Chapter 1

I sit quietly in the back hall and hear their boots walking across my polished floors. I hear their voices in and out of my rooms and now and again a scrape of a chair or a table being moved. I have never felt so helpless or so violated in my life.

This morning I was obliged to open my doors and therefore my home to British officers, who have since taken over the house. I have a small trunk of my belongings beside me and do not know where I am to be sheltered. There are many outbuildings and residences on the plantation and I hope to be able to at least stay on the property. I’ve sent my children with Claudy to Fairfield Plantation. My aunt owns it now and I believe they will be safe there.

My name is Mari-Lee Belmont and I am a survivor of the siege of Charles Town.

It all began in February, 1780, when we received word that the British had landed on Simmons Island in the Edisto Inlet. There were conflicting reports as to how many there were, but ensuing skirmishes with our forces confirmed a large army was moving toward Charles Town. Edisto is about 30 miles south of the city. There were over 8,000 of them come in ships down from New York. Panic reigned in the streets as there were only about 1500 Continental soldiers in the area.

We, and I am speaking of our own plantation and others that are our neighbors, sent our slaves to help build the fortifications. A canal or moat was dug in front of the tabby walls and wooden breastworks that formed the citadel.  By  the end of February the British, under the command of Lt. General Sir Henry Clinton, had secured James Island. They could then look upon the city that defeated them back in 1775 when they last attempted to capture Charles Town.

At that time I was in the city with my husband, James Belmont, and our two daughters, Anne and Celia. My husband was the treasurer for the city. We were in our house on Tradd Street when word reached us that my brother had been killed during a fight on James Island. He owned a house over on Pettigrew Street that I have inherited. He was unmarried, thank the Lord, but his sweetheart was much torn up about his death. It was a sad time for us but there was little time to mourn his passing.

I beleaguered my husband to talk to the leaders, mainly one, General Benjamin Lincoln. Savannah had already fallen and I feared the worst for Charles Town. My pleas fell on deaf ears. He donned his uniform and joined the rest of the men at the citadel. For awhile life went on pretty much as usual for our household. We were blockaded by sea and we rationed our tea and sugar. But it would get much get worse.

Following is an excerpt from a letter written by Hildebrand Oakes, Governor of Malta and an officer in Clinton’s British Army.

"...The Fleet with eight thousand Troops on board destined for the taking of this Place, sailed from Sandy Hook on the twenty sixth of December, and after the most tempestuous and disagreeable Voyage I ever remember, which almost totally dispersed the fleet; the main Body got into Tybee Harbour on the first and second of February a good deal shattered...we [moved] for North Edisto River and arrived there...in the Evening...in four Days the whole of John's Island was in our Possession without a Shot being fired. On the twenty fifth we made a landing on James Island, and in three Days the greatest Part of the Army were got over; from this Place we got our first View of the Town, which from the Number and force of their Vessels of different kinds, and the Strength of their Batterys appeared very formidable... Unavoidable Delays now began to ensue, owing to the difficulty of the Navigation through the Creeks, by which we got up our Provisions, and the want of Horses to get up our heavy Artillery…”

On March 29 the British crossed the Ashley River onto the mainland. Our forces had increased  by 1,700 men come from Virginia and North Carolina. Still that is not enough. James said with the militia and the Continental army we could still only count about 5,500 souls against the British numbers. It was suicide and I told him so. “There wouldn’t be a stray dog left alive in Charles Town,” I said. During this time I was very much caught up in anger toward him. I realize now that it was fear that drove me to speak so harshly to him. He encouraged me to bring the girls out here to Belmont Plantation. I was too stubborn to listen. He couldn’t tell me rice was white at that time.

As I’ve said, we sent our slaves to help with the fortifications. They remained there to fight the enemy. We had in our household Claudy and Abraham, who’d been with me since I was a child at Fairfield. We also had a cook and two maids plus a young girl to help with Anne and Celia. Anne was five and Celia was three. James had his servant who rode out to the fortifications with him daily.

Our four naval vessels retreated to behind a log boom on the Cooper river. Commodore Whipple with the backing of the Naval office declared he was no match for the British fleet. He was a wise man, however he had to scuttle his four ships and transfer his guns to land. His sailors fought on solid ground.

Oakes further writes:

..." On April 1, the army was in place to begin the first trench 800 yards from the American positions. Nine Days afterwards our Ships of War passed their invincible Fort and battery, on Sullivans Island with the small Loss of eight Men killed and fourteen wounded, and came to Anchor just out of Gun Shot of the Town-"

General Lincoln                      General Clinton

On April 13 our Governor Rutledge left Charles Town. The situation deteriorated quickly. Gen. Lincoln held a meeting with civil leaders and the decision was reached to evacuate the town. Our men continuously fired at the enemy but it came back twofold. The British began dismantling the dam that held the canal waters in front of the fortifications. A detachment of cavalry were sent out to keep a line of communications open with the rest of the country. They were dispersed by the British. At this time I decided it was best if I took the girls to Belmont.

James accompanied me with our people, keeping only his servant with him. It was a frightening journey across the Cooper river in the middle of the night. We went in a flat bottom boat silently as we could with our hands clamped over the mouths of our daughters. He did not stay the night and I did not know when he kissed me goodbye that it was in fact…goodbye, for I never saw him again.

In order to further isolate Charles Town, Gen. Clinton sent Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton out to Moncks Corner to rout the patriots. We were now on our own. April 19 Cornwallis arrived with 3,000 fresh troops. It was some time during the battles that followed that my husband fell. I do not know the exact date or where his body lies. The information I am imparting comes from Abraham, who has his own way of finding out what is going on. I assume it is from slaves crossing back and forth over the Cooper river.

Lincoln parleyed with Clinton and requested that they be allowed to evacuate the city. Clinton refused. He had the enemy trapped. Lincoln was trying to arrive at an honorable defeat, if there may be such a thing. Again the bombardment of the city ensued. Lincoln tried again to obtain an evacuation and was told the only thing Clinton would accept was an unconditional surrender.

The city was bombarded once again and the sound of two hundred guns and the fires that resulted could be seen and heard from Belmont. Fort Moultrie surrendered. There was nothing left. The civic leaders persuaded Lincoln to accept their conditions.

More of Oakes letter:

“…they were soon after summoned to surrender but refused; On the eleventh of this Month finding they were completely Blockaded, and that at we were proceeding by sure and regular Methods to take the Place...they sent out a Flag saying they would accept the Terms offered them two Days before, and yesterday they marched out Prisoners of War by the best Accounts I can get to the Amount of five Thousand..." Describing the scene during the siege, he writes, "...we had a constant fire of Canon and small Arms upon us..." Looking to the future campaign, he reports "We expect to march into the County immediately, and I am credibly informed that when we make our Appearance in North Carolina, there will be five Thousand Men in Arms who will join us; so that I hope I shall soon be able to tell your Lordship that the Southern Colonys are all ours. If our Fleet at Home are Successful I make no Doubt but the War will soon be brought to a Conclusion..”

