The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-07-31

their daughters more stable and permanent life
than it would be likely to be dependant on the
rowing caprice of Il young gentleman, and know
not how many with hymenial ties, live IN tEs
way in the city,
THE MEN OF THE REVOLUTION
''Sir, have American General. y y \"
Among the fine spirits of the revolution, there
were few whose character and services are more
worthy Of remembrance and admiration than
those OF Francis Marion. He was man of great
talents, as well as great courage. His patriotism
was warm and thrilling, and his love of liberty
uncomfortable. After the fall of Charleston,
Tareton and his myrmidons insuted and raw
aged the lower part OF the state almost with i'm
punlty; and the tories became embodened to
new acts of i'll neig hborhood, ifnot of nhumani-
ty, to their unfortunate countrymen. Their hou
SEES were burned, their plantations laid waste, and
their wives, mothers and daughters insulted and
abused. There was no force that could make
head against external and internal enemies, and
the country lay at their mercy.
In this situation the services of Marion We're
invaluable. Patient OF fatigue, and capable of
enduring every prvation, intrepid aud cautious,
quick and persevering, a soldier and philoso-
pher he never RENTED his eXertions to sustain
what remained of the liberties ofhis country, nor
ever despaired of her CAUSE. Collecting togeth-
er little band of hardy and active spirits, he
tired into the inaccessible swamps, where be
watched his opportunity, darted ont on his enc
mics, struck his blow, and before it was known
whence he came, was safe in the woods again.
Within his sphere, he might be said to have
carried on war of his own, for the state author
tiles distant, mace essbe, and almost des,i-
tute of power His mode of subsisting himself
and his soldiers is afieciingy illustrated by the
following striking anecdote, derived from an old
friend and fellow-sodier of Marion, many years
ago.
While occupying che of his Businesses, in the
midst of swamp, a British officer, with flag
proposing an exchange of prisoners, was one day
brought hlndfold to his camp. The exploits of
Maron had made his name now greatly known,
and the officer felt no little curiosity TO look on
this invisible warrior, who was so often felt, but
never seen. On removing the hahlage from his
eyes, he was presented to u man rather below
the middle size, very thin in his person, of dark
complexion aud wthered look. He was dressed
in homespun coat, that bore evidence of flood
and field, and the rest OF his garments were much
the worse for wear.
81 come" said the officer, "with a message
for General Marion" 81 am he,' said Marion,
" and these are my soldiers"
The officer looked around, and parcel
ofrough half clothed fellows, some roasting sweet
potatoes, others resting on their dark muskes,
and others asleep with logs for their pillows.
The business being settled, the officer was
bout to depart, when he was rather cerenonious-
~ invited by Marion to stay and dine. Not see
ing any symptoms of dinner, he was inclined to
take the invitation in jest; but on being again
pressed, curiosity as well as hunger prompted
him to accept. The general then ordered his
servant to set the table and serve up dinner; up
on which u man placed clean piece of pine
bark upon the ground, and ral<ing the ashes, un-
covered quantity of sweet potatoes. These
constituted Marion's breakfasts, dinners and sup
pers, for many Il time that he watched the flame
of liberty in the swamps of South Carolina.
Some jests occurred at this patrachal feast, but
in conclusion the conversation took serious turn.
The British officer leaned, in reply to various
questions, that Marion and his soldiers were
serving without pay; living without quarters;
sometimes half clothed, at others half starved;
and expressed bis pity for their situation. The
reply OF Marion ought never to be forgotten by
my youthful readers.
Pity not me-" sud the soldier of freedom,
smiling; I'll am happier than you are, for am
fighting to Free while you are striving to enslave
your countrymen. When am hungry, com
tort myself with the hope that am doing some
thing for my fellow creatures; When ain cold
and wet, l warm myself with the consciousness
that am suffering for my country; and when
the cause in which am engaged, and to which
l have pledged my life seems shrouded in gloom
and despair, still recollect that there is yet vr
Tue Ill MS Hc CIiil-
dren of my country, in after generations, may
never hear of my name, or know that labored
in their cause; but in my soul, sir, the thought
that am now contending for their freedom and
happiness, is what | would not exchange for the
feelings of any man that lives, or ever lived, who
was the oppressor of his fellow creatures"
The soldier of Britain made no reply. He re-
turned to bis commander with serions, nay,
countenance and on being questioned
as to the cause, made this remarkable ansTer:-
" Sir, have seen an American general, his
officers and soldiers serving without pay, with
out shelter, without clothing, without any other
food than roots and water-and are enduring all
these for liberty! What chance have we of sub
DUNG country with such men for her defend
ers?"
LIZ is said he soon after threw up his commits
sion and retired from service, either in conse-
4uence of change in his feelings, Or of hope