33 chapters
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33 chapters
IMPORTANT NOTE ON THIS TEXT:
IMPORTANT NOTE ON THIS TEXT:
This biography, though historically based, should not be considered factual. It is not that there was no such man — indeed there was, and other accounts indicate that Francis Marion is as deserving of praise as this account would indicate — or moreso. It is not that the events described did not take place — most of them, at least, did. It is simply that Parson Weems (Mason Locke Weems, 1759-1825), in an honest effort to teach a high patriotism, nobility, and morality, sometimes embellished or ex
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Chapter 1.
Chapter 1.
Short sketch of an extraordinary French couple, viz., the grandfather and mother of our hero — their early and happy loves — cruel persecution of the priests — final expulsion from their native country — providential settlement in South Carolina — their prosperous and exemplary lives — singular will of old Marion — and birth of his grandson, Francis. Immortal may their memory be Who fought and bled for liberty. One thousand seven hundred and thirty-two was a glorious year for America
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Chapter 2.
Chapter 2.
Marion's first appearance — a humble cultivator of the earth — the great Cherokee war of 1761 comes on — volunteers his services to his country — is appointed a first lieutenant in the provincial line — commands a forlorn hope — narrowly escapes with his life — the Anglo-American and the Indian forces engaged — bloody battle — the Indians defeated — their country laid waste — peace made — Marion retires. Among the Mohawks of Sparta, it was a constant practice on the birth of a male infant, to se
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Chapter 3.
Chapter 3.
War between England and America — Marion appointed a captain in the Second South Carolina regiment — goes with the author on the recruiting service — curious anecdote of lieut. Charnock and captain Johnson — some melancholy and memorable relations. Marion continued to tread the peaceful and pleasant walks of life, as above, till the beginning of May, 1775, when, by a vessel direct from Boston, news was brought of the gallant battle of Lexington. Instantly the whole town and country were in a fla
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Chapter 4.
Chapter 4.
The clouds of danger darker and darker — two additional regiments raised — Marion promoted to a majority — fort Moultrie built — A British fleet and army invade Carolina — grand preparations to receive them — admirable patriotism of the Charleston ladies — heavy attack on fort Moultrie — glorious defence of the garrison. The cloud of war growing still darker and darker every day, the council of safety determined to raise a regiment of artillery, and another of infantry. In consequence of this, s
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Chapter 5.
Chapter 5.
Governor Rutledge harangues the Troops — shows Britain's injustice to have been the cause of the American war — independence declared — great joy on that account. On the 20th of September, 1776, all the troops in Charleston were ordered to rendezvous without the gates of the city, to hear, as we were told, "Some great news." Soon as we were paraded, governor Rutledge ascended a stage, and in the forcible manner of a Demosthenes, informed, that Congress had dissolved all relation with England, by
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Chapter 6.
Chapter 6.
Times growing squally — the author sets out a vagrant hunting — gets into hot water — narrowly escapes with his life — catches a host of vagabonds, but learns from experience, that, though a rascal may do to stop a bullet, 'tis only the man of honor that can make a good soldier. "The devil," said George Whitefield, "is fond of fishing in muddy waters" — hence it is, I suppose, that that grand demagogue has always been so fond of war — that sunshine and basking time of rogues, which calls them ou
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Chapter 7.
Chapter 7.
The brave sergeant Jasper again on the carpet — in disguise visits a British post at Ebenezer — in company of sergeant Newton, makes a second trip thither — affecting view of an American lady and her child, with other whig prisoners at Ebenezer — desperate resolve of Jasper and Newton, to rescue them — their bloody conflict and glorious triumph. In the spring of 1779, Marion and myself were sent with our commands, to Purysburgh, to reinforce general Lincoln, who was there on his way to attack th
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Chapter 8.
Chapter 8.
The count D'Estang, with the French fleet, arrives to attack Savannah — our army marches and joins him — fatal effects of D'Estang's politeness — biographical dash of young colonel Laurens — curious dialogue betwixt him and the French general — unsuccessful attack on Savannah — the brave Jasper mortally wounded — is visited by the author in his last moments — interesting conversation — dies like a Christian soldier. Could the wishes of our army have availed, those gallant soldiers, (Jasper and N
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Chapter 9.
Chapter 9.
Providential escape of Marion out of Charleston — the British fleet and army invest and take that place — Tarleton and the British officers begin to let out — young Scotch Macdonald comes upon the turf — extraordinary anecdote of him — plays a very curious trick on a rich old tory. How happy it is for man, that the author of his being loves him so much better than he loves himself; and has established so close a connexion between his duty and his advantage. This delightful truth was remarkably e
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Chapter 10.
Chapter 10.
The abomination and desolation set up in South Carolina — the author, with sorrowful heart, quits his native land, and flies to the north in quest of warlike friends — fortunate rencontre with his gallant friend colonel Marion — curious adventures. After the capture of Charleston, with all our troops, the British, as aforesaid, began to spread themselves over the country. Then was exhibited a spectacle, which for sadness and alarm, ought never to be forgotten by the people of America. I mean how
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Chapter 11.