The terms of surrender were arranged. It was agreed that the Continental soldiers should march out with their colors cased, and to lay down their arms as prisoners of war; the militia to be dismissed on their parole to take no further part in the contest, and to be secure in person and property so long as they remained faithful to that parole. The citizens of suitable age were also paroled, and by this extraordinary measure, Clinton would boast of over five thousand prisoners of war. On May 12 our beloved Charles Town spread her legs for the Redcoats.

The town was pillaged for anything of value. It is said the plunder amounted to one and a half million dollars which was dispersed amongst the conquerors. I lost everything in the house on Tradd Street and my brother’s property on Pettigrew. Family heirlooms gone for a officer’s pay.

Many of the families had long gone from Charles Town but some were still in residence. Their houses were confiscated along with their property. Up until now the British and Hessian armies had behaved themselves and followed some sort of decent treatment for their vanquished enemies. Not so in Charles Town. Perhaps it is because we had defied them and beaten them from our doorsteps a few years back. Had they behaved as civilized men, things might have been different.

Slaves were taken and herded into ships and sent to the West Indies. Some 2,000 of them in one shipment alone. There they were sold and the money enriched the conquerors.

In June General Clinton departed for New York, leaving Lt. Gen. Cornwallis in charge. The only safety for a citizen was to swear unconditional loyalty to the King, and even then that was no guarantee. In gross violation of the terms of the capitulation, a large number of the leading men of Charles Town were taken from their beds, in August, by armed men, and carried on board prison-ships, under the false accusation that they were involved in a conspiracy to burn the town and murder the loyal inhabitants. There were hundreds of these prisoners confined to the ships where disease and other discomforts took their toll. Some were sent to St. Augustine. Lt. Governor Gadsden was one who refused to take the oath. He was imprisoned there in a dungeon.

Chapter 2

I am removed from the city by the Cooper River. However, I am not removed far enough. My house is to be the center of operations for the Charles Town district. Why have I remained…why have I not followed my children to Fairfield? I had some hope that I might save at least one residence from the British. It is too late now to flee to Fairfield. I have taken their unpleasant oath and sworn my allegiance to the King of England. So far it has gained me my life.

New officers have arrived and this time they’re not all wearing red coats. There are some blue coats in the hall. I am approached.

“Mrs. Belmont, is it? I’m Captain Oakes. I must say you have a lovely home and how gracious you are to allow us to sit here. I am to inquire about meals. There will be twelve of us tonight and if dinner might be served at 8:00 that would be most agreeable.”

He gives me a little smile and I am speechless. The audacity of the man to think that I will feed them. “I beg your pardon, Captain Oakes, but am I not a prisoner of yours? Am I not displaced from my own house? How is it you expect me to feed your people?”

“Madam, you have taken the oath and are therefore under our protection. You are free to stay here and, in fact, I would like you to. Now as to dinner?”

“I…I’m not to be put out of my home? Well, I’ll see what is available to cook. We have been some short of food here.”

“Not to worry. There are wares available.” And with that he was down the hall and talking to some other red-coated men.

I would not stay here in the same house with them. I had some pride left. I found a maid and sent her for the Belmont cook. Abraham I sent to find out what available wares might be had. Later I went into the dining room with a maid, Nance, to see to the table. My china and silver were still intact.

Cornwallis                                       Vice Admiral (of the period)

The hall was a busy place with men coming and going. I was stopped and introduced to Lord Cornwallis and to Vice Admiral Mariot Arbuthnot of the Royal Navy, a blue coat. I was as pleasant as I had to be. I did not want to look upon these men. Standing behind the Vice Admiral were several other blue coats. One stepped aside to let me pass and I did glance up and thank him.

I was in mourning for my husband and my brother. I wore a black band around my arm.

“Whom did you lose?” the naval captain asked me.

“My husband and my brother,” I answered.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said.

The fact that he might have contributed to that loss was not lost on me. I merely stared back at him with what I hope was as little emotion as possible on my face. ”Excuse me, Sir.” I went about my business.

I played the part of a gracious hostess and pretended these men gathered around my table were there at my request. I was introduced to all of them but remember only a few of the names. I do remember the captain who spoke to me earlier. Captain Jack Aubrey commands the Admiral’s flagship.

They were a jolly lot and passed the wine decanter around and around the table. I suspect its contents came from the homes of Charles Town’s vanquished citizens. I tried not to think of these things; not to think of the horrors dealt my friends and acquaintances in the city. These soldiers were sent to do a job and they have done it very well.

As time wore on the faces changed around the table from time to time. There were even a few women who accompanied the British officers. One or two I knew and they hung their red faces on their breasts and would not look at me. Daughters of families I’d known for ages were now being squired around by redcoats.

What they thought of me I did not know. Perhaps they think the same thing I do. Of course it is a shame and shame upon us. I had little choice but they could have refused an offer of dinner by an officer.

I removed myself to the plantation manager’s house, a clapboard affair located about a mile from the house on Shem Creek. It’s where I retired in the evenings after dinner leaving the officers to play my pianoforte and otherwise entertain themselves. We no longer have a plantation manager and unfortunately the plantation, except for the vegetable garden, hogs, chickens and a couple of milk cows, is no longer operating. The house sits on 62 acres of land. We have more located miles away on the Hobcaw Creek. That’s where the money crop is planted and harvested. There will be none of that this year. I am seriously worried about the state of things.

I am also worried about my girls. I’ve heard nothing from Fairfield in two months. We are cut off here from the rest of the country and I know not what state of war South Carolina may be in now. These were my thoughts when I left the house tonight to begin walking to the house where I now reside. I have not walked far and the light from the house is still visible when I see someone with a lantern following me.

I am at once alarmed. So far the officers inhabiting my house have treated me with respect. I hear Abraham in the palmettos moving closer to me.

(Jo)

“Mrs. Belmont, may I accompany you on your walk?” It is the naval captain.

“Captain Aubrey, I’m only going home.”

“Ah, home…where is it you call home?”

“A house along the creek.”

“Do you mind if I walk with you?”

“As long as that’s all you have in mind, Sir.”

“Let me assure you I recognize a lady. We are not all barbarians.”

I began to walk again along the path and he fell in beside me. I suppose I could have sent him on his way but he’d never been anything but courteous to me. I thought to ask him about the mail.

“Captain Aubrey, I’ve sent several letters to Fairfield Plantation near Camden. I’ve not received a reply. I wonder if you might know if mail is being sent along from Charles Town?”

“I do not believe it is and until the state is secured I cannot say that mail will move. I’m sorry, do you have family there?”

“Yes, I have two small daughters.”

