It can well be understood with what eagerness we listened to the messenger as he read from the paper in a loud tone; but he remained at such a distance that I found it impossible to catch every word, although the general purport was made sufficiently plain.
The fellow, whom we afterward came to know was one of the clerks from the sheriff's office, regaled us with a high-sounding proclamation from the governor, in which his excellency graciously pardoned all the Regulators save thirteen, whose names were twice repeated in order that there should be no mistake.
I set them down here that the world may know who were the patriots of upper Carolina in the opinion of William Tryon:
"James Hunter, Ninian Bell Hamilton, Peter Craven, Isaack Jackson, Herman Husband,Matthew Hamilton, William Payne, Malichi Tyke, William Moffat, Christopher Nation, Solomon Goff, John O'Neil, and Rednap Howell."
When the clerk ceased reading and marched back from whence he came, we on the hillside looked at each other in silent amazement while one might have counted twenty, and then on the instant every tongue was loosened.
All that had been gained by the truce was an act of outlawry against our best men, and Fanning was still the trusted servant of the king!
The one thought in the minds of all was to seize the person of the villain who held a commission from the crown as governor of the Carolinas, and a thousand voices were crying out against delay.
The officers of the Regulation held a brief consultation, and then came that command which all expected and demanded.
"To horse, gentlemen! The moment has arrived when we must declare ourselves against the king, unless he redresses our wrongs by recalling such officials as have misruled the colony!" General Hamilton cried in a loud tone, and he had no more than concluded before everyRegulator was in the saddle burning to avenge the insult offered by Tryon.
The earth literally trembled beneath the hoofs of a thousand horses as we rode at full speed to the ford, then across the river, and on to the governor's residence.
The royal "army" remained on guard until we were come to within an hundred yards, and then they scattered like chaff before the wind, running in every direction, crying for quarter.
No attention was given to the cowards. Tryon, Fanning and Edwards were the men we counted on teaching a lesson, and the dwelling was surrounded in a twinkling.
Fifty gentlemen entered the building, some of them to reappear a few moments later with the fellow who had read the proclamation.
"Tryon! Tryon!" our people shouted in anger, and then came the truth which, in our simplicity and honesty, we had not suspected.
"Tryon and his henchmen left town last night escorted by twenty men!" one of those who had come out with the prisoner shouted, and we who heard the words gazed in open-mouthed astonishment,failing on the instant to understand that the villainous representative of the king had simply proposed the truce in order that he might save his own precious body.
The clerk, fearing for his life, and hoping to save it by answering the questions which were literally hurled at him, told the entire story twenty times over, until we came to realize that the three rascals had set off at full speed immediately after sunset on the day previous. By this time they were half-way to Brunswick, and however good our steeds, there was no possibility we could overtake them.
Unless we might hold the governor of the colony as our prisoner, rebellion would avail us little, save that we should retain possession of upper Carolina until such time as he could send an overwhelming force against us.
There was not a man in the ranks of the Regulators who did not realize that Tryon had outwitted us, and that our only hope lay in remaining together year after year until the other colonies should be willing to join us in the struggle for liberty.
And in the meantime, while holding out against the king, how might we gain means of subsistence? The richest among us owned only so much land, and this could not be tilled if we were forced to fight day after day to retain possession of a small extent of territory.
When all this was fully understood as we sat in our saddles near about the governor's house, I saw this man and that, the bravest among us, give way to tears, and for the time being it seemed to me that the cause of liberty was crushed.
I could not then foresee that in the principal towns of the eastern colonies would spring up branches of our association, styled "Sons of Liberty," who would resist, as we had done, the unjust demands of an unjust king until the beacon lights of rebellion were kindled on every hill. I could not foresee that massacre at Lexington and at Concord which was needed to arouse the people until no sacrifice appeared too great, so that we purchased liberty for those who should live after us.
In silence, each man hanging his head as ifhaving suffered an ignominious defeat, instead of allowing ourselves to be tricked because of believing that a gentleman's word was sacred, we returned to the encampment on the hill, and were there formed in line for what I believed would be the last time.
There were more than Sidney and myself who looked as if bowed down with sorrow, and when we most needed words of encouragement they came from our commander, that noble old man who was, by the proclamation of one false to all the instincts of a gentleman, an outlaw on whose head a price was shortly to be set.
"Gentlemen of the Regulation," General Hamilton began, speaking loud and clear as becomes an honest man who knows in his heart that he is in the true path, "we have been deceived, and are thereby cast down by sorrow. At a time when it appeared as if we held the threads which could be woven fairly to the interests of this colony, we have, by trusting in the words of one who has no honor in his heart, lost all our advantage; but we would be proving ourselves faint-hearted indeed if such a misfortunewas accepted as final defeat. Now more than ever, must we struggle against wrong and oppression. It is not necessary you should again swear to be true to the cause; neither will it be of service to remain together just now, therefore I have this to propose, and it is for you to decide if it be the proper course: Let us disperse, each going to his home, there to remain one month; at the expiration of such time we will meet at Maddock's Mill to settle upon a further course of action."
The idea that we should remain as the Regulation, subject at any time to a call from our leaders, heartened us wonderfully, and with one accord our people agreed that Master Hamilton's plan should be adopted.