Chapter 11.
Glorious news — a brave army of continentals coming up — Marion and the author hasten to meet them at Roanoke — fortunately get introduced to the baron de Kalb — polite reception by that amiable officer — curious and interesting conversation. After spending two days of very welcome repose with the elegant colonel Thatcher, we took leave and set out for Hillsborough, where we met general Huger and colonel W. White, of the horse, who told us the glorious news, that "Washington had sent on a gallan
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Chapter 12.
Chapter 12.
Gen. Gates — bon mot of British general Lee — how an army ought not to march — De Kalb prophecies — chickens counted before they are hatched, alias, Marion and the author sent by Gen. Gates to prevent the escape of Cornwallis, before he had run — the British and American armies meet — Gates and his militia-men leave De Kalb in the lurch — his gallant behavior, and glorious death. When a poor fellow is going down hill, it is but too common, they say, for every body to give him a kick. "Let do
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Chapter 13.
Chapter 13.
Marion and the author very busy in destroying the rice-makers' boats on Santee — first got the news of the defeat of our army, and death of the brave De Kalb — Marion addresses his followers — their gallant reply. Marion and myself, as yet ignorant of the fate of the army, were on the waters of the Santee, very busily executing our boat-burning orders. Not content with destroying the common scows and flats of the ferries, we went on to sweep the river of every skiff and canoe that we could lay h
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Chapter 14.
Chapter 14.
Carolina apparently lost — Marion almost alone keeps the field — begins to figure — surprises a strong British party at Nelson's old field — scourges the tories at Black Mingo — again smites them hip and thigh on Pedee. The history of the American Revolution is a history of miracles, all bearing, like sunbeams, on this heavenly fiat: "America shall be free!" Some of our chimney-corner philosophers can hardly believe, when they read of Samson making such a smash among the Philistines with the jaw
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Chapter 15.
Chapter 15.
The whigs in high spirits on account of our success — an express from Governor Rutledge — promotions — British and tories in great wrath — sketch of their treatment of the patriots. The news of this fourth overthrow of the enemy, was soon spread far and wide among both our friends and foes; producing everywhere the liveliest emotions of joy or sorrow, according as the hearers happened to be well or ill affected towards us. The impression which it made on our honored executive, was sweeter to our
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Chapter 16.
Chapter 16.
Colonel Tynes, the famous tory partisan, attempts to surprise Marion — is himself surprised and taken, with nearly all his party — the author, with thirty choice cavaliers, sent by Marion to reconnoitre — defeat of a British party of horse — anecdote of Scotch Macdonald — surprise and slaughter of the tories — captain Lewis is killed — anecdote of an extraordinary lad. Soon after this last victory on Pedee, Marion moved down into the neighborhood of Black river; where he instantly got notice, th
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Chapter 17.
Chapter 17.
Spirit of the tories — assassination of lieutenant Marion — the murderer murdered — Marion's reflections on the death of his nephew — his manner of rewarding extraordinary courage among his men — sketch of the brave boy Gwinn. "If mortal hands thy peace destroy, Or friendship's gifts bestow, Wilt thou to man ascribe the joy — To man impute the woe? 'Tis GOD, whose thoughts for wisest ends The human lots dispose; Around thee plants assisting friends, Or
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Chapter 18.
Chapter 18.
Mutiny in our camp — Marion suppresses it — his address to the officers. This war, though on our part a war of virtue, was not always so pleasant as might have been expected. Instances of human weakness often occurred to disturb our harmony, and fill good men's hearts with sorrow. For how, without grief, could we behold a man fighting by our side to-day like a hero, for the rights of bleeding humanity; to-morrow, like a headstrong child, or a headlong beast, trampling them under foot! And oh! ho
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Chapter 19.
Chapter 19.
"Ah brandy! brandy! bane of life, Spring of tumult — source of strife: Could I but half thy curses tell, The wise would wish thee safe at hell." Curious and Instructive Anecdotes. That great poet, John Milton, who seems to have known him well, assures us that the devil was the inventor of gunpowder. But, for my own part, were I in the humor to ascribe any particular invention to the author of all evil, it should be that of distilling apple-brandy. We have scripture for it, that he began
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Chapter 20.
Chapter 20.
History of captain Snipes — wanton destruction of his property by the tories — his own miraculous escape — admirable fidelity of his negro driver Cudjo. Captain Snipes, who made such a figure in the wars of Marion, was a Carolinian, of uncommon strength and courage; both of which he exerted with great good will, against the British and tories; from principle partly, and partly from revenge. But though a choice soldier, he was no philosopher. He did not consider that to fight for duty, people mus
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Chapter 21.
Chapter 21.
Marion pursues major Muckleworth — fine anecdote of the major — Marion's generosity to him. Learning that a detachment of the British were marching up Black river towards Statesburgh and Camden, general Marion gave orders to chase; which was conducted, as usual, with such rapidity, that about sunset of the second day we came up with them. Our advance, composed of choice fellows, instantly began to skirmish with the enemy, of whom they killed eight or nine. A few on both sides, rather badly w
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Chapter 22.
