The Boy Spies with the Regulators

by Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing

  CHAPTER VII.

  TIMELY AID.

  It appeared to me that Master Howell was trying to "lock his stabledoor after the horse had been stolen," when he mourned the fact thatwhat we were doing in our own defense might be taken as openrebellion.

  To my mind the people had rebelled openly and with emphasis when theRegulators rode, four hundred strong, to release Masters Husband andHunter.

  We four who had visited Brunswick to lay before the governor apetition couched in most respectful language, could not be accused ofaiding and abetting rebellion when we objected to being shot down ortaken prisoners by strangers who had no lawful warrant to deprivehonest citizens of their lives or liberty.

  As the matter presented itself to my view, those on the outside werethe ones who acted in a rebellious manner, and there was no honestjudge in the country who would not rule that we had every right toprotect ourselves.

  Something of this kind I said to Master Howell when he appeared to bebowed down with grief because, as he declared, our people were makinga show of what might be called treason, and to my great surprise Ifound that we who were fighting our way from Brunswick to Hillsboroughdid not have any place in what it might please the governor to term"open rebellion."

  "We four are of no consequence in the outcome of this matter," MasterHowell said, condescending to explain to me the situation as itappeared to him, "and yet through us, or, rather, through ourdistress, will the king's officers most likely declare the upperCarolina under military rule. If we could continue our journey toMaddock's Mill without interruption, all would be well. Or, if wefought for our lives from this moment until we were killed or come toour journey's end, it would also be of no moment. That whichdistresses me is, that young Payne will give the Regulators anaccount of our troubles, and those gentlemen will ride in full forceto aid us. Then has come the time for Governor Tryon's minions todeclare that the colony is in revolt, and the fact that four hundredarmed men have banded together to regulate affairs outside their owncountry is fair proof that the cry of treason has good foundation."

  "Well, and what then?" I made bold to say.

  "Then will the king's troops be sent to Hillsborough and thesurrounding towns. Fanning and Edwards can work their will on thepeople, with an armed force at their backs, and when the Regulatorsoppose the military it will be represented that the whole colony is inrevolt."

  "That was much the condition of affairs when we left Maddock's Mill,"I ventured to suggest.

  "Aye, lad; but then we had not opposed ourselves to the king's forces.Now it will be necessary to begin what can be called by no other namethan that of treason."

  "It alarms you that such should be the case, Master Howell?" I said ina questioning tone.

  "Not for myself, lad, not for myself, nor for any of us who arebrought to a stand in this house. It is the women and small childrenof whom I am thinking. We can fight to the bitter end; but they willsuffer an hundred deaths while the English soldiers overrun thecolony."

  "Then would it have been better had we surrendered when we were firstbesieged."

  It was as if this remark stimulated the deputy. His eyes brightened,he straightened himself suddenly, and said as if speaking to a vastassembly, instead of one timorous lad:

  "Not so, Clare. I was but considering the sufferings of our ownpeople, and that should not be reckoned as against the grand result.This is indeed open rebellion, and the news of our oppression willflash from province to province until the entire country is aroused.Then, perhaps not until after we are dead, but at some time in thenear future, will the rule of the king come to an end in America. Weare the instruments selected to begin the way for freedom, and infuture ages we will be spoken of as those who brought into existence afree country which shall be as a beacon light to those who are groundbeneath the heel of selfish kings!"

  From, that instant it was as if Master Howell's entire nature hadchanged. He appeared to be exulting in the danger which surrounded us,and was eager for the fray.

  We stood watch until daylight, and then it was possible to see thatMaster Payne's dwelling was surrounded by fifteen or twenty men, somewearing uniforms, and others clad only in the garb of planters.

  The fact of there being soldiers among our besiegers told plainly thatTryon himself planned the outrage, and when such was apparent I heardMaster Hunter say in a low tone to Master Howell:

  "From this day the Regulation will remain under arms until all thecolonies are prepared to take up the struggle against the king'sminions! Instead of 'Regulators' we should call ourselves 'Sons ofLiberty.'"

  And thus it was that the association known as Sons of Liberty spranginto existence at the home of a planter in the Carolinas--thatassociation which was speedily to extend throughout all the coloniesas far east as Massachusetts, and south to the limits of the country.

