Sarah Dillard's Ride: A Story of the Carolinas in 1780

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  "Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall shoot," said the Tory. Page 153.]

  SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.

  A Story of the Carolinas in 1780.

  BY JAMES OTIS.

 

  With Six Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis.

  A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, 52-58 DUANE STREET, NEW YORK.

  Copyright, 1898, by A. L. BURT. Copyright, 1899, by A. L. BURT.

  SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE. BY JAMES OTIS.

  NOTE.

  "They were men admirably fitted by their daily pursuits for theprivations they were called upon to endure. They had neither tents,baggage, bread, nor salt, and no commissary department to furnishregular supplies. Potatoes, pumpkins, roasted corn, and occasionally abit of venison supplied by their own rifles, composed their dailyfood. Such were the men who were gathering among the mountains andvalleys of the Upper Carolinas to beat back the invaders."--_Lossing's"Field-Book of the Revolution."_

  CONTENTS.

  CHAPTER I. PAGE A Britisher's Threat 1

  CHAPTER II. The Tory's Purpose 25

  CHAPTER III. A Desperate Venture 50

  CHAPTER IV. The Struggle 74

  CHAPTER V. Sarah Dillard 99

  CHAPTER VI. Greene's Spring 123

  CHAPTER VII. At Watuga 149

  CHAPTER VIII. The Prisoner 174

  CHAPTER IX. King's Mountain 200

  CHAPTER X. A Hot Chase 214

  CHAPTER XI. Success 238

  LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

  PAGE

  "You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine that noise to be caused by the Redcoats." 7

  "Take your hands off! I am not to be treated as a prisoner," Ephraim cried. 32

  Nathan did as his comrade suggested, and save for a slight creaking now and then, the work was carried on. 91

  The colt darted forward at full speed with Mrs. Dillard. 113

  "Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall shoot," said the Tory. 153

  Nathan and Evan crept within three feet of the Tory. 193

  SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.

  CHAPTER I.

  A BRITISHER'S THREAT.

  In the year 1780 there was in North Carolina, west of Broad River, andnear the site of what is now known as Rutherfordton, a settlementcalled Gilbert Town.

  Within five or six miles of this village on a certain September day inthe year above mentioned, two lads, equipped for a hunting trip, hadhalted in the woods.

  One was Nathan Shelby, a boy sixteen years of age, and nephew of thatIsaac Shelby whose name is so prominent in the early history of NorthCarolina; the other, Evan McDowells, son of Colonel Charles McDowells,was one year younger than Nathan.

  But for the fact that these two lads were sorely needed at theirhomes, both would have been enrolled either among the American forces,or with those hardy pioneers who were then known as Mountain Men, forthe time was come when the struggling colonists required every armthat could raise a musket.

  On the previous month the American forces under General Gates had beendefeated by Cornwallis at Camden. Tarleton had dispersed Sumter'sforces at Rocky Mount, and the southern colonists appeared to havebeen entirely subdued by the royal troops.

  General Cornwallis, now at Camden, was bending his efforts toestablish the king's government in South Carolina, and in punishingthose "rebels" who, despite their many reverses, were yet among themountains awaiting a favorable opportunity to strike another blow inbehalf of freedom.

  It was at this time, and especially in the Carolinas, as if theattempt to free the colonists from the oppressive yoke of the Britishhad utterly failed, and even the most sanguine despaired of being ableto accomplish anything in that section until General Washington shouldlend them some assistance.

  Nathan and Evan, lads though they were, understood full well thesituation of affairs, and as they sat upon the trunk of a fallen tree,resting from the labor of seeking food--for this hunting trip had beenmade for serious purposes, rather than in pursuit of sport--the twospoke concerning the reverses which had been visited upon thepatriots.

  "It is as if we were already whipped into submission," Evan saidsadly, "for how is it possible our people shall gather in such forceas to be able to offer successful resistance?"

  "That seems indeed true," Nathan replied, "and yet will ColonelWilliam Campbell of Virginia remain idle? Do you believe my uncle,Colonel Shelby, or Lieutenant-Colonel John Sevier, have laid downtheir arms? Or even if those three are subdued, is it likely, thinkyou, that your father will rest content while the king's forcesoverrun the country at their pleasure?"

  "There are matters which cannot be mended, however brave men may be,and it seems to me that now has come the time when we must say thatthe struggle for liberty can no longer be continued."

  "If all who have for four years opposed the king's will were asfaint-hearted as you, Evan, then indeed had the rebellion been crushedbefore it was well begun."

  "But tell me, Nathan, how may the Americans, with but few men, scantyequipments, and little or no money, even attempt to hold their ownagainst the royal forces, which outnumber us mayhap ten to one?"