“I might inquire for you. You are concerned for their welfare, of course.”

“Of course. Would you do that for me?”

“I would be happy to.”

“Are you married, Captain Aubrey and do you also have children?”

“I am not married and as to children, I certainly hope not.” He smiled, his teeth showing white in the darkness as his lantern swung back and forth. “How far is the house?”

“About a mile.”

“You did not want to remain in the big house?”

“No, I did not.”

“I can understand that. Why is it your children are not with you?”

“I sent them away for their own safety when Charles Town fell. I had intended to follow but I left it too late. I had some idea that it wouldn’t spread across the river, that I might be safe here.”

“You are safe. You are under our protection.”

“What does that mean exactly? I have heard of people under your protection that ended up on prison ships.”

“For you, it means that you really are under…protection. Nothing will befall you here at the hands of officers. I can promise you that.”

“How do you make such promises? Do you speak for all?”

“I speak for myself. As commander of His Majesty’s ship, Europe, Vice Admiral Arbuthnot's flagship,  I have cast my net over you.”

“What do you mean, cast your net?” I stopped and looked at him.

He looked back. “Just that.”

“What do you expect to catch in your net, Captain Aubrey?”

He smiled again, that ingratiating smile that he did so well. “I’m not sure.”

I turned away and began walking again with a strange feeling inside my breast. I did not fear him and yet…I should.  I am quite vulnerable here. There is no one but Abraham to look after me and I know without a doubt that he’d give his life for me. I did not want that responsibility. Surely if he stepped between me and an officer he would be cut down in an instant. Should he try and force himself upon me I would be quite helpless to prevent it.

We reached the house and it was quite dark as Nance and Betty were still at the main house cleaning up after dinner.  “Thank you for…accompanying me.” I turned to go up the steps.

“The house is dark. Might I light your way until you light a candle?”

“I know where the flint and the candles rest, Captain Aubrey.”

“I’m sure you do. I shall stand here with my light until you have your own.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“I’m sure it isn’t. Allow me, please.”

“Good night, Captain Aubrey.” I stepped inside the door and found my flint and candle. I placed it in front of a window and looked out. He bowed slightly and I watched his lantern as it swung back and forth along the path.

Still I did not rest easy for he now knew where I lived. None of the other officers had paid enough mind to me to wonder. Why had he? Did he think for a moment I might be interested in any of them? Redcoats or bluecoats, I wanted no part of them. I really didn’t.

The next few days saw some changes. Many of the officers were leaving with Cornwallis. He was now beginning his South Carolina campaign.

The British fleet were still in Charles Town. I began to pay particular attention to the blue-coated men. Captain Aubrey was easy to spot with his blond hair caught back on his neck. I chastised myself for looking for him. He’s been kind to me when I am completely isolated from everyone I knew.

Abraham brings me news from Charles Town on a regular basis. It seems there is some talk about me for housing the redcoats…as if I had a choice. I’d rather be at Fairfield but I am under siege in my own house. As I’ve said, they do treat me with respect and I am well supplied with foodstuffs. They have left my valuables, such as they are here, alone. This is my husband’s family home and I was able to get some things away before the occupation and sent to his sister in Virginia, things I knew she would want should something happen here.

Captain Aubrey claimed my attention after dinner tonight. I walked with him out onto the beach.

“I have word about Fairfield. I am overseeing the naval supply route upriver for our forces in Camden. A sailor happened to call in and found them all well. He reports there is an elderly lady, two small girls and a fierce African who came out onto the front porch. He was able to deliver your letters that…were found.”

“Oh, thank you! That would be my Aunt Clarissa and Claudy with my girls. Oh, how I miss them.” I could imagine them all on the porch probably trying to run the poor sailor off. I felt my eyes sting with tears. “I so wish I had gone with them. I just didn’t know…I didn’t know how it would be.”

“I…I wish I could make it better for you, Mrs. Belmont. I can do nothing for your situation.”

“Would you, if you could? Would you get me to Fairfield?”

“Yes.” It was a simple answer and I believed him.

“That is something…isn’t it?” I wiped my eyes and looked out at the breaking waves. “Perhaps someday that opportunity might arise.”

“I have hopes that it will. Though I would be hard put to lose you.”

“Lose me? I didn’t know you had me.”

“In truth, I don’t but I am an optimist.”

“You surely must be to think that I…that I…” I was silenced for words. That I would what?

“What I think, Mrs. Belmont, is that you are a very strong and courageous woman. I also think you are very beautiful. You carry your burden of grief well and do not let it consume you. I admire you greatly.”

“Thank you again, Captain Aubrey.” I turned to go. The night air was cooling by the ocean.

“May I walk with you?”

“Yes, you may.”

We walked in silence for awhile and reached the path along Shem Creek. He was going to walk me back to the house and I didn’t object. Sometimes it’s good to have company. All I have lost sometimes weighs heavy about me. I think of my lost husband, James, and I am so alone here.

It has rained for the past few days and the sandy path has washed in places. We are without a lantern. He steadies me when I turn my ankle over a rough spot and I take his arm.

“I should have stopped for a light,” he says.

“I know this path but the rain has changed its shape.” I’m thinking about him and the strong arm I’m holding onto. “Where is it you call home, Captain?”

“Essex.”

“How long has it been since you’ve been home?”

“Three years and a bit.”

“Have you family there, still?”

“My father and my stepmother in the family home.”

“It must be very hard to be away for so long. I can’t imagine it.”

“I belong to His Majesty’s navy. It is the life I chose and the one I live. It necessitates that I be asea most of the time. It’s all I’ve known since I was a boy of twelve.”

“I suppose you’ve seen all the world.”

“I’ve seen a lot of it and will see a lot more.”

“I’ve been to Virginia. Doesn’t sound like much against your travels. We’d made plans, my husband and I, to go to England before the war began.” A sob came up from nowhere and caught in my throat. “Oh.”

“There now.” He patted my back and I was enveloped in his arms. I don’t know how long we stood there on the path like that. I finally came to myself and broke away. “I’m sorry,” I said.

Chapter 3

No one had touched me in over four months…me who lived for hugs and kisses from my girls and my husband. Why was he on my mind so much tonight? I loved him so and he’s gone from me forever. Once the tears started I couldn’t seem to stop. I’m back in his arms again. It went on for some minutes and he comforted me until I regained myself.

We began to walk again. His arm is around my waist and I do not pull away. “I don’t know what it is tonight. Everything has come tumbling down on me all at once. I’m not usually such a…I don’t cry…at least not often.”

“Do not fret yourself, Mrs. Belmont. I think you have much to cry over. I do wish there was something I could do for you. I’ll take on any ship of the line but put me up against a woman’s tears and I am nothing, helpless and inadequate.”

But he had proved quite adequate…quite.

