The life of Gen. Francis Marion, a celebrated partisan officer in the revolutionary war, against the British and Tories in South Carolina and Georgia

Front matter

Serjeant Jasper, rescuing the American prisoners.

THE LIFE

OF

Chapter II

Mari()ii'& first appearance — an 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 set a military granny to examine him, as a butcher would a veal for the market, and if he were found any ways puny, he was presently thrown into a horse pond with as little ceremony as a blind puppy. Had such been the order of the day in 1732, Carolina Avould never have boasted a Marion ; for I have it from good authority, that this great soldier, at his birth, was not larger than a New England lobster, and might easily enough have been put into a quart pot. This puny appearance continued with him till the age of twelve, when it was removed by the following extraordinary providence.

On a trip to the West Indies, which his friends put him uport for his health's sake, the little schooner in which he was embarked was suddenly attacked by some monstrous fish, probably a thorn-back whale, who gave it such a terrible stroke with his tail as started a plank. The frightened crew flew to their pumps, but in vain ; for the briny flood rushed with such fury into their vessel, that they were glad to quit her, and tumble as fast as they could into their little jolly boat. The event showed that this was as but a leap ^^ out of the frying pan i7ito the fire;'''' for their ^.chooner went down so suddenly as not to give them time to lake a mouthful of food with them, not even so much as a brown biscuit or a pint of water. After three wretched days of feverish hunger and thirst, they agreed to kill a little cabin dog who had swam to them from the schooner just before she sunk. On his raw jiesh they feasted without restraint ; but the hlood they preserved with more economy, to cool their parched lips. In a few days, however, their own blood, for lack of cooling food, became so fiery hot as to scald their brain to frenzy. About the tenth day the captain and mate leaped overboard, raving mad ; and the day following the two remaining seamen expired in the bottom of the boat, piteously crying to the last for water ! water! God of his mercy forgive me, who have so often drank of that sweet beverage without grateful acknowledgments ! Scarcely was this melancholy scene concluded before a vessel hove in sight, standing directly for the t)oat, as if purposely sent to save the child that was tossing in it on the gloomy waves.

Little Marion was so weak that he could not stir hand or foot to climb up the side of the vessel. The captain, however, soon had him on board ; and by means of chocolate and turtle broth, sparingly given him at first, recruited him so fast, that, by the time he reached his native shores, he w^as in much better health than ever. So that on his return to his friends, it was found, as is often the case, that what was at first looked on as a great misfortune, had proved a very noble blessing. His constitution seemed renewed, his frame commenced a second and rapid growth ; while his cheeks, quitting their pale suet-colored cast, assumed a bright and healthy olive. According to the best accounts that I have been able to procure, Marion never thought of another t^ip to sea, but continued in his native parish, in that most independent and happy of all callings, a cultivator of the earth, till his twenty-seventh year.

A report then prevailing that the Cherokee Indians Were murdering the frontier settlers, Marion turned out with his rifle, as a volunteer under governor Lyttleton. The affair, however, proved to be a mere flash in. the pan : for the Cherokees finding that things "were not exactly in the train they wished, sent on a deputation with their wampum belts and peace-talks to bury the hatchet and brighten the old chain of friendship with the whites ; and the good-natured governor, thinking them sincere, concluded a treaty with them. The troops of course were dismissed, and Marion returned to his plantation.

Scarcely, however, had tw^o years elapsed, before the perfidious Cherokees broke out again in a fresh place, killing and driving the defenceless inhabitants at a most barbarous rate. Marion instantly flew again to the governor with the tender of his services to fight for his afflicted countrymen. His excellency was so pleased with this second instance of Marion's patriotism, that he gave him a first lieutenancy in the provincial line under the brave captain William Moultrie. The reported force and fury of the Indians struck such a terror through the colony, that colonel Grant (of the British) with twelve hundred regulars, was ordered out on a forced march to succor the bleeding frontiers.

On their way they were joined at Ninety-six, May 14, 1761, by twelve hundred provincials, all men of surest aim with the deadly rifle.

To draw off" the enemy from their murderous excursions, Col. Grant wisely determined to push the war at once into their own country ; which was no sooner discovered by them, than they instantly collected their whole force to oppose him. The only passage into their CQuntry was through a dark defile or gap in the mountain, which it was resolved should be forced as rapidly as possible. A forlorn of thirty brave fellows were ordered to explore the dangerous

GEN. FRANCIS xMARION. 23

pass : and Marion, though but a young lieutenant, had the honor to be appointed their leader. At the head of his command he advanced with rapidity, while the array moved on to support him. But scarcely had they entered the gloomy defile, when, from behind the rocks and trees, a sheet of fire suddenly blazed forth, which killed twenty-one of his men ! With the remainder, he faced about and pushed back with all speed ; whereupon great numbers of tall savages, frightfully painted, rushed from their lurking places, and with hideous yells and uplifted tomahawks, pursued and gained upon them so fast, that nothing but the nearness of the advanced guard saved them from destruction. The Anglo-American army then prepared themselves for a serious ana bloody conflict.

