The Martin Women

1
Elizabeth Martin
Home Sweet Home

It is the eve of the Revolutionary War. Abram Martin and I have moved to a small settlement outside Edgefield County, South Carolina. The countryside is beautiful and lush, I never tire of looking at it. Abram says Indians are close by. We’ve heard stories of how they act. I was brought up learning that they are savages and it’s hard to change that view. Abram says he has met some Indians in his travels and that they are a very suspicious group not trusting of strangers. I have not seen any Indians for myself. To be completely honest, I expect to keep it that way.

We moved to South Carolina from Virginia because Abram is constantly back and forth between South Carolina & Georgia surveying the land for General Washington. I don’t know much about his work, but I do know that it is important and can be dangerous. He goes into Indian Territory often, and the tales of the Indians killing and torturing people is utterly alarming to me. But for now Abram is home and I have no need to worry for him at the moment. Though I’m sure it will change when it’s time for him to return surveying.

“It is so beautiful here”, I think to myself as I look out the window looking at the sky touching the tops of the trees. I snap out of my day dream realizing I need to get dinner ready. I guess Rachel and Grace are doing the same thing in their house across the way. Rachel and Grace are my daughter-in-laws. My sons live on the property with their families, which make Abram and me extremely happy. I do not think things could be any better in our lives. Suddenly, I feel a familiar touch around my waist. As I close my eyes I can smell Abram, he has a distinct woodsy smell about him, and he slides his hands around to the front of my stomach. His arms are strong and I feel safe when he puts them around me. But at the moment his arms are loose enough that I can spin around to face him. “Yes, Mr. Martin?” I asked with a curious grin on my face. Abram leans in and kisses me ever so gently on my lips. “I needed that”, he says softly. We both look into each other’s eyes for a spell. It's like we are carrying on a conversation without saying a word. Then we both look at each other and smile.
“Well… you need to get going, I have to finish dinner.” I say pushing him out of the kitchen towards the back door.
“Unless you feel inclined to help?” I ask. “Okay… okay…, “Abram says as he finds himself out on the back porch. “Just one more little kiss?” He asks. I stand there for a second and lean toward him and give him a little peck on the lips.
“Is that satisfactory?” I ask.
“Yes indeed.” Abram says as he walks out towards the barn. I watch as he goes towards the wood pile and begins to chop more wood. His shirt is mostly open and you can see the sweat glistening off his chest. His arms are strong, and I feel very safe in those arms, when they are around me. I would imagine that most people would not look at their husbands as attractive, or even appealing chopping wood. But, as I look out at him I have to admit that he does look quite desirable. I am terribly lucky to have a great man such as Abram. He is a wonderful husband, father and now loving grandfather.

I snap out of my day dreaming of him and light the oven timbers and add more wood. I have decided on making Pea soup, Duck, and boiled onions with cream sauce. I get the pot out and start boiling the water and then grab some onions and start cutting them up. I slowly stop cutting the onions and realize just how quiet it is in the house without all nine kids running underfoot. It’s nice I have to admit, but I do miss noise sometimes. And besides, it was nice to have so many willing tasters when cooking supper.

I am so very proud of the way all my children have all turned out. Well, actually they are not children anymore. My eight boys are now men, big and strong, both in mind and body. Our daughter Letitia has married and moved away with her husband Edmund Wade to Virginia. All of the men in Edmund’s family have military backgrounds. I have to admit that I do worry about the two of them but, Letitia assures us that Edmund is in a unit with a respected ex-British Commander named Montgomery. I miss her terribly and look forward to getting letters from her. I’m lucky that she does write often. She loves it in Virginia, but she misses South Carolina as well. Maybe when things start to settle down around here, Letitia and Edmund can come out for a visit. I cannot wait to see my grandchildren.

Our two younger sons are still living here at home. But that won’t be for long. They’re growing up quick. Marshall is 15 and he is old enough to volunteer for the defense of his country if the call came out. But now, all is quiet on that front. Matthew is only 13 years old, so he still too young yet. They all enjoy reading and are very good writers. I guess I can take some credit for the way my children have turned out, Abram and I have taught our kids to read, along with writing; we get the newspaper and I have saved every one of them. We have also taught the boys to cook and to mend clothes and such. Their father taught them to hunt, to build, chop wood, fix furniture and plow the fields. But most importantly, we taught our kids to be proud to be Americans.

