I was filled with astonishment as we lads stood somewhat apart from the remainder of the force watching the proceedings, for I had supposed that these men who had been rescued from a horrible fate would be so thankful that every command would be obeyed on the instant, whereas they lounged here and there as if to show that they considered themselves free from military authority. However, after a time, they were ranged in ranks two or three deep, and our commander, with Captain Horry, stood in front of them more like a suppliant, as it seemed to me, than one who had every right to be obeyed. Then, as if he had been a recruiting officer pleading for enlistments, he told of what he hoped might be done in the future toward ridding the Carolinas of the enemy which overran the soil; he belittled the disaster at Camden, put the blame where it belonged, rather than upon the men themselves, and concluded by asking that those who were willing to join his “ragged regiment” step forward half a dozen paces. I expected to see every man advance, for even though they might not have had the love of country so very strong in their hearts, gratitude because of what had been done in their behalf should have compelled them to do as our commander requested. Instead, however, to their shame be it said, only sixteen of that one hundred and fifty presented themselves as recruits, and this at a time when their native land called for every hand which could be raised in her defence! I am not mindful to dwell upon this disgraceful event in the history of the Carolinas, but will hasten over it by making some explanation, if indeed any be needed, as to why we failed to enlist every man who had been released that night. Instead of railing at the former prisoners, General Marion called to his side those who had stepped forward, and the remainder were allowed to discuss the matter among themselves, most like with the hope that others might yet decide to join their force. Then it was that many of those who had shown themselves to be cowards, as I looked at the matter, began to make excuses as to why they were no longer willing to battle against the yoke of the king. Some said, as if the statement could not be contradicted, that the Cause was already lost; others declared that to fight longer was simply to risk one’s life without an object; because the redcoats already overrun the country, and Gates had been defeated, there was not the slightest chance we could even hold our liberty many days. Gabriel, Archie, and I made our way among these men who wore the buff and blue, to hear further reason as to why they had acted such a cowardly part. It was the captain, one who should have been the first to urge his men to enlist, who said in reply to my questions: