Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 February 1906 — MARION’S BRIGADE [ARTICLE]

MARION’S BRIGADE

By MAJOR J. H. ROBINSON

tsai after yn. The bugles gave a merry- bki>t-; the sabers jingled, ami the brigade strep! forward. “I shall have to pulvcrfie*’tlrls"’TellOW yet.” said Ben Rowan.— “What's the trouble now''” asked Frank. - _s_ ~~ ~~~ “Didst thou address me, good Henja-'-■ain?” said Dawson, .'tyeriiy.—lliou -ar! irascible.'’ “I shall, want you to hold my coat, hat and other lixin's,” Continued Kowan to Frank. . “What for?" inquiretT the Utter. - “While 1 pulverize him.” « “1 think that would be ungrateful: he saved your life." remonstrated Forst a 11. “That's the Very thing," said Rowan; “be saved my lite and woift own it. I 4on't like to lie fobfel and have the won] pulled over, .my eyes. There's nothing Mke pulverizing such chaps; it does 'em a moils:r m sight of -good; it deepensthen i inn tions. and keeps ’em ia their place." -----—— friend BenjauiiaA'- observed 1 >awson. “If 1 was a regular saint I couldn't bear it," said Ben,inthe. tone of a person ronsghms that he was practicing the sublimost foriieariHH'e. ------ “An.d in the strong bonds of iniquity," • added .Job, mddlyr"To think that such a humbug should <nrr tv»-sav-e-m-y-itfe-f- U makes- me mad • n >ugh to ent my own saber,” continued Beu. sentimentally. The brigade encamped at its former position on the Santee. At that place Gen. Marion spent several, days drilling the men, while niaiiy hastened to join his ranks. OneauoHiing the genera] was informed that a man from Rocky Creek wished to see him; and in a fCXV moments’ after Fapt. Nicodemus Hawes was nsh-. . ered into his presence. “I'm ealdn of the Independent Firewaters." said Hawes. "I’ve heart! of Jour .gallant ’x=xpiites, ’and have come’ down to jlue you with my fellers; and —they’re ‘tnriial—er-itters—for—a—tussle—as-an.v you can find anywhere in these ”#Tggm"s." - ■■ »rJm»k^koftU.'4oJlowa.Nsa, ,1 wohtl'-b -■ e« » claimed the general, with a smile. "You think they're made of the right kind of

■‘Warrant 'em to whip inT£ r= eirsos; M =- rejoined Haxycs. laconically. ‘ll’ve got 'em straightened up in line jest out yonder. and if you'll step out I’ll put, 'em through the'gamut a few times to show yon wiiat they can do.” . The Independent Fire-Eaters were paraded. and Haires proceeded to exercise them in his own peculiar manner. "Attention the hull' Straighten up. you ’tarnal critters. Dress to the front, and no squintin'. If any on ye hain't been to breakfast, say so. This man that you see here is Gen. Marion, and as you ail know, he's arter the Britishers with a sharp stick, and he means to fellow 'em like the ceaseless footsteps of everlastm death. Toe out, you ’tarnal critters. Endeavor to rise with the subject and feel that each du ye has enough ♦f the real grit to make a dozen heroes sal a good dog. besides leaven’ a small remnant at that. Stand firm —hold up——threw imt- your chisUL aCurparal Illg-.... gins, there’s a kink in your section. John Smith, fry to look an inch and a half taller. Shoulder —tirelocks. Very well; d<-w it agin. Work n little faster, boys. Perkins, you ain’t quite orthodox . enough yet—your toad-sticker is ou hindtide a roiT. Alt eyes rot he front. Present —arms. Let the muzzles fall a little more; that’ll do. Charge—baganets. Be bri-k. my 1 .ids. tmtFimagme the enemy is riglit afore you. Very well done • —perwidin’ you all had baganets. Shoulder ’em up again. Lieut. Anderson will now shove yon through the tirin's, mnrehin's and wheelin’s.” The captain erased and Gen. Marion expressed himself pleased with the perfcnnance. “To-night." he added. *T intend to surprise a company of Tornk under Capt. Barfield. who are posted not far from here, between us and the Pedee. If I am successful. I shall have horses enough to mount you all to-morrow. Yon bare heard of Cunningham’s escape, I suppose?” "Yes. and he's collectin’ men in the •eigliborhood of Rocky Crock. Yon may depend on’t. he means to do mischief,” replied Hawes. "He cannot do more than equal the enormities of Tarleton and Wemyss,” •aid the general. “I should like to have a hand in this Barfield affair." added (.’apt. Nick. “f—tPryfp-be-ghrd tw~bwreyrrnr company. captain, with what meu t you can mount," answered The contemplated movement was cay, vied into effect successfully. Frank Forctall book an active part in the engagement and attracted the particular attention of Gen. Marion. He was promteed a lieutenancy as soon as a vacancy should occur. This whs very gratifying io Frank’s laudable ambitiob. and he wandered whether Mis Ruth Strickland would feel any pleasure when she heard that he had conducted himself in a sol-dter-like and becoming manner.