  As when we made the last stand, there was no disposition on the partof the enemy to make an attack. We had bettered our situation, andincreased the number of rebels, therefore Tryon's minions probablybelieved it necessary to strengthen their ranks.

  During this day we remained on guard and alert, while our enemies wereposted just beyond rifle range in such manner as to encircle uscompletely.

  By making a rush after dark, as had been done before, we might readilyhave broken through the thin line; in fact such a move was suggestedby Sidney, but Master Howell said firmly as if he had finallycommitted his life and fortune to that final result he foresaw:

  "We will wait for the Regulators. Since Tryon wishes to force us intoopen rebellion, he shall be gratified. Shoot down yonder villains ifit so be you can; but here we remain until overpowered, or rescued bythose who will speedily come to avenge the wrongs which areperpetrated upon all the colony."

  We had no opportunity to open fire on the enemy during the day; butwhen night came, and they drew more closely the circle of guards, wefound a target now and then, thus reducing the number until I believeof a verity we might have ventured out and beat them off in ahand-to-hand fight.

  It is not well that I spend too many words on the situation at thePayne plantation, for the story is one of careful watch only, with nowand then the report of a rifle to tell that we were on the alert. Theenemy took turns at using us for targets; but, sheltered as we werebehind the walls, they did no injury, while I am confident we disablednot less than four during the time of our arrival and noon of thethird day.

  Then we saw a cloud of dust in the distance, heard the shouts ofhorsemen, and soon saw a body of gentlemen full four hundred strongride down like a whirlwind upon fugitives who had lately been ourbesiegers.

  We sallied forth, and before the fray was come to an end our friendshad seven prisoners. None were killed outright so far as I couldlearn; the remainder had taken the alarm in time to seek safety byflight, and our road to Maddock's Mill lay open before us.

  Young Payne had discharged his mission well; the Regulation was insession considering an arrest which had been made for non-payment oftaxes, and, waiting only long enough to secure a supply of provisions,had set off for our relief.

  The entire party camped on the plantation that night, and beforemorning came, their plans for the future were fully formed.

  It was decided that the gentlemen composing the Regulation shouldremain under arms until Governor Tryon fulfilled his promise, orignored it altogether, and during this time of waiting all effortsshould be directed toward protecting those who refused to pay theunjust tax.

  On this evening Sidney and I were regularly admitted to the ranks ofthe Sons of Liberty, as if we were indeed men in age, and so wroughtup was I by Master Howell's words, that I persuaded myself thecolonies would speedily be freed from the rule of a master who had setover us such men as Tryon, Edwards and Fanning.

  We left Master Payne's plantation next morning at sunrise, and in duetime arrived at Maddock's Mill, where it had been decided theRegulation would have its headquarters.

  It was no slight task to provide food and shelter for
such a number;but once it was known that the governor evidently intended to playfast and loose with the people of our section, every one, includingthose who had not deemed it right to join the Regulation, set aboutbringing in stores of food for both men and horses. Then the men beganbuilding shelters, working in squads of five, three, or two, as wasmutually agreed upon, and soon the neighborhood of Maddock's Millresembled a military encampment.

  The rebellion began to assume decided form.

  As may be fancied, Sidney and I were camp-mates. We built forourselves a lean-to which would shelter us from the rain at least,and in the rear of it made an enclosure into which the horses could bebrought at night.

  It was not believed safe for us to go home, even for a few hours,because Edwards and Fanning had men out in every direction picking upa victim here and there, and we lads knew full well that Sandy Wellswould take full advantage of the opportunity in case he came upon uswhere we could not defend ourselves.

  The Regulators were waiting to learn whether Tryon would keep the wordgiven to the deputies, and a dull time of it we lads had meanwhile.

  Since one day was passed much as another, with nothing by way ofexcitement save when news came of this or that high-handed proceedingon the part of the secretary and the attorney, I propose to set downhere simply an account of the general happenings in the neighborhood.

  The Regulators had scouts out in every direction, and therefore it waswe learned, early in July, when we were heartily tired with loungingaround camp while it seemed necessary the most active measures shouldbe taken, that Governor Tryon, with an escort of an hundred and sixtysoldiers, had arrived in Hillsborough.

