The ride was indeed a sad one for all. Once we were gone, our people in that section of the country would be left to the tender mercies of the British and Tories, who had in other parts of the Carolinas written their names in blood and flame. Even though we Minute Boys were yet lads, we were full grown in the knowledge of what had been and what would come, therefore we were bowed down by sorrow as we set our faces in that direction which would lead us away from home. Although not riding hard, we arrived at Snow’s Island before morning, and after a brief time of rest for the horses as well as the men, instead of setting about fortifying the camp, as we lads had supposed would be the case, it soon became evident that we were to retreat yet further. There seemed to be every evidence that General Marion had, for the time being, given over trying to harass the enemy. Near about noon on the day of our arrival at the island all the members of the “ragged regiment” were drawn up in line, and much to their surprise the following order was given by the general: “All married men, and those who are the only support of a family, are commanded to return to their homes without delay, and there remain until such time as they shall be summoned for further work.” There was a deal of grumbling and discontent because of this disbanding of the force at the very time when it seemed we were most needed; but both General Marion and Captain Horry held firm, obliging each man to disclose whether or no he had helpless ones depending upon him, and in case of an affirmative answer he was directed to stand aside. Thus it was our ranks were weeded out until no more than sixty, including us Minute Boys, were left. Those who were to return to their homes were directed to take as much of the provisions which we had captured from the enemy, as could be conveniently carried, and the remainder of the plunder was packed in convenient form for transportation on our led horses, we having by this time even more of such animals than could well be cared for. An hour before sunset the encampment on Snow’s Island was abandoned, and the command dispersed in one direction and another, as I have said, leaving sixty or thereabouts yet in service. It was a mournful parting, when we had crossed the stream and there separated. Many of those who were commanded to return to their homes had already pleaded in vain with the commander for permission to remain, but all their entreaties were in vain, and I believe of a verity I have never seen a more disconsolate lot of men than those comrades of ours who were obliged to turn their backs upon danger and privation.