No one watched the progress of events with deper interest than Forstall. Gen. Marion's high qualitiesxiK a leader had inspired him with confidence. and he looked forward with hope to new and ■ore brilliant acbiavenieuts. During the engagement with Barfield's band of Tories Job Dawson had again been seen to ride furiously into the ranks of the foe, but be affirmed that his horse was ■nruly, and be had been carried into danger against his will.' This version of the affair Ben Rowan would by no means accept, for lie stoutly and perseveringly asserted that he kad seen him spur his horse into the Sooth of the enemy, overturn two Tory korsemeu and cleave a third with his kuge saber. When honest Job assures! kis somewhat choleric friend lien that there must be some illusion about whnt ke professed to bare witnessed he flew tato a violent passion, and if Forstall kad not interfered be would doubtless tore proceeded to extremities, as be was

greatly in favor of toe p’.ilverlz.mg system in all of "humbug” and oir >tinacy, or what lie chose, to consider as such! * " ■' ■■ \ There was evidently Some mystery .-al.MiU*,._±h?L ytrarth-tcr of Job, Dawson which neither Frank-I'orstall JlUre any” -of his acquaintances could solver - Tile” peculiarities <.f the Quaker had. at traded the attention of not only the men. but, of the officers, a ii<T even Ma rion him 'self regarded him with iniiclf curiosity. It -seethed singular to .Frank ami others that Dawson should, linger after h» had v-oneluilc,! t!ic ostensible object of his appearance -atm+ng them. If he re ally "h.ited bloodshed" why did W' not leave the brigade ns s hui as he was 4 at liberty to do so?. £>id lie. slay w ith the Jragoohs. because he believed he should be safer with them than anywliere else:. Had hi< horse home ihim into the -conflict against hi> wishes? Had ho wielded his saber deliberately, or in a moment of excitement, when half demented by' -tut - ex-vessi-ve-w h ieh —very—few- felt competcn t W' itn <wer. But Kowan was the most confident of nny in the premises, mid was apparently fully resolved that Job should prove a humbug in one way or another. Nor was this quite nil. He resolved, furthermore, to ' flagellate him soundly whenever a favorable opportunity' should offer. This determination was not a passing whim, but a fixed and HelibcriTtviy formed purpose, for -he- had- conceived rtnr extram'dinary idea that his honor required it. But Job Dawson kept on in the even tenor of his way, without appearing in any manner disturbed, by what others thought or said of him. The Quaker moved .among thcrii a Continual wonder, and a Continual subject jjf reina rk,. ______ _ ' - _ _ Mr. Henderson had accompanied C'apt. Hawesto—Mttrirm'seamp.andhe • was..vften observed in conversation with Dawson. The nature of those conversations no one knew, but they seemed to be confidential in character. Wlieixto get her tnthe presence of others if was ’sv id onr rhnt a"word pressed betw emt t hem. and—they might—have—been -sttpposedutter .strangers to each other. » ■*« - ■-!> JMMI 1 . iTtuf-.i a iiMniaj lnml l ■■ ♦-'*• *—, .n.,-

J Voting Auatr, who had been releasedfrom his datfg-eroiis position at Britton's Neck, had joined the brigade, und ns Daw>on had been the most actiye in settiTttdjtrertwjdbeuiuerx ntitura 1 - ly arose whether any previous acquaintance had existed between the parties. If the affirmative of -this was true, how long had such an acquaintance existed; :|ml under wlmt cireimistanees ha-il it commenced? But these inquiries were as unanswerable as the others. Frank Forstall. though well acquainted with the inhabhaiits dr Britton'S ’Neck, did not remember of ever hearing the name of Job Dawson. The one engrossing idea that now occupied and agitated the mind ,of Forstall was the captivity of Mr. Strickland, There were several godd reasons why he wished to achieye hisjjberation. He was an old man and respected neighbor, and Frank loved his handsome daughter. But our hero was not an especial favorite with Mr, Strickland, who was somewhat prejudiced against him. The very idea that Mr. Strickland di J not Tee! friendly toward him made our hero still more anxious to serve him: for he very naturally wished to proyq-tfavt -Mr» (if it really amounted to antipathy) was entirely unfounded. ’■ Furstall cogitated deeply suit jeot of Strickland's captivity, and many were the plans he formed to effect his release; many of his schemes were wholly impracticable, and all of them full of danger.

CHAPTER VIII. The news that Col. Ferguson was approaching Rocky Creek with a large body of dragoons, marking his footsteps with Mood and fire, • produced general consternation among the inhabitants who remained at home. There were quite a number at Rocky Creek favorable rto the royal cause; and they resolved to organize and choose a leader. The tidings of Ferguson's proximity served to quicken their zeal and hasten their movements. A young man by the name of Dix w#S very active in the eontemphrted organization. Having provided himself with a list of those who were friendly to the cause, he rode up and down the country. inviting them to assemble at a designated place iu the vicinage of Rocky Creek. Cyrus Dix lived not far from Rev. William Martin's, and knew well that he was a stanch patrioL The former felt an earnest desire to change the latter’s mode of thinking. Dix was well acquainted with Kate Martin, knew her worth, and had felt tiie power jof her dazzling ..beauty. He had ardently •ought her company for many months. Dix was at heart a bad man. but he took the best care to disguise his true character, and to appear to Martin's eyre like one who honestly and conscientiously differed with him iu opinion. The day before tiie royalists of that and the adjoining districts were to assemble, with n view to an nrniejl and permanent organization, Dix walked over to Mr. Martin's, in order to make a final effort to shake his patriotism to ita foundation!