We might be of British descent, but we are Americans through and through. This is where we were born… this is our home, and it always will be. We have raised our kids to be proud of this country we call home. I have kept up with the politics of our country and I hope we secede from England or something like that. It feels like we a being run by foreigners that have no idea what it is like living here. It would be better if they got suggestions from someone who lives here and made decisions from them, or better yet live here themselves. Recently, the British government has pushed us colonists around with taxes. There has been the Sugar Act, Currency Act, the Stamp Act, The Quartering Act, the Townsend Revenue Act and the Boston Massacre, and as of late the Tea Act was the last straw. It’s funny, some men in Boston dressed as Indians and broke open all the barrels of tea and threw it over the side of the ship. Everyone is calling it the Boston Tea Party. Now people are becoming more and more scared to speak out against the British Monarchy in public. People used to go out to drink spirits and talk politics in taverns. But, lately the British started issuing curfews and accusing some people of spying, and it's just seems to be getting worse. Lives are being ruined and there is a growing distrust of the British in general. People are afraid to talk against the government for fear of being called a traitor. Everyone seems to be tip-toeing around their words not wanting to be called a traitor. Even in the newspapers, everyone is scared. There are a few that stand up and speak their minds, but they are few and far between. Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, the Adams’ brothers and a few others seem to be the main people speaking out without fear. This allows people like family, friends and I to know that we are not alone in our feelings. It's nice to know we are not alone in our feeling this way. Abram helps keep the family together understanding what is going on between the Colonies and the British. It helps our children understand what we have already lived through and seen. We encourage our children to pass on what they have learned to their children. It is important to do, so that things are not forgotten. For some reason people seem to forget atrocities done to them or their families. My children are going to know and understand the truth.

2
ALL BEFORE BED

I call out the back door, “Dinner’s ready!” I can see the two boys look up, drop everything and come running, racing each other to the house. I walk back towards the kitchen table and start setting it. From here I can see the front room, or family room. I notice that both of the Window curtains on either side of the front door are wide open. It was done with intention. It's a code us and the neighbors came up with. It's a way to pass messages to neighbors and friends without saying a word. Abram and I feel like we have to do something; the British are not telling the truth about what is going on around here.

We have noticed the movement of arms by the British troops, which our neighbors and friends as well as others conceive as a growing threat. The feeling of war seems to be thick in the air. Here in the colonies we have no army of our own. The British Army is supposed to be here protecting us. But, I have a nagging feeling that the British soldiers are not acquiring weapons and numbering in size to protect us anymore. And because of this there is an increasing necessity to protect ourselves. Our neighbors and friends feel the same way, so, we have come up with some simple signals to let neighbors and friends know what we see and hear of the British troop movements. Our signals are: any of the curtains are open, it means nothing is amiss. If both are open it means British soldiers are on the move. If both are drawn shut, it means to get help. If a candle or lantern is in one of the windows, then it means they are moving with weapons and cannon. I do not think it is enough, but people going by from the road and certain people from the river can see the windows. They are the ones that know what it means and this information can be invaluable, and if we are found out we could be killed.

Ben Dunn, Teresa's husband, who lives down the way can see our house from his property. He also has his own way of letting people know what is going on. “Momma! Where’s dinner?” asks Matthew, my youngest son, breaking my thought process.
“It's almost finished. Have you washed up?” I ask. Matthew jumps up from the table and runs down the hall. Within minutes everyone is washed up and running back into the dining room. Everyone else is already sitting around the table for dinner. Abram says, “Let us pray.” and everyone bows their heads while holding hands as Abram says the prayer, “Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for this food, we pray that you will bless it and us and use it to strengthen us so that we may go forth and do your service. Amen.” We all start to eat. “Matthew, will you help me harvest carrots when they are ready?” I ask.
“Yes!” says Matthew. He loves carrots he is worse than the rabbits around here with them.
“Are you going to help me with caning them too?” I ask Matthew.
“Sure! I can help.” says Matthew. Matthew smiles in excitement. We are so blessed that our kids seem to enjoy learning new things. After dinner Matthew and Marshall clean the table and do the dishes. All the leftovers are placed aside and scraped into a bowl for the dog, General. We named him General because he seems to think he runs the place. He’s pretty smart and just a great dog. Actually the best part of my day is when I am walking through our personal garden with General. Normally dogs run through the garden and trample everything in sight. General is not like that. He walks with me. Smells everything and if I taste something he wants a piece as well. General usually sleeps where ever he wants to, and that is usually outside. But when he does come inside he will sleep with Matthew or at the foot of my bed on the floor. He’s a very mellow dog almost person like. General doesn’t get excited about much, but he does know when he doesn’t like something.