We broke ranks, each vowing friendship for his comrades, and entire devotion to the cause, and then went our several ways home firmly believing that in due course of time the purpose of the Regulation would be accomplished.
And now has come the time when I must hasten over the months and even years, without entering into details as to what Sidney or I didwhile we waited an opportunity to strike a blow for our distressed country.
True to the proposition of Master Hamilton, we met once each month, either at Maddock's Mill, or some other place equally central, and thus kept pace with the events which particularly concerned us of the Carolinas.
Tryon remained in Newbern in his palace which had been paid for by money wrung from a people who at times actually suffered for food, and flattered himself that he had finally destroyed the germs of rebellion that had been sowed by his own tyranny.
Contrary to our expectations, he did not make any decided effort to get into his clutches those of the Regulation whom he had declared outlaws, and it was quite as well that he remained quiet on that score, for a thousand of the king's soldiers could not have taken them from us.
The sheriffs of the counties in the upper Carolinas, knowing full well that the Regulation was neither crushed nor disheartened, no longer attempted to collect the unjust taxes, and thusit was that our people had been benefited in some slight degree.
We cultivated our lands, moved about at will without fear of being molested during nearly two years, and then, on a certain day in September, Sidney came to my home in hot haste, acting as messenger of the Regulation.
Word had come from Newbern that the Superior Court was to be convened on the 24th day of the month, and then would efforts be made to secure the bodies of those whom Tryon had styled "outlaws."
Master Hamilton, who yet remained in command of the Regulators, despite his many years, had decided that our wisest method of procedure was to interfere at the outset, claiming that we had the right to make certain that justice, not the will of Governor Tryon, should influence the decisions given by judges who were inclined to listen to the orders of the governor rather than the evidence before them.
It can well be supposed that neither my father nor myself lost any time in saddling our horses, and within twenty-four hours we wereat the old encampment which overlooked the town of Hillsborough.
This time we were perfect masters of the situation. Tryon, believing the Regulation had been crushed out of existence, neglected to send soldiers to overawe us, and twenty of our people took possession of the court-house, while the remainder occupied the hill on the opposite side of the river ready to cross whenever a signal should be given that the services of armed men were necessary.
Because of our superior numbers, there was little chance the king's minions could do very much harm, therefore we were not held to rigid military discipline, and Sidney Hubbard and myself had no difficulty in obtaining permission to accompany that party which was to make certain no wrongs were inflicted upon us in the name of the law.
When we arrived at the court-house, having left our horses on the opposite side of the river, we found there but one judge, and he the man above all others who was ready to give such verdicts as would please the governor. It isneedless for me to set down the fact that this man was Richard Henderson.
Seeing our party enter the building Fanning took it upon himself to ask that we be put out, and not allowed to enter even the yard, because, as he said, there were outlaws among us who had come for no other purpose than to create a disturbance.
All those of whom he thus spoke had suffered many wrongs at the hands of this same attorney, and foremost in the list of the oppressed were Herman Husband, the two Hunters, and Rednap Howell, not one of whom felt inclined to take additional abuse from such a traitor as Fanning.
That they acted hastily in the matter, I must admit; but at the same time one should remember the wrongs they had received. The miserable cur of an attorney had no sooner ceased speaking than the gentlemen I have named, aided by all the Regulators present, seized Fanning roughly and literally dragged him into the courtyard, where Sidney and I were set over him as guards until such time as ourpeople might be at liberty to attend to him properly.
Because of being thus occupied, I did not see that which followed; but later in the day my comrade and I were told that our people demanded the trial of those belonging to the Regulation who had been declared outlaws, which was no more than just, since the court had been called together for that sole purpose.
It was not the purpose of Judge Henderson to give the Regulators a fair trial, and, therefore, in order to outwit us, he declared the court adjourned for the day.
Then he left the building, walking swiftly through the yard as if expecting to be roughly treated, and once he was out of sight our party set about giving Fanning a lesson.
He was taken across the river to our encampment, being dragged by the heels a portion of the way, and there we held a little court of our own, the decisions of which I dare venture to say were more in accordance with strict justice than any Judge Richardson would have delivered.
It was decided that Fanning should be beaten with rods in the presence of the Regulation, and Masters Husband and James Hunter were the gentlemen selected to inflict the punishment, therefore it can well be fancied that it was done in proper fashion.
We kept the attorney with us during the night, and next morning all our company rode over to Hillsborough, only to find that the brave judge had run away during the night, after declaring that the court was adjourned until one year from that day. He could not pronounce the sentences which Tryon demanded, therefore had no idea of being forced to act honestly for once in his life.
Well, some of the hotter heads, taking advantage of the general confusion, utterly destroyed Fanning's house, beating him again before setting the scoundrel at liberty.
This done we went home once more, agreeing to meet each month as before.
I can best tell the remainder of my story, up to the time when Governor Tryon decided to wage war upon us, by quoting from a historyof the Carolinas which I have lately seen; and while it is written from the standpoint of the royalists, it is correct as to the acts and movements of our enemy:[2]"Judge Henderson, who was driven from the bench, called upon Tryon to restore order in his district. The governor perceived that a temporizing policy would no longer be expedient, and resolved to employ the military force to subdue the rebellious spirit of the Regulators. He deferred operations, however, until the meeting of the Legislature, in December.