  This was in accordance with his promise, and those who hoped thecolony would not be forced to resist the king's laws were filled withjoy, particularly when the governor issued a proclamation declaringthat he had come to right the wrongs complained of in the petitiondelivered to him at Brunswick.

  Not a word in his official note to the people was said regarding theRegulators; but the citizens were requested to keep the peace untilsuch time as the several complaints could be acted upon by the courtsof law, and it was promised that if they remained quiet all should bedone in accordance with the wishes of the majority.

  When this proclamation was sent out over the colony there were manywho urged that the Regulation be dissolved, lest the fact of so manyarmed men remaining together might be construed by the governor asoutright treason.

  As a matter of fact an hundred or more did leave the encampment,returning to their homes, and but for the earnest entreaties ofGeneral Hamilton, the deputies, my father, and several others, theSons of Liberty would have dispersed simply because Tryon and his crewwished it so.

  Before one week had passed after the issuance of the proclamation, itcould readily be seen that our burdens were to be increased instead oflightened. Twenty or more of those who had left the Regulation andreturned home were arrested for non-payment of the poll tax levied tobuild Tryon's palace.

  Edwards and Fanning no longer spoke of pacifying, but of subduing, thepeople, and warrants were sworn out daily for the purpose of puttinginto prison those who were absolutely unable to pay the amountdemanded.

  Fanning's fees were increased until they amounted to ten times as muchas the law allowed for court services, and the poor wretch with moneyor lands who fell into his hands was unmercifully shorn of all hispossessions before being set free.

  The wickedness was increased twenty-fold, and no man could say atwhat moment the prison-doors might open to receive him, save we whoremained banded together in the encampment at Maddock's Mill.

  Then Governor Tryon proceeded to frighten the wretched people bymarching with his soldiers from Hillsborough to Mecklenburg, and therecoaxing or scaring twenty or more timorous souls to enlist in the armyhe said should be raised to subdue "the rebellion in upper Carolina."

  Then he marched to Salisbury and back to Hillsborough, enlistingrecruits wherever men or lads could be cajoled or frightened, and,with an army of an hundred and sixty trained soldiers and about fiftyfeeble-minded colonists, he proceeded to play the part of king; butwith rather poor success.

  By this time such of the Sons of Liberty as had returned to theirhomes and were yet at liberty came back to Maddock's Mill prepared toremain until matters were of a different complexion, and once more thedefenders of the colony presented a formidable front to the tyrant.

  We numbered upwards of three hundred and eighty, and by advice ofGeneral Hamilton our camp was moved nearer Hillsborough in order thatwe might protect the country roundabout.

  In answer to what he was pleased to term a "threat," on our part,Tryon called out the militia of the colony, threatening direstvengeance upon those who dare disregard the call. By such means headded twenty or more to his army, and once again were the sheriffssent to collect taxes, each officer guarded by a squad of tensoldiers.

  Now was come the time when the Regulation believed something moreshould be done than remaining idly in camp.

  We were told off into squads of twenty-five, and day after day we rodehere or there as our scouts reported the movements of the sheriff,driving back the officials and their guards as if they had been somany sheep.

  When the guard of the tax-collectors were increased in numbers, ourdetachments were added to, and in every case we sent back the scurvyrascals. Sometimes they plucked up courage to exchange shots with us,when we always managed to disable one or more; but as a rule they beata hasty retreat whenever we came in sight.

  We had orders not to shoot unless we were attacked, and it was hard attimes to obey, particularly when, in the course of our forays, Sidneyand I saw Sandy Wells at the head of a dozen soldiers destroying thehousehold goods of a widow with one son of seventeen, who could notpay the money demanded.

  Before the middle of August, however, we made the governor and hiscrew understand that we were masters of that section of country, andinstead of sending out sheriffs on fruitless errands, Tryon set aboutstrengthening his position as if fearing we might attempt to captureHillsborough.

  That town was a fortified camp, and none of the royalists dared ridethree miles in either direction.

  It goes without saying that neither Edwards, Fanning, nor any memberof the sheriff's posse trusted himself outside the town. GeneralHamilton had given orders that we were to capture any of Tryon'sofficers which we might come across, and keen were all for such game.

