Donald McElroy, Scotch Irishman by Willie Walker Caldwell
CHAPTER VII
Under Morgan we marched to Boston, and a long and weary tramp it seemed,though in comparison with later ones, I learned to look back upon it asa pleasant summer's journey. Our uniforms, patterned after Morgan'shabitual dress, consisted of buckskin breeches, leggins and moccasins, aflannel shirt, over which we usually wore an unbleached linen huntingshirt, confined with a leathern belt at the waist, and a huntsman's capon the band of which was inscribed, "Liberty or Death." From each man'sbelt hung a knife, a tomahawk, and a bullet pouch, and each riflemancarried in his pockets a bullet mold, and a bar of lead; across oneshoulder passed the strap from which hung his powder-horn, and over theother he carried his rifle with its whittled ramrod of hickory wood.
Our uniforms, our size, and our marksmanship won for us immediatenotoriety and consideration, and not many days were we permitted to beidle, though it was but comparative idleness we enjoyed, even in camp,since we were drilled two hours each morning and afternoon, and did ourshare of guard duty in the trenches around Boston. In our leisure hourswe taught the Yankees to chew tobacco, and to mold bullets, and learnedin return to rant eloquently upon liberty and natural rights in thelanguage of Samuel Adams, and John Hancock, and to eat beans baked withhog middling.
Early in September we were ordered to join Colonel Arnold's command fora raid into Canada. In addition to our arms, ammunition, and blankets wemust take turns at carrying the light canoes necessary for a part of ourjourney, and many miles of our way lay through the tangled undergrowthof dense forests, or across the treacherous slime of trackless bogs. Itwas not long before many of the men were bare footed, half naked, andweak from insufficient food; for our rifles were soon our dependence forrations, and game grew scarce as we proceeded northward. Several of thecompanies ate their sled dogs with relish. Morgan's men fared betterthan the rest, for it was our rule to share equally whatever game wekilled, and we were sure to get a large proportion of all there was tobe found. Moreover, our clothes, being of leather, stood the wear of themarch better than the uniforms of the rest, and many of us could makerude moccasins of wolf or dog skins.
After two months of toils and privations such as I wonder now we wereable to endure, we reached Quebec with but seven hundred of the thousandmen with whom we had started from Boston. In response to Arnold's daringsummons to fight or surrender, the garrison shut the city's gates in ourfaces, and we were compelled to lie in our trenches, and wait forGeneral Montgomery's reinforcements. On the last day of December, 1775,in the midst of a blinding snow storm, we attacked Quebec. GeneralMontgomery soon received the bullet that ended his career, and ColonelArnold was wounded shortly after. But for these two untowardmisfortunes, I truly believe we had won the day, and over all Canada andall British America would now be waving the Stars and Stripes. Be thatas it may, we riflemen came very near to taking Quebec alone andunsupported, for Morgan took the battery opposed to him, and penetratedto the very center of the town. Meanwhile, General Montgomery's troops,broken and disorganized for lack of a leader, and Arnold's, in likecase, were falling back; our opponents were left free to concentratetheir forces upon us, so that, after a fierce resistance, we werecompletely surrounded, outnumbered, and compelled to surrender.
We lay in prison at Quebec for nine long months, treated with as muchkindness as is usually accorded to prisoners of war, but chafing likewild animals in a cage. Captain Morgan told me of the offer, made to himby one of the garrison officers, that he should be made a colonel in theBritish army, if he would but desert "a doomed and hopeless cause," andof the hot reply he made.
"Sir, I scorn your proposition, and I trust that you will never againinsult me in my present distressed and unfortunate condition, by makingme an offer which plainly implies that you consider me a scoundrel."
At last we were discharged, Captain Morgan on parole, and were carriedin transports to New York. I saw Morgan as he stepped off the boat, inthe brilliant light of a harvest moon, stoop and kiss the soil, andheard him whisper in a sort of ecstasy, "My country, my country!" My ownheart swelled within me, and I could have done likewise with fullmeaning.
Great things, of which we had heard but vague rumors, had happened inour absence. Boston had been evacuated by the enemy, the attack on FortMoultrie had failed, and the Declaration of Independence had beendeclared by all the thirteen States. On the other hand, GeneralWashington had been compelled to yield New York to Howe, and to fallback to New Jersey, and England was making ready to send army after armyacross the ocean to conquer her rebellious colonies.
Though my term of enlistment had already expired, I could not go home inthe midst of such stirring events, so I made haste to Morristown, therereenlisted, and was put to service as special courier to GeneralWashington. And now, for the first time, I saw the man to whom allpatriotic hearts turned with hope and pride. His soldierly, dignifiedbearing, the look of resolute, yet not arrogant self-consciousness uponhis face, his courteous manner, and the perfectly controlled tone ofvoice in which he issued a command, or uttered a rebuke, impressed mewith a confidence that made me from that hour sure of our cause. "Withsuch leaders as Washington, Arnold and Morgan," I thought, with fervidenthusiasm and pride, "how can we fail to win?"
