Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1906 — MARION’S BRIGADE [ARTICLE]

MARION’S BRIGADE

By MAJOR J. H. ROBINSON

CHAPTER ll.—(Continued.) Perhaps we cannot show to better advantage the particular position of affairs at the Tory camp than by giving the substance of a conversation that occurred at that time between the major tfnd Col. Cunningham, an officer who afterward commanded a body of Tories distinguished by the not very pleasing name of the “Bloody Scouts,” which title was bestowed upon them on account of their unparalleled barbarities, “I have given orders not to have Strickland’s house plundered,” said Gainey to Cunningham. “On account of the pretty Ruth, no doubt!” said the latter. “Of course. I. have -just been up there. The little beauty is as proud as a queen, and cold as fin iceberg. She Baid that if I had come for the purpose of plunder, the sooner I accomplished the business and left the premises the more agreeable it would be to her hnd the rest of the family. I told her I had come to offer my friendship and protection; to which she answered that neither herself nor friends desired the friendship of a man who had committed so many enormities. Her mother came to the rescue—a - very fine-looking, but' a very impertinent, woman. She assured me that South Carolina was not yet conquered, and though we might triumph for a time, our overthrow ultimately was certain. As for my ‘protection,’ she cared nothing about it, being willing to suffer the same hardships that her neighbors did, for the cause of liberty. I was provoked, but governed my temper as well as I could, resolving to have a sweet revenge.” “There’s a great deal of spite in these Whig women,” observed Cunningham. “They are worse than the men,” retorted Gainey. “Although they do not wield the sword with their own hands, they stimulate their lovers, husbands and sons to greater exertion and thus keep the spirit of rebellion alive throughout the country.” “No one has a better opportunity than myself of knowing that fact,” answered Cunningham. “I consider it about as lawful to make war upou them as upon their husbands and lovers. As a general thing, I am inclined to show them but little mercy. I am in favor of extermination. Let the sword, the halter and fire do their work without a too nice regard to the particular circumstances of each particular case. We must terrify by the promptness and severity of our punisliments. While 1 was out • yesterday with some of our fellows collecting beeves and levying contributions on grauaries I wiseovered a fine dwelling, romantically situated on the banks of' the river, about two miles above here. I galloped up to the house, followed by my merry men, and learned that it was owned by a Mr. Adair, a rank rebel. We dismounted, and as we entered the yard a youpg man rushed out aud made a desperate attempt to escape; but we succeeded in securing him. He was just making preparations to join the ragged .fellows that, it seems, are collecting somewhere near Lynch’s Creek on the Santee. I ordered the men to hang him on the spot, when a girl of about seventeen threw herself at my feet and pleaded most eloquently that the Order might be revoked. Her earnestness attracted my attention, and I perceived that she was endowed by nature with more than an ordinary share of beauty. After enjoying her distress a few moments, I recalled my order, resolving to spare the young fellow, in hopes that he might be the means of acquiring an influence over the fair sister. Young Adair is now a prisoner, and I expect soon to secure the friendship of the party in whom I am interested by sparing his life.”

“You’ll propose marriage to her next, I dare say,” said the major with an ironical laugh. “I have made up my mind to take that step, and you cannot laugh me out of it. If she refuses, young Adair dies." “Some people would call that rather a strange way of wooing* remarked Gainey; and then immediately added, “I hear that Marlon has collected a lot of scarecrows in leathern caps at some place on the Santee. W 6 must learn their precise whereabouts, and make a dash at them soon.” "I have also heard of the fellow you allude to. At the head of a handful of rebels he has been destroying boats on the Santee, by the order of Gen. Gates. I fear he will prove but a contemptible foe, and there will be little glory achieved in vanquishing him.” “I think we had better go and hunt him up to-morrow, and make an example of him; after which we will turn our thoughts toward beattfy and booty," replied the major. Both of Jhe Tory leaders walked toward the encampment, conversing earnestly hbout Ruth Strickland. Mary Adair and th% rebels in general. Secure In their own supposed strength, and deaf to the appeals of conscience, they took no thought of the morrow, and neither knew .nor suspected what it might bring forth.

CHAPTER 111.

