The Boy Spies with the Regulators

by Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing

  CHAPTER XIII.

  WAR DECLARED.

  At last the Regulation had forced Governor Tryon to acknowledge it asan adversary, and this afforded the members no slight amount ofsatisfaction.

  Until he marched out of Newbern with the militia, it had been his goodpleasure to treat us as a lot of malcontents who should be dealt withby constables or sheriffs, and in his proclamations, or statementsmade to the people of other colonies, he was careful to so word hiscommunications as to make it appear that the people of the upperCarolinas, 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 ofbullies who had set their faces against law and order, neverunderstanding that ours was a purpose which lay close to the heart ofevery true citizen, until that day came when he marched out againstus.

  We, the Regulators, were encamped on William Payne's plantation whenthe news came that our enemy had left Newbern after giving orders thathe be joined on the route to the Eno by this force or that, and MasterRednap Howell said gleefully as he heard of that movement which mightresult in the death of many of our company:

  "It is the first cheering news we have had brought to us during thepast two years. Now must it be known in the other colonies that we arestanding up for liberty, and, instead of believing us to be a fewhot-heads, the people will understand that our party is a strong one,otherwise there would be no need for the governor to come out withsuch a force."

  And Master Butler added:

  "Tryon must fight this time, instead of sitting in his palace andordering that this or that gentleman be thrown into prison. We havemore than half attained our end when the other colonies understandfor what principle we are holding out."

  In fact, this move of Tryon's caused the greatest possiblesatisfaction among our people, who had been running hither and thitherfor the past two years without opportunity of making public theoppression against which they had risen in arms. Never a member of ourparty who questioned as to what our leaders would do; it was to all ofus a settled fact that we would meet the government as speedily asmight be, and in anticipation of the command we began furbishing upour equipments, or looking after the horses to make certain they werein condition for a forced march.

  By this time Sidney and I were eighteen years of age, and no longerconsidered ourselves boys. Since having been permitted to join theRegulation we had been credited with doing good work, never flinchingfrom a severe task or holding back because of danger, and thus we rodewith the company as equals.

  I believe we two lads were more eager than any of our companions tomeet Tryon's forces in the open field; for it was our firm belief thatthe Regulators would win the first battle fought and we burned withimpatience 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 oursaddle-girths to make certain they were in good condition. "Now it isvery much as if he had suddenly become our friend, because of havingboldly taken the field against us."

  "According to the report of our scouts, he must outnumber us two toone," I ventured to suggest.

  "The result will be the same if four against one is the odds. We mustwin, 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 havebeen doing these two years past."

  "I agree with you on the last, Sidney; but holding our own againsttwice our force is a different matter."

  The lad looked at me scrutinizingly for an instant, and then askedbanteringly:

  "Are you beginning to show the white feather just when our affairslook the most promising, Clare?"

  "Not a bit of it," I replied indignantly. "To my mind it is noevidence of cowardice to count well the situation and strength of theenemy."

  "But you went farther, and was near to questioning whether Tryon'sforce might not worst us, simply because of its size."

  "And why might I not question it? A full thousand of his men arecitizens of the Carolinas, and should be our equals in both riding andfighting."

  "So they would were the cause the same; but they fight on the side ofoppression, while we are striving to do that which shall be of benefitto 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 toclaim that gentlemen of the Carolinas who did not hold to our opinionswere our inferiors: but knew full well that it would be impossible topersuade 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 arebetter men than those who oppose us, and that, I think, has been fullyproven by this time.

  I was ready to say that our cause was just, while theirs was not, andfurther than such a statement I would not go.

  Finding that I was not inclined for a wordy quarrel, Sidney ceasedboasting of what the Regulators could do, and set about speculating asto whether Tryon would remain on the Eno until we could come up withhim, 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 comradesaid almost petulantly as he made his preparations for obeying bywashing his hands, which were covered with the grease he had beenapplying to his bridle. "This talk of an 'announcement' has in it asuspicion that the Regulators are not to break camp immediately."

  "Don't begin to look after trouble," I replied with a laugh, knowingwell Sidney's disposition. "If we do not set out this night, theRegulators will take the road to-morrow, and I'll warrant we seeTryon's soldiers in good time."

  There were many others besides Sidney who felt a certain degree ofirritation because we were to hear words, instead of commands whichwould result in setting the entire company in motion toward the enemy;but all of us soon learned that Master Hamilton had no idea of tryingto evade a pitched battle.