"Herman Husband was a member of the Lower House, from Orange, and there were others in that body who sympathized with the oppressed people. Various measures were proposed to weaken the strength of the Regulators; and among others, four new counties were formed of portions of Orange, Cumberland, and Johnson. These counties were named Guilford, Chatham, Wake and Surrey. Finally, when the Legislature was about to adjourn without authorizing a military expedition, informationcame that the Regulators had assembled at Cross Creek, with the intention of marching upon Newbern, having heard that Husband had been imprisoned."
Now at this point I must interrupt the historian in order to explain that we of the Regulation did indeed make this march. We knew full well that Tryon both hated and feared Herman Husband, and, therefore, kept one or more of our people in Newbern all the time the Legislature was assembled in order that the news, if there was any of importance, might be sent without loss of time to our leaders.
It is a fact that Tryon even went so far as to prefer charges against Master Husband, and that the council caused his arrest and imprisonment. Word to this effect was brought to us at once, and we set out for Cross Creek; but Governor Tryon had his spies out, and when it was known that the Regulators, a thousand strong, were riding to aid one of their number who was illegally deprived of his liberty, the council made haste to examine the charges against Master Husband.
They finally decided, in order to save their own worthless skins, that the charges were not sustained, and set the prisoner at liberty, imploring him to ride with all speed in order to prevent us from entering Newbern.
He met us at Cross Creek, and we escorted him home; but this time it was decided that the Regulation go into camp at Maddock's Mill, and there remain ready for war until it was learned how far our enemy proposed to go in his effort to exterminate us, for that was what he had boldly said he would do. Now we will copy once more from the printed story of our struggle:
"The Assembly immediately voted two thousand dollars for the use of the governor. The alarmed chief magistrate fortified his palace, and placed the town in a state of defense. He also issued a proclamation, and orders to the colonels of the counties in the vicinity, to have the militia in readiness. These precautions were unnecessary, for the Regulators, after crossing the Haw, a few miles above Pittsborough, to the number of more than one thousand, met Husband on his way home, and retraced their steps.
"The governor soon issued another proclamation, prohibiting the sale of powder, shot, or lead, until further notice. This was to prevent the Regulators supplying themselves with munitions of war. This measure added fuel to the flame of excitement, and finally, the governor becoming again alarmed, he made a virtual declaration of war, through his council. That body authorized him to raise a sufficient force to march into the rebellious districts and establish law and order.
"The governor issued a circular to the colonels, ordering them to select fifty volunteers from their respective regiments and send them to Newbern. With about three hundred militiamen, a small train of artillery, some baggage wagons, and several personal friends, Tryon left Newbern on the 24th of April. On the 4th of May he encamped on the Eno, having been reinforced by detachments on the way. General Hugh Waddel was directed to collect the forces from the western counties, rendezvous at Salisbury, and join the governor in Orange County."
It goes without saying that while these preparationswere being made, whereby Tryon counted on driving us from the face of the earth, our spies were scattered around the country plentifully, and, therefore, we knew exactly the size of his force, and how it was made up, when he went into camp.
Colonel Joseph Leech commanded the infantry, Captain Moore the artillery, and Captain Neale a company of rangers. On his way to the Eno Tryon was joined by a detachment from Hanover, under Colonel John Ashe; another from Carteret, under Colonel Craig; another from Johnston, under Colonel William Thompson; another from Beaufort, under Colonel Needham Bryan; another from Wake, under Colonel Johnson Hinton; and at his camp on the Eno he was joined by Fanning, with a corps of clerks, constables, sheriffs and others.
At last the Regulation had forced Governor Tryon to acknowledge it as an adversary, and this afforded the members no slight amount of satisfaction.
Until he marched out of Newbern with the militia, it had been his good pleasure to treat us as a lot of malcontents who should be dealt with by constables or sheriffs, and in his proclamations, or statements made to the people of other colonies, he was careful to so word his communications as to make it appear that the people of the upper Carolinas, instead of being banded together for a specific purpose, were simply rioting and plundering.
And I doubt not but that many of the colonists considered us a gang of bullies who had set their faces against law and order, never understanding that ours was a purpose whichlay close to the heart of every true citizen, until that day came when he marched out against us.
We, the Regulators, were encamped on William Payne's plantation when the news came that our enemy had left Newbern after giving orders that he be joined on the route to the Eno by this force or that, and Master Rednap Howell said gleefully as he heard of that movement which might result in the death of many of our company:
"It is the first cheering news we have had brought to us during the past two years. Now must it be known in the other colonies that we are standing up for liberty, and, instead of believing us to be a few hot-heads, the people will understand that our party is a strong one, otherwise there would be no need for the governor to come out with such a force."
And Master Butler added:
"Tryon must fight this time, instead of sitting in his palace and ordering that this or that gentleman be thrown into prison. We have more than half attained our end when the othercolonies understand for what principle we are holding out."
In fact, this move of Tryon's caused the greatest possible satisfaction among our people, who had been running hither and thither for the past two years without opportunity of making public the oppression against which they had risen in arms. Never a member of our party who questioned as to what our leaders would do; it was to all of us a settled fact that we would meet the government as speedily as might be, and in anticipation of the command we began furbishing up our equipments, or looking after the horses to make certain they were in condition for a forced march.
By this time Sidney and I were eighteen years of age, and no longer considered ourselves boys. Since having been permitted to join the Regulation we had been credited with doing good work, never flinching from a severe task or holding back because of danger, and thus we rode with the company as equals.