  "That I cannot do, and perchance even your father might find itdifficult to make reply to such question, but this much I believe tobe a certainty. The desire for freedom has not been crushed out fromthe hearts of the American people, and while it remains strong as atpresent, some way will be found whereby we shall have at least thesemblance of an army again."

  "I would I could believe you."

  "Is your mother thus despondent?"

  "I cannot say, Nathan. It is now near two weeks, as you know, since Ihave seen her."

  "But think you she has lost all hope? She, who has dared to burncharcoal in the fireplace of her own home, while the Britishers wereabout, in order to carry it to your father, who was making gunpowderin a cave among the mountains."

  "My mother is brave, which is more, mayhap, than can be said for herson."

  "Ay; had she not been, when your father's cattle were driven off bythe British skirmishers, she had hardly called the neighborstogether, and by such show of strength recovered the property. Withwomen like your mother, and men such as your father and my UncleIsaac, I tell you, Evan, the cause of liberty is not lost."

  "But it would seem as if we were further from our purpose now thanfour years ago, when a declaration of our independence was readthroughout the colonies. Then we had more money, and it was not asdifficult to find recruits. Now ten dollars in paper is hardly worthtwo cents--in fact, I am told that even the troops consider it toocumbersome for its value to repay them for carrying it around."

  "That is t
he case only with the paper money."

  "You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine that noise to be caused by the Redcoats."--Page 7.]

  "Ay, Nathan; and as for gold and silver, we still trust to that onwhich is stamped the king's image. But it is not for you and I to talkof political matters, when both are really in the same way ofthinking; the only difference between us is that I, who was neverso courageous as you, have grown faint-hearted."

  Evan ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that instant both the ladsheard the hoof-beats of horses in the distance, and started up in whatwas very like alarm as they listened, while exchanging inquiringglances.

  "It must be that the British are coming this way," Evan said, turningas if to flee; but his companion clutched him by the arm, saying witha laugh:

  "You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine that noise tobe caused by the redcoats. Surely there are none nearabout here, andeven though there were, it is not likely they would attempt to maketheir way through this wood."

  Evan ceased his efforts to flee, but turned as if unwilling, with aforced smile upon his face.

  "Of course it must be as you say, Nathan, for the Britishers wouldhave no business here; yet it is even true they may be nearabout, forwe have heard that General Cornwallis was bent on sending a force intothis section, and he is not wise who refuses to take heed of anywarning in these times."

  "You need not set me down as one who makes light of the informationwhich has been brought by those whom we could trust; but I refuse tobe alarmed without cause, and the idea that the Britishers would rideinto this thicket is--They _are_ redcoats! It is _I_ who am playingthe fool by setting myself up as an authority on those matters ofwhich I know nothing!"

  The foremost of a mounted band had come into view, causing this suddenchange in Nathan's speech, and the two boys gazed in alarm at therapidly advancing horsemen, for now was it too late to make anyattempt at flight. Both knew, from reports which had been spreadthrough the country, of outrages committed among even those who werenot in arms, what it might mean to fall into the hands of the enemy,who were bent on subjugating the country by any means, however harsh,and they had good reason to expect brutal treatment once they werecaught in the clutches of the king's troops.

  Involuntarily the lads clasped hands. Although armed, there was nothought in the mind of either that resistance might be offered, andindeed it would have been in the highest degree foolhardy to have doneother than they did at this moment--quietly await that foe from whichescape was impossible.

  Where they stood the forest was open and free from underbrush,therefore while the troopers were yet a quarter of a mile away theywere in full view, their red coats showing in vivid contrast among thegreen leaves, and before the advance squad were yet arrived at wherethe boys were standing, the entire company could be seen.

  Fully two hundred men, a goodly portion of whom were Tories, clad inthe ordinary garb of the country, and the remainder wearing the king'suniform, made up the party.

  Among the foremost of the riders was one clad in the habiliments of amajor, and from what had been told by those who brought theinformation of General Cornwallis' movements, the boys knew at oncethat this must be Patrick Ferguson of the Seventy-first RoyalRegiment.

  It was this officer who accosted the frightened lads, by asking in aloud voice which had in it much of menace:

  "What are you two doing here armed? Rebel spawn no doubt, who lie inwait to do mischief when it may be accomplished without danger toyourselves."

  "We are out hunting, and if it please you, sir, in order to get meatfor the family," Nathan replied, speaking stoutly, although he wasinwardly quaking with fear.

  "Tell me no lies or it shall go the worse with you. How long has itbeen that you of the Carolinas must search for food in the forests?"

