Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1853-05-21
Biographical.
A SKETCH OF MARIoN's LIFE.

~ persohal appearance Marion presents
striking contrast TO most Of the officers in
our army. 1t is curious fact that the
Generals OF thehighest grade, in boil, ar
mles, during the revolutionary war avera-
ged nearly two hundred pounds in weight,
OUT Marion was very small man, and of
o'mlnullve proportion every way. He
was not only short, but remarkably thin.
His coun;enance was swarihv and grave in
lis expression and his eye dark, solemn and
poetic; Extremely plain in his dress, and
sun plalner in his manners, he did not
strike stranger very forcibly. Reserved,
silent, he seldom spoke, except when me-
cessary, and then expressed his thoughts in
the most direct and simple language he
could command. These peculiarities in
creased the mystery which his actions
threw around him and doubtless added much
Influence he held over his band. Cool
and quiet he went on the most desperate
mission without exctement---as calmly
Stormed through the fight, and then in the
same composed manner drew off his men to
their dark and lonely encampment. Seem
ed utterly destitute of passion. He posses
sed neither revenge nor thirst for glory,
nor power. He showed no fondness for
the table, but was as abstemious as a her
nit. Even the women had no influence
over him, like one wholly absorbed on one
great object TO be accomplished. Drinking
his water and vinegar-enough TO keep
any man thin--eating his coarse hominy
or rice-with the canopy Of heaven for his
shelter and the swamp for bis retreat, he
Eopt al
interests with a frmness 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 frailities Of man.
Without pay-without even The hopes
Of victory-hunted from swamp to swamp
and chased the length and breadth of his
State, he still struggled on TO keep alive
the waning fame of patriotism in the
hearts Of the inhabitants.
Binding his men to him by love rather
than by commands, he would let them dis
band to their homes, no security but their
single promise was never broken, and the
| love these stern hearts bore him, is one of
the most touching incidents in his whole
career.
AS par:izan leader, Marion had no
equal. One cannot point out defect in
him, nor suggest good quality which he
did not possess. To sleeFless vigilence he
added an energy and perseverance that
nothing could shake, and 10 bravery which
never deserted him-a prudence unmarried
by single rash act. Provoked into no
haste, beguiled into no procrastination, un-
elated by success, undiscouraged by defeat,
he baiiled every plan of his pursuers TO
take him, and kept the field in the very
midst OF his foes. For long time the
only patriot who dared TO lif, the standard
of freedom in his native State, he became
the object against which the British dirct-
ed all their efforts. Yet they never dis
banded his corps or broke his power. The
name of Marion became spell-word with
which 10 conjure up the Republicans and
lrighten the tories. Seeking the recesses
of the swamp day by day, and stealing on
his foes like panther by night, his swift
horsemen came and went like the invissi-
BILE stroke of fate. No precauiion could
escape his penetrating gllnce, nor conceal
ment furnish security against his deadly
rife. He seemed omnipresent TO the en-
ragened, terror-stricken loyalsts anc
J when they deemed themselves safest, ht
was often nearest. And yet not vic,
; sulied his "ermine character No fero
city was mingeo with his courage, and nj
I cruelty accompanied his fierce onset
Neither the barbariiies of his enemies o
o the treason Of his friends could provoke hir
to injustice, even the clamors OF his ow
). followers were unable TO swerve his jus
soul from the path Of integrity. Given I
n no excess, he asked no share of the plundeI
and never used the power he possessed t
- satisfy single selfish passion.
His patriotism was as pure and lofty q
his character and for his sufferings an
losses no neither asked nor expected renu
meraton. His country he loved bette
than his lie, and liberty was dearer TO hiT
+ than all things of earth besides. Wealth
TT rank, ease, safety, all sunk beneath b
country's claims, and he seemed Ia aim q
nothing but ITS interests. He was seldoI
seen.
His followers were worthy OF him.
Bold, fearless, true as steel in the houi {
r danger they closed around him with fait
= and devotion that excites our admiralio
and claims our love.