Later in the evening, the boys are studying and readying themselves for bed. Abram and I have gone for our weekly hunt into the woods outside our home. We go into the woods and hunt what is around the property in the wood line. For big meat we either go into town or Abram, Ben and a few other guys go out into the forest and hunt all day for deer and such. But for the little things we don’t need to go far from home, there are plenty of rabbit, squirrel and pigs to find right inside the woods near our property. And according to Abram, this is the best time to get wild pigs. So, we are sitting in the dark being completely still listening to all the sounds in the woods trying to determine what the different noises are. I guess you can say it's a game we play. I have gotten pretty good at determining if noises are rabbits, frogs, deer, foxes, etc. If you close your eyes you can almost see them moving just by listening to the noises. So here we are sitting and listening. I suddenly hear some leaves rustling around. It sounds very different from anything I have heard before. I know Abram and I are being completely still, you can hear some birds settling in, but this is not a bird and the rest of the woods seem oddly quiet. Abram sits up straight and takes notice as well. “What’s that?” He asks.
“I was going to ask you the same thing, is that a horse?” I ask.
“It’s late, what would a horse be doing out here?” asks Abram. Then suddenly we hear the distinct sound of a horse shuddering. Abram and I look at each other in astonishment.
“Maybe one of Ben’s horses got loose? Listen… it sounds like hoofs.” I say.
“Shh.” says Abram. We kneel in the brush and listen as the horse gets closer and closer. Finally the horse is close enough that we can see a British soldier on it. The soldier gets within a few yards of us before he turns around and goes back from where he came. With the British soldier now out of sight, Abram and I get up and head for home. We walk out of the tree line and are on our property. As we approach the house I ask Abram, “What was that about?”
“I’m not sure. But I know it doesn’t feel right to me. There have been British troop movements in Virginia and Pennsylvania but I have not heard of any big movements of troops around North Carolina or here.” says Abram.
“Charleston is a major port, so I can see why they would be here.” I say.
“But, if there is a British soldier riding around out here scouting, that means he is scouting the area ahead for more soldiers.” says Abram. We both get quiet, digesting the words he just spoke.
“I need to go out for a bit.” says Abram.
“Okay, be careful please. It’s very dark out.” Abram grabs me around the waist, pulls me to him and gives me a kiss and says with a smile, “I’m always careful. Besides, there’s nothing to worry about for the moment.” Abram walks off towards the barn. I walk into the house and I can hear him getting the horse ready and shortly thereafter I can hear him riding off. He didn't tell me where he is going, but I suspect he is going to talk to my two boys William, Barclay and then he will talk to Ben, Teresa’s husband, who lives just down the road. And then he will head off to talk to Joseph, the best messenger around.

I walk around and check on the two boys to make sure they are sleeping. Then I get ready for bed. It is dark in the house and in the distance, through my bedroom window, I can see a faint glow like the glow of a camp fire. Keeping my light out in my room, I climb into my bed and just stare at the glowing light in the distance. I can’t see anything else out there or hear anything else, just the faint glowing light. I don’t know how long Abram was gone, but the next thing I know I can hear horse hoofs outside. I get up and glance out towards the sound of the hoofs and see a silhouette of Abram taking the horse back into the barn. Then shortly afterward I can hear him coming into the house. He comes into the bedroom. “How did things go?” I ask as I keep my eyes on the light outside. “I stopped by and saw William. He was sitting outside on the porch looking at a glowing light in the distance.” says Abram. “I looked and I could see it too. I told him of the British soldier we saw and we both speculate that it is a campfire of British troops. So I rode off fast and went to see Ben.” says Abram. “I told Ben what we saw, when Joseph happened by and saw us outside so he stopped to talk with us. We let him know what was going on too. I also told them both about the lights in the distance. They agree that it is probably a campfire. Good thing Joseph happened by when he did, because Joseph was heading that way and was due to ride right past the British troops. Joseph is going to tell the others, so no one is surprised.” says Abram.
“Why are you sitting here in the dark?” asks Abram.
“I can see the glow of the campfire from those British troops.” I say.
“You noticed them too, huh?” he says as he gets undressed.
“It is kind of eerie looking, seeing a glow out in the distance like that.” I say to him. As I hear him wring water from the washcloth as he is washing up at the wash pan over on the dresser.
“I got some other news to tell you about.” he says as he dries his face off. “Oh?” I say as I break my gaze at the glowing light and turn to look at him. He is standing there in his under clothes.
“Ben heard that we are probably going to be heading out in a month or so to do more surveying.” says Abram. I do not want to think about it now. I really do not have a good feeling about it. But, I nod my head to let him know I heard him. He slides over to me on our bed, “What’s wrong honey? “Asks Abram.
“I just don’t like it.” I say.
“You don’t like what?”
“You know… I don’t like you going for so long. Things are getting bad around here. And I worry for you when you go.” I say to him, looking him right in the eyes. “I put on a brave front, but inside I am full of worry when you are gone.”
“I know you are. This is the last time and then I can stop and be home with you and the kids.” He says as he runs his hand on my shoulder. “Then you will have me home all the time, whether you like it or not,” I see a slight smile come across his face. How handsome he is, and how I love him with all my heart. I nod my head again, “okay.” I say softly. Abram climbs over to his side of the bed and blows out the candle. And we hold each other as we drift off to sleep.