* * * * *
Not many weeks later my beloved captain, who had been exchanged, andmade a colonel by act of Congress, marched into our camp with onehundred and eight recruits, most of them from the valley, at his back. Icould hardly wait till he had reported at headquarters before I soughthim.
"'Tis my old comrade, Donald McElroy!" he said, scarcely less moved thanI. "Have you been on duty all this time, lad, with no furlough, no rest?Ah, many's the time I've told Arnold, that with ten thousand such troopsas my Scotch Irish riflemen, I'd undertake to whip all the armies thatcould be sent to these shores."
"I believe you could do it, Colonel," answered I, "but your health, sir?Are you quite strong again?"
"Never better, lad; even my rheumatism is gone. I've been home, youknow, for five months, and have had nothing but coddling from that goodwife of mine. Six months more of it, and I'd have been unfitted forfurther service to my country. My lad, you should marry--how old areyou, sir?"
"In my twenty-third year, Colonel, but as yet I have had no time to lookfor a wife," and I blushed like a lass.
"There's yet time enough, without doubt, but a man needs a wife to keephim from mischief--especially a soldier. I was but a half tamed animaltill Abigail took me in training; ever since I have lived the life of agentleman, I hope, and been as happy as a lord. You deserve a good wife,Donald, and I shall help you to find one, sir."
Despite the embarrassment which such personal interest caused me, I wasgreatly pleased to be so noticed by my colonel, and when, a few dayslater, he sent for me to tell me that he had named me as one of thecaptains who were to command the eight companies of which his regimentwould be composed, I was filled with such joy and pride as I have sinceexperienced but once--and then upon a very different occasion.
"Donald, lad," said Colonel Morgan, standing at the door of my tent onan April morning, when the sweet scents and cheerful sounds of earlyspring had started a longing in my heart for a look at our valley, "I'vea secret for your ear, and an expedition to propose to you."
"Come in, Colonel," said I, smiling with pleasure of his visit, andoffering my one chair; "I'll be proud to know the secret, and I promiseto keep it well."
"We are shortly to be ordered North to join General Gates, who is tocheck the advance of General Burgoyne upon New York, if possible, andwe'll see active service, and mayhap a big battle or two, at last.Meantime I'm riding home on ten days' furlough, to say good-by toAbigail, and would you ride with me, I'll grant you leave to go."
"Your invitation is an honor I much appreciate, Colonel, and it willgive me pleasure to go."
"Then be ready, by sun up."
It was about ten o'clock at night, and our horses were stiff jointed,and without spirit, after three days' hard
"Well, Dan'l! what good fortune brought you back so soon? Oh, but it isgood to see your dear face again!" I hung back in the shadow, with alump in my throat, while Mrs. Morgan laid her head on her husband'sbreast, and was for a moment clasped in his arms.
"Captain McElroy is with me, Abigail," said the Colonel. "Where are you,Donald?"
"Here, Colonel," said I, stepping into the light.
"It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home, Captain McElroy," in Mrs.Morgan's kind tones. "I've heard the Colonel speak of you, and of yourfamily; walk in, and be resting while I have supper served; you are bothhungry and tired, I am sure."
"That we are, Abigail," and the Colonel set me the example of divestinghimself of muddy leggins, spurs, and top coat--"The smell of your coffeeand fried ham has been in my nostrils for two hours past. Donald, she'sthe best housekeeper in the Old Dominion," and he smiled proudly uponthe round, comely, beaming little woman, who, as I soon discovered,deserved all his praise, for she was equal to my own mother ashousewife.
As I followed Mrs. Morgan into the living room, which was brightlylighted by half a dozen candles in brass candle-sticks with crystalpendants, and a pile of roaring logs upon the hearth, I realizedsuddenly the presence of a very pretty young woman sitting beside acandle stand, on one side of the fire place, with a piece of needle workin her hands. She looked up as we entered, then dropped her eyes againto her work.
"Colonel Morgan, this is my cousin, Nelly Buford, and this is CaptainMcElroy, Nelly."
The young lady rose, dropped me a graceful courtesy, then turned andheld out her hand to Colonel Morgan.
"You do not remember me, Cousin Daniel, but I well recall you, and theday you came to our house to see Cousin Abigail. I had heard of you as afamous Indian fighter, and I peeped at you through the half open door,expecting to see a string of scalps around your waist."