  "Since this association was formed, it has been the custom to discussany important movement with all the company, therefore have you beensummoned," our commander said when we had been formed in a hollowsquare with him in our midst. "It is not necessary for me to promisethat you shall be led against the enemy at the earliest fittingmoment, and I also declare that you shall not be allowed to hurlyourselves upon the government troops like an unruly mob. When wehave made ready, Governor Tryon shall see us. Our scouts have broughtin the information that General Waddel is halted with a small force atSalisbury, awaiting the arrival of powder from Charleston. TheRegulators need that powder, and I propose that we take it. Twohundred men well mounted will be sufficient for the enterprise, and inorder that there shall be no charge of favoritism made against me,instead of detailing a force of such size, I ask that the best mountedamong you step three paces to the rear, in token that you are willingto make the venture."

  The old gentleman had hardly more than ceased speaking when the entirecompany moved back as if with one accord, thus showing that every manof us was eager for active service, and that each one believed hishorse superior to all the others.

  Master Hamilton laughed heartily, and then asked that none but theyoungest volunteer for the service, and do so by stepping forward intothe former position.

  Once more was the square formed in the first position, for not a manwas willing to be left behind at such a time.

  It was positive that all the company could not be spared for a servicewhich might be performed by two hundred men, and I wondered how thematter could be arranged without causing jealousy.

  Then our commander explained that it would be unwise to go for thepowder with such a large company, and announced that since we couldnot settle the matter among ourselves, he would be forced to decidefor us.

  "We will begin with William Husband and count from one to five i
nregular order," he said at length. "Every fifth man is to fall out ofline and make immediate preparations for a forced march."

  Sidney was standing by my side, and, fearing lest one should be takenand the other left, I whispered hurriedly to him:

  "Move up until you are the fifth from me, and then if one goes theother will be with him. I would be as sad to leave you behind, as youwould 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 theword, and hardly had he taken up a new position when Master Husbandbegan the count.

  My breath came thick and fast as the numbers sounded nearer andnearer, so fearful was I lest the number should doom me to stay incamp when glory might be earned, and I had so worked myself into afever 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 toremain 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 yourchance."

  "I'd not consent if you threw into the bargain the best horse in thecompany," 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 forthe expedition, and when we came to the center of the encampment,where the lucky ones were assembling, it was learned that MasterRednap Howell had been selected as the leader of our party.

  The only orders Master Hamilton had to give were announced in thehearing of all. We were to ride toward Salisbury until arriving at thebank of the Yadkin, which river was to be crossed in order that wemight come upon General Waddel from Cabarras County, thus hoping togive him the impression that the Regulators were south of him, insteadof in the course taken up by Tryon.

  Master Hamilton was good enough to explain that he believed beyond aperadventure we would soon fight with the governor's forces; but itwas his hope that we might meet them elsewhere than near about our ownhomes.

  A ride of between eighty and ninety miles was before us; but we gavelittle heed to the distance, since each yard traversed brought us somuch nearer the enemy, and I venture to say that a more eager, happyparty of men never set out to provoke a battle.

  When I say that the Regulators were in sore need of powder, it can beunderstood that this venture of ours meant more than the worrying ofGeneral Waddel; we were depending upon him for ammunition with whichto wage battle against Tryon.

  In less than an hour from the time when we had been summoned to hearMaster Hamilton's announcement, our company of two hundred were ridingaway from the encampment, envied by every man who was forced to remainbehind.

  Many a time since Governor Tryon gave us the slip at Hillsborough hadwe ridden across the country in company; but never before with thecertainty before us that we might measure strength with the oppressorsof the colony if it so pleased us, and this fact it was which put usin such wondrous spirits.

  It was the first opportunity we had had of striking a blow, and wewere determined to give a good account of ourselves, regardless ofthe 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 wordto 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 aswas given us with the news that Waddel might be where we could get athim."

  Each man carried his share of the provisions, and as soon as thehorses had been cared for, we ate a hearty supper, knowing that manyhours might elapse before another opportunity for satisfying hungerpresented itself.

  At the end of two hours we were in the saddle again, and we rode untilnear two o'clock in the morning, with but one short halt, when thecompany had arrived at the bank of the Yadkin.

  Now was come the time when scouts should be sent out lest we come uponthe enemy before gaining possession of the powder, and it was neardaybreak before the march was resumed.