An enemy in such force, so well posted, and defending the only pass in their country, would, they well knev/, fight desperately. And well aware, also what slaughter would follow upon their own defeat, they determined to yield the victory only with their lives. A long summer's day was before them, for the sun had just risen above the hills, a bright spectato*" of the coming fight. Then, in high spirits, with justice on their side, and an approving conscience, they cheerfully left the event to Heaven, The British were formed in small corps, the more promptly to support, the riflemen, w^ho led the van, and now with wude extended wings began to move. In a little time they came in sight of the enemy, who appeared flying backwards and forwards, as if not well satisfied with their ground. The provincial marksmen then rapidly advancing, flew each to his tree, and the action began. Fiom wing to wing, quite across the defile, the woods appeared as if all on fire ; while the incessant crash of small arms tortured the ear like claps of sharpest thunder. The muskets of the British, like theirnative bull-dogs, kept up a dreadful roar, but scarcely did 3 more than bark the trees, or cut off the branches above the heads of the Indians. While, with far less noise, the fatal rifles continued to lessen the numbers of the enemy. The action was kept up with great spirit for nearly two hours, during which the superiority of the American riflemen was very remarkably displayed. For in that time they lost only fifty-one — whereas of the Indians there fell one hundred and three, which so disheartened them that they fled and gave up their country to the conquerors, who prepared immediately to enter it.

Colonel Grant had hoped to surprise their towns, but concluding that their swift-footed runners had given the alarm, he moved on in slow marches through the wilderness towards the settlements, thinking that by the destruction of their towns and corn-fields he should drive them into a disposition for peace.

Marion often spoke of this part of the war, as of a transaction which he remembered with sorrow. " We arrived," said he, in a letter to a friend, "at the Indian towns in the month of July. As the lands were rich and the season had been favorable, the corn was .bending under the double weight of lusty roasting ears and pods of clustering beans. The furrows seemed to rejoice under their precious loads — the fields stood thick with bread. We encamped the first night in the woods, near the fields, where the whole army feasted on the young corn, which, with fat venison, made a most delicious treat.

" The next morning we proceeded by order of colonel Grant, to burn down the Indians cabins. Some of our men seemed to enjoy this cruel work, laughing very heartily at the curling flames, as they mounted loud crackling over the tops of the huts. But to me it appeared a shoking sight. Poor creatures! thought I, we surely need not grudge you such miserable habitations. But when we came, according to orders^ to cut down the fields of corn, I could scarcely refrain from tears. For who could see the stalks that stood so stately with broad green leaves and gaily tasseled shocks, filled with sweet milky fluid and flour, the staff of life ; who, I say, without grief, could see these sacred plants sinking under our swords with all their precious load, to wither and rot untasted in their mourning fields ^

*' I saw every where around the footsteps of the little Indian children, where they had lately played under the shade of their rustling corn. No doubt they had often looked up with joy to the swelling shocks, and gladdened when they thought of their abundant cakes for the coming winter. When we are gone, thought I, they will return, and peeping through the weeds with tearful eyes, will mark the ghastly ruin poured over their homes and happy fields, where they had so often played.

" ' Who did thisT they will ask their mothers. "' The white people did it j^ the mothers reply: * the christians did it .''

" Thus for cursed Mammon's sake, the followera of Christ have sown the hellish tares of hatred in the bosoms even of pagan children."

The reader will, however, with pleasure remember that these were the dark deeds chiefly of a kingly government. A gloomy monarch, three thousand miles distant, and rolling in all the pomps and pleasures of three millions of dollars per annum, could hardly be supposed to know what was passing in the American wilds ; but Washington had known. With bleeding heart he had often beheld the red and white men mingling in bloody fight. The horrors of the cruel strife dwelt upon his troubled thoughts ; and soon as God gave him power, (as president of independent America,) he immediately adopted that better system which he had learnt from the gospel, ('^is successors, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, have piously pursued his plan. In place of the tomahawk, the plough-share is sent to the poor Indians — goods are furnished them at first cost — letters and morals are taught among their tribes — and the soul of humanity is rejoiced to see the red and white men meet together like brothers.

