An hour later came very definite information, and those who brought it were eager in their demands that our troop take possession of these stores, which were guarded only by a single company of redcoats. It was reported that Colonel Tyne had moved from Salem to Tarcote, on the fork of the Black River, and there had seemingly gone into regular camp, being apparently so secure in mind regarding the safety of his position, that such watchfulness as common prudence would have dictated was neglected. To sweep down and possess ourselves of these goods which were intended for the benefit of our enemies, was exactly the kind of work for which we were best adapted, and every man was in a fever to be at the task which was at one and the same time for the benefit of the Cause and the equipment of ourselves. While the officers deliberated, the rank and file announced what articles they most needed, as if it were only necessary to make the statement in order to have their desires fulfilled. In fact, there was not one among us but that believed we could have for the choosing anything among Colonel Tyne’s stores. Perhaps we, as well as the Britishers, were becoming overconfident as to our strength. We knew beyond a peradventure that Tarleton with his legion would soon be at our heels after the last blow we delivered; that Harrison and his Tories were ahead of us, and this Colonel Tyne at our left, the three forces probably being so near each other that it would be possible for them to unite against us in a comparatively short time. Yet we gave little heed to any possibility save that we were to capture new equipments and stores. A single company of redcoats seemed to us a force so small as to demand no very serious thought. Even us lads of the Minute Boys were inclined to look upon the capture of Colonel Tyne’s camp as nothing more than an incident in this odd warfare which we were carrying on, and because it proved really to be no more than we expected, I must not allow myself to give overly many words to the matter. I believe it was in General Marion’s mind to show that he had quite as much confidence in the Minute Boys as before we made the blunder, for on that very afternoon were we summoned to the dwelling, where we found our commander, Captain Horry, and a score or more of people of importance living near about. Then it was that General Marion told us what we already knew concerning this Colonel Tyne, and asked that we select three of our company to reconnoitre the camp. Tarcote was only a trifle more than ten miles away, and we were to leave the Davis plantation two hours in advance of the troop, which would give us, if anything occurred to prevent our gaining the information desired, ample opportunity to double back on our trail and meet the “ragged regiment” at where they would be halted awaiting our return.