In the morning Abram, Marshall and Matthew are already awake. They are in William and James' old room. Abram decided to make a room or hiding place beneath the floor directly below the bed a few days ago. The boys have been digging and helping their father with this project. If worse comes to worse around here it would make a good place for hiding things like weapons or even people. And if nothing comes of the British building their forces around here then, we will have a nice hole in the ground. At first when Abram talked about making a hiding place I thought he was getting a bit too paranoid, I even told him so. But with what Abram and I saw last night in the woods, I have a feeling that this “hole” is probably going to get some use. Abram walks into the family room, “Abram, can I ask you something?” I ask.
“Sure.” he says, “What’s on your mind?”
“I want to know if we can have a tunnel dug from our home to Teresa’s.? Teresa is going to be alone when you and Ben go off surveying again.” I say.
“That’s a great idea!” says Abram.
“I just want her to have a way of getting somewhere safe and in a hurry if it comes to it.” I say.
“Consider it done. I will bring it up to Ben and we will start on it,” says Abram.

General the dog starts barking for joy which he only does for family or friends. I look outside and there I see Joseph Tyler, riding up to the house. I walk out to meet him “Look what I have for you.” Joseph says. I see that he has a letter for me from Letitia, my daughter.
“I could kiss you!” I say to him.
“What for? So I know what I’ll be killing him for.” Abram says from behind me jokingly.
“Look! A letter arrived from Letitia.” I say. Abram and Joseph shake hands. I walk back into the house and sit in the kitchen to read the letter, leaving Abram and Joseph outside to talk.
“It is good to see you,” says Abram, “How’s the wife?” “She is good. I see you all are busy again this time of year with the farm.” says Joseph.
“Yeah it’s never ending.” says Abram. The two men shake hands and with that Joseph is off down the road. I open the letter from Letitia and read that things are going well for them. Letitia and Edmund only have one child his name is also Edmund, but everyone calls him Eddy. And she writes that Eddy is growing up fast. He is about 5 years old now and he helps her around the house all the time. Edmund has allowed him to help chop wood. Thou the ax is a little heavy for him, he does enjoy fetching the wood. With every word I miss Letitia even more. I write her back stating that one day soon we will get to visit each other again. And that I hate how hectic things are in both of our lives at the moment and the minute things calm down we will visit with each other. I give the letter to Abram to hand to Joseph the next time he sees him. I am so happy. Hearing from Letitia always cheers me up. I miss her terribly. For the rest of the day I am in a good mood.
Lizzie comes running into the kitchen and says, “Momma needs two eggs please.” she says out of breath.
“Did you run all the way here from your house?” I ask. Lizzie shakes nods her head yes.
“I bet you were fast. I bet Grandpa didn’t even see you.” I say. Just then Abram walks into the house from the door way. Sees Lizzie and says, “How did you get in here? I felt a breeze blow by a little bit a go. Was that you?” asks Abram. Lizzie smiles a big smile and giggles as she answers, “yes papa.”
“Well, you just sit here and catch your breath you were moving fast.” says Abram.
“I will get you something to drink.” I say. I go and get her a glass of lemonade. Lizzie sits and drinks her lemonade.
“Do you want something to eat?” I ask.
“No ma'am I have to get back soon, Mommy is waiting on me.” says Lizzie.
“Okay, here take this cookie with you in case you get tired running back home.” I say. Lizzie smiles and takes the cookie and the two eggs and runs back out the door towards home. Abram and I just smile at each other. “I love our grand babies.” I say. Abram gives me a hug.


3

YEAR 1774

It’s a crisp early Sunday morning and we are all on our way to church. It takes about a half hour to get to church in our carriage. Once there, everyone starts to mingle, we all gather and talk about the latest news and politics before the service. It also helps to stretch our legs after the long carriage ride. The kids get together and start playing, the boys pretending they are shooting each other from behind the trees. The younger girls sit on the ground in their dresses playing games, while the older boys run around chasing each other. The older girls are gossiping and fixing each other’s hair. You can hear some of the other mothers telling their kids to not get dirty before church, but kids will be kids.