By this god-like policy, the United States have not only saved an immensity of blood and treasure, but are rapidly adding to the population and strength of the country.

Now to return to Marion's letter. — " After burning twenty towns, and destroying thousands of corn-fields,* the army returned to Koewee, where the Little Carpenter^ a Cherokee chief, met colonel Grant and concluded a peace." The troops were then disbanded : and Marion returned to his. plantation in St. John's parish, where, with a few well-fed slaves, he continued to till his parental acres, occasionally amusing himself with his gun and fishing rod, of which he was always very fond.

• To this day the Indians cannot bear the name of colonel Grant; and whenever they see a drove of horses destroyiug a corn-field, they call out "Grant. Grant !"

Chapter III

War between England and America — Marion appointed a captain in the Second South Carolina regiment — goes with the autliyr on the recruiting service — curious anecdote of lieut. Charnock and captain Johnson — some melancholy and memorable relations.

Marion continued to tread the peaceful and plea sant 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 flame for war, and the legislature being purposely convened, hastened to meet the wishes of the people, who were clamorous for raising two regiments for the service.

On balloting for officers, Marion's ticket came out for a captaincy in the second regiment, under command of the brave William Moultrie. In a little time my name was called out as a captain, also, in the same regiment with Marion. This to me, was matter of great joy, as I had long courted the friendship of Marion. For though he was neither handsome, nor witty, nor wealthy, yet he was universally beloved. The fairness of his character — his fondness for his relations — his humanity to his slaves — and his bravery in the Indian war, had made him the darling of the country. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at, that I should have taken such a liking to Marion, but why he should have conceived such a partiality for me, that's the question. But it is no business of mine to solve it. However, very certain it is, that on the first moment of our acquaintance, there was something in his eyes and looks towards me which led me to think there must be truth in the old saying of " people's falling in love at first sight." And when it is considered, that strong attachments gene- 3* rally spring from congenialities, I must confess, that the warm and constant friendship of Marion has evei appeared to me exceedingly flattering.

But to return to my narrative. — Our commissions as captains, were soon made out, and signed by the council of safety, the 21st of June, 1775. As we were a couple of flaming patriots, we could n»t bear to be idle a single moment — marching, fighting, killing, and taking prisoners, was all that we could think or talk of. But as all this fine sport could not be carried on without men, nor men to be had without recruiting ; recruiting, of course, appeared to be the first act and prologue of our play.

" But what shall we do for money, captain Marion ?" said I.

" Why/' replied he, " we must get it from the assembly."

The assembly was accordingly applied to, but alas ! " could not help us to a sihgle dollar!"

I wonder whether posterity will ever muster faith to believe that the grey heads of South Carolina, without a penny in pocket, ventured to w^ar with Great Britain, the nation of the longest purse in Europe ? Surely it was of him who pitted young David with his maiden sling and pebbles against the giant Goliah.

But though the poverty of the legislature was enough to have thrown a damp on spirits of ordinary heat, yet to a flaming zeal like ours, it only served as water on a fiery furnace, to make it blaze the fiercer.

" Why truly, Horry !" said Marion, " this looks unpromising, but we must not mind it my hero, I'll tell you what — if the assembly can't help us, we must e'en help ourselves ! So come let us try what we can do on our own credit."

" With all my heart," I replied.

So away went we to borrow money of our friends in Charleston ; I mean hard money. And hard i money it was indeed. The gold and silver all appeared as if it had caught the instinct of waterwitches, diving at the first flash of the war, to the bottom of misers' trunks and strong boxes. For two whole days, and with every effort we could make, we collected but the pitiful sum of one hundred dollars! However, fully resolved that nothing should stop us, we got our regimentals the next morning from the tailor's, and having crammed our saddle-bags with some clean shirts, a stout luncheon of bread and cheese, and a bottle of brandy, we mounted, and with hearts light as young lovers on a courting scheme, we dashed off to recruit our companies. Our course was towards Georgetown, Black River, and Great Pedee. Fortune seemed to smile on our enterprise ; for by the time we reached Pedee, we had enlisted thirty-seven men, proper tall fellows, to whom we gave furloughs of two days to settle their affairs, and meet us at the house of a Mr. Bass, tavern-keeper, with whom we lodged. I should have told the reader, that we had with us, a very spirited young fellow by the name of Charnock, wiio was ray lieutenant.