I believe we two lads were more eager thanany of our companions to meet Tryon's forces in the open field; for it was our firm belief that the Regulators would win the first battle fought and we burned with impatience to show what we could do as soldiers.
"I never felt well inclined toward Governor Tryon until this moment," Sidney said in a matter-of-fact tone as we overhauled our saddle-girths to make certain they were in good condition. "Now it is very much as if he had suddenly become our friend, because of having boldly taken the field against us."
"According to the report of our scouts, he must outnumber us two to one," I ventured to suggest.
"The result will be the same if four against one is the odds. We must win, and what a relief it will be to ride forward with a definite aim, instead of going here and there without effecting anything, as we have been doing these two years past."
"I agree with you on the last, Sidney; but holding our own against twice our force is a different matter."
The lad looked at me scrutinizingly for an instant, and then asked banteringly:
"Are you beginning to show the white feather just when our affairs look the most promising, Clare?"
"Not a bit of it," I replied indignantly. "To my mind it is no evidence of cowardice to count well the situation and strength of the enemy."
"But you went farther, and was near to questioning whether Tryon's force might not worst us, simply because of its size."
"And why might I not question it? A full thousand of his men are citizens of the Carolinas, and should be our equals in both riding and fighting."
"So they would were the cause the same; but they fight on the side of oppression, while we are striving to do that which shall be of benefit to every person in the American colonies."
I did not attempt to continue what was rapidly becoming an argument, simply because it was useless just then. I believed it was folly to claim that gentlemen of the Carolinas who did not hold to our opinions were our inferiors:but knew full well that it would be impossible to persuade my comrade to look at the matter in the same light I did.
It is a sad mistake to think that ourselves and our adherents are better men than those who oppose us, and that, I think, has been fully proven by this time.
I was ready to say that our cause was just, while theirs was not, and further than such a statement I would not go.
Finding that I was not inclined for a wordy quarrel, Sidney ceased boasting of what the Regulators could do, and set about speculating as to whether Tryon would remain on the Eno until we could come up with him, until suddenly, at the moment our people were least expecting it, word was passed through the camp that we were to fall into line, unmounted, to hear an important announcement from the commander.
"I wish we had been summoned to appear ready for marching," my comrade said almost petulantly as he made his preparations for obeying by washing his hands, which were covered with the grease he had been applying to hisbridle. "This talk of an 'announcement' has in it a suspicion that the Regulators are not to break camp immediately."
"Don't begin to look after trouble," I replied with a laugh, knowing well Sidney's disposition. "If we do not set out this night, the Regulators will take the road to-morrow, and I'll warrant we see Tryon's soldiers in good time."
There were many others besides Sidney who felt a certain degree of irritation because we were to hear words, instead of commands which would result in setting the entire company in motion toward the enemy; but all of us soon learned that Master Hamilton had no idea of trying to evade a pitched battle.
"Since this association was formed, it has been the custom to discuss any important movement with all the company, therefore have you been summoned," our commander said when we had been formed in a hollow square with him in our midst. "It is not necessary for me to promise that you shall be led against the enemy at the earliest fitting moment, and I also declare that you shall not be allowed to hurl yourselvesupon the government troops like an unruly mob. When we have made ready, Governor Tryon shall see us. Our scouts have brought in the information that General Waddel is halted with a small force at Salisbury, awaiting the arrival of powder from Charleston. The Regulators need that powder, and I propose that we take it. Two hundred men well mounted will be sufficient for the enterprise, and in order that there shall be no charge of favoritism made against me, instead of detailing a force of such size, I ask that the best mounted among you step three paces to the rear, in token that you are willing to make the venture."
The old gentleman had hardly more than ceased speaking when the entire company moved back as if with one accord, thus showing that every man of us was eager for active service, and that each one believed his horse superior to all the others.
Master Hamilton laughed heartily, and then asked that none but the youngest volunteer for the service, and do so by stepping forward into the former position.
Once more was the square formed in the first position, for not a man was willing to be left behind at such a time.
It was positive that all the company could not be spared for a service which might be performed by two hundred men, and I wondered how the matter could be arranged without causing jealousy.
Then our commander explained that it would be unwise to go for the powder with such a large company, and announced that since we could not settle the matter among ourselves, he would be forced to decide for us.
"We will begin with William Husband and count from one to five in regular order," he said at length. "Every fifth man is to fall out of line and make immediate preparations for a forced march."
Sidney was standing by my side, and, fearing lest one should be taken and the other left, I whispered hurriedly to him:
"Move up until you are the fifth from me, and then if one goes the other will be with him.I would be as sad to leave you behind, as you would to see me stay in case you drew the lucky number."
He agreed at once, for Sidney was a true comrade in every sense of the word, and hardly had he taken up a new position when Master Husband began the count.
My breath came thick and fast as the numbers sounded nearer and nearer, so fearful was I lest the number should doom me to stay in camp when glory might be earned, and I had so worked myself into a fever that when the man standing next beside me spoke the word "four," it was almost impossible for me to add the next number.
I fell out of line silently, and one of those who had been selected to remain behind, thinking I was afraid to venture on the enterprise, whispered eagerly:
"I'll swap my new saddle for your old one, if you'll give me your chance."