When we reached the house I stepped up on the first step and turned. I was eye level with  him. He found my  hand and kissed it, looking me in the eye as he did so. Oh, I had the urge to fall against him but of course I could not.

“Thank you…Captain Aubrey.”

“Good night, Mrs. Belmont.” He still held my hand. “I’ll wait until you have a light.”

I hesitated for a moment and I will not recount the thoughts that went through my head. I pulled my hand from his and slipped inside the door and lit my candle.

I did not see him for several days. There were sails on the horizon coming and going into the harbor. I could not ask about him without bringing attention to my interest. And I did have an interest in him. The intimacy we shared on the path and on my step stayed with me.

With an activity unusual for British officers in America, Clinton took immediate steps to extend and secure his conquests, and to re-establish royal authority in the South. With a mistaken policy he used harshness instead of conciliation toward the smitten and humbled inhabitants. He sent out three strong detachments to overrun the country and awe the people by a display of power. One of these, under Lord Cornwallis, marched up the course of the Santee River, to Camden; another, under Lieutenant-Colonel Cruger, was ordered to penetrate the country to Ninety-Six; and a third, under Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, went up from Savannah to Augusta. 
 

I heard of the British successes around the dinner table. Camden, Waxhaw, Ninety-Six. They reckoned they had South Carolina. Banastre Tarleton’s name came up several times. I recalled him from the early days. He was a handsome young man and full of himself. Capt. Oakes was gone with Cornwallis. Through much laughter I heard the tale of General Gates, who’d been put in charge of the Southern Campaign of the Continental army, relieving Gen. Lincoln, who through a prisoner exchange was now back in Philadelphia. During the battle at Camden Gen. Gates was seen riding away from the field like the devil himself was after him. He’d deserted his men.

The overall impression I had of these men around my table is that they’d rather be at home around their own table. They missed their families. They were to a man gentlemen and for that I was grateful. I heard of the atrocities in Charles Town from Abraham. It was not wise for citizens of Charles Town to gather except in church on Sunday. Falsely accused subversives were regularly taken from their homes and imprisoned on the floating prison ships.

Every morning as I walked from my house to the big house I strained my eyes toward the sea for sails as soon as it came into view. I don’t know what I hoped to see. I casually asked if the fleet had left the harbor at dinner last night. There was an absence of bluecoats around the table.

“No, not entirely,” was the answer given and then I saw several looks exchanged across the table. Did they think I was a spy? I quickly put their mind at ease.

“It was just that I noted Captain Aubrey was absent.” That brought a few smiles and knowing looks. I had confirmed their suspicions. Let them think what they may about that. Better they think I am interested in him than to think I might actually be a spy. Which of course I am not. I have no one to talk to except Abraham and, of course, Captain Aubrey.

When I reached my house tonight Abraham stepped from the trees. I realized how old he is becoming. His white grizzled beard showed plainly in the darkness. He’s been with me since I can remember time at all.

“Miz Mari-Lee, what you doin’ wit dat Cap’n?”

What a thing to ask. “I’m not doing anything, Abraham. He’s been…very nice to me.”

“Yo bes watch out o’ him. He be abber yo.”

“He’s a good man and a gentleman. I do not believe he is after me, as you say.”

“I know he be good mon, but he be yo enemy. Yo bes be rememberin’ dat.”

I didn’t think of Captain Aubrey as my enemy at all. “He brought me news of Anne and Celia and Claudy. He had a man check on them for me and deliver my letters. He’s…very nice.”

‘Uh huh, he be very nice but he yo enemy jus de same.”

“Thank you for your concern, Abraham, but I am well able to take care of myself where Captain Aubrey is concerned. You best be getting back to your cabin before the haints start walking.” I left him standing there and went into the house. I know he meant well but it angered me. I’m aware of who the enemy is. If God swooped up all those redcoats around my table I wouldn’t blink an eye. Not an eye would I blink…as long as he left one particular bluecoat alone.

Cornwallis was back in Charleston and the table filled with redcoats and greencoats. The mood was high. There was even talk of wrapping things up in the South and concentrating on the North and should they lose the North well then, they had the South, which was better than nothing after all. Little was said of Banastre Tarleton’s actions. He had quick dark eyes and they made me uncomfortable when they landed on me.

I heard that Vice Admiral Arbuthnot was sailing to New York. My heart sank. That’s why I had not seen Captain Aubrey. He was gone. I found it very hard to concentrate after that. As soon as dinner was over I excused myself and went to the back of the house and then onto the back yard. Well, what did I expect? Just like the men around the table in there he would go where he was told to go and do what he was told. But why hadn’t he told me? I thought of all the days I’d watched and the nights I’d waited for him to appear at the big house.

I realized what he’d come to mean to me. He was the one light in an otherwise dark world. I valued his company and his wit and the solid presence of him. His tenderness when he held me as I cried onto his blue shoulder. That light in his eyes when he looked at me across the table, only for an instant and then he’d look away. I felt tears running down my cheeks. What a fool I am. I am merely a shell on the shore and he’s seen many a shore and many a shell. I should thank God he’s gone before I made a complete fool of myself.

“Yo awrite, Miz Mari-Lee? One o’dem lobters do sumpin?”

“No, no, Abraham, I’m all right…just leave me alone.”

Was there nowhere I could go and be miserable in private? I ran toward the path to the house. By the time I neared it I was in control of myself. However, I nearly lost it when I saw him sitting on the steps.

“Captain, I thought…they said the admiral had sailed…I thought…”

“You thought I’d gone.” He rose from the steps. “Not at all, I’ve been…busy. The Admiral has transferred to the Roebuck. Are you quite all right?”

“Yes, yes, of course I am.” Thank goodness I’d stopped myself before I went barreling into his arms.

“I have something for you.” He reached in his coat and pulled out a small packet. “Letters from your family.”

I was speechless and bit my lip. He handed me the packet and I Iooked up at him. “Would you like to come in?”

I went about lighting candles, still holding onto the packet. I knew this was highly irregular for him to have done.

“Aren’t you going to read them? I had to wait for some time whilst they were being written.”

My mouth dropped open. He’d gone himself. “Yes, yes, if you don’t mind.” I tore into them. Pages were covered in my aunt’s spidery script.

They were well and the girls were fine though they all missed me terribly. The few slaves they had on the plantation had left to join the Tories. She feared for their safety. There were only the house servants left. Food was plentiful thanks to the generosity of the British sailors. I looked up at this with my eyes wide. What was he doing?

It went on and on and then a second letter written in a hurry described the girls pleasure in receiving the dolls and how wonderful it was that I was able to send such a treat. Dolls? I dropped the letter to my lap and looked at him.

“What have you done, Captain?”

“Very little. We intercepted a French ship some time back and I spotted the dolls amongst the plunder. I thought of them when we were sent to detail a convoy up river.”