  "Since his majesty's troops overrode the colony, quartering themselvesupon those whose store of provisions was already scanty."

  "Be careful how you speak! I am not in a mood to hear insolence fromthose who rebel against their lawful king," and the major made athreatening gesture, bending from his horse as if he would strike theboys.

  Evan stepped back a pace in fear; but Nathan boldly held his ground ashe asked bravely:

  "Think you, sir, that two lads like us may do the king harm?"

  Major Ferguson's face reddened with rage, and motioning for one of thetroopers to advance, he said:

  "Disarm and bind these insolent cubs who dare bandy words with theirbetters. They shall talk in a different strain before I am done withthem."

  "Would you make prisoners of us who are not soldiers?" Nathan askedeven as the man seized him by the arm. "Would you carry away fromtheir homes two boys upon whom a family is depending for food?"

  "Where are your fathers?" Major Ferguson asked sharply.

  "I have none," Nathan replied. "My mother is a widow."

  "And yours?" he continued, turning toward Evan.

  "Colonel Charles McDowells."

  "As rank a rebel as lives in the Carolinas. See that you bind themwell, my man, for I doubt not these two, innocent as they wouldappear, have already had their fingers in the rebel broth."

  "Since you are bent on making us prisoners, sir, it is useless to denythat we have done aught against the king, save it be a crime toperform our share in feeding those dependent upon us."

  "If those who make up the ragamuffin following of _Mister_ Washingtoncould not depend on such as you to provide for the women and children,they might be forced to remain at home where they belong, instead ofhatching treason, and I could then, perhaps, clear this portion of thecolonies of every male inhabitant who is old enough to be of servicein any capacity. Before I have performed my mission you of theCarolinas shall understand what rebellion means, for it is my purposeto teach you a lesson."

  Having said this the valiant major turned his horse that he mightspeak with some of his followers, and the trooper who was bidden todisarm and bind the lads had well-nigh finished with the task.

  Nathan and Evan were rudely searched, and with such effect that eventheir spare flints were taken from them. Their hands were boundbehind their backs securely with leathern straps; the fowling piecesand the scanty store of ammunition were taken charge of by one of thetroopers, and he who had been detailed to seize them stood as ifawaiting orders of his commander.

  "Keep up a brave heart, Evan," Nathan whispered courageously. "Do notgive yonder redcoated brute the satisfaction of seeing that we areafraid."

  "We are likely to be carried very far from home, Nathan, and it may bethat much suffering is in store for us."

  "Of that there can be little doubt; but no good will come to us byshowing the white feather, for of how much weight, think you, tearsand prayers be upon such as our captor. It would please him were we togive free rein to our sorrow, and I am not minded he shall have suchgratification from me."

  "But surely there is no reason why you should anger him by boldspeaking--that will not avail us."

  "No more than it would if we pleaded for mercy, and there is muchsatisfaction to be gained by depriving him of the pleasure that wouldcome with the sight of our tears. Hold firm, Evan McDowells, as yourfather and your mother would do were they in like situation, andmayhap the time will come when this Major Ferguson's grasp will be sofar lessened that we shall see a chance of slipping through hisfingers."

  "I have little hope of any such good fortune," Evan replied, with along-drawn sigh, and then both the boys fell silent.

  The horsemen had dismounted, and it was evident that a prolonged haltwould be made.

  The major gave no further orders concerning his prisoners, and thetrooper stood guard over them four or five paces away, giving noapparent heed to the conversation in which they had been indulging.

  During half an hour the situation remained unchanged, and then cameinto view two hundred or more men on foot, the greater number wearingscarlet uniforms, the remainder being evidently Tories.

&n
bsp; At first glance the boys believed this last body of Britishers hadcome by accident upon the halting-place; but as the men exchangedsalutations with the members of the advance party, it could be seenthat they all formed one company under the leadership of MajorFerguson, and had been temporarily separated because of the more rapidtraveling of the horsemen.

  When another half-hour had been spent here the order was given toresume the march, and an officer in the uniform of a captain broughtword from the major to the man who was guarding the boys, that hewould be relieved from duty, one of the foot-soldiers taking hisplace.

  When the change of guards had been effected, Nathan and Evan wereordered into line midway of the column, and thus hemmed in on everyside they were forced to advance, traveling with difficulty, and evenpain, because their arms were fettered.

  As a rule, the men gave very little attention to these youngprisoners, save when one or the other of the boys fell slightly in therear, and then a blow from the butt of a musket would warn him that hemust keep pace with the remainder of the troop or suffer because ofinability to do so.

  Now that the lads were completely surrounded by foes, no conversationof a private nature was possible, and in silence they marched on, withample food for unpleasant thoughts.