"I'd not consent if you threw into the bargain the best horse in the company," I replied, and an instant later Sidney and I were shakinghands vigorously in token of delight because of our good fortune.
It can well be supposed that we were not many moments making ready for the expedition, and when we came to the center of the encampment, where the lucky ones were assembling, it was learned that Master Rednap Howell had been selected as the leader of our party.
The only orders Master Hamilton had to give were announced in the hearing of all. We were to ride toward Salisbury until arriving at the bank of the Yadkin, which river was to be crossed in order that we might come upon General Waddel from Cabarras County, thus hoping to give him the impression that the Regulators were south of him, instead of in the course taken up by Tryon.
Master Hamilton was good enough to explain that he believed beyond a peradventure we would soon fight with the governor's forces; but it was his hope that we might meet them elsewhere than near about our own homes.
A ride of between eighty and ninety miles was before us; but we gave little heed to thedistance, since each yard traversed brought us so much nearer the enemy, and I venture to say that a more eager, happy party of men never set out to provoke a battle.
When I say that the Regulators were in sore need of powder, it can be understood that this venture of ours meant more than the worrying of General Waddel; we were depending upon him for ammunition with which to wage battle against Tryon.
In less than an hour from the time when we had been summoned to hear Master Hamilton's announcement, our company of two hundred were riding away from the encampment, envied by every man who was forced to remain behind.
Many a time since Governor Tryon gave us the slip at Hillsborough had we ridden across the country in company; but never before with the certainty before us that we might measure strength with the oppressors of the colony if it so pleased us, and this fact it was which put us in such wondrous spirits.
It was the first opportunity we had had of striking a blow, and we were determined togive a good account of ourselves, regardless of the numbers to which we might find ourselves opposed.
We rode at an easy pace, believing there was no urgent need for haste; but did not draw rein until sunset, when Master Howell gave the word to halt and unsaddle.
"There is plenty of water and grass here," he said in explanation, "and the animals need a rest, not having the same spur to exertion as was given us with the news that Waddel might be where we could get at him."
Each man carried his share of the provisions, and as soon as the horses had been cared for, we ate a hearty supper, knowing that many hours might elapse before another opportunity for satisfying hunger presented itself.
At the end of two hours we were in the saddle again, and we rode until near two o'clock in the morning, with but one short halt, when the company had arrived at the bank of the Yadkin.
Now was come the time when scouts should be sent out lest we come upon the enemy beforegaining possession of the powder, and it was near daybreak before the march was resumed.
By that time we had learned that General Waddel's force was in Salisbury, and counting on remaining there until the ammunition train came up.
Two miles below was a ford where we might cross the river without swimming the horses, and when the sun showed himself we were headed at full speed for the road leading from Charlotte to Salisbury, over which it had been reported that the powder would be sent.
Our horses were well blown; but we had made good time, and the only thing which might prevent the venture from being a success, was that General Waddel had already received the ammunition.
"If it turns out that we are too late to intercept the convoy, we must try conclusions with Waddel," one of our party said when we were waiting on the west side of the river for our people to get into line, and, overhearing the remark, Master Howell said emphatically:
"Don't fear that we'll miss of getting ourhands on the powder. We'll have a try for it even though it becomes necessary to face all the men Tryon has brought with him."
But that we were in an enemy's country our people would have cheered this statement; but as it was the men contented themselves with raising their hats to such a leader, and then we rode on, now intent only on finding a hiding-place where we might remain until scouts had been sent out to learn the condition of affairs.
Eager though Sidney and I were to come face to face with those who wore the king's uniform, both were well pleased when the word was given to halt and make camp under cover. We had ridden nearly four and twenty hours, and although our hearts were stout for a battle, our bodies were sadly in need of a rest.
We had halted by the side of the road between Charlotte and Salisbury, along which the powder must pass if it had not done so already, and on either side the highway were groves of live oak where five hundred men and horses might readily have found a hiding-place.
Five were told off as sentinels to give the alarm when the ammunition train came in sight, and five more were detailed to scout in the direction of Charlotte to make certain the powder was yet to the south of our hiding-place.
Neither Sidney nor I envied those who were obliged to remain in the saddle yet longer. If, four and twenty hours previous, there had been an opportunity to act as scouts, we two lads would have been willing to fight for the honor; but now we congratulated each other on the possibility of gaining a little sleep before the battle was begun.
We tethered our horses near by; placed saddles and bridles where they might be come at in a hurry, and laid ourselves down in a thicket of small oaks, falling asleep almost as soon as we touched the ground.
It was sunset when I awakened, and looked about me fearing, by some unlucky chance, the company had got away without my knowledge; but my mind was soon set at rest by seeing a score or more of men lounging near athand as if discussing some matter of importance.
Without stopping to awaken Sidney, I went toward them, and soon learned that our journey had not been in vain. The scouts had come in with the report that the powder and its convoy had not yet arrived at Charlotte, therefore we had only to wait patiently for the desired opportunity.
I was also told that Master Howell had stationed guards three miles down the road, in order that we might have timely warning of the movements of the train, and there was nothing for us to do but pass the time as best we might, providing all hands were ready for a quick jump at the word of command.
When we first halted I was so sore in body from long riding that I believed four and twenty hours of a rest would not be sufficient to satisfy me; but within half an hour after awakening and being told that there was no doubt as to the coming of our game, I was eager to be in the saddle once more.