I love it when we come into town, mostly because I miss talking to my friends and this is one of the few times I get to visit. Across the yard, I can see one of my best friends, Teresa Dunn, she has been a good friend ever since Abram and I moved here to South Carolina. “Teresa!” I call out. Teresa smiles as she sees me and walks towards me.
“How are you all doing?” I ask.
“We are good!” She says as we hug and start talking right where we left off the last time we were together.
“Teresa! You are looking better, did the alfalfa tea help?”
“Yes, thank you. Though I feel I am too young to be having pain in my joints already.” she says with a sheepish smile.
“I have to agree, being that I am only 1 year younger than you.” I say as we both laugh. I look around to see two more of my friends, Harriet Wilson and Helen Cooper, and Mary Stoker walking towards us. We all hug and make small talk as we wait for church to start. Meanwhile, a few feet away I can hear the men talking in their groups. They are talking about land and hunting, mostly boring stuff. I can hear some of the men being rather loud when talking politics. One man states loudly, “Let them damn British try it!” All the women around me must have heard it also, because everyone turned around to look at who it was. Stanley Stoker noticed that all the woman's eyes were now on him. He starts apologizing for his language, “I’m sorry if anyone was offended, I got carried away.” All the women giggle; of course Mary shoots him a look. The church bells start to ring as if to try to spare Stanley a chastising from Mary, and we all start walking toward the entrance of the church. No matter where Stanley stands you can still see Mary giving him the eye. I can’t help but smile, that’s just how Stanley is, no changing him now. It’s funny because he embarrasses Mary so much, but those two are so good together, she loves him and he loves her completely.

Somehow all the families manage to find each other and sit together in the pews. Everyone got quiet as Pastor Peter started his sermon. Everyone was quiet with the exception of a few crying babies, and the occasional person coughing. “I desired mercy and not sacrifice. I desired not only your observance to the positive duties commanded you, but to the laws of justice, temperance and mercy,” said Pastor Peter. It is nice to listen to the pastor; he makes most of us feel reassured and calm in the face of the unknown. “We must not fear the injustices for they will be undone. The Lord will stand with the righteous and bring freedom to all. Freedom will not be free, there will be a heavy price to pay for it, but it will come for those that put their trust in the Lord.” Every one nods their heads in agreement at the pastor’s words.

Even in the face of the unknown we all seem to feel at ease at church. The pastor and most of the men have made plans to protect the town from British forces, if it comes down to that. I’ve over heard my husband talking with the other men that if the church bell rings on any day other than Sunday morning, then it is because the British are attacking, and every able body should report to the church to bear arms. The church is filled with weapons, though they have done a good job of hiding them. Everyone is scared of what might happen if the British start firing upon us, and everyone is trying to go on as though nothing is happening, almost ignoring what is going on with the British troops arriving. I know that things cannot keep going as they are. It is just a nagging feeling in my soul, “Things are going to change and when they do, nothing will ever be the same.” I think to myself. My mind is so preoccupied that I can see the Pastor Peter talking but I have not been paying attention to him. I wonder if everyone feels the same way. Who are the British sympathizers? Suddenly I hear the pastor say very loudly, “Let us pray,” Everyone bows their head and the pastor begins, “O GOD who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies that we, surely trusting in thy defense may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Everyone at once says “Amen!”

Pastor Peter finishes his sermon, and we all congregate outside and talk for a bit before we all make our travels back home.
“There is something you all need to know.” I say to Mary, Helen and Teresa,
“Last night Abram and I saw a British soldier riding around out in the woods behind our home.”
“What?” says Mary as if she didn't hear me.
“What were they doing?” asks Helen.
“To be honest I do not know. Abram has his suspicions.” I say.
“You think they will be out again?” asks Helen.
“I don’t know, but I can guarantee you that Abram will be watching. I will let you know if anything else happens.” I say to them. I hug the three women, we promise to see each other again before church next Sunday. I know I will see Teresa. She just lives down the road from us, and we are constantly borrowing things from each other. Helen lives closer to the town of Ninety-Six. The boys and Abram go to Ninety-Six often mainly because it is a big trading post. Everything is traded in and out of Ninety-Six. Mary lives in between the two of them, and we see each other often because she and Stanley are always together and always coming by the house. Slowly the crowd disperses from the church grounds. The men are shaking hands and patting each other on the back. Some people in the crowd make their way to their carriages as most others walk home.

I am getting more and more worried of the state of things lately. I cannot put my finger on it, and by no means has anything serious happened around here, yet. But you can tell things have started heating up in the big cities. There is this uneasy friction in the air between the colonists and the British. Rumor is there had been curfews in several towns imposed by the British and if you are caught out after hours you can be thrown into jail.