“You could get into trouble for this.”

“I could, yes, if it were known.”

“I will not mention it.” But then I thought that I had already said something to Abraham about the mail. “This is very thoughtful of you. I can’t thank you enough for giving my daughters dolls. I know they will treasure them.”

“I did not go ashore myself but my man said they were thrilled. This is all very awkward, isn’t it?”

“Yes, yes, it is.”

“I should go back to my ship.”

“Must you leave so soon? I’ve…I’ve missed you and when I heard about the admiral sailing to New York I…I thought I’d never see you again.”

“That distressed you?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve missed you, too. There will come a day when I will sail from here. I do not know when or where. I’ve…I’ve come to care for you, Mrs. Belmont.”

“Yes…I…I feel the same. There‘s no hope for it, is there…no good end.”

“I don’t know what end may come. I may get blown away tomorrow…or not.”

“But…in this brief moment might not we live…live a whole lifetime while we have…this moment?”

I could not believe the words I heard coming from my mouth. I meant them with all my heart. I don’t know what I was asking of him. He was my rock in a raging sea, something real to cling to, someone who cared about me enough to risk himself for my daughters.

One of us had to move first and it was him. I went into his arms and lost myself in his kiss. His strength would carry me though this. I gave myself over completely to him. I did not know the woman who took him so wantonly to her bed and lost all conception of right and wrong.

I truly lived in the moment where I held him to me and kissed him. I allowed myself to love him…yes…love.

He left me sometime in the night to go back to his ship. I felt like part of my skin had been pulled away. I didn’t want him to go. Thankfully I kept that to myself. Sleep was a long time coming. I thought about James and how I’d shamed him. He’d given his life for his country and here I’d made love to the enemy. But he wasn’t my enemy…not mine. I cried and I hugged the pillow where he’d laid his head. I could not rest…I was alive…I could feel the blood flowing through my veins. Jack, his name was Jack.

And so I began a love affair with Captain Jack Aubrey. He was not often at the table but he was often in my bed. His ship was now at the mouth of the Cooper river and it was nothing for him to have a boat lowered and bring him up Shem Creek to my house. I was embarrassed to know that his boatmen waited down the creek out of sight of the house for him.

This went on for months. We were now into winter and the weather was wet and cold. I continued to play hostess but the table had dwindled down to the permanent residents, three redcoats and a bluecoat. I had become friendly with them. We more or less shared our days. I learned that Cornwallis had suffered much with the weather. He was somewhere near Camden. Many Tories had been recruited in South Carolina and were now fighting their own countrymen. I heard about Kings Mountain. A major defeat for the loyalist.

“The world has gone insane…you know?” I turned to the young man in the red coat. “We’re now trying to eat ourselves.”

He looked at me a moment. “You are correct, Mrs. Belmont. It is all so insane.” There was no one else in the room to hear us speak. “I should be home with my wife but I’m 3,000 miles away writing letters to Lt. General Clinton who knows not who I am.”

There were people in the hallway. “He’s done it again, Sir.” I heard one say.

“That damned swamp fox.”

I looked at the redcoat I’d been talking with. He shrugged his shoulders and went back to his letter writing.

I hung around out of curiosity, excusing myself as I moved through the throng in the hallway.

“He knows, the damned fox knows when a shipment is coming.”

“Cornwallis must be livid.”

“Nothing else we can do except send heavier patrols out, a larger escort.”

“He’d still steal it. I swear he’s not real. He’s some kind of a swamp ghost.”

“Ha, ha, but he is a wily one.”

Who were they talking about? Swamp Fox?”

“He’s not just wily, he’s deadly. We can hold the whole of South Carolina but not Georgetown.”

“Well, if Banastre couldn’t find him then I assume he is a ghost, ha, ha.”

“Oh, Mrs. Belmont, do you think we might have some tea?”

“Yes, of course, I’ll see to it.” And so I saw to the tea. I got the gist of their conversation. Evidently someone Banastre Tarleton called the Swamp Fox was attacking their supply trains. He came from nowhere and ran back to nowhere as none could find him. They mentioned Black Mingo Creek. I knew Black Mingo. Well, he wasn’t so far away then.

Later I looked for Abraham to ask him about this Swamp Fox. Abraham is displeased with me. He won’t look me in the eye when he speaks to me. I think I have shamed him as I ought to be shamed for my affair with Captain Aubrey. I’ve looked closely and I am not ashamed of Jack. He has made this siege bearable for me.

“I don’t know nothin’ bout no fox.” Which was a lie and I knew it.

“Now, Abraham, you seem to know everything else that goes on in Charles Town and over here. I’d be very surprised if you didn’t know something about this man. The English sure know about him. He’s making their life pretty miserable right now.”

“Well, dat’s a good ting. Dem redcoats need some misery. Dey done cos enuf for de res' o’us.”

“That is true they have and it does not bother me that they might have some misery. See what you can find out about this Swamp Fox.”

“Why yo wont ta know bout ‘im?”

“I’m just curious. From what I’ve heard, he’s not too far away.” Abraham fidgeted a little, touched his hat and walked away. I narrowed my eyes. That man knew something.

Chapter 4

It came to me later that Abraham might not entirely trust me since I’ve taken up with the enemy. Only one enemy but still he was color blind when it came to their coats. For me there was an innocence about a sailor. I’m fully aware that their guns kill as easily as Banastre Tarleton’s do, but they fight ships not individuals. They put their lives on the line every time they step aboard. The sea can be very unforgiving and Nature has taken more lives than the enemies' guns. I feel the same for our own navy of whom I have seen very little.

I was some worried about the Swamp Fox attacking one of Jack’s supply boats as it navigated up river. I am especially worried because it is my only means of communicating with my family. I’d hate to think what would happen to Jack if it was discovered he was carrying mail to and from Fairfield. As I understood it, they went up river as far as they could and then off loaded where wagons were waiting. I don’t know the specifics nor do I want to know them. The less I know about anything the better.

I only see Jack about twice a week, sometimes more and sometimes less. He might come to dinner one night or not. It’s difficult when he does for I cannot look at him without giving myself away. He is the most handsome man I’ve ever known and, God forgive me, but he is more so than James. I loved James with all my heart and we were happy together. That life is gone from me now and I must live the one I’m given even if it is only temporary.

I can lie in Jack’s arms and forget about my losses, forget that I am destitute and without any real property of my own. Belmont Plantation was requisitioned for the war. I’m not sure what that means except that I no longer live there. Somebody’s best uniform hangs in my wardrobe upstairs. I do not go up there but Nance and Betty do. They must clean up after the men who have taken over my home, do their laundry and iron their clothes. Cook does the best she can with the little girl that helps her. Three meals a day and tea for these…gentlemen. There is always a table full at breakfast and for the midday meal. I spend my time running back and forth between the kitchen or the wash house, checking on things for them, finding books and writing paper that they could very well find themselves. I’m tired of it and Christmas is coming. I want to be with my daughters. I want to go to church on Christmas Eve.

