they were no longer willing to battle against the yoke of the king. Some said, as if the statement could not be contradicted, that the Cause was already lost; others declared that to fight longer was simply to risk one’s life without an object; because the redcoats already overrun the country, and Gates had been defeated, there was not the slightest chance we could even hold our liberty many days.

Gabriel, Archie, and I made our way among these men who wore the buff and blue, to hear further reason as to why they had acted such a cowardly part. It was the captain, one who should have been the first to urge his men to enlist, who said in reply to my questions:

“Surely the Cause has none in the Carolinas save this beggarly force to which you are attached, while the British occupy every advantageous point in the country. Our people are dispersed or captured; the Virginia and North Carolina militia are scattered to the four winds; Sumter’s Legion has been whipped by Tarleton, and their leader is fleeing for his life. In addition to all that, here is a copy of the order which Lord Clinton has sent to the commandants of the different posts throughout the Colonies.”

Then the officer handed me a slip of paper on which was written the following:

“I have given orders that all the inhabitants of this province who have subscribed and have taken part in this revolt shall be punished with the greatest rigor; and also those who will not turn out, that they be imprisoned and their whole property taken from them or destroyed. I have ordered in the most positive manner that every militia man who has borne arms with us and afterward joined the enemy shall be immediately hanged.”

Lad though I was, and all unused to such business, I soon came to understand how hopeless would be the effort to enlist any more of these men who literally owed us their lives, and said to Gabriel and Archie:

“Let us gain such rest as may be possible while halting here, for it is wasting breath and time to argue with men who, instead of asking for reasons as to why they ought to defend their country, should be eager to get an opportunity.”

Then we Minute Boys camped by ourselves--that is to say, lay down on the ground in the same place, for those brave hearts of Carolina who fought against the king had nothing whatsoever of camp equipage. Our company now numbered eight, and it seemed to me, when taken into comparison with General Marion’s “ragged regiment,” that we were in great strength.

The disappointment of gaining only sixteen recruits when we should have had a hundred and fifty, and the certainty that those whom we had stampeded would soon be hot on our trail, did not prevent us from sleeping during such time as the halt was continued, and when we were awakened an hour after sunset, it seemed to me as if the desire for yet more slumber was so great that it could not be shaken off.

I was ashamed of such weakness very shortly afterward, when I learned that neither our commander nor Captain Horry had closed their eyes, but busied themselves while we rested in learning whatsoever they might of the situation by questioning those whom we had released. Thus it was they learned that Colonel Wemyss was in command of the escort from whom we had taken the prisoners. We knew he was a brave officer, who served his king as loyally as we tried to serve the Colonies, and would not rest content under the disgrace we had put upon him. Therefore was it certain he would come in pursuit of us as soon as might be.

This information was not kept secret from the men. In fact, during such time as I had the good fortune to serve under Francis Marion, I never knew him to conceal from his force, whether it was much or small, the true condition of affairs.

Therefore no one was surprised at hearing that we had a long march before us. Captain Horry stated openly that our destination would be Hope Mountain, where it was believed we could not only hold our own against those whom we had every reason to believe were to come in pursuit, but would be in a district where was every reason to believe we might find men who had more of blood in their veins than those whom Colonel Wemyss had driven like cattle down from Camden.

While we were getting breakfast and feeding the horses, a messenger was despatched to Snow’s Island to give information there as to our movements, and also instruct those left in charge of the camp to bring whatsoever of stores and ammunition might be readily transported to the new encampment. Then we were ordered to make ready for the march within reasonable time, and as our people brought out food from their wallets to break their fast, those faint-hearted prisoners who dared not stand up like men because my Lord Clinton had sent out his bombastic proclamations far and near urged that we share with them our scanty allowance of food, thus giving me the keen satisfaction of telling one of that weak-kneed crowd how I would serve out those who refused to stand up for themselves.