"I had no eyes nor ears then for any woman save Abigail," repliedColonel Morgan, shaking her hand in his hearty fashion, "but I'll neverforget your pretty face again, Cousin Nelly--be sure of that."
She laughed merrily, and her ease of manner indicated that she was asmuch used to pretty speeches as she deserved them. There was a witcheryin her laughing hazel eyes, in the curves of her saucy, full lippedmouth, in the very tendrils of blonde hair which looped and ringed inriotous fashion about the small pink ears, and low, white brow, whichfew men tried to resist. Before we retired that night, I was completelyfascinated. I lay wide awake in spite of my weariness until pastmidnight, recalling each curve of her pretty, piquant face, eachmodulation of her cooing voice; and then I set over against her manycharms my own awkwardness, the boorishness of my manners, and myignorance of everything except camp life and public topics. I longedardently for that polish of manner, and that faculty of politeconversation I had heretofore esteemed so lightly.
There were no girls in our neighborhood near my own age, and I had knownscarcely any other women besides those of our own family, and thematrons of our church congregation. I had grown up, therefore, like amaiden, with no temptations, and small knowledge of passion, and latermy mind had been so fully occupied with hunting, studying, Indians, andpublic matters, that all the vanities and snares of youth had passed meby. But nature is not easily starved into subserviency, and upon thefirst opportunity takes vengeance for former neglect by more violent andunreasoning possession.
So madly in love was I with Nelly Buford before another sunset that allmy past was forgotten, and all my future weighed as naught. I cared fornothing, wished for nothing but to be with her; had no dream or ambitionbeyond pleasing her. I blushed when she spoke to me, trembled if herhand or her dress touched me, and could scarcely refrain from kissingthe handkerchief she now and then let fall, and which I restored to herwith a sense of proud privilege. I scarcely heard the remarks of Mrs.and Colonel Morgan, but every word Nelly spoke was registered in my mindand conned over and over like a lesson. When they left me alone withher, as they often did--for they were daily going about the placetogether, to take counsel as to its management during the Colonel'sabsence--I experienced a sort of ecstasy which made my blood surgethrough my brains, and my heart flutter as if I were frightened.
Nor was Miss Nelly slow to perceive my infatuation, or so little womanas to fail to take pleasure in it. I think she beguiled me, indeed, withan audacity she would not have dared to use toward a youth more worldlywise, or more experienced in the emotions of the heart. I recall oneinstance which will illustrate the coquetry which she practiced for mydeeper ensnaring. We were walking through the orchard flush with bloom,when she stopped beneath a low boughed apple tree, and asked me to plucka spray for her, then twisted it into a wreath, and laughingly bade mecrown her queen of May. I took the wreath from her fingers, and wouldhave dropped it awkwardly upon her blonde curls almost two feet belowme, but she stopped me with a merry laugh, and said in playful tones,
"How stupid you are! The queen must be enthroned before she is crowned.Help me to a seat upon this curving limb, and then I'll be just highenough for you to lay the crown upon my sacred head, with due reverenceand solemnity."
I lifted her to the bough she indicated, and when she had settledherself gracefully, and said with pretty affectation of dignity, "Now,Sir Knight, the Queen awaits your service," I laid the floral wreathcarefully upon the bright curls, and would have stepped back to admireits effect, only something in the eyes that met mine, and the perfumebreathing lips, which were on a level with my own, made my head reel,the blood surge in my ears, and many colored motes float between me andthe canopy of blossom bending over us. In another instant I had kissedher full upon the lips, and then emboldened by their touch, I threw myarms about her, and kissed her again and again, upon brow, cheek, eyesand lips, paying no heed to her commands, and only desisting when shebegan tearfully to entreat me.
"I LAID THE FLORAL WREATH CAREFULLY UPON THE BRIGHTCURLS."]
No sooner was the madness passed than I was deeply penitent, and beggedher forgiveness so humbly that Nelly gracefully consented to pardon me,on condition that all should be between us as if the incident had neveroccurred. My promise was easier given than fulfilled, however, for thememory of those kisses lingered with me for years, and came near to myundoing. Yet I never again entirely lost self-control, and all fear ofconsequences in a woman's presence. The realization of the strength ofthis heretofore unknown force of my nature sobered me and put me on myguard against myself, in future.
Even Colonel Morgan saw presently my infatuation, and tried to warn me."Nelly is a pretty lass, and bewitching enough, in all conscience," hesaid to me, one morning as we rode over the place together, "but I fear,lad, she's a sad coquette, and moreover she's an ardent Tory. It was notshe I meant to pick out for a wife for you, indeed I did not know weshould find her here."
"A Tory? Is she not your wife's cousin?"