I finally got up the nerve to ask.

“It will be Christmas soon and I’m thinking about my family. I’d very much like to be with them. I have two young daughters and..."

“I’m sure we’d all like to be with our families on Christmas. What do you think, eh?”

“I wish you could be with yours, too, Col. Rankin, but mine are not so far away. I do not see why it is necessary for me to stay here.”

He put down the pen he was using and looked up at me with his pale, humorless face. “You are doing a service for His Majesty. As a loyalist you are serving his cause by looking after his army, seeing to their needs. You wouldn’t expect an officer to quit the battlefield because it’s tea time, now would you? We cannot shirk our duties because it is Christmas. Your request is denied.” He picked up his pen and ignored me as he began to write.

Something boiled up in me and I had to leave him quickly or I’d have put myself in jeopardy. Oh, I was angry. What a toad he was.

Jack came to me that night and I told him about Col. Rankin’s dismissal of my request to see my family at Christmas. His eyes flashed for a moment and he looked away.

“It is the nature of things here now. I’m very sorry, Mari-Lee.”

“I’m sorry, too, for he’s lost me forever. I’ve tried to be as friendly as I can with my unwanted guests. They are not all so uncaring as Col. Rankin.”

“Be very careful, my darling.”

“I’m always careful. I have to be. You should be careful, too. I worry about you. I hear so much about this Swamp Fox and how he’s harassing the supply convoys. Do have your people be wary of him.”

“I am well aware of him. We do not, unless absolutely necessary, send anything up the Wando river for the likelihood of it reaching its destination is very, very slim.”

“Do you know who he is?”

“Yes, he’s a Brigadier General in the Continental Army by the name of Francis Marion.”

“Francis…oh my God. I know him. He was in Charles Town before the siege. He drilled troops for General Lincoln. As I recall he broke his ankle and had to leave. I suspect he went home.”

“Where is his home?”

“I don’t know. He has several and I do not know which one he might have chosen.” I smiled, “Do you think I’d tell you if I knew?”

“Just how loyal are you?” he asked while nibbling at my ear.

“I’m loyal to you. Is that not enough?”

“More than enough.”

Only to him could I speak so despairingly of the redcoats. I know they are his countrymen and his army but he understood. The thing between us rose above any conflict or war. Yes, we were opposite sides but together we were one. I never doubted that he loved me.

He took me across the Cooper river to church on Christmas Eve. It was the first time I’d set foot in Charles Town since mid April. I was surprised to see it looked much the same. I was on his arm and much too interested in the city to notice anyone else. There were others on the streets heading for church. A few heads turned our way, a few I recognized. I stared back. Yes, I was with a British naval officer and I dared them to say anything to me. No one did.

There were redcoats hanging about on street corners and some making remarks to young women as they huddled in their cloaks, hurrying along to the church.

“That’s not necessary, you know,” I commented to Jack.

“Did it not happen before we arrived? Young men are the same everywhere. You cannot fault them just because they are British.”

I reckoned this was true. But still…I didn’t like it. Inside the church I went automatically to my regular pew. There were a number of redcoats and blue coats in the church. They were a part of us now. Isolated as I was I had not seen how they were so integrated into our city. The people seemed quite happy and some of the older women came by to tell me hello and offer their condolences on the loss of my husband.

I had to explain more than once that I was at Belmont and they understood. Jack received many looks and smiles. I introduced him where it mattered. It felt good to be back in Charles Town. I’d heard such horror stories from Abraham but it was hard to imagine they were true tonight. I did note that some of the prominent families were missing, the Middletons, Gadsdens, Rutledges, and others. Charleston, before the siege, was split down the middle with loyalists and patriots. That was evident tonight as some did not sit on our side of the church. I was not a loyalist or a patriot. I was a wife and mother. Now, of course, I’ve taken the oath. When we stood to sing a hymn I had to look at Jack, who brought forth such a baritone I know it must have been heard at Belmont.

I prayed for my children, for the soul of my husband and for the safety of Jack Aubrey. I prayed for Charles Town and whatever may come, to keep us whole and together.

After church I had more visitors come over to talk. We stood on the street outside and talked of my house on Tradd Street. The house was still intact, though they couldn’t answer for the contents. It was occupied by British soldiers. I briefly thought of my rosewood desk and then I didn’t. All that remained in the past…in my past life.

“You miss the life here, don’t you?” Jack asked as we walked back to the docks.

“Yes, I didn’t realize how much until tonight. I didn’t know if I would be accepted now that my house is overrun with redcoats but it seems everyone else is, too. There are some fine people here in Charles Town. It was nice that they remembered James. Do you know, I don’t know where he’s buried? He fell during the bombardments of the city. Surely he was given a proper burial.”

“Perhaps you should have asked the church warden tonight.”

“I don’t even know who the warden is anymore. So many of the old faces were missing tonight. I have to assume they are dead or imprisoned or somehow fled when they could.”

“I’m sure your Abraham could find out for you. He probably knows where your husband is buried.”

“Abraham? Surely he would have told me.”

“He spends a good deal of time in Charles Town…almost daily we see him paddling across the Cooper.”

This surprised me. I know he was often scarce but why would he be in Charles Town on a daily basis? “I wonder what business he has in Charles Town.”

“Ah, well, he is your slave so I assume he is on your mission.

I intended to find out what business he had over the river.

“I only mentioned it because it has been noticed.”

I looked up at him and I understood he was giving me a warning. “Thank you for telling me.”

Instead of going up Shem Creek, which would have been quicker, his men sailed us around to Pleasant Point which is where Belmont lies. Jack helped me from the skiff and walked me to the house. There were still lights in the windows and I so longed to go up to my room.

“I’ll walk you home,” he offered and I was glad for it. It was well for us to be seen coming from the point and I’m sure we were by the sentries at the door. When we reached my house he kissed me good night.

“I may be gone for awhile…not for good,” he added when he saw my expression. “I’ll be near but not in port. I’ll see you when I can.” He kissed me again and then gave me the most wonderful gift I could have asked for. “I love you, Mari-Lee Belmont.”

“I love you, Jack Aubrey. Please…hurry back.” We kissed and hugged again and he left me in the empty house. I had his love and I carefully placed it in my heart for safe keeping.

It was two days before I cornered Abraham. He was bringing a side of bacon up from the smoke house.

“Abraham, I want to talk to you. Go on and take that bacon to Cook and come back here.”

“Yes’um.” As he walked toward the kitchen building I noticed how thin he was. His clothes hung on his frame.

(smoke house)

“Are you ill, Abraham?”

“No’um, I’se awrite.”