  By that time we had learned that General Waddel's force was inSalisbury, and counting on remaining there until the ammunition traincame up.

  Two miles below was a ford where we might cross the river withoutswimming the horses, and when the sun showed himself we were headed atfull speed for the road leading from Charlotte to Salisbury, overwhich it had been reported that the powder would be sent.

  Our horses were well blown; but we had made good time, and the onlything which might prevent the venture from being a success, was thatGeneral Waddel had already received the ammunition.

  "If it turns out that we are too late to intercept the convoy, we musttry conclusions with Waddel," one of our party said when we werewaiting 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 our hands on the powder. We'llhave a try for it even though it becomes necessary to face all the menTryon has brought with him."

  But that we were in an enemy's country our people would have cheeredthis statement; but as it was the men contented themselves withraising their hats to such a leader, and then we rode on, now intentonly on finding a hiding-place where we might remain until scouts hadbeen sent out to learn the condition of affairs.

  Eager though Sidney and I were to come face to face with those whowore the king's uniform, both were well pleased when the word wasgiven to halt and make camp under cover. We had ridden nearly four andtwenty hours, and although our hearts were stout for a battle, ourbodies 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 oneither side the highway were groves of live oak where five hundred menand horses might readily have found a hiding-place.

  Five were told off as sentinels to give the alarm when the ammunitiontrain came in sight, and five more were detailed to scout in thedirection of Charlotte to make certain the powder was yet to the southof our hiding-place.

  Neither Sidney nor I envied those who were obliged to remain in thesaddle yet longer. If, four and twenty hours previous, there had beenan opportunity to act as scouts, we two lads would have been willingto fight for the honor; but now we congratulated each other on thepossibility of gaining a little sleep before the battle was begun.

  We tethered our horses near by; placed saddles and bridles where theymight be come at in a hurry, and laid ourselves down in a thicket ofsmall oaks, falling asleep almost as soon as we touched the ground.

  It was sunset when I awakened, and looked about me fearing, by someunlucky chance, the company had got away without my knowledge; but mymind was soon set at rest by seeing a score or more of men loungingnear at hand as if discussing some matter of importance.

  Without stopping to awaken Sidney, I went toward them, and soonlearned that our journey had not been in vain. The scouts had come inwith the report that the powder and its convoy had not yet arrived atCharlotte, therefore we had only to wait patiently for the desiredopportunity.

  I was also told that Master Howell had stationed guards three milesdown the road, in order that we might have timely warning of themovements of the train, and there was nothing for us to do but passthe time as best we might, providing all hands were ready for a quickjump at the word of command.

  When we first halted I was so sore in body from long riding that Ibelieved four and twenty hours of a rest would not be sufficient tosatisfy me; but within half an hour after awakening and being toldthat there was no doubt as to the coming of our game, I was eager tobe in the saddle once more.

  Although our sentinels were four miles away, and would come into campat their best pace on hearing or seeing the ammunition train, the wordwas passed that no man should speak above a whisper, whi
le the horseswere to be guarded closely lest by whinnying they betray ourwhereabouts.

  Then came a most trying time of waiting, when we crouched in thedarkness close by our accouterments that there might be no delay inlaying hands on them immediately the alarm was given, and expectingeach instant to be engaged in deadly conflict.

  Sidney and I were side by side, not making any attempt to start aconversation because our nerves were strung too tightly to admit ofanything like ordinary topics, and I do not remember of passing suchdreary, dismal moments.

  One had ample time in which to figure all the chances in favor of hisbeing killed or wounded, and to speculate upon the probabilities ofsuccess. 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 atthe sky for the first faint light of the coming dawn, I heard MasterHowell 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. Thecold chill of fear ran up and down my spine, and I believe that hadthe enemy made his appearance just at that moment, I should have beenforced to fight against an inclination to run away.

  It is needless and impossible to try to give any correct story as tothat night when we waited for the enemy, fearing because success wasso necessary to our cause, that, by some blunder or unforeseenaccident, we might fail.

  The sun had risen, showing haggard faces amid that thicket of liveoaks, when we heard among the underbrush some distance away, thatcrashing which tells of a heavy body trying to force its way throughthe 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 eventhough the time when we might meet the foe was so far in the future, Iran with all speed to saddle my steed, exulting and at the same momenttimorous.