It was night and Marion’s men were in the middle. At the word “forward,” the brigade moved toward Britton’* Keek at a rapid pace. All were anxious to meet the foe, and to punish the miscreants who had proved traitors to their brethren and deaf to' the,calls of common humanity. Marion's brigade was not composed of adventurers, hirelings and vagabonds, although they were ill clad and poorly armed, hat their enemies affected! to regard them with unmitigated contempt As they swept onward the moon and the fitful stars revealed stern faces and hard hands grasping straugo implements of warfare. Young Forstail rode beside Ben Brown, and next io the Ist ter was visible the gigantic figure of Dawson. , \> * “This looks lilgw doing something,” said Bert to Forstail “I believe that every one is satisfied with this movement," replied the latter, •it ia easy to. perceive that all are Im-

patient for the Onset. Those heavy sabers will soon, I imagine, be fleshed in ths hearts of our relentless foes.” “That’s what I hope,” returned Rowan; “and may the man who runs from the conflict perish in some miserable way, ( condemned by his own conscience and his fellow-men,” ■ “Thou art wrong, good Benjamin; thou shouldst wish Bo evil to thy brethren,” said Job. “Cowards are no brethren of mine,” retorted Rowan. “All men are brethren, good Benjamin,” Said Dawson, mildly. “Don’t ‘good Benjamin’ me 'any more!” angrily cried Rowan. “We are the children of one great Father,” resumed Job. “I don’t care anything about it,” answered Ben, sullenly. “Mr. Dawson means well, I believe,” said Forstall, soothingly; for he perceived that Rowaa’A, temper was ( getting the better of his judgment. “He is a sneaking coward, and can’t fight!” exclaimed Rowan. “Do you not see that he is well armedT’ added Forstall, with a smile. ~ “He might as well carry a lady’s penknife as that tremendous thing,” replied Ben, pointing to Dawson’s weapon. “What in the name of common sense can he do with it? The fact is, he can’t do toothing with it, and don’t intend to; that’s the long and short of it.” “Be calm, good Benjamin,” said Dawson. “I love quietness and order. Strife and discord are repugnant to my nature.” “Look here, my little giant,” resumed Ben, wrathfully. “The queer notion has entered my head that you must fight, conscience or no conscience.. What say you to that, son of Anat?” “Verily, 1 have fallen into the hands of the Philistines,” said Dawson, without the least sign of being disturbed-in temper. The horsemen swept on, increasing their cautiousness as they aft)roached the Tory camps. It was nearly morning when they halted about a mile from Britton’s Neck. Gen. Marion, Major James, Col. Horry and Capt. Logan then held a brief consultation. They conversed earnestly a few moments, and then took their respective positions according to rank. Marion then made a short and spirited address to his men. He spoke of innoeent blood poured out like water upon the sacred altars of liberty; of happy homes made desolate; and the holiest human relations desecrated and trampled upon. He begged of every man to bear these things in mind, and to strike home. “We will strike deep and sure,” said Forstall. A murmur of approbation ran along the lines, and the men cried out. iu stern voices: ■ “Lead us on!”

Marion -mow put himself at the head of the brigade, and tile party agaiu raov etl forward. Forstall thought of It uth Strickland, and earnestly hoped that he might meet Gainey face to face. Job Dawson was still in the ranks next to Ben, Rowan. Ills great saber hung at his side, and his demeanor was characterized by the same tranquillity that had distinguished him from the first. Ben Rowan appeared rather surlj*, and occasionally cast threatening glances at Job. “Now comes tire rub of this game,” he said to the latter; "and it won’t be exactly wholesome for you to show your back to the enemy. If you play us any of your Quaker tricks, I will send something after you that will bring you to your ‘bearings’ of a sudden.” “If thine enemy smit% thee on one cheek, turn to him the other also,” said Dawson. r~*r “You’re a humbug,” retorted Rowan. . “Be silent!” said Gapt. Logan. "Yonder are the camp fires of the Tories. Softly, men —softly! Hold on to your weapons; don’t let them jingle too much. Be ready to charge when the General gives thejivord.. Try and do your best, my boys. Give those heavy downward cuts that save a surgeon further trouble,” “Halt!” said Marion, in a low voice. “Mr. Forstall," he added, “go forward, cautiously, and reconnoiter a little. Be prudent and don't keep us waiting long.” Forstall threw his bridal rein to Belt Rowan, dismounted ami proceeded to obey orders. He advanced silently about three hundred yards, when the Tory en--campment appeared in full view. It was now-near daylight, and some of the enemy Were already astir. In one place a group were sitting upon the conversing In low tones. A half-dozen were flfoitched out at full length upon the ground beside a smoldering tire. In another place two or three were standing, and as many more reclining. Others, were preparing to cook breakfast. The sentinels bad neglected their'duty; one was asleep on Iris post and another was talking with some of the men. In the rear of the encampment Forstall saw n few early risers looking after their horses and rulfbing them down. Our liero hastened back, relating what he had seeu and received the thanks of the general for his services. Preparations were instantly made to charge Into the Tory camp. At this crisis the accidental discharge of a pistol produced a sudden tumult in the enemy's quarters. Before f minute Imd elapsed many of the Tories were in the saddle, nnd the voice of Gainey was heard cnlliug on them to make n bold staujd and acquit themselves likp men. “Charge, my brave fellows, and be merciful to those who ask quarter!” cried Marion. “Come on!” exclaimed Ben Rowan, darting a threatening look at Job Dawson. "Lay hold of your war scythe and keep your face in the right direction; none of the white feather here.” Forstall glanced at Job. He saw that ho was still calm and placid, as usual; but the large horse which he bestrode was rearing and plungfug and champing the steel bit as if animated and maddened with the spirit of battle. The brigade bore down like a resistless avalanche upon the foe. A discharge of [pistols and carbines did aot stagger them