“You’re getting skinny as a fence rail. Maybe it’s all that paddling across the river that’s taken all the meat off your bones. I’ve heard you go quite frequently to Charles Town, even daily. Now I haven’t asked you to go and if you’re caught over there by somebody who wants to know…what is it you’re going to say about it?”

“I’se jus visitin’.”

“Visiting who…who is it you know over there?” He went silent.

“You’d better tell me, Abraham, because whatever it is you’re up to is going to fall back on me if you’re caught out in it.”

He dragged his foot across the sandy yard. “I’se been heppin.”

“Helping what…who?”

“Fin' sumpin' out 'bout dem redcoats.”

“Find out what…who sends you over there?”

“Well’um, I daren’t say.”

“You’d better say and you’d better tell me right now what you’re up to.”

“I’se spyin’.”

“Abraham! You’re gonna get us both shot.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “That’s what they do to spies. You want to see me shot?”

“No’um, ma’am. Dey ain’t gonna shot yo. I’se ole mon. Dey shot me…well…I’se shot.”

“I…I can’t believe you’d put us in such danger.”

“I ain’t put yo dere. Is all on me. Don’t nobody see’um me. I’se slip ‘roun and lissens.”

“Who’s put you up to this? I want his name.”

“I cain’t  say.”

“Oh, yes you can.”

“Dey shot me ifn I don' keep my mouf shut.”

I despaired of him and rubbed my temples. “Let me explain it this way. You belong to me, Abraham. Every day I’m in the house with the redcoats. They trust me and they talk around me like I’m not there. They say things they shouldn’t in front of me. I’m privy to a lot of secrets. Now you are out there paddling back and forth across that river every day. It’s been noticed, by the way, and sooner or later you’re going to be stopped. What do you think the chances are that they will think I’m passing on information to you so that you can do whatever it is you’re doing? It would not occur to the British that a slave would do this on his own initiative. It would not occur to me that you’d do such a thing. You have to stop it right now. No more or you’re going to bring the roof down on us. Do you understand?”

“Yes’um I’se a-seein’ it.”

“You’re not to leave this property. You hear me?”

“I’se heah yo.”

“You’re going to mind me, right?”

“Yes’um.”

“And another thing. I don’t care what you think of me and the Captain. He’s not a redcoat. He’s a bluecoat and there is a difference. He’s good to me and he looks out for me.”

“Yes’um.”

“James was a good man and I loved him dearly, but he’s gone. I don’t have anybody else at this time in my life but the Captain. Now…you go on about your business here on the plantation and don’t you dare go off it.”

He nodded his head and I walked off and left him. Of all the fool things for him to get caught up in. Somebody was using him and whoever that somebody was made me angry.

I stopped and walked back, calling to him. “I want to ask you something else. Do you know where James is buried?”

“Yes’um, he be laid in St. Michaels' yard.”

“St. Michaels…why didn’t you tell me? I was just there.”

“Yo nebber ast.”

Insolence! I understood it all now…yes, I did. I wanted to slap him but I’d never laid a hand on our people and wasn’t going to start now. He had me down as a loyalist. Abraham was my enemy…or so he thought. I couldn’t imagine the tangled mess that must be his mind. If he thought I was serving these redcoats out of loyalty…well, he was dead wrong. I supposed my taking up with a British Naval Captain was icing on the cake. God knows what tales he’s carried to…whomever.

Banastre Tarleton.

Chapter 5

On January 17, 1781 Banastre Tarleton got his comeuppance at Cowpens, SC. He was soundly defeated by Daniel Morgan and his over-the-mountain boys. I was silently very pleased to hear this. There was an uproar in the house as he’d lost nearly all of his men and had fled to Cornwallis. Cornwallis was himself in dire straits. No longer could they supply him from Charleston. The Swamp Fox had all but cut off his supply line from South Carolina.

It had been one of the wettest and coldest winters anyone could remember and marching men had suffered greatly. I now understood the British fleet were cruising the waters off the coast to protect supply ships up near Wilmington as that had become their new supply line. There were still ships protecting the Charleston Harbor but they were out at sea. I had no way of knowing which one of these details might include Captain Aubrey. I missed him terribly.

The fate of the British forts in South Carolina was of concern to the redcoats in my house. There were rumors of smallpox, and food and ammunition shortages. They were trying arrange vans from Georgia to supply Augusta and other British held forts near the border. Another thorn in their side was the loyalists. They had created a monster they could not control. Bands of savage men rode through the countryside killing at will any man they came across and destroying his property. This sort of activity only fired up the patriots and brought more over to their cause. The British had all but lost the upstate in South Carolina.

I had the distinct impression that things were not going as well as they had been. There was too much activity and tempers were at times short. I tried to stay as invisible as I could and waited on their pleasure.

Cornwallis was in pursuit of General Greene in North Carolina. He’d stripped his army in order to move swiftly and General Greene led him on a merry chase in order to wear down Cornwallis’s army.

On January 25, Georgetown was in the hands of the Americans. Francis Marion and Light Horse Harry Lee made the capture. The Swamp Fox had come out of the swamp.

January 26, I was called out in the yard. A wagon had pulled up and several men were around it.

“Mrs. Belmont, I believe you might know this man.”

I walked with leaden feet over to the wagon and collapsed in tears. It was Abraham. He’d been caught on the Wando not far out at all. Someone helped me back into the house and brought me a glass of water. Later I would be questioned but they were very solicitous of my feelings.

“Abraham was given to me when I was ten years old. My grandfather willed him to me.”

“Mrs. Belmont, do you have any idea what he was doing out on the Wando River?”

“No, Sir, I don’t. I’d told him not to leave the property so…I don’t know why he disobeyed me. You know, he was old and I think sometimes his mind wasn’t quite right.”

“I will tell you, Mrs. Belmont, that we have been observing him for some time. He leaves the property quite often. Were you not aware of this?”

“I was told he’d been seen on the Cooper and that’s when I told him he was not to leave the property. He…he told me he was visiting and I asked him whom he knew over there in Charles Town to go visit. He couldn’t answer me. I don’t think he knew what he was doing, Captain. He’s always been good and has looked after me all these years.” I began crying again and pulled out my sodden handkerchief. The tears were real. I would miss him from my life. He was the last link I had here to my old life. I felt so completely alone.

“We have discussed this situation, Mrs. Belmont, and have agreed that we can find no fault in you for his actions. However, if we should see another of your slaves on any river then we will have no alternative but to arrest you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir, I do.” I understood completely.

One of the sentries accompanied me to Abraham’s burial. There is a small chapel built for the slaves on the property. The service was brief, attended only by myself and the ten slaves that were left, three old men and the rest women. I read from the Bible and we prayed his soul to heaven.

