The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1853-05-11
A Sketch of Marion.

A Sketch of Marion.
In personal appearance Marion pre-
sents a striking contrast to most of the
officers in our army. 1t is curious
fact that the Generals of the highest
grade, in both armies, during the Revo-
lutionury War, averaged nearly two
hundred pounds in wcight.-But Mari
on was very small man, and of dmin-
tive proportions every way He was
not only short, but remarkably thin.
His countenancc was swarthy, and grave
in its expression, and his eye dark, sol
emu and poetic. Extremely plain in
his dress, and still palmer in his man.
ners, he did not strike stranger forci-
bly,. Reserved, silent he seldom spoke
except when necessary, and then express
sed his thoughts in the most direct and
simple language he could command.
These peculiarities increased the mys.
terry which his actions threw around him
and doubtless added much to the innu-
encc be held over his band. Cool and
quiet, lie went on the most desperate
mission without excitement-as calmly
stormed through the fight, and then in
the most composed manner drew off his
men to their dark and lonely encamp-
ment. He seemed utterly destitute Of
passion. He possessed neither revenge
nor thirst for glory, nor love of excite
mcnt, nor desire of money nor power.
He showed no fondness for the table,
but was as abstcmious as a hermit.
Even the woman had no influence over
him, and lie moved amid the turbulent
scenes around him, like one whose mind
is wholly absorbed on one great object
yet to be accomplished. Drinking his
vinegar and watcr-enough to keep any
man thin-eating his coarse hominy or
rice-with the trees for his shelter and
the swamp for his retreat, lie fastens
himself upon our affections and interests
with irmness that nothing can shake.
Living in lawless times, and among
rough and boisterous men, he retained
all his delicacy of feeling, refined tastes,
and scrupulous virtues. Moving in an
orbit of his own, he, like Washington,
was beyond the influence of others, and
seemed free from the common frailties
of man.
Without pay without even the hope
of victory-hunted from swamp, TO
swamp, and chased the length and
breadth of his State he still strug gled
on to keep the waning fame of patri-
otism in the hearts of the inhabitants.
Binding his men to him by love rath-
er than command, he would let them dis
band to their homes, with no security
but their single promise to return. Yet
that promise was never broken, and the
love those stern hearts bore him, is one
of the most touching incidents of his ca
rcer
AS partisan leader, Marion had no
equal. One cannot point out defect
in him-nor suggest single good quail
ity which he did not possess. TO sleep.
less vigilance he added an energy and
perseverance, that nothing cond daunt
and to bravery which never deserted
him, prudence unmarried by single
rash act Provoked into no haste, be
guiled into no procrastination, unelated
by success, undiscouraged by defeat, he
baffled every plan of his pufsuers tc
take him, and kept the field in the very
midst of his foes For a long time the
only patriot who dared to lift the stand
ard of freedom in his natiYe State, he
became the object against which the
British directed all their efforts. Yet
they never disbanded his corps nor broke
his power. The name of Marion be
came spell word with which to conjurC
up the republicans and frighten the to
ries. Seeking the recess of the SWAMI
day by day, and stealing on his foes
like the panther by night, his swift horse
men came and went like the invisible
stroke Of fate. No precaution could es
cape his penetrating glance, nor conceal
ment furnish security against his dead
ly rifle. lie seemed omnipresent to the
enraged, terror-stricken loyalists ant
when they deemed themselves safest he
was often nearest. And yet not a vice
sullied his 'ermine character No fe
rocity was mingled with his courage, anl
no cruelty accompanied his fierce onsets
Neither the barbarities of his enemies o
the treason of his friends could provok,
him to injustice-even the clamor of hi
own followers was unable to swerve Iii
just soul from the path of integrity
Given to no excess, he asked no share O
the plumber, and never used the power h
possessed to crafty single selfish pas
sion.
His patriotism was as pure and lofty a
his character and for lis suffering an
losses he neither asked nor expected re
muneration.