The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1898-08-11
PETER BACOT'S DEVICE
By EVERETT 7. roMLiNsoN.
THE battle Of Camden had been fought
'rue Story Of the Eevoiutlo


on August 10, 1850, and among the
prisoners taken by the British in thaten-
gagement were Capt. Peter Bacot, John
6tarke, young man of 10, and an old
continental from Connecticut, Simon
Jones by name.
The three men were marching in .
band of 80 who, three days after the
battle, were being forwarded by Col.
Rawdon to Charleston; and when they
thought of the dungeon awaiting them
there their hearts were heavy.
The band Of prisoners had just an
tered upon the lonely road which led
through forest, and, grateful for tho
cooling shade on that hot day, guards
and prisoners halted for u rest.
Young John Starke, who had been
wounded in the thigh, and had pluclily
continued on the march for fear Of
worse evils if he fell out Of the ranks,
turned and locked upon the men in
the company, and the sight was not ono
to cheer him. Truly his situation was
adesperate one, and with heavy heart,
he said to Capt. Peter: mot very much
hope here, is there, captain?"
mo" replied Peter Bacot, briefly.
''They say there is lots of smallpox
among the Charleston prisoners" said
John.
''And they say truly" replied Peter.
'"They don't half feed the men, and, wish
the smallpox and fever and foul air,
they don't have TO look after any of the
men very long"
ut saves time and money and guards,
1guess," drawled Simon again. II don't
mind SEEM 'em economical. It's what
was brought up to be myself"
John looked quickly at the old soldier,
but his face was eXpressionless. He
could not tell whether his indifference
was real or assumed, but whatever the
cause, John had little sympathy with it.
my sister Nancy lives up the road
here" he said at last. "She's the only
sister I've got, and she's disgraced the
family by marrying tory. He keeps
the public house up at the Corners. I
wonder what she'll think Of itwhen she
sees her own brother carried away by
her husbands friends"
The word to march on again was
given, and he had no opportunity to
make further inquiries; but he noticed
that Peter Bacot was thoughtful, and
several times turned to Simon and
spoke to him in low tones. Simon was
interested, too, in the captains words,
for, although the expression upon his
face did not change, John knew from
his manner that some project was in his
mind. What 1t was, however, he could
not conjecture.
On marched the men, the silence
broken only occasionally by q growl
from some redcoat or the sharp word Of
Capt. Faust, the leader of the guard, to
some lettering prisoner. The heat Of
the sun was intense, and the insects
that steadily followed them increased
the discomfort CT all The prisoners
uttered no complaints, but the murmur-
ings among the guard grew louder and
more frequent. Capt. Faust was be-
Rinning to fear that he would lose con-
troll of his men when public house
came into view and halt was ordered.
"Is this where your sister Nancy
Nves?" inquired Peter Of John Starke.
"Yes," replied John, "but don't
know that she'll do US any good"
II think she WILL" said Peter, and in
few low words he explained his plan.
John listened attentively and for mo-
ment felt hopeful, but a glance at the
noisy redcoats brought back all his
fears, and he said: 1T may be we'll
enough to try 1t, but haven't much
hope. Here's my sister now. and I'll see
what can be DONE"
Nancy was approaching and looking
with curious interest at the band Of
prisoners. Suddenly her glance fell
upon John, and she was about to utter
. startled exclamation when warning
sign from her brother caused her to be
silent.
Still she approached, and John knew
by the expression upon her face that he
could depend upon her to do her UTMOST
for him, for even in those desperate
times "blood was thicker than water" "
"Why, John! How came you here "'
"Hush, Nance" whispered John.
"Come close minute, and I'll explain
It,"
In few words John hurriedly told
his sister of their desperate plight. and
explained the plan which Peter Bacot
had devised. Nancy listened attentive
~, ana tnen nesltateQ oetore enS au-
swered. 1t was only for moment.
however, for she quickly said: 'Pll do
It, John. You stay right here, and TIL
try my best for you."
His sister was gone in a moment, and
John stretched himself upon the ground
with his companions to await the result.
Not a word was spoken by the prison
ers, but each was watching intensely
the movements of the guard.
Shouts and songs soon could be heard,
and among the noisy men they could see
swoman moving here and there. and al
ways with jug in her hands. An hour
had passed, and the three prisoners
were just beginning to hope that they