I was ready to say that our cause was just, while theirs was not, and further than such a statement I would not go.
Finding that I was not inclined for a wordy quarrel, Sidney ceased boasting of what the Regulators could do, and set about speculating as to whether Tryon would remain on the Eno until we could come up with him, until suddenly, at the moment our people were least expecting it, word was passed through the camp that we were to fall into line, unmounted, to hear an important announcement from the commander.
"I wish we had been summoned to appear ready for marching," my comrade said almost petulantly as he made his preparations for obeying by washing his hands, which were covered with the grease he had been applying to his bridle. "This talk of an 'announcement' has in it a suspicion that the Regulators are not to break camp immediately."
"Don't begin to look after trouble," I replied with a laugh, knowing well Sidney's disposition. "If we do not set out this night, the Regulators will take the road to-morrow, and I'll warrant we see Tryon's soldiers in good time."
There were many others besides Sidney who felt a certain degree of irritation because we were to hear words, instead of commands which would result in setting the entire company in motion toward the enemy; but all of us soon learned that Master Hamilton had no idea of trying to evade a pitched battle.
"Since this association was formed, it has been the custom to discuss any important movement with all the company, therefore have you been summoned," our commander said when we had been formed in a hollow square with him in our midst. "It is not necessary for me to promise that you shall be led against the enemy at the earliest fitting moment, and I also declare that you shall not be allowed to hurl yourselves upon the government troops like an unruly mob. When we have made ready, Governor Tryon shall see us. Our scouts have brought in the information that General Waddel is halted with a small force at Salisbury, awaiting the arrival of powder from Charleston. The Regulators need that powder, and I propose that we take it. Two hundred men well mounted will be sufficient for the enterprise, and in order that there shall be no charge of favoritism made against me, instead of detailing a force of such size, I ask that the best mounted among you step three paces to the rear, in token that you are willing to make the venture."
The old gentleman had hardly more than ceased speaking when the entire company moved back as if with one accord, thus showing that every man of us was eager for active service, and that each one believed his horse superior to all the others.
Master Hamilton laughed heartily, and then asked that none but the youngest volunteer for the service, and do so by stepping forward into the former position.
Once more was the square formed in the first position, for not a man was willing to be left behind at such a time.
It was positive that all the company could not be spared for a service which might be performed by two hundred men, and I wondered how the matter could be arranged without causing jealousy.