Nor was this the sole object of his visit. After doing all that he could in that particular direction he had determined to make a full declaration of bis sentiments to the peerless Kate. “I have come to converse with you once more on the subject of our honest difference of opinion. I wish you could see’ as I do in this matter,” said Dix, ’with’’ tntfffi emphasis. “I respect your friendly earnestness young man,” replied the pastor; “but pardon me when I say that I thoroughly detest your cause. I hare not only wished that you might discover ths error into which you have unwittingly fallen, but I have prayed .that our common Father would merci Ailly open your eyes and quicken your understanding.” “I must regret your infatuation.” returned Dix, earnestly; “and perhaps I

miglit say hstlocimitiou. Your sacred profession- prevetifs' you ffifm lighting . w-jfh lint ordinary weapupi of human warfare.' You are well known among the Royalists ais,having hiHt-ed the, hitherto 1 peaceful inhabitaiits to arms, and they feel justly indigti rut against you. Who. then, will protect yourself, 'your wife and fair <l.-nmht»r xroin the Vengeiuice of those marauding parties who are sweeping like lightning through the country?” "I have served the God of heaven many years, and 1 have never ..yet been fm-saken.” repd.-d Mart'll, devoutly. “Om-e fiiore I appeal to yjm. sir. WiiV :-ilHfc;::S.!Cd.s akF least ; the Royal cause? Yotrr own safety and that;of y o.ur_ fa uire this much of 1 ' .ymi.” ■ / ; A■. j—"Go,, young man!”, exclaimed Martin, s'tt'rnly. "You forget the respect wjfich is <lue omy so mm-fi your -seniorr"! u'ever was a hypocrite fltt 1 I ti<>r(»i will l>e2 To persist i‘n such language would soon rob yon of the respect w hich I have hirherto entertained for tyoti. Go. and never let this subject be renewed between-Us, unless you are led to -see she fatal error into which you ha,ve been led.” “I am sorry for this,” resumed Dix, artfully affecting some emotion. "I have esteemed yon highly? and earnestly vvisti to sec you shiehh-d from the evil which is surely determined against you." "Blessed are they who suffer for righteousness sake,” responded Mr. Mardim fervently. _ . Dix.-despair-ed of cy of such :>. man as the w'vrtliy'pastor. He accordingly sotight Kate, to—learn.■ Irow matters stood hi that direction. As it happened, a very fa'vorable opportunity presented itself. "I have been conversing with your father this morning in regard to. liis unfortunate poiitical sentiments,” said Dix. "Have you succeeded in convincing him of his heresy?" asked Kate?=ealmly.' "1 am. s.oyry to say I have not,” was the reply. ‘ - —_—___ "Will you be kind enough to inform mo why you .regret the circumstances?" added Miss Martin. "For several reasons, my fair neighbor.” rejoined Dix, blandly. "First, because such . a worthy man should be blinded iir his judgment; second, because such sentiments endanger his personal safety; third, on your own account, forit- naturally follows if yottr father suffers for the active part he has taken in-4h-e-rebeH4e» yen-- : will--a-lso--swffer- by the punishment." While he was speaking Kate was <inietly studying his character, and arriying at a very accurate’ conclusion in r-egttpd -to the-ebject of -his apparently-; disinterested efforts. “Perhaps, Mr. Dix,” she said, with much seeming simplicity of manner, “it is in your power to aid us in this unhappy dilemma into which we have fallen." "You speak to the point, my dear Kate," added the Loyalist, in tones still more confidential and patronizing. “Koeky T'rbek, at the present time, is left entirely to the mercy of the Royalists.” "But are they not too noble to make war upon defenseless females and old men?" inquired Kate, in the same confiding and apparently artless manner. "Our troops,” added Dix, coloring slightly, “cannot always he restrained on account of the cruelties practical by the Whigs. It is my solemn conviction that the first party of British dragoons that sweeps through the settlement will make a terrific example of William Martin.” "Unless,” added Kate, "you should possess sufficient influence to stay their sanguinary proceedings.” "Just so, Miss Martin. I trust, dear young lady, that 1 have ever been a friend to you and the family!” returned -Dix, sentimentally^ _ --——Ami I—embrace - this opportunity to express my thanks,” said Miss Martin. "I think I am not mistaken in you,” resumed the -Royalist, in a-more tender and confiding tone, encouraged by the kindness of the maiden. "I feel assured that we understand each other.” "Yes,” added Kate, averting her eyes timidly.

"There are moments when soul speaks to soul, and all the heart's precious secrets are suddenly and intuitively revealed.” Kate looked at the floor, and made no answer. ‘ "Your condescension makes me extremely happy. Your heightened color assures me that I need not be more explicit on this particular theme. I will lay to my soul the flattering unction that I have awakened a gentle interest in your bosom.” (To be continued.)