  I would willingly have given my horse and rifle, all the property Iowned, for the privilege of bringing into camp as my prisoner theattorney Fanning. Although we were under strict orders not to shedblood, save in defense of our own, I question if that black-heartedlawyer's life would have been worth a moment's purchase once he was inour power.

  Among Tryon's many proclamations at this time was one which statedthat on the twenty-second of September would be begun the trials ofthose who were confined in jail for any offense, and without questionthe case of Masters Husband and William Hunter would then be called.It also pleased the representative of the king to declare that "sincecharges had been preferred against Edmund Fanning, attorney, he wouldbe called upon to render an account of his doings."

  No one among the Sons of Liberty believed the wretch who had caused somuch misery would be regularly tried; but all were curious to see howTryon might save his minion when so many and such serious chargescould, and would, be made against him.

  I have tried to set down here an outline of what Sidney and I didduring all that long summer while we waited for the royal governor todo us justice, which had been so long withheld. And by telling it inthe fewest possible words, we are now come to three days before thetime set for the trials, or, in other words, to the nineteenth ofSeptember, in the year of grace 1768.

  The Sons of Liberty were resolved that there should be ample evidenceagainst Fanning, whatever the cost, therefore from among the membersof the association eight were selected who could swear truthfully thatthe attorney had defrauded them of several considerab
le sums of money.

  It was believed that, unless protected in some manner, these witnesseswould be arrested immediately they showed themselves in Hillsborough,therefore the officers of the Regulation prepared a paper stating thatin case these men, whose names were set down therein, should beinterfered with in any manner while they were in town to serve aswitnesses, the Regulators would immediately make an assault. It wasfurther stated that the lives of the governor and his associatesdepended entirely upon the manner in which our people were treated,for it would be the duty of every Son of Liberty to seek out theprincipal officials during the assault, for the purpose of shootingthem down.

  This was open rebellion, and no mistake; but in order to prevent Tryonfrom declaring that we had intimidated the courts of justice, therewas added to the document the agreement that no member of theassociation would interfere in any manner whatsoever with the judgesor the officials of the court, while the cases were being conducted ina way agreeably with the laws of the king.

  This document was sent to the governor by one of our scouts who, goinginto town, secretly gave it to a royalist for transmission, and,before it could be delivered the venturesome man had rejoined us.

  Nor was this all the association did in order to secure fair andimpartial trials for Fanning as well our friends.

  It was decided by the association in council, that while we remainedat such a distance from Hillsborough Tryon might take upon himself therisk of conducting matters without regard to our just demands;therefore the camp was moved once more, and this time to a small hilloverlooking the town, and hardly more than half a mile from thecourt-house.

  Here we felled trees to serve as breastworks, and otherwise guardedagainst an attack, for many of us believed that as soon as the Sons ofLiberty showed themselves, the so-called king's forces would make adesperate attack, alleging as the reason therefor that they were infear we might attempt to take possession of the town.

  It was on the morning of the twentieth of September when we rode upthe hill in full view of Governor Tryon's forces; but no demonstrationwas made against us. The people could see that we were preparing toresist an attack; but they remained as if paralyzed withastonishment.

  Near nightfall came a mounted soldier bearing a white flag, whodemanded in the governor's name the reason for our display of force,and General Hamilton replied to the question.

  "This is no display of force," he said. "We have come as citizens ofupper Carolina to safeguard several witnesses, and have no mind tointerfere in any way with the proceedings. Say to Governor Tryon thatwe shall remain until the close of the session, and that never a manof us will ride into town while the people are given the rightsaccorded to them by the king and parliament. If, however, there shouldbe an attempt to deprive a witness of his liberty, we shall ride downlike a whirlwind, carrying out to the utmost the plan which we havealready had the honor to submit to the governor."

  The man rode back, and before night came we could see that Tryon'sresidence was guarded by three-score men, a fact which caused MasterHowell to say scornfully:

  "I wonder if the coward thinks to save himself from our vengeance,with sixty recruits? We will overturn them, if there be any act oftreachery, before William Tryon can sign his name!"

  After that we waited in anxious suspense, but constantly on the alert,for the day when law and order would be established in upper Carolina,or it might be known beyond a peradventure that we must depend uponourselves entirely for liberty and the opportunity to live upon ourown lands.