On the second day, a captain Johnson of the militia, came to Bass's, and took lieutenant Charnock aside, and after prattling a great deal to him about the " cursed hardship," as he was pleased to call it, " of kidnapping poor clodhoppers at this rate,'' he very cavalierly offered him a guinea for himself, and a half joe a-piece for Marion and me to let the recruits go. Never did a poor silly puppy more completely take the wrong sow by the ear, than did Mr. captain Johnson, in thus tampering with lieutenant Charnock. For Charnock, though remarkably good naturned and polite among men of honor, could not bear the least approach of any thing that looked like rascality. Immediately, therefoie, on hearing this infamous pro position, he brought Johnson into the dining roora^

3* where Marion and myself were sitting, and, in his presence, told us the whole affair.

Oh that my young countrymen could all have been there, that they might have seen what a pale trembling, pitiful figure a detected rascal makes ! I am sure they could never have lost that blessed moment's impression in favor of truth and honor.

After much swallowing, Johnson, however, at last, got the better of his conscience, and came on with a stout denial of the fact. Whereupon Charnock, snatching a pair of pistols, ordered him to take one and fight him on the spot. This being refused, the furious lieutenant instantly fell upon him with a cane. Sensible that Johnson had very richly deserved this ignominious chastisement, we gave him up to Charnock, who thrashed him very soundly, until, falling on his knees, he roared out for quarter. Charnock then ordered him to be gone, but with the severest threats in case the recruits were not forthcoming at the appointed time.

On the morrow they came, and " let the cat out of the bag." It appeared then, that that most worthless fellow, Johnson, had told the poor simple recruits such dreadful stories about the war, that in their fright they had offered him all their cows and calves to get them off!

Our success in the recruiting business far exceeded our expectations, for in a very short time we made up our full complement of sixty men each. I have often lamented it as a most serious misfortune that we did not enlist for the war. I am certain we could as easily have enlisted for the war as for six months. We should then have had a host of veterans, masters of their dreadful art, inured to hardships, scornful of ianger, and completely able to purge our country Df her cruel invaders.

As a place of greater security from the enemy's vessels, Dorchester had been pitched on as a deposite for amruunition and military stores, and put under a guard of rnilitia. But fearing that tlie tories might rise upon this slender force and take away our powder, an article, at that time, of incalculable value, the council of safety advised to add a company of regulars, under some brave and vigilant officer. Marion had the honor to be nominated to the command, and, on the 19th of November, 1775, marched to the post, where he continued, undisturbed by the tories, until Christmas, when he was ordered down to Charleston to put fort Johnson in a state of defence.

About this time an affair happened in Charleston, which filled with horror all who witnessed it. Captain Fuller, of the second regiment, a gentleman in other respects very amiable and exemplary, gave himself up to hard drinking, and to such an excess as brought on an inflammation in the brain. In this frantic state, with wild rolling eyes, and a face shockingly bloated and red, he would behave for all the world as if he were leading his men into action. " Come on, my brave fellows," he would cry, " now be cool and steady — reserve your fire till 1 say the word — now give it to them, my heroes — hurra, they run, they run. I thank you, my lads, for your gal lantry in your country's cause."

All this time the sweat would roll in torrents down his cheeks. Then, quite exhausted, he would fall on his knees, and with clasped hands, and eyes lifted to heaven, would pronounce the Lord's Prayer and the creed in the most moving manner. For several days the soldiers gathered around him while thus employed : and often with tears in their eyes, would observe the total ruin which intemperance had brought upon this once elegant young gentleman. — His friends in the country, hearing of his deplorable condition, came and took him home, where death soon put an end to all his miseries.

In a short time after this, our regiment was de prived of another very genteel young officer, lieutenant Perrineau ; who also fell an early sacrifice to that most shameful and detestable practice of morning slings and mid-day draughts of strong grog.

After these two tragedies, the reader will not, I hope, be displeased with the following farce, which was acted in fort Johnson, while Marion was repairing it, in January, 1776. The principal actors in it, were captain Marion, and a young lieutenant, whose name, delicacy, yet a while, bids me suppress. This officer, though in his person as handsome as Absalom, or the blooming Adonis, was as destitute of soul as a monkey. He appeared to have no idea above that of dress and diversion : and provided he could but compass his own little pitiful ends, which were always of the sensual sort, he cared not how shamefully he prevaricated and lied, but would wink, and grin, and chuckle, as if he had done some great thing. He had served under a score of captains, who had all spoken of him as a slippery, worthless fellow, whom they knew not what to do with. But though most heartily despised, the fool had the vanity to think himself amazingly clever ; and actually boasted to me one day, that he would soon let me see how far he was over my famous captain Marion's speed. Presently he hears that there is to be, next week, a great cock-fight at Dorchester. Instantly his childish spirits are all on a fever to see the cock-fight. " Oh heavens! he would not miss the cock-fight for the world !" But how to obtain leave of absence from the fort at this busy time, was the rub ; however, for such means as he was capable of using, an invention like his could not long be at a loss. In short, he went to Marion, with a doleful face, and in piteous accents, stated that his father, an excellent old man as ever son was blessed with, was at his las* gasp, and only wanted to see him before he died.