"Aye, lad, 'tis only in our valley that all men are patriots. Nelly is acousin to my wife, and the families have always been intimate; but theBufords live in Philadelphia, are well to do, and strong Tories. Thestringent orders of General Washington against English sympathizerscompelled Nelly's brother to join the British army and Nelly to takerefuge with us--her mother having gone to New York to nurse a sister whois ill."
Colonel Morgan's warning came too late, however, even if I had beeninclined to mix politics with love, or to think that the fact of awoman's opinion being adverse to my own made her any the less lovable.Age and
"Colonel Morgan tells me that you are a Tory, Miss Nelly."
"Yes, and why not?"
"I cannot understand how an American citizen can take sides with theoppressors of our country."
"That is such stuff as Colonel Morgan and all you self-styled patriotstalk--saying nothing of the ingratitude of turning against our motherland that has lavished her treasures and the blood of her sons, to plantand protect these colonies; nor of the absurd folly of thinking therecan be aught else but defeat, and years of poverty before us, as thefruit of this rebellion. Great Britain is sure to win in the end, andthen, sir, mayhap you'll be glad of a friend at court. It were well totreat me courteously, and my views with respect while I am forced thusto take refuge among you--the day may come when I can return the favor,"and Miss Nelly's eyes flashed, and she held her small self very erect inher chair. I had thought her all gayety and softness, and this evidenceof spirit made her but the more charming to me.
"At all events let us not quarrel," I begged. "I trust I am not sonarrow minded as to be unable to recognize that there may be somethingto say on the side of England, especially since it is the tyranny ofKing George and not the will of the people which oppresses us. But I cannever agree with your views nor admit the probability of your prophecy.Should the patriots win, as they will, I may have an opportunity to showmy appreciation of the offer you have just made me. Meantime, while weawait results, let us declare a truce--do not spoil my brief holiday bywithdrawing your smiles."
"Since you put it so gallantly, I must consent--truce for the present,alliance for the future."
"Then I dread nothing the future holds for me--even defeat would betolerable with your favor to soften it."
"You may hold my yarn, Sir Blarney," she laughed; "no need to tell methere's Irish blood in your veins."
So I held her yarn, and delayed the winding process all I could, thatshe might be the longer over her task, and her soft finger tips touch myhands the oftener in untangling the threads I snarled. So our firstquarrel resulted in my more certain entanglement in the net of Nelly'swiles.
* * * * *
The sense of loneliness and regret, of distaste for the life of hardshipbefore me that oppressed me, as we took horse to return to camp, wasentirely new to me. So quickly had a week of ease and luxury, of woman'ssociety, and idle trifling enervated me! I was too far gone even to haveproper contempt for myself, and rode all morning by Colonel Morgan'sside, silent and morose, answering his cheerful talk with rudemonosyllables.
"Look here, my lad," said the Colonel, after a while, "I fear yourholiday has done you harm, rather than good. I meant to give you a briefrest and change that would hearten you for the work before you, and, ifinstead I've led you into a snare, Donald, I'm very sorry."
"What snare, Colonel Morgan?" I enquired somewhat haughtily.
"The snare that a pretty woman's face and a frivolous woman's mind haslaid for many a strong man before you, Captain McElroy," answeredColonel Morgan, "but I obtrude neither admonition nor advice, sir," andhe spurred his horse forward and rode on in front of me.
The "Captain McElroy" brought me to my senses, for I was not used tohearing anything but "Donald" and "lad" from his lips. I felt heartilyashamed of myself, and presently spurred to his side, and humbly beggedhis pardon.
"I forgive you without stint, lad," he answered me; "your feelings arevery natural, and 'tis hardly my privilege to preach to any young man,for my own youth was reckless and dissipated. But I can say withknowledge that there is no influence a young man needs so much to dreadas that of his own ungoverned passions, and none he should so carefullyguard against. You've heard the old hymn:--
'Lo, on a narrow neck of land 'Twixt Heaven and Hell I stand';
"Well, if there's a single situation in life these words describe it isthat point in a young man's life when he makes his first clear decisionbetween right and desire, between yielding himself the sport of youthfulinclinations, and following the clean path of duty. When the time comesfor you to win honestly a good woman's love, she will be very proud andglad to know that you can offer her an unsullied manhood. It's the onething that ever comes between Abigail and me:--that even yet I'm ashamedto tell her some of the episodes of my youth."
"Thank you, Colonel! I shall try to remember your words."
Remembering was easy enough, but making application was more difficult.I could not see, then, that Colonel Morgan's caution applied to myinfatuation for Nelly, further than to put me on my guard againstletting that infatuation interfere with my steadfastness and courage asa soldier. I took the warning to heart, therefore, only so far as to setmy face sternly toward my duty again. Its true application was madeclear to me, almost too late.