As we ride down the road back home, we notice several British troops heading towards Charles Town. “What are they doing here?” I ask Abram. The two younger boys start yelling, “Pap-pa! Look at the soldiers, Look! Real soldiers!” their faces have that look of wonderment. Abram just keeps quiet, steadily watching the British troops marching by. They look so official in their British uniforms. There is something about a uniform that makes it feel intimidating to say the least. I am even at awe at the sight of them. Seeing real British soldiers’ way out here makes it all so real. When they are finally out of hearing range, Abram says to me, “this is not good. I doubt Charles Town even knows there are British troops on the way.”
“Why are they bringing in so many troops?” I ask Abram.
“It’s not for curfews,” he says, “This is nothing but trouble. They are preparing for unrest.” The rest of the ride home was fairly quiet. I knew Abram was thinking.

Once at home, Abram unhitched the horses from the carriage and tells me he will be back by supper. I nod my approval and hurry the kids into the house. We are doing our normal routines around the house. I tell Matthew to draw open the left window curtain as I start to prepare supper. Before long Abram returns and with him are several other men from the church. Every Sunday after church he and some of the other men from around here get together and discuss the British state of affairs. But today the meeting was called earlier than normal due to the British troop movement we saw on the way home.

I like having these meetings here. I get to eavesdrop on most of what the men talk about. Everyone is here to make sure that there are no surprise attacks on Charles Town or any other towns around here. Every man here has their role of what to do. For example it’s easy for Abram to view the British by simply doing his surveying job. He regularly stumbles upon the British camps and is usually able to get messages about coordinates, troop movements and troop strengths back to the men guarding our town. Other men in town are shop owners and traders and are able get information on British troops by their professions as well. Joseph Tyler is the fastest messenger in town. He can ride like the wind, and is also a courier for the British, thus far not for sensitive matters. Even so, the British are used to seeing him out and about. It is neat how everyone has their roles they play and by getting together sharing information we know exactly what the British have planned, so to speak. Joseph’s little brother George is in the British Army. He sends back information on where his troop is, as well as other troops that arrive in the area.

These Sunday meetings have gone on for about 8 months. And since then there has been more and more British troops around. Stanley Stoker has thought it would be better if we all meet on Sunday after church. That way, in the event some of the men are stopped by the British and asked what everyone is doing, they would say they are having bible studies and it would not raise suspicion. The men usually have the meeting here at our home, but they occasionally go to someone else's home as well. Our home just so happens to be close to everything. All the men are sure to bring their bibles to these secret evening meetings, as to lessen suspicion if they are stopped. Smart thinking really.

I walk into the family room and hear one of the men say, “… but what will we do once you are gone?” I see them all looking at Abram. I speak up,” I constantly see the British going by and I hear things just as Abram does.” I look around to all the men. “I can continue with these things just as Abram has done.” Abram has a smile clear across his face. I continue, “It would just be common sense to keep things just as they have been for fear of making the British suspicious that there is something going on or that something is different. The British might start looking at everyone around here more closely and possibly figure out what we are all up to. I feel that I should keep things going as they are when Abram is gone.” I say.
“I couldn’t agree more.” says Abram, still smiling.
“We do not want to impose Mrs. Martin.” says Mr. Jones who operates the book store in town.
“It’s neither a burden nor an imposition,” I assure him, “I feel it is important to continue.” I say.
“But if you get caught the British soldiers could put you in jail… you realize this?” asks Mr. Jones.
“Yes, I know the implications of getting caught.” I say to Mr. Jones as well as the group of men. All the men look at each other, with some nodding their heads and whispered muttering among themselves it all seems as though they are all in agreement. Abram looks at me and says in a reassuring way, “All right then, things will stay as they are.”
Then Joshua Morris asks, “Abram is there any more news about what you saw last night with that British soldier?”
“I don’t know any more than what I told you already. We spread the word as fast as we could, given the circumstances.” says Abram.
“I’m sorry I did not mean to imply you were not being fourth coming with information. I was just wondering if someone else said something to you.”
“No.” says Abram, “but now that I know they are out there I am going to be watching them closer.” assured Abram.
Abram then asks, “So, do we have anymore concerns to discuss?” The guys seem to be satisfied with today’s meeting and shake their heads ‘no’. Andrew Baker speaks up and says, “I’ve noticed that some of my cattle have turned up missing. Has anyone else noticed this?” Mr. Jones says, “I have noticed that some of my poultry has started missing actually. I didn’t think much of it, I just thought it was an animal getting them. But to think of it, normally the other animals make a lot of noise to let me know something like a wolf or fox is attacking. They are not doing this, they are actually being quiet. And I have noticed that my chicken egg count has gone down as well.”
“Okay men, we will have to start paying more attention to our livestock and crops. Keep track of every little thing that happens and we will gather all the information together at our next Sunday bible study.” says Abram. Everyone agrees. Ben Dunn keeps the minutes of the meeting, he finishes writing and he places the paper in the back of his bible. Abram walks the men to the door and sees them out. Ben, Teresa’s husband, turns to me and says, “You are really taking a big risk doing this, you know?”
“Yes, I know.” I say, “But I am here. I see and hear just as much as Abram does. And if this will help, then I am more than ready to do what needs to be done.”
“Besides,” Abram speaks up, “who would suspect a woman of doing such a thing?”
Ben smiles in agreement and says, “Yes, but they do not know the Martin women, now do they?”
Abram smiles and replies, “Well that is to our advantage.”
“How is the tunnel coming on your end of things?” Abram asks Ben.
“Good, Teresa does not like that I have her kitchen floor dug up, but it should be finished in a few weeks. I like that there is a way for us to get back and forth... just in case.” says Ben.
“I agree,” replies Abram, “And don't worry about it getting finished, if we have to leave, the boys are going to finish it.” says Abram as the two men walk out to the front porch.
“That's good to know. But I think with us and all the boys working like we have been, the projects should be done in no time.” Ben says.
“I have been making bullets for Elizabeth. I want you to know that I have stored them in the beginning of our side of the tunnel. I will move it to the center of the tunnel once the tunnel is complete, that way both women can get to it.” says Abram. Those two have always been like brothers to each other. I suspect they always will be.