or do any mischief, and ,in an instant the sabers of the dragoons were doing fearful work. : > * Forstall resolved to keep krs eyes on poor. Job Dawson. Our, hero felt quite sure that were he ever sp_inuch disposed to fight, he would not wield the extraordinary. weapon with which lie had provided himsejf. Notwithstanding all the excitement of battle, he reproached himself that he had not interfered to prevent Rowan fforn forcing him into danger. But it was now too late to indulge in regrets—and Job for a moment was shut from his sight by. a cloud of smoke. Forstall had now enough to occupy his attention, and as he laid about him with strength and ardor, he had no time to look after his Quaker friend. ——. The Tories fell back and made another stand, encouraged by their comrades who had turned out and*, rallied in the rear, At that juncture Forstall saw Ben Rowan in a most critical condition. He had, in his impetuosity, advanced beyond his division and was surrounded by the enemy. Forstall pressed the spurs , into his horse’s sides and endeavored to roach his friend, but the Tories had rallied, and he now found himself in as exposed and dangerous a position—and he gave Ben Rowan up for lost. Glancing toward him a second time he saw Job Dawson’s mammoth horse plunging forward with irresistible fury, bearing down all in his way, until he was half his length in advance of Rowan. But what surprised our hero most of all was to see Job Daw soil grasp his tremendous saber and swing it in the air as though it was but a flimsy lath. Forstall held his breath with astonishment and expectation. He saw the gonderous weapon descend with terrible velocity, sweeping two of Ben’s adversaries from their saddles. Making no pause, he dashed on and was soon obscured from view by a cloud of smoke; but Forstall plainly heard the ringing of his saber as it met with opposing weapon. was heard from Marion’s brigade. The Tories threw down their arms and begged for quarter. Those who were not slain were made prisoners. Forstall had singled out Major Gainey, Tuily resolved to punish him for his impertinence to the fair Ruth Strickland;, but he had not been able during the brief contest to cross swords, with him, although he had the satisfaction of seeing by Col. Horry. After the prisoners were secured, Job Dawson was discovered sitting by one of the Tory fires, very thoughtful, yet very placid. Young Adair, who had been made a prisoner by Cunningham, was at liberty, and standing near the Quaker; and the latter’s horse stood beside his master, as quiet, apparently, as he was. “Verily, I hate contention,” said Dawson. “You have done yourself immortal honor!” exclaimed Rowan, running up to j Turn and grasping his hand. - “I don’t understand thee, good Ben- ’ jamin,” replied Dawson, gently disengaging his hand. “You foaglit like Samson among the Philistines,” said Ben. “Thou art mistaken, friend. I cannot fight with carnal weapons. Verily I am not a man of war,” added Dawson. “Do you mean to say that you didn’t fight?” asked Ben Rowan, impatiently. “I do,” said Job. “And that you didn’t save my life?” continued Ben, with increasing emphasis. . “Even so,” replied Dawson. “Look at your saber/’ said Forstall. “Truly there is blood upon this utensil of war,” he remarked. "And the question is, how did it come there?” resumed Ben. “I cannot tell, verily,” said Job, gravely. “Come, noite of that humbug stuff, because I won’t hear it. You djd fight, and saved me from being cut for mince pies; and if you don’t own up to it, I’ll pulverize you as soon as the general’s back is turned—confound me if I don’t.” Forstall turned from this scene with a smile, and with a singular feeling of uncertainty in regard to the true character of Job Dawson. (To bo continued.)