Book: The Life of General Francis Marion

M >> Mason Locke Weems >> The Life of General Francis Marion




"Well then, Marion," replied she, fondly pressing his ruddy cheeks
to her heaving bosom, "if it depends on me, on my constant affection
and studiousness to please, you shall never love me less;
but more and more every day of your life."

The next morning, accompanied by Madame D'Aubrey, Marion and Louisa
returned home in order to make the best preparations,
which the shortness of the time would allow, to quit their country for ever.

In choosing his place of exile, it has been said that Marion's thoughts
were at first turned towards the West Indies. But it would appear
that Heaven had decreed for him a different direction. For scarcely had
he reached his home, much agitated about the means of getting off in time,
before a letter was brought him from an intimate friend in Rochelle,
informing him that a large ship, chartered for the Carolinas,
by several wealthy Huguenot families, was then lying at anchor
under the Isle de Rhee. Gratefully regarding this as a beckoning from heaven,
they at once commenced their work, and prosecuted it with such spirit,
that on the evening of the ninth day they embraced their weeping friends
and went on board the ship.

It is said that many of the most respectable families of Carolina --
the Gourdines, Hugers, Trapiers, Postells, Horrys, &c. came over
in the same ship.

The next day, the clouds began to bank the eastern sky, and the winds
to whistle from the hills. Pleased with the darkly rippling waters,
the ready ship got home her anchors and loosed her sails.
Then wheeling before the freshening gale, she bid adieu to her native shores,
and on wings of wide-spread canvas, commenced her foaming course
for the western world.

But though mutual love and confidence in heaven were strong
in the bosoms of young Marion and his Louisa, yet could they not suppress
the workings of nature, which would indulge her sorrows
when looking back on the lessening shores; they beheld
dwindled to a point and trembling in the misty sky, that glorious land,
at once their own cradle and the sepulchre of their fathers.

Some natural tears they shed, but wiped them soon, for the earth
was all before them where to choose their place of rest;
and Providence their guide.

But Marion and Louisa did not leave their country empty handed.
Her Parents, 'tis supposed, gave Louisa money, but what sum,
after this long lapse of time, is uncertain. Nor does tradition say
for how much Marion sold his little farm. But it is well known
that on their arrival in Carolina, they went up into the country,
and bought a plantation on Goose Creek, near Charleston,
where their dust now sleeps, after a long life endeared by mutual love,
and surrounded by every comfort that industry and prudence can bestow.

We have said that Marion left his country for the sake of his RELIGION:
which appears to have been of that cheerful sort for which a wise man
would make any sacrifice. It was the religion of the gospel,
that blessed philosophy which asks not a face of gloom, but a heart of joy.
And thereunto enjoin a supreme love of God, and a close walk with him
in a pure and benevolent life. From this, the genuine spring
of all the sweetest charities and joys of life, Marion derived
that cheerfulness which appears never to have failed him.
Even in his last will, where most men fancy they ought to be gloomy
as the grave whither they are going, his cheerfulness continued to shine
with undiminished lustre. It was like the setting of a cloudless sun: which,
after pouring its fattening beams on the fields of a live-long summer's day,
goes down in smiles to rise a brighter beauty on another day. This will
is certainly an amiable curiosity, and as it may be of service to the reader,
by showing him how free and easy a good life makes a man with death,
I will record it: at least the principal features of it,
as I got them from the family.

After having, in the good old way, bequeathed "his soul to God who gave it,"
and "his body to the earth out of which it was taken," he proceeds
in the manner following:

In the first place, as to debts, thank God, I owe none.
And therefore shall give my executors but little trouble on that score.

Secondly -- As to the poor, I have always treated them as my brethren.
My dear family will, I know, follow my example.

Thirdly -- As to the wealth with which God has been pleased
to bless me and my dear Louisa and children, lovingly we have
labored together for it -- lovingly we have enjoyed it --
and now, with a glad and grateful heart do I leave it among them.

He then proceeds to the distribution. Liberally to his children:
but far more so to his wife -- and at the end of each bequest
assigns his reasons, viz.,

I give my ever beloved Louisa all my ready money --
that she may never be alarmed at a sudden call.
I give her all my fat calves and lambs, my pigs and poultry --
that she may always keep a good table.
I give her my new carriage and horses -- that she may visit her friends
in comfort.
I give her my family bible -- that she may live above
the ill tempers and sorrows of life.
I give my son Peter a hornbook -- for I am afraid he will always be a dunce.

But Peter was so stung with this little squib, that he instantly quit
his raccoon hunting by nights, and betook himself to reading,
and soon became a very sensible and charming young man.

His eldest son, who, after his father, was named Gabriel,
married a Miss Charlotte Corde, by whom he had six children --
Esther, Gabriel, Isaac, Benjamin, Job, and our hero Francis,
the least as well as the last of the family. As to his sister Esther,
I have never heard what became of her; but for his four brothers,
I am happy to state, that though not formidable as soldiers,
they were very amiable as citizens. They bought farms -- proved their oxen --
married wives -- multiplied good children, and thus, very unlike
our niggardly bachelors, contributed a liberal and laudable part
to the population, strength, and glory of their country.
God, I pray heartily, take kind notice of all such; and grant,
that having thus done his will in this world, they may partake of his glory
in the next.




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 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 would 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 upon
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
into the fire"; for their schooner went down so suddenly
as not to give them time to take 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 flesh they feasted without restraint;
but the blood 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 boat,
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 was 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 trip 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 two 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 country was through a dark defile or gap in the mountain,
which it was resolved should be forced as rapidly as possible.
A forlorn hope of thirty brave fellows were ordered to explore
the dangerous 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 army 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 and bloody conflict.

An enemy in such force, so well posted, and defending the only pass
into their country, would, they well knew, 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 spectator 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, who led the van,
and now with wide 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.
From 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 their native bull-dogs, kept up a dreadful roar, but scarcely did 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 shocking 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 this?' they will ask their mothers.

"`The white people did it;' the mothers reply; `the christians did it!'

"Thus for cursed Mammon's sake, the followers 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. His 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.

--
* This generalization is doubtful for the time of which Weems speaks,
and is certainly false for some subsequent periods,
in which Great Britain had far better relations with native peoples
(as in Canada) than did the United States. -- A. L., 1997.
--

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 cornfields,* 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 destroying a corn-field,
they call out "Grant, Grant."
--




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 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
generally spring from congenialities, I must confess,
that the warm and constant friendship of Marion has ever 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 not 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 single 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 war 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 Goliath.

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 money it was indeed. The gold and silver
all appeared as if it had caught the instinct of water-witches, 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 saddlebags 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,
who was my 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 natured and polite among men of honor,
could not bear the least approach of any thing that looked like rascality.
Immediately, therefore, on hearing this infamous proposition,
he brought Johnson into the dining room 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.

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