Later that evening, after the men from the “bible study” all went home and the kids are in bed, Abram is writing and I relax by knitting. This is our quiet time. It is nice to finally be alone. Actually seeing British troops earlier is disturbing, and it means that the rumors are no longer just rumors. The fact that we are digging safe places within the house and making tunnels tells me that this is pressing. But now it seems to be a bit more urgent than ever. At first, I must admit, I thought Abram was being a little too paranoid. But now that the British troops are really here and they are actually doing what people are saying they are doing. We will have to be extremely cautious from now on and get these projects finished as soon as possible. I am glad that Abram acted when he did or we would be trying to play catch up. All hands are needed to get this house ready for whatever may come our way.

4
MISCHIEF

It is early in the afternoon and I am in the back yard just off the porch washing clothes. Abram, Marshall and Matthew are in the barn putting new shoes on the horses. I hear some movement behind me and I look back and see Rachel and Grace. Those two girls are always together. They get along so well you would almost think they were real sisters. Rachel is married to my son Barclay. And Grace is married to my oldest son, William. Rachel has had it hard with the loss of both of her parents. William and Grace have allowed Rachel and Barclay to reside with them. Grace and Rachel have been friends for a long time and their families used to be pretty close as well. I think the living arrangement works out pretty well for the four of them.

Grace is older than Rachel by almost 10 years, but sometimes you would not know it by the way they carry on with each other. They are always getting into something mischievous.
“What are you two doing?” I ask as they come closer to me.
` “We are off to see if we can find some British soldiers.” says Grace.
“For what reason?” I ask.
“We just want to find out how close they are today.” says Grace.
“Why do I get the feeling that you two are up to something?” I ask
“I don’t know.” says Rachel in an innocent little girl tone.
“We’re not, really.” Grace chimes in reassuringly. I shake my head and look back in their direction and see them quickly rounding the corner of the house. I finish washing the clothes, and while on my way to hang the clothes up, I can faintly see Rachel and Grace in the wood line, traipsing off. We periodically do see British couriers going back and forth from God know where. I finish getting clothes hung up and see that Abram and the boys are finished putting the shoes on the horses and are walking back to the house to clean up. I decide to put on my cloak, grab my musket and go into the wood line to see what I can see. The wind is just slightly blowing in my hair; you can hear the leaves rustle slightly. The birds seem to be having fun chattering back and forth to each other. I can hear Rachel and Grace talking, so I assume I must be close to them. I can clearly see the two girls where I am. I place the hood of my cloak on my head and move slowly through the tree line, so that I am behind and parallel to the girls. I see that one of the British soldiers appears to be straining hard into the woods as if he sees something. I can tell the two girls see him looking in their direction and they stop walking and talking and squat down in the brush. The soldier starts looking around and moving in the direction of where the girls are. They are very quiet and still. I can no longer see or hear them, but this soldier is getting awful close to where I last saw them. He starts to yell, “come out ya dirty rebel.” The girls do not make a noise. I see him draw his pistol as he still gets closer to the girls. I raise my musket and get ready to fire above his head. I watch him closely as he continues to walk near the two girls. The he stops and stand there for about 30 seconds and turns and walks out of the woods. I lower the weapon and stay as low as I can. The soldier leaves the tree line and starts walking back and forth down the roadway. With him no longer in the woods I slowly stand up and back away from my position and head back to the house. Once I get ready to step out of the wood line I latch my musket into my hooded shawl, it’s really more like a cape, and take off my hood. I am about half way to the house and I can see that the girls are just exiting the wood line, I do not think they have noticed me yet. I walk up to the back porch and place the musket just outside the back door. I really think that soldier was going to find them girls thank God they stayed quiet. That was close.