“Whatsoever I have shall ever be shared with those who are serving the Cause,” I said, and no doubt spoke to my elders in a way unbecoming a lad, “but when men who do not dare to brave the threats of those who serve the king, ask for food, I would deny it them even though they were starving, and I had of such abundance that I knew not what disposition to make of it.”

Some of the hungry cowards laughed at me, but that did not dispel the satisfaction which was mine at thus having an opportunity of giving free words to the angry thoughts which had been mine since the moment they failed to respond to the commander’s request.

The “ragged regiment” was on the march before the sun was two hours high, we Minute Boys riding side by side, as may be supposed, and it was only natural that we should speak of the events of the previous night.

Now it must not be supposed that until this time we had wholly forgotten that traitor Seth Hastings. More than once during the hours of darkness after we had put the redcoats to flight, did we give words to our disappointment at having failed even to see the cur; but now while we had so much of leisure on our hands Archie Gordon must needs be laying plans to capture him. To have heard the lad talk one might have fancied we Minute Boys were of sufficient numbers to make an attack wheresoever it pleased us, as can be seen from the proposition which he made. I am setting it down here, not that it adds interest to the story which I am trying to tell, but rather in order to show how much of courage there was in the little fellow’s heart.

“If it so be this Colonel Wemyss comes in chase of us, as General Marion believes, why may we Minute Boys not lie in ambush, after having learned of the direction in which he is to advance, and if Seth Hastings yet remains with that command, boldly cut him out of the force.

“And would you enlist in any such harebrained venture as that, lad?” Jacob Breen asked in surprise, whereupon Archie replied in a matter-of-fact tone:

“Why should I not? There is no more of danger in it than in this force falling upon the redcoats at Nelson’s Ferry.”

Captain Horry came riding up from the rear just at this moment, and, hearing a portion of the remark, asked curiously as to what proposition we were discussing. I repeated what our comrade had said, and the captain seemed to think there was something comical in it, for he laughed heartily as he spurred his horse forward to tell the story to the commander.

We were arrived at Hope Mountain shortly after noon, and at once set about making an imitation of a regular camp by building shelters of brushwood, for there was every likelihood we would remain here many days. We Minute Boys built quite a stately hut for ourselves, with a shelter for the horses immediately in the rear, so that when it rained they might not get wet, therefore forcing us to spend a long time in caring for them lest they take cold. Horses, it must be understood, were to people in our position next in importance to ammunition, and he who had not groomed and fed his steed before caring for himself would most likely have heard a sharp reprimand from one of the officers.

We Minute Boys were proud of our handiwork when the camp was finished, and, had we so desired, could have had from among the men many comrades, for our quarters were most comfortable as compared with some of the shelters set up by the more indolent of the force.

Before another four and twenty hours had passed those who were left in charge of the supplies at Snow’s Island arrived with all the led horses that could be procured, each bearing a full burden of provender or provisions, and on the third day twenty of our people rode across the swamp to bring back yet more stores; therefore when this last expedition returned we had no fear of suffering from lack of food even though we remained fully two weeks in this encampment at the foot of the mountain.

The days were passed in idleness, save for the grooming of the horses, and although not a trooper left the camp, we were kept well informed regarding the movements of the enemy, by such of the people roundabout as were friendly to the Cause.

Therefore it was we heard sad news from Camden, when the humane and tender-hearted Lord Cornwallis hanged eight old men and seven boys, prisoners he had taken after the battle, simply because there was a suspicion that they may have been in the so-called rebellion. From every quarter came stories of barbarity and excesses committed by the British officers, and that which seemed like a great misfortune soon proved, despite the horror, to be a blessing in disguise, for it drove into our ranks every man from the surrounding country, who had ever been charged, whether rightfully or no, with taking any part whatsoever in resistance to the king’s oppressions.

Within six days there were enrolled among the followers of General Marion no less than five hundred and fifty good men, tried and true, but it is not to be supposed that the entire force remained in camp. In fact, although the brigade was being strengthened daily, the army was decreasing, and for two good reasons: first, such a body could not be readily supplied with provisions, and secondly, because the majority of these troopers were men of families, who, during this season of inactivity, took advantage of the opportunity to provide for the needs of those at home.