Although our sentinels were four miles away,and would come into camp at their best pace on hearing or seeing the ammunition train, the word was passed that no man should speak above a whisper, while the horses were to be guarded closely lest by whinnying they betray our whereabouts.
Then came a most trying time of waiting, when we crouched in the darkness close by our accouterments that there might be no delay in laying hands on them immediately the alarm was given, and expecting each instant to be engaged in deadly conflict.
Sidney and I were side by side, not making any attempt to start a conversation because our nerves were strung too tightly to admit of anything like ordinary topics, and I do not remember of passing such dreary, dismal moments.
One had ample time in which to figure all the chances in favor of his being killed or wounded, and to speculate upon the probabilities of success. It seemed as if each moment was ten times its usual length, while the hours were like entire days.
Once when I believed it must be near morning,and was looking up at the sky for the first faint light of the coming dawn, I heard Master Howell say that it yet lacked a quarter of an hour to being midnight, and then both patience and courage oozed out at my finger ends. The cold chill of fear ran up and down my spine, and I believe that had the enemy made his appearance just at that moment, I should have been forced to fight against an inclination to run away.
It is needless and impossible to try to give any correct story as to that night when we waited for the enemy, fearing because success was so necessary to our cause, that, by some blunder or unforeseen accident, we might fail.
The sun had risen, showing haggard faces amid that thicket of live oaks, when we heard among the underbrush some distance away, that crashing which tells of a heavy body trying to force its way through the foliage.
Every man of us sprang to his feet and held his horse's bridle ready, when we saw one of the scouts in company with a sentinel.
"The train will be here within an hour!"was the whisper, and even though the time when we might meet the foe was so far in the future, I ran with all speed to saddle my steed, exulting and at the same moment timorous.
After the first flush of excitement had died away, leaving in its stead that tremulous calm which is caused by exceeding great courage or abject fear, we of the Regulation went about our task in proper order and with due precaution.
It was Sidney who, when I was exultant and excited to the verge of doing some foolish thing, brought me to a realization of the situation by saying scornfully:
"I'm beginning to grow ashamed of the Regulators. To see them running around here as if bereft of reason simply because a rascally corporal's guard of a convoy is coming this way, one would say they had never seen service. Is there like to be so much of credit in the capture of ten or twenty men by a force of two hundred,that each fellow burns with a desire to be in the front rank?"
For a moment I was ashamed at having shown so much emotion over what was really nothing more than an incident, and then there came to my mind the knowledge that this capture meant more to us of the Regulation than would the taking of a force twice our size, and I said decidedly, angry with myself for having been disconcerted by Sidney's scorn:
"One whose heart is with the cause cannot fail of being excited and anxious at such a time, no matter how small may be the force with which we are to contend. It is the idea that the powder is sadly needed by our people, which causes our company to be unduly excited. Every man realizes the importance of doing the task well, and, quite naturally, fears lest it be not performed thoroughly."
Sidney had no reply to make, and I fancy he was somewhat ashamed of having spoken disparagingly of his companions.
Then the word was passed in a whisper for each man to conceal himself and his horse asnear the edge of the road as possible, remaining there in readiness to spring out at the first word of command.
A squad of ten was sent a quarter of a mile to the north in order to intercept any who might succeed in making their way past the main body, and our preparations were complete.
I understood that the word for the attack would not be given until the convoy was opposite the center of our line, so that we might completely encircle it to prevent escape in either direction.
Then came half an hour of suppressed excitement, during which I could distinctly hear the beating of my own heart, and finally, the rumble of wheels in the distance, proclaiming the near approach of our prey.
The train consisted of two heavily laden carts convoyed by twenty men, as I could see when the force was nearly opposite my hiding-place, and these details had no more than been noted when Master Howell's voice rang out like a trumpet:
"At them, lads! At them, and make certainnone escape you!" To those we were about to attack it must have seemed as if the thicket itself suddenly sprang out toward them, and before they had time to draw up in line ready to receive us, the party was completely surrounded.
I would have been ashamed had there been no show of resistance, for the convoy was made up of Carolinians, and, whether they were for the king or the people, it behooved them to display courage.
At the word we could have shot all the little company down, most likely at the first volley, and in order to save bloodshed Master Howell cried sharply:
"Surrender, you of the convoy! We are full two hundred strong, and there is no good reason why you should throw away your lives!"
While one might have counted ten a deep silence, save for the pawing or stamping of the horses, fell upon all that gathering in the road, and then the leader of the convoy, having seen that there was no hope of accomplishing anything by resistance, said curtly:
"We can do no less than obey your order to surrender."
"Lay your arms on the wagons, after having dismounted, and then march toward the south."
No one spoke while this command was being obeyed until, the men having marched down the road a dozen yards or more from the hindermost wagon, Master Howell called upon them to halt.
Then ten men were told off with orders to guard the prisoners, and when this squad had taken position near the convoy, our leader said in the tone of one who has already mapped out his course of action:
"You will march your squad well to the westward of Salisbury, and endeavor to gain our headquarters. Do not take any chances of coming in contact with Waddel's force, and see to it that not a man escapes. You may set off at once, gentlemen."
