Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-03-18
CHAPTER Nv.
The arms aresfair

Inc arms aro'1alr
When the intent of bearing them is just.
SHAKESPEARE.
In fork made by the waters of Crowder's
Creek and the Catawbs River, a party of
troopers were bivouacking on night, in the
last quarter of the month Of September.
Fires had been kindled for the preparation
of their evening meal, and though late, had
not died out; and with the torches that were
constantly moving above, gave life and char
acter to the brilliant panorama. The party
consisted of about thirty men, their tents
the broad sky above them, their canopy the
leafy bowers. The most of the soldiers were
stretched upon the ground with their KNAPP
sacks for their pillows, the grassy sward their
bed, while saddles, brides, muskets and sa-
bres, hung from the adjoining boughs or lean
ed against the trees. The horses we're pick.
eted near, and their occasional neigh or fiery
snort, with their incessant tramping, added
yet more to the excitement of the scene.
At the farthest extremity Of the camp, and
retired from the hustle by a thicker natural
growth, assembled body of officers. A few
blazing pine faggots, stuck in the neighbor-
ing trees, served to illumine the countenances
of the party. The most of them were lying
on the ground with the wearied air Of tired
men, but the most prominent figure, and,
from the uniform, the leader of the troop,
stood as if in anxious expectation.
81 trust no harm has befallen Bowen +; he
should be here by this time" As he spoke,
he drew from his breast his watch, and ex.
claimed, "eleven o'clock, and not yet here
This must be seen to. Ho there, Darby,
order out reconnoitering party"
mo need, sir, if you want tidings of Cap
tain Bowen. Here is Hostspur, now gal
Looping into the camp"
"How, now, Hotspur, what news?" said
Major Davie, for he it was "Where's Bow
enw
"The Tories are halting about twenty FIVE
miles from here, at Catawba ford, near the
Waxhaw, and will not venture the crossing
before they have daylight to transport their
roguery," he said, full Of the principal news.
"The captain sent me on with the intelligence
he's coming with the rest"
"And good news it is no here, wake up,
boys. Darby, sound, sound ito saddle"
Up! boys, up. Officers to your duty"
At once, everything sleeping, started !;
troopers were hurrying rapidly across the
ground the clanking Of their broad swords,
the priming of their muskets, equipping their
horses, made every hand busy.
"How many men has Bowen with him p
"About thirty as clever set of fellows as
ever handled a broad sword-full rugged, too.
The mans had witches at work for him-but
there he is to speak for himself
And as he spoke, Captain Bowen, at the
head of his men, came dashing into the camp.
The soldiers could not refrain from huzzah
of triumph at the goodly Accession, but
Major Davies stern ''silencep reduced them
quickly to order while in more modulated
tones, they welcomed their companions in
arms.
"Welcome! Bowen, welcome; you have
indeed been busy" said Major Davie, as he
grasped Bowens hand. "Fine, stslwart tel'
lows, too, and every man we'll mounted; but
what news is this of Hotspur%
"The Tories have been securing the coun'
try, foraging for supplies for Corvallis at
the Waxhaws, or Rawdon at Camden, l can.
not learn which; they have been unusually
fortunate, and are encountered with their
provision"
"What force have they?"
Zone hundred, shall say-certainly not
less; but we are match for them unincum-
bered as we are-do you not think so ?" said
Bowen, seeing the Major hesitated.
Certainly I do," replied Davie: II was
thinking if our force could manage the prison
ers and supplies both. We must have arms.
Sewer is needing them, and what plunder
we cannot restore we will use ourselves.
The prisoners might 60 on parole, for l can
not delay my motions with them; but there
is no honor in these rascally tories. Ten to
one, they will fire on our backs, if they can
succeed in concealing or stealing a single
weapon"
"Wel, catch them first, and then dispose
Of them," laughed Bowen. y