Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-05-18

which the license Of war enabled them
to practise. He had, accordingly
adapted his behavior to the complexion
of this population. and maintained his
authority both over his own recruits
and such Of the opposite party as hao
fallen into his hands, by a severe, and
not unfrequently by even a cruel bear
ing. Following the example set him by
CORVALLIS himself. he had more than
once executed summary vengeance up
on the Wings whom the chances Of war
had brought into his power; or, what
was equally reprehensible, had allowed
the Tory band who had enlisted under
his banner, to crafty their own thirst of
blood in the most revolving barbarities
Towards Butler, however, he demean-
ed himself with more consideration
and sometimes even extended to him
such little courtesies as might be In.
dulged without risk to the principal
purpose of his safe custody. A sepa-
rate room was provided for the prison.
er and he was allowed the occasional
service of Harry Winter and the othe!
companions of his late misfortune.
Still, the familiar scenes Of suffering
and death which Butler was constrain-
ed to witness amongst his compatriots,
and the consciousness of his own ina
bility to avert these calamities, greatly
weighed upon his spirits. His persua-
sion, too, that Ferguson was now aid
ing, by what seemed to be a most ef-
fectual participation. in the plan for
the capture of Clarke, and his belief
that this blow would sadly affllct. II not
altogether dishearten the friends of
independence in the south, added to his
private grief. He knew nothing Of the
mastering of the mountaineers, and
saw no hope Of extrication from the
difficulties that threatened to over
whelm his cause.
Such was the condition of Butler
during the first four or five days of
his captivity at Gilbert-town. At the
end of this period, circumstances oc-
lively excitement. Suddenly. an order
was issued for the immediate move
ment Of the army southwards-and the
prisoners were directed to accompany
the march. 1t was apparent that in
formation of Importance had been re-
ceived, and that some decisive event
was at hand. When, in pursuance Of this
command, the troops were marshalled
for their journey, and Butler was sta
toned in the column. along with all the
other prisoners Of the post, he was
started to observe the dragoon, James
Curry, appear in the ranks, as one reg
ularly attached to the corps. Butler
had seen nor heard nothing Of this man
since he had parted from him at Black
stocks after the battle Of Musgrove's
mill and his conviction, that, acting
under the control of some higher au-
thority, this individual had been the
principal agent in his present misfor-
tunes, gave him a painful anxiety In
regard to the future. This anxiety was
far from being diminished, when he
now discovered that the same person.
with a party Of dragons, was espe-
cially intrusted with his guardianship:
Winter and the other troopers who had,
until this moment, been allowed to
keep him company, were now directed
to take a station amongst the common
prisoners, and Butler was furnished
with his horse, and commanded to sub
NIT to the particular supervision of the
dragon. These arrangements being
made, the march of Ferguson COM
menced.
The army moved cautiously towards
the upper sections Of the district o.
Ninety-Six. 1t was evident to Butler
from the frequent hints dropped In
conversation by the royalist officers
that Ferguson supposed himself to be
getting every moment nearer to Clarke.
In. this state of suspense and WEAKNESS
the first days march was concluded.
The second was like the first. Fer
guson still moved. south, slowly, but
steadily. Every man that was met up
on the road was questioned by the
commanding officer, to ascertain
whether there was any report Of troops
westward. Had any crossed Saluda-
or been heard Of towards the noun
tains!"-was an invariable interroga-
tory.
None, that the person questioned
knew of-was the common reply.
"Tush! the DEVILS in 1t, that we can
hear nothing of the fellow!" exclaimed
Ferguson, after the fifth or sixth way
farer had been examined. Clarke and
his beggars are flesh and blood-they
travel by land. and not through the
air! Faith, begin to think Cruger
has saved us trouble, and has got his
hand on the runaway's Group! James
Curry"
The dragoon rode to the front and
bowed.
You left Fort Ninety-Six only on
Wednesday,"
II did"
Where was Cruger them"
Marching towards Saluda, with
Brown-following Clarke, as 1t was
supposed-but on rather a cold scent
as one Of the couriers reported"
"Humph! l must get still nearer 10
the mountains" said Ferguson, as ne
clenched his teeth and seemed absorbed
in thought.
In a short time after this, the COL
umn diverged from their former course
by a road that led westward.
Thus ended the second day.
During the next two days. Ferguson
had become manifestly more circum-
spect in his movement, and spent the
greater portion of this interval upon a
road which was said to extend from
Ninety Six, to the Allegheny mountain
Here he remained. with the wariness
Of the tiger that prepares to spring up
on his prey: and it was with a pelu-
liant temper that, after this anxious
watch for forty eight hours he turned
,,non hi, baal ond summoned his ON