Chapter 22.
Colonel Watson attempts to surprise Marion — is out-generaled, and after much loss driven back to Georgetown. In consequence of his incessant attacks on the British and tories, Marion was, I believe, heartily hated by them, as ever Samson was by the Philistines, or George Whitefield by the devil. Numerous were the attempts made by their best officers to surprise him; but such was his own vigilance and the fidelity of his whig friends, that he seldom failed to get the first blow at them, and to t
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Chapter 23.
Chapter 23.
Patriotism of Mrs. Jenkins — colonel Watson, colonel Doyle, and the tories, make alarming advances upon general Marion — his men begin to desert him — Horry turns orator, and harangues the troops — they repeat their assurances of patriotism and attachment to Marion — he dashes out again upon the enemy — prospects brighten — and the good old cause begins to look up again. It was not for the British and Marion to lie long at rest in the same neighborhood. After a short repose, Colonel Watson, with
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Chapter 24.
Chapter 24.
Marion's method of managing the militia — sends the author on another expedition against the tories — anecdote of Mr. F. Kinloch — curious dream of black Jonathan, and fortunate escape of Mr. Kinloch — the author's party surprised by the British, but come off with flying colors. The world, perhaps, never contained a partisan officer who better understood the management of militia than did general Marion. He was never for `dragooning' a man into the service. "God loves a cheerful giver, and so do
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Chapter 25.
Chapter 25.
Colonel Harry Lee joins general Marion — Georgetown surprised — colonel Campbell made prisoner — major Irwin killed — adjutant Crookshanks miraculously saved by his sweetheart — force of female affection — American generosity contrasted with British barbarism — interesting anecdotes of Mr. Cusac, young Gales and Dinkins, colonel Lee's little bugler, John Wiley, Peter Yarnal, young M'Coy, major Brown, colonel Haynes, and lord Rawdon. The next day, colonel Lee with his legion came up, to the inexp
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Chapter 26.
Chapter 26.
Short and sweet — or, a curious dialogue between general Marion and captain Snipes, on retaliation. "No radiant pearls that crested fortune wears, No gem that sparkling hangs in beauty's ears; Not the bright stars that night's blue arch adorn, Nor opening suns that gild the vernal morn, Shine with such lustre as the tear that flows Down virtue's manly cheeks, for others' woes." What gigantic form is that which stalks thus awfully before the eyes of my memory; his face
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Chapter 27.
Chapter 27.
Marion and Lee attack and take fort Watson and fort Motte — interesting anecdotes. From Georgetown, Marion proceeded with colonel Lee to attack the British post on Scott's lake, generally called fort Watson. The situation of this fort was romantic and beautiful in the extreme. — Overlooking the glassy level of the lake, it stood on a mighty barrow or tomb like a mount, formed of the bones of Indian nations, there heaped up from time immemorial, and covered with earth and herbage. — Finding that
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Chapter 28.
Chapter 28.
The author congratulates his dear country on her late glorious victories — recapitulates British cruelties, drawing after them, judicially, a succession of terrible overthrows. Happy Carolina! I exclaimed, as our late victories passed over my delighted thoughts; happy Carolina! dear native country, hail! long and dismal has been the night of thy affliction: but now rise and sing, for thy "light is breaking forth, and the dawn of thy redemption is brightening around." For opposing the curses of s
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Chapter 29.
Chapter 29.
The British evacuate Charleston — great joy of the citizens — patriotism of the Charleston ladies. As when a lion that has long kept at bay the fierce assaulting shepherds, receives at last his mortal wound, suddenly the monster trembles under the deadly stroke; and, sadly howling, looks around with wistful eye towards his native woods. Such was the shock given to the British, when the sword of heaven-aided justice struck down the bloody Cornwallis. With him fell the hopes of the enemy throughou
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Chapter 30.
Chapter 30.
Marion returns to his plantation — is appointed a member of the legislature — some valuable anecdotes of him — his marriage — and retirement. After the retreat of the British from Carolina, Marion sheathed his sword for lack of argument, and went up to cultivate his little plantation in St. John's parish, where he was born. But the gratitude of his countrymen did not long allow him to enjoy the sweets of that rural life, of which he was uncommonly fond. At the next election, he was in some sort
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Chapter 31.
Chapter 31.
The author's last visit to Marion — interesting conversation on the importance of public instruction — free schools shown to be a great saving to a nation. I often went to see Marion. Our evenings were passed as might have been expected between two old friends, who had spent their better days together in scenes of honorable enterprise and danger. On the night of the last visit I ever made him, observing that the clock was going for ten, I asked him if it were not near his hour of rest. "Oh no,"
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Chapter 32.
Chapter 32.
The death of Marion — his character. "Next to Washington, O glorious shade! In page historic shall thy name have place. Deep on thy country's memory are portrayed Those gallant deeds which time shall ne'er erase. Ah! full of honors, and of years farewell! Thus o'er thy tomb shall Carolina sigh; Each tongue thy valor and thy worth shall tell, Which taught the young to fight, the old to die." The next morning, I set out for my plantation on Winyaw bay. Marion, a
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