The generous Marion, not suspecting that so goodly an outside could cover such falsehood, did not wait to hear the coming petition, but instantly granted his wish, unheard — " To be sure, lieutenant, go, by all means, go and wait upon your father ; but return as soon as possible, for you see how much we have to do."

The lieutenant affected to be quite overcome with Marion's generosity, and swore he would be back in two days, or at farthest in three. As he stepped along by me, he thrust his tongue into his cheek, and looked prodigiously arch, as if he had achieved a grand exploit.

As soon as he was gone, I told Marion I suspected it was all a trick. And so it turned out ; for instead of hurrying off, as he had pretended, to see his dying father, he slipt over to Charleston, where, for fear of being seen by any of our officers, he skulked about in the lower lanes and alleys until it was time to go up to the cock-fight at Dorchester.

At length after a fortnight's absence, he came over to the fort, and entering the marquee, where Marion was sitting with his officers, he began to bow and scrape. As if not perceiving him, Marion turned his head another way. The lieutenant then, exceedingly embarrassed, came out with his apology, — " I am sorry, sir, to have outstayed my time so long ; but — but I could not help it — but now I am returned to do my duty."

Marion turned very quickly upon him, and with a mo§t mortifying neglect, said, " Aye, lieutenant, is that you? Well, never mind it — there is no harm done — I never missed you."

The poor lieutenant was so completely cut up, that he could not say a word, but sneaked off, hanging down his head, and looked much more like a detected swindler than a gentleman soldier.

The officers, who were all prodigiousiy pleased with nis confusion, presently went out and began to rally him — " Ah, ha, lieutenant, and so the captain has given you a set down."

" A set down," replied he, very angrily, " a set down, do you call it ! I had rather a thousand times he had knocked me down — an ugly, cross, knockkneed, hook-nosed son of a b-t-h !"

The officers almost split their sides Avith laughing. The story soon took wind ; and the poor lieutenant did not hear the last of it for many a day. I have often heard him say, that nothing ever so completely confounded him, as did that dry, cutting speech of Marion.

" I was never at a loss before," said he, " to manage all other officers that v/ere ever set over me. As for our colonel, (meaning Moultrie) he is a line, honest, good-natured old buck. But I can wind him round my finger like a pack thread. But as for the stern, keen-eyed Marion, I dread him."

The truth is, Marion wished his officers to be gentlemen. And whenever he saw one of them acting below that character, he would generously attempt his reformation. And few men, perhaps, ever knew better how to manage truants from duty.

To a coarse, conceited chap, like our lieutenant, Xarion gave no quarter, but checked him at once, but still in a way that was quite gentlemanly, and calculated to overawe. He kept him at arms' length — took no freedoms with him — nor allowed any — and when visited on business, he would receive and treat him with a formality sufficient to let him see that all was not right.

The effect of such management evinced the correctness of Marion's judgment. The young lieutenant became remarkably polite, and also attentive to duty. In short, no subaltern behaved better. And this very happy change in his manners, was soon succeeded by as pleasing a change in the sentiments of all around hira. The officers of the regiment grew fond of him — Marion spoke of him with pleasure, as an excellent soldier — and he of Marion, as his best friend.

This is sufficient to show the truth of the remark made bj Aristotle — " that there is no art so difficult and godlike as that of managing men to their own happiness and glory."

Chapter IV

iChe 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 tiiem — admirable patriotism of the Charleston ladies — heavy attack on fort Moultrie — glorious defeAoe 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, several of the officers of the former regiments were promoted. Among these was my friend Marion, who from the rank of captain, was raised to a majority. His field of duties became, of course, much more wide and difficult, but he seemed to come forward to the discharge of them with the familiarity and alertness of one who, as general Moultrie used to say, was born a soldier. In fact, he appeared never so happy, never so completely in his el^ement, as when he had his officers and men out on parade at close training. And for cleanliness of person, neatness of dress, and gentlemanly manners, with celerity and exactness in performing their evolutions, they soon became the admiration and praise both of citizens and soldiers. And indeed I am not 4 afraid to say that Marion was the architect of the second regiment, and laid the foundation of that excellent discipline and confidence in themselves, which gained them such reputation whenever they were brought to face their enemies.