  The only question in the minds of both was as to the destination ofthis body of Britishers, for there seemed little reason why so manymen should penetrate this mountainous portion of the Carolinas, wherethere was no important stronghold to be captured.

  Until five o'clock in the afternoon the troop advanced steadily, andthen the foot-soldiers were arrived at a small valley where thehorsemen had already apparently halted for the night.

  Fires were kindled here and there; some of the soldiers were engagedin cooking, others in caring for the horses, and all so intent uponmaking themselves comfortable that it was as if the prisoners had beenforgotten by everyone save him who was charged with their custody.

  When an hour had passed the lads were still standing where they hadbeen halted, and Nathan said with a mirthless laugh:

  "It looks as though we might be forced to keep our feet until morning,for so nearly as I can make out food has been served to all saveourselves and our guard."

  "I am counting on being relieved before many more moments pass," thesoldier said petulantly, for Nathan had spoken so loudly that he couldnot fail to hear the remark.

  "And are we to be starved because we neither wear red coats nor arewilling to march shoulder to shoulder with them?"

  "It matters not to me what disposition may be made of you, so that Iam given an opportunity of getting my rations," the soldier said, anda moment later one of his comrades came up, musket in hand, to relievehim.

  To this last guard Nathan repeated his question as to the probabilityof their being provided with supper, and the soldier repliedcarelessly:

  "I am not the quartermaster of this detachment, and if I was Iquestion whether much time would be spent over such as you."

  Then he fell to pacing to and fro, watching his comrades as theylounged around the campfire; but all the while keeping close guardover the two lads, who were so weary from the hunting of the forenoonand the march of the afternoon that it is questionable whether theycould have fled even if the opportunity presented itself.

  "I had expected to be ill-treated," Nathan said with an assumption ofcarelessness to his comrade; "but did not count on being starved. Itis a pity, since we were to be made prisoners, that this gallant MajorFerguson could not have come up after we had partaken of dinner, forit seems as if many hours had passed since we ate breakfast."

  Evan was on the point of making some reply to this mournful remarkwhen from the distance he observed a lad, who, coming directly acrossthe valley, was halted by the sentinels stationed around theencampment.

  "Look there!" he said, in a low tone of excitement. "If I mistake not,it is Ephraim Sowers, and what may he be doing here among theredcoats?"

  "It is as I have always believed," Nathan cried, forgetting that theman who acted as their guard could hear every word he spoke. "Ephraimis neither more nor less than a Tory, and I venture to say he comesnow to give information concerning our friends."

  "It is not the first time he has met this detachment of men," Evanadded, "See! He speaks now with one of the soldiers as to an oldacquaintance."

  "Who may say for how long he has acted the spy? When it was told onthe day before yesterday that he had gold in his possession, I wouldnot believe it; but now it is plain to be seen that there was truth inthe statement, and we can say how he earned it."

  This Ephraim Sowers was the son of one who claimed to be "a man ofpeace;" one who by many a loud word had declared that he believed ita sin to resort to arms, whatever the provocation, and, living a nearneighbor to the McDowells, was in a position, if it so pleased him, togive much of valuable information to the enemy. Until this moment,however, there had been no suspicion that he might be tempted to playthe part of spy, and his son's arrival at this encampment told theboys as plainly as words could have done how it was General Cornwallishad reliable knowledge concerning that portion of the colony, for hehad given good proof that he knew who among the inhabitants favoredthe king or the "rebels."

  Ephraim advanced leisurely, and with the air of one who believes he isexpected, until his eyes rested upon the prisoners; then he startedsuddenly, a flush as of shame came over his face for the instant, andstraightening himself defiantly, he walked up with a vindictive smileuntil he was within half a dozen paces of the two lads.

  "I had thought that the sight of a redcoat was so displeasing that itwent against your stomachs," he said tauntingly, "and yet I find youhobnobbing with Major Ferguson's men."

  "It seems that you know who commands this detachment," Evan saidsternly, forgetting all his fears now in the anger he felt that thislad whom he had once trusted should have been all the while a Tory.

  "I'll warrant you two know as much."

  "Ay; but we are here as prisoners, and you have come as a visitor--onewho has seen these men before, to judge from the manner in which youaccosted them."

  "Well, what does that prove?" Ephraim asked, an evil look coming intohis eyes.

  "It proves you to be a spy, and when we shall make known what has beenseen this night, I am thinking neither you nor your peace-lovingfather will find the Carolinas a pleasant abiding place."

  "And I am thinking that when such rebels as you have the chance totell what has been seen, the rebellion will have been crushed out, fornow that you are here, if my words go for anything, you will not soonbe set at liberty."