The prisoners were first searched to make certain they had no weapons concealed about them, and then the little party rode slowly uptoward Salisbury counting on striking into the thicket before coming within dangerous distance of the town.
When the party had disappeared in the distance, we set about taking possession of the ammunition.
As a matter of course it was impossible for us to take the wagons with us, therefore each man was ordered to carry such portion of the powder as he could strap to his saddle, and we set about the work, the greater number of us stripping off our outer shirts, which we converted into bags by tying up the neck and sleeves.
So great was the supply that even when each trooper had all he could conveniently carry, there yet remained a full third of the whole, and this we proceeded to destroy by pouring it into the tiny creek which bordered the western side of the road. Then the horses were unharnessed and set free from the carts, which we left where they were in the highway, and our company formed in line once more.
I had supposed that we would be ordered tojoin the main body of Regulators; but in this I speedily found myself mistaken, for we rode directly to the Yadkin River, and crossed it, going immediately into camp in a grove of live oaks.
Once this had been done Master Howell sent off five men as scouts, and soon we came to know that this last detachment was gone to spy upon General Waddel's force.
"Yes," our leader said decidedly in reply to a question from one of the older men, "I count on attacking the force which is now at Salisbury. It would be little less than criminal to let slip such an opportunity as is now before us. Waddel is short of ammunition, now we have captured his supply, and I'm of the opinion that he will make an effort to join Tryon, in which case we have him at our mercy. It will not cause us more than two days in time, and we shall be doing great service by preventing the union of the forces."
Now indeed were we doing something in aid of the cause, and my heart leaped high with joy, for it was reasonable to suppose that, incase our leader accomplished all he had set himself, the main body of the Regulators could readily take care of Governor Tryon's army.
It was at this time, although we did not come to know of it until after several days, that Master Rednap Howell showed himself to be a great leader, inasmuch as he caused to be conveyed to General Waddel, without trouble or inconvenience to ourselves, that information which we desired him to have, and the task was performed in this fashion:
Those who had in charge the captured convoy were instructed to allow one of them to escape, after the party were so far north of Salisbury that there would be little likelihood of pursuit, and then it was certain the fugitive would take refuge with Waddel's force.
All this was done in accordance with Master Howell's orders, and thus it came about that when we were on the easterly bank of the Yadkin, the general came to the conclusion that his wisest course would be to join Tryon with the least possible delay, regardless of the fact that the powder had been lost.
Within twelve hours after we had made a camp in ambush, one of our spies came hot foot from Salisbury with the word that the king's forces at that town were making ready for the march. In addition to this information we learned considerably to our surprise, that Waddel's men were in a state of disorder nearly approaching mutiny. With but few exceptions they were members of the militia, and openly avowed that they would not fight under any consideration; others were favorably inclined toward the Regulation, and already had many deserted.
We were unprepared for such good news; but it did not require much reflection for Master Howell to hit upon a course of action which promised success.
Without delay two of our party, the eldest among us, were sent with all speed under a flag of truce for an interview with the general. They were instructed to warn the commander to remain where he was, or retreat to the coast, as might best please him, otherwise we would at once engage him.
It was only natural Waddel should believe that the entire force of Regulators was within striking distance, and while his men were so sadly disorganized he could not well risk an encounter.
We remained in hiding, ready to mount at a moment's notice, and before our messengers returned one of the scouts came in with the word that the militia was crossing the river, evidently bent on making at least one effort to join Tryon.
Five minutes after this information was received we were riding out of the thicket toward that road which it would be necessary for the general to take if he counted on meeting the governor, and within two hours we were in advance of the king's poor soldiers, ready and eager for an engagement.
It was only natural that Sidney and I should be among those who most desired to be led against the enemy, for now, the first time in two years, might we add to whatsoever good reputation we had made as Regulators, and we put aside the possible danger in the belief thatwe would succeed in distinguishing ourselves.
Skirmishers were sent out to learn when the enemy approached, and the remainder of us waited in anxious expectancy the moment when we might come face to face with the foe.
In this we were doomed to disappointment, however.
Waddel also had skirmishers in advance, and immediately his men came in touch with ours they retreated, and soon word was brought that the entire force was retreating across the river again.
Now began a chase, when our horses were fresh, but handicapped considerably by the loads of powder they carried, and we were positive success would be ours whenever we could come within range of the foe.
All evidence of military formation was lost sight of as we forded or swam our horses across the river, and in less than half an hour we were among the rear guard; but even this did not satisfy Master Howell. He believed the timehad come when we might make prisoners of the entire force, and panted for the glory of capturing General Waddel himself.
To effect this fifty of us whose horses were fleetest, and among the number Sidney and I, were directed to make a detour across the country in order to strike the enemy in front before he could gain shelter in Salisbury, holding him there at whatsoever cost until the force was absolutely surrounded.
How we rode that day! The horses were sent forward at racing speed, regardless of the danger that they might be foundered by carrying such a weight, and Sidney and I were among the foremost when we broke cover directly in advance of the retreating column.
"Look after the general!" Sidney shouted as we pressed on, our horses running neck and neck. "Now has come the time when we can make names for ourselves which will not soon be forgotten!"
We could see the leader and his officers plainly, and rode directly toward them without taking heed as to whether we were followed;but there yet remained a sufficient number of the men who were loyal to the king to prevent us from carrying out the plan.