I am in the house when I see two people running back to the house. I step out on the back porch and see Rachel and Grace giggling. “Well? How did it go?” I asked as though I stayed home the whole time. They both said “fine” at the same time and started laughing again.
“So what happened?” I ask.
“We were walking through the woods and saw a British soldier so we started being real quiet and the soldier started yelling telling the rebel to come out. We got scared and just hid. He got so close we could hear him and he started thinking that it was the squirrels throwing little rocks and acorns.” says Rachel and the two of them start laughing again. “It was funny. He just suddenly got spooked by something. He ran out of the woods and started walking up and down the road way.”
“You actually found some British soldiers? We need to let Abram know about this. Did you see any weapons with them?” I ask.
“Yeah, their pistols and muskets, but nothing else.” says Rachel.
“I promise we were being careful. I only saw a few soldiers.” adds Grace.
“They thought you were squirrels? What a bunch of numpties,” I say with a smile. The girls start laughing again.
“It was so funny, the soldiers said, ‘Damn squirrels’,” laughs Grace. We all start laughing.
“He was scared of something because he had his pistol out” says Grace.
“Could you see anyone else?” I asked.
“We could hear other horses around, but we didn't see anyone else. He was getting awful curious; I almost thought he was going to find us. Thank God he didn't.” says Grace. The girls sit down and tell me that there were at least 30 soldiers walking through with muskets. They were headed towards Camden, SC.
“Well, I am glad you all got to give them some difficulties. But you must be careful. These British are not to be taken lightly.” I say as they both stand to leave and say they will be back tomorrow before they head off to leave I ask Grace if she will bring over Lizzie and the boys tomorrow. She says she will and heads off towards their house.

I walk into the living room and see that a lantern has been placed in the window. This means the British are on their way to Charles Town.
“Oh my God are they really heading to Charles Town?” I ask Abram.
“Yes,” Abram replies with a disbelieving tone to his voice.
“I just talked with the girls, they only saw them with muskets and that they were heading towards Camden.” I say.
“They have more than muskets. Cannons were seen in transport.” says Abram.
“God help them, we need to pray for Charles Town.” I say. Abram nods his head in agreement. Abram and I bow our heads and Abram begins to pray. “O GOD in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies that we, surely trusting in thy defense may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Abram and I hug each other and walk to the bedroom. “I finished the area underneath the floor to William's room.” says Abram.
“We need to be ready to keep soldiers there, if the need comes.” says Abram.
“Don’t worry, honey. And the boys are working hard on finishing the tunnel to Teresa’s house.” I say as we get ready for bed. Abram seems unusually on edge tonight.
“What is wrong?” I ask.
“My shoulder is hurting, probably from earlier in the day.” He replies. I sit behind Abram and begin to rub his shoulder to try to ease the tightness. After a bit I can feel him relax his shoulder.
“Hey, you do not need to worry about us, we will be okay. You never get tight like this unless you are worried.” I say.
“It is feeling better.” Abram says with a smile.
“Are you sure?” I ask him.
“Yes.” Abram says. I move over to my side of the bed as Abram leans over and blows out the light. Abram pulls me over to him and we curl up to each other. I feel so safe and secure next to him. I love the feel of Abrams arms around me. We are laying there in the quiet of the night and as I start to drift off to sleep.

Suddenly, there is a firm knock at the front door. Abram and I are roused from our bed. I sit up in the bed as Abram gets out of the bed, puts his britches on and goes to the front door. I’ve heard those knocks before, it means he has to leave sooner than he thought. It’s not long before Abram walks back into the bedroom. I am still sitting up in the bed. He looks at me as he closes the bedroom door.
“You have to leave don’t you?” I ask Abram.
“Yes.” he says mater-of-factually. My heart skips a beat and I am filled with dread. I don’t know why, I just have this feeling that something bad is going to happen. He grabs his sack as he packs his clothes and his tools. I watch him get dressed. I watch him intently, as if I am trying to memorize his every move. Abram looks at me and says, “Why are you so nervous?” “Oh, I’m just watching you, to make sure you remember everything.” I answer. Abram gives me that look as though he knows I am trying to lie to him. I look away for a second and then continue to watch him as he gets into his uniform. I walk him to the door. I have this over whelming feeling that this will be our last kiss, but I try to keep that kind of thought from my mind, for now. I give him a big hug, tighter than normal and then we kiss good-bye. Abram gets on his horse and with a loving salute and slight smile Abram rides off into the night. I watch as he rides out of sight, and listen until I can no longer hear the hooves of his horse. Then I go back inside and slump down on a chair in the living room and start to cry.