I made an announcement at the end of the service. “While we lay Abraham to rest I must remind all of you what can happen when you leave this property. Not only will I be arrested but there is the possibility that you all will be taken from here and shipped out to some faraway island and sold. We are under siege at Belmont and I ask that you do your part as I’m trying to do mine to keep us safe.”

The blows kept coming. Toward the end of January the fleet that had been cruising off the coast of South Carolina came in and with it came Captain Aubrey. He was in the house with some other blue coats before I knew he was ashore. Our eyes met several times during the day but he was engaged and so I wandered around in anticipation.

At dinner I discovered they were preparing to leave South Carolina waters for the north. I kept a small flame of hope alive that Jack would not be among those that would be leaving. It seems a South Carolinian by the name of Henry Laurens had been sent to France for help. The French fleet was on its way.

After dinner I was able to claim him. We walked out from the house toward the beach and he took me in his arms and kissed me.

“We have tonight and tomorrow night.” He held me apart from him and looked into my eyes.

It took a moment for it to sink in. I began shaking in disbelief. I knew when I first took him to my bed that this day would come. He walked me away from the shore and around the house.

“It pains me so,” he said, hugging me close.

I could not speak for fear the great lump of sobs would break open in my breast. We walked to my house and when he held me there I came apart.

He suffered me to cry it all out and then very tenderly made love to me. Through the night I told him about Abraham…all of it. It was as he suspected. He was very sorry for my loss. I clung to him and sometime in the night I fell asleep in his arms. When I woke I was alone.

I did not see him until the next evening. He’d been given a new ship, a frigate that had come in from the West Indies with its captain ailing. We only had a few hours but they were hours I will never forget.

It was over and I had nothing but the chasm of my life before me.

I honestly do not know how I made it through the next few weeks. All the life had gone out of me and I mourned him as I’d mourned my husband when he died. I no longer cared if I pleased the redcoats. I had no smiles for them or conversation. There was only one captain who knew what was wrong with me.

As I stood out on the front porch one day and looked toward the ocean he came up beside me with his hands clasped behind his back.

“War is a little hell, is it not? I’m sorry, Mrs. Belmont.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

“Captain Aubrey is a fine sailor, or so I’ve been told by his marines. He’ll come through this operation, never fear.”

“Yes, I believe he will…but will I? I find my strength ebbing minute my minute.”

When I was at the depths of my despair I had a late night visitor to my house. At first I was afraid to open the door for without Jack’s protective net over me I was very vulnerable. Through the window I saw a man not in a redcoat but in rather rough looking attire. I spoke to him through the door.

“State your business.”

“Mrs. Belmont, we’d like to meet with you in regard to your man Abraham.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is of little importance but I have with me someone who you know, Gen. Francis Marion.”

My breath caught in my throat. “Sir, you do me no service to come here. I’ll be arrested and shot.”

“We come to offer you our protection in return for a little information.”

“You cannot protect me here.”

“Would you like to join your family, Mrs. Belmont?”

That was all I needed. “You can get me out of here?”

“Yes, Ma’am, we can do that.”

I opened the door and out of the darkness materialized three men. One of them was Francis Marion. He walked with a limp for his broken ankle had never healed properly.

He took my hand in his rough one. “Mrs. Belmont, the last time I saw you we were seated at dinner at the Gadsden house. Much has changed since that night in all our lives.”

“Yes, Sir, I believe we are a different people now. Won’t you sit down?”

“Thank you, Ma’am. I was sorry to hear about Abraham. He was a brave soul and a brave soldier for our cause. Information he provided aided us in the capture of Georgetown. Now I would not ask a lady of your standing to carry on his work. However, you are in a position to provide us with important information. If you agree to do this for us then we will be obliged to escort you to your family.”

My mouth went dry. “Wha…what is it you want me to do?”

He went on in some detail about the information he wanted as to the movements of Col. Watson. In the end I agreed. I was frightened to my toes but the thought of being able to leave Belmont and join my daughters outweighed anything else.

They left as quietly as they’d come up Shem Creek. I could not sleep for worrying about what might happen the next day.

I busied myself aligning the books on the shelves in the library where Captain Rawlings had his papers and maps spread out on the library table. As usual they ignored me. I tried not to look at Col. Watson when he came in to go over the maps and strategies. It was not my custom to join them for luncheon and when they left the room I looked at the maps and tried to memorize the routes they had marked. It would never do. I’ve never had the knack for memorization.

I’d spent as much time in the room as I thought reasonable and not to attract any attention but now at least I knew what papers I needed. I’m not sure how I got through the rest of the day. Just knowing what I was about to do took my breath away.

After dinner it was their usual habit to retire to the drawing room, the big room where they would enjoy after dinner drinks and smoke their stinking cigars. It was my habit to take myself back to my house. I waited until they were all in the drawing room and walked as silently as I could to the library. There were no candles lit in the room but some light from the hall kept me from bumping into furniture rearranged to suit them. When I was at the desk I couldn’t recall which map Col. Watson had been looking at. In a panic I rolled them all up and held them within the folds of my cloak. I all but ran out of the house seeking the darkness of the path. A mile is a long way when you can hardly breathe and your heart is about to beat out of your chest.

I reached my house and as instructed I lit a single candle in the front window. I waited in a near panic. I was so afraid the redcoats would decide to have another look at the maps I had with me. They would come for me and show no mercy.

Within the hour a had a knock on the door. During that time I’d packed a small valise with my clothes so I’d be ready to go.

“I took them all.” I handed the roll of maps to the man at the door. He smiled.

“Good work! This is excellent.” He made to leave.

“Wait a minute. You’re not going to leave me here. Gen. Marion said he’d get me to Fairfield.”

“Yes, Ma’am, and he will. Just be ready and sometime in the next few days..."

“I can’t stay here now!” What kind of nonsense was this?

“Now, you’re not to worry. We’ll take care of you but you know we got a campaign to stifle.”

“How did you get here?’ I asked full of fury.

“How did I...by boat, Ma’am.”

I picked up my valise. “You have a passenger.”

“No, no, Ma’am, we ain’t going to Fairfield tonight.”

“I don’t care where you’re going, you’re not going to leave me here to be shot by the redcoats. I’ve done what you asked…even more..."

I could be quite formidable when I chose to. I’m only five foot two inches tall but I use every inch. I left him no choice.

They’d come in a little flat-bottomed boat, the two of them. I had to sit in the bottom of it with my valise on my lap and my knees up to my chin. These little boats could be found anywhere on the river banks usually partially hidden in underbrush. The thing was if you took it across you brought it back or one of similar construction and left it where you found it. I personally have never known anybody who owned up to owning one of these little boats but they’re all up and down the Cooper.

I stared into the unfriendly face of the man pulling a paddle in front of me. I’m not sure why he was unfriendly but I gave it little thought. For over an hour they pulled with long steady strokes up the river. It was a silent trip as I’d been cautioned not to speak.

ON TO PART 2

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