Then came the day when word was brought to us by some of the patriots who lived near about Georgetown, that Lord Cornwallis was secretly disturbed by what we had already done, and was deeply fearing that which we might do, therefore he was about to send against us not only Tarleton’s Legion, but a strong force of the Sixty-third Regulars under Colonel Wemyss.

By this time not only had the “ragged regiment” increased in size, as I have said before, but the number of our Minute Boys had been added to until seventeen responded to the roll-call. Gabriel had, a few days before word was brought as to how high we patriots stood in the estimation of the British commander, begun drilling us that we might be able to present somewhat of a military appearance, and right glad were we for the occupation, because the monotony of camp-life, which had begun to grow wearisome, was thus broken.

Archie, in whose eyes our ranks of seventeen looked to be a formidable army, now began to repeat his proposition that we lay plans for the capture of Seth Hastings, making them wholly independent of what General Marion might do, and before many hours had passed the most timid of us came to fancy that there was more of reason than rhyme in this bold proposition.

In fact, so thoroughly did he accustom us by his words to the possibility of making an attack from ambush upon the British lines as they came up, that when finally we learned our commander had come to an end of remaining passive, the first thought in our minds was as to whether we might not carry out that which had previously seemed so wild and harebrained.

But I must not overrun the story of what General Marion did, in my desire to set down all the movements of the Minute Boys, therefore is it necessary I come back to the night when men from Georgetown rode in with the information as to what the British contemplated.

We lads were alone in our hut, as was our custom, for it seemed to us as if by remaining apart from the troopers we emphasized the fact of being an independent command, and while we were eagerly discussing Archie’s proposition Captain Horry entered.

I understood full well from the expression on his face that the visit was not an idle one, and therefore waited in nervous expectancy until, having acquainted himself with the purport of our conversation, he stated his business with the manner and in a tone of one who believes he brings welcome news:

“You can judge from what I am about to tell you, as to whether or no the commander believes you may be of great assistance in the deadly struggle which undoubtedly is before us. Within the next four and twenty hours we of the ‘ragged regiment’ will strike another such blow as was delivered when our force remained small, and among the foremost to advance it is General Marion’s intention to count the Minute Boys, if they are so minded.”

“If we are minded?” Archie cried eagerly, without waiting for Gabriel to speak, as he should have done. “The general knows full well how eager we are to be at work. This idle life is not to our liking.”

Then it was that Gabriel added gravely:

“We shall welcome most gladly, sir, any order which promises to give us active service.”

“I had no doubt but that the word I brought would be welcome, and there is little need for me to beat about the bush. Two hundred or more of our force will set off as soon to-morrow as the people can answer the summons already sent out. Three hours in advance of the main force fifty picked men will ride, acting as scouts, or whatsoever you choose to call them, and in the event of gaining any information concerning the whereabouts of the enemy, one can be sent to the rear to report to the commander, while the others hover on the enemy’s line of march in the hope of picking up stragglers.”

“It is as if General Marion had arranged matters to suit our plans,” Archie cried exultingly, and Captain Horry said with an indulgent smile:

“I question whether your traitorous friend, if it so be he remains with the Britishers, will risk his precious skin very far from the main camp; but, of course, there is always a possibility, and it is the unexpected which more often happens. Then I am to say to General Marion that you Minute Boys are willing to form a portion of the picked company?”

“You will say to him, sir, if you please, that we are eager to do so, in addition to being willing, and then you will have told but half the truth, for we are indeed burning with the desire to do whatsoever we may, that Carolinians should do,” Gabriel cried passionately.

“You are accepting a post of danger,” the captain said gravely, “for those who ride in advance stand every chance of being gobbled up by Tarleton or Wemyss.”

Then he lingered an instant as if to learn whether one or more of us was minded to show the white feather, and seeing nothing save joyful anticipation written on our faces, he went out into the night leaving us congratulating each other upon what we considered our good fortune.