We speedily found ourselves confronted by a squad of twenty or more who stood bravely in line while their officers rode swiftly away, and this little party must be attended to before it might be safe to push on in pursuit of the prize.
We drew back within the shelter of a clump of trees, where we were joined by a dozen or more of our men, and then began the first real fight in which I ever took part.
There was no room in my mind for fear. I thought only of what might be done if we could disperse the party, and I fired and reloaded without realizing that my one desire was to take human lives.
The militia held their ground well, and both sides were at a disadvantage because of trying to take aim while in the saddle. With such marksmen as we had among us that squad of the king's men should all have been disabled within ten minutes, and yet half an hour passedwithout any perceptible advantage on either side.
Three of our men were down, and four of theirs had dismounted or been knocked out of the saddle; but by such time the general and his officers had surely succeeded in making good their escape.
From the sounds of firing which came from every direction we knew full well that all our party was engaged, and the question had just come into my mind as to whether this force of Waddel's had been as badly demoralized as we were led to believe, when I heard shouts in the rear, and a moment later saw Master Howell ride up with eight or ten men at his back.
"Throw down your arms, and surrender!" he cried to our adversaries. "The remainder of the command have yielded, and you can do Tryon no good by holding out longer!"
In a twinkling the men came forward empty-handed, and the fight was won; but I failed to feel any great elation because of what we had lost, while Sidney was furious with rage.
"But for their holding out, we two mighthave captured Waddel with, perhaps, some of his officers. It is a clear case of cheating, and we have got the worst of it!"
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," I cried laughingly, for my sorrow was dissipated by Sidney's rage. "We never counted very surely on capturing the general, and should thank our lucky stars that we have deprived him of his force, for thus have we weakened Tryon."
He would not be consoled for the lost opportunity of distinguishing himself, and for a moment I really believed he was on the point of striking the disarmed men who had baffled his desires.
There was no reason why we should not feel proud of our work. We had captured the ammunition, which was the first task set us, and, in addition held as prisoners a force which Governor Tryon counted on as adding to his own. Surely we had done well, and if the remainder of the Regulators could do as much, then was it certain Tryon would be driven in shame from this portion of the colony.
Now it was that we had more prisoners than were convenient. As a matter of fact it would be impossible to feed them during the march to the Alamance where we counted on meeting our companions-in-arms, to say nothing of providing them with horses, for not more than half the number were mounted, therefore Master Howell called for a consultation in which all hands were to take part.
It was not necessary to spend very much breath over the question as to whether we would try to hold them captives. They must be disposed of in some manner, and without loss of time; but yet our duty was to make certain they did not join Tryon.
After hearing such propositions as our people had to make, and some of them were wild indeed, Master Howell raised the question as to whether it would not be wise to release them on parole?
This was the solution to the whole matter, and if he had so stated it at first, we would have decided within a few seconds.
On being consulted, our prisoners declaredthat they would readily take an oath not to bear arms against us until after having been properly exchanged, and all seemed pleased at being able to get out of the scrape so easily.
The men were formed in a hollow square, and each was required to repeat the oath Master Howell administered, after which we parted company, the paroled force going toward Charlotte, and we riding at full speed toward the Alamance, for it was to be expected that Tryon would go there to seek us.
I would it were possible for me to set down all the details of our movements; but the yarn has already been spun out to such a length that much which might, possibly, be interesting to strangers must be omitted.
It suffices to say that within three days after this encounter with General Waddel's force, we of the two hundred which had been sent out to gather in a supply of ammunition rejoined the main body of Regulators, and much rejoicing was there in camp after our story had been told.
It was as if each of us had done somethingremarkable, to judge of the treatment we received, and certain it was that those who had been weak-kneed regarding our chances of a successful opposition to Tryon, straightway became convinced that we could force him to retreat when the two forces came together.
During our absence it had been decided by our leaders that we would await the enemy on the banks of the Alamance, and there was no good reason to change the plan after we returned. We now had plenty of powder, and the women from roundabout melted lead into bullets until our wants were fully supplied.
We had already fought and captured a full third of the force Governor Tryon counted on bringing with him, and this was done by only two hundred of our people, therefore it seemed positive that when we met them, a thousand Regulators against no more than fifteen hundred militia and a few companies of soldiers, the result would be in our favor.
Twenty men or more were sent out as scouts and the remainder of our company lounged idly in camp, when, as a matter of fact, every momentshould have been spent in fortifying the position.
More than one of our people suggested that it would be a good plan to throw up breastworks, but our leaders gave no heed to the suggestion, and for the reason that they were suddenly plunged into distress not unmixed with dismay.
Our old commander, the man upon whom all relied at such a time, was taken with a most serious illness, and it was believed that his days on this earth were few.
It was necessary to carry the old gentleman to a dwelling, and half a dozen of our best men undertook this duty, leaving the command of the force to Herman Husband, that member of the force in which we placed implicit confidence.
As I look back upon that time, when all were confident regarding the future, it seems indeed strange that we should have selected as Master Hamilton's successor the only member of our company who would play us false.
It was as if the gallant Master Hamilton had but just been carried away from us, when thescouts came in with the news that Tryon was approaching, having heard of General Waddel's defeat.
Then it was we leaned upon Master Husband, that man for whom we had risked our lives three several times in order that he might be spared imprisonment, and learned in the end that he was no more than a broken reed.