Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-03-30
CHAPTER III.

We now change the scene to Marion's camp.
Perhaps no other person was as we'll fitted for
the sort of warfare he engaged in, as was Ma
ron No one could tell the precise place he oc-
cupied, and at times, when the British thought
! him farthest off, he would pounce on them, and,
committing great havoc among-if not cutting
them to peices-would retire before they had
recovered from their surprise.
Enclosing himself within the swamps, he de-
fed pursuit, and remained secure until another
occasion offered for doing his country service.
1t was from this that he earned and received
the arpclIation of Swamp Fox lie had at
the time we now speak OF, only just arrived at
! Oak Spring He had appointed this place as
the one at which one Of his Captains should
meet him, who had been sent on certain expe-
dition. This was the day appointed for his re-
turn. Marion, as usual, had sent out his scouts,
and waited impatiently for their return, for with
his diminished forces he could not hope to fight
to any advantage. One entering his camp would
not suppose human being to be in miles of
him. 4 universal stiffness reigned, and nothing
was to be seen, as trees were the only tents used,
and they were too careful with their fire to al
low it to be seen. One tent formed of the
branches of trees joined together, and concealed
as much as possible, constituted Marion's Oak
Spring abode. In this was seated Marion, en-
joying a slight repast, when man ushered in a
visitor
'Ahr exclaimed Marion how are you, Sin
gleton' Happy to see YOU Take that stool,
and help yourself to some of these baked pota-
toes. Any news9 You look as if you had
something to saw
And so have, General And he forthwith
repeated all that Joe had told him, and gave his
own suspicious to add force to his story. Mari
on listened in deep thought; and at last spoke.
May be it is not so bad. Wait until Joe
comes, and we can tell what to do
Very impatiently did he await the arrival Of
his most trusty scout, and often did he wish
Thatcher would return, so that having sufficient
number of soldiers he could attack and drive
back the band of Tories but being situated as
he was great circumspection was necessary.
Sometime before dusk, Joe returned with the
intelligence of the capture.
Now listen p said Marion. Il want you to
20 Immediately to their camp. am determin-
ed to get possession of this Tory captain. He
shall commit no more ravages. Do you disguise
| yourself rs countryman, enter the encampment,
be saucy, so as to be kept a prisoner, and en-
deavor to arrange some method by which we
may know who is the captain. How will you
do it?
Joe studied a while and then said 4 have it;
You will know him by his feather
Very WE'LL take Tommy Tadpole with you;
his gift may be Of some bereft. The attack
will he made at the Walnut as they will prob
ablv take the road to Charleston. Act accor-
ding to circumstances, for must have him pris-
oner.'
Harry Singleton was also desirous to accom-
pany Joe, but his Marion would not allow saying:
You will have enough to do to rescue your in
tended, Harry
1t was dusk when two other prisoners were
brought before the Tory Captain, who demanded
| who they were.