Francis Marion's Exploits

Accounts of the events and the heroes of the American Revolution have been retold through the generations to attain the status of folklore. Any student of American history knows the story of Paul Revere's midnight ride, the famous words of Patrick Henry, "Give me liberty or give me death," and Nathan Hale, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country," the privations suffered by George Washington's troops at Valley Forge, and the revolutionary defiance inherent in the Declaration of Independence. Of this extensive body of stories, one of the most romanticized is that of Francis Marion. Through his stealth, cunning and innovative mastery of military tactics, Marion became a hero whose status was second only to that of George Washington (Bass 4).

In the retelling of his bold exploits, Marion's legend grew into that of a modern-day Robin Hood who emerged from the wilderness to administer justice. Mason Locke "Parson" Weems enhanced Marion's status through a somewhat embellished military romance based on his life and achievements. The poet William Cullen Bryant sang, "The British soldier trembles when Marion's name is told" (Bass 4). Generations of parents named their sons after him. And his name was evoked in the naming of new settlements to the extent that there are now, scattered across the United States, some 29 towns and 17 counties named Marion (Rankin 1).

Although Marion's legend would grow to gigantic proportions in the retelling of his accomplishme

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leston Harbor. He took this assignment gladly. Although this initially seemed to be another uneventful work detail, the strategic location of the fort and the well known desire of the British for the capture of Charleston provided the promise of action. On June 28, 1776, the British fleet attacked. Anchored 400 yards offshore, they bombarded the fort with all available cannons. Marion was in command of the cannons on the left-hand side of the fort. Because of the inadequate supply of gunpowder, Marion and the other officers had to make each shot count. They personally aimed each cannon before firing. When the supply ran low, Marion led a party out of the fort in order to remove the supply of powder from a nearby American schooner. At the end of the day, the battered ships were forced to retreat. Marion had helped his side win his first battle of the war. On November 23, 1776, Marion received a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. The following year proved to be relatively peaceful. There were a few minor skirmishes, but the British had temporarily relented in their drive to take Charleston. Marion spent the time fortifying the city and training his troops, instilling in them some badly needed discipline. In December

Category: History - F