The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-11-20
The Vengeance Of Marion.
BY EMERSON BENNETT.

The scene was spot Of slightly elevated
land in the midst Of a deep, dark swamp,
surrounded by water, and all the approaches
to it guarded by quaking bogs and beds Of
mire over which none might pass in safety
save those familiar with the sinuous course
Of here and there stratum af earth. The
time was hot afternoon in midsummer.
In the deep, dark shades of that Carolina
swamp, there was as outre a military col
lection as the exhausting war Of the Rcvolu-
ton ever produced. There were men and
horses Of all ages, sizes and colors. A man
six feet three inches in stature-lank, bony
and muscular-with long black hair and
beard, lay stretched along the ground, his
face resting on h,s arms, and f,st asleep. A
little distance from the sleeper, stout fel-
low, with red hair and sandy whiskers, re-
clined upon his elbow, conversing with
smooth-faced youth, ofsmall, delicate frame,
who was engaged in furnishing his bugle. =
Groups of men, from experienced veterans
down to raw recruits, we're scattered about
in various positions and attitudes-some
examining their weapons, some overhauling
and repairing brides and saddles some
menling their ragged clothes, some cooking,
some eating, some telling stories, and some
lying at full length upon the ground, either
ruminating, DOING or sleeping. There were
few tents and few sheds, but nobody seem
ed disposed to occupy them, and scattered
about, everywhere, were as many horses
as men-some doing on their feet with heads
dropping, and some lazly cropping here and
there green blade which had neither been
nibbled close nor trodden into the earth
There was as little uniformity in the dress
of the men as in their personal appearance
many being ragged, some nearly naked,
others with tolerable decent hunting. frocks
of different shades of green, and few with
garments that had evidently once belonged
to British officers and sohliers. 1t was, take
it all in all, a strange and motley collection
of men and horses, numbering some sixty Of
either kind.
Somewhat apart from all the others, seat
ell on the ground, with his back resting
against tree, and his head occasionally nod
ding, as If falling asleep unconsciously, was
small, swarthy, shriyelIed up man, well
vergng upon fifty, who looked as if another
decenery might reduce him to simply
parchment -bound skeleton. And yet on
that weazen face was stamped the true no.
billty of soul, and with some lofty purpose
and the keen bright eyes sparkling with
some glowing thought, you Yeuld haye felt
you were in the presence Of no ordinary per.
sonage. His dress in some respect designa-
ted him to be an officer, but gave little idea
of his rank, and had the appearance of hav.
ing been in wear . long time, and seen some
very rough usage.
This parsonage was approached by very
rough looking man, and slight delicate girl,
with fair face, pretty features, and uncom-
monty bright eyes.
"Beg pardon, General" said the mar,
for disturbing you but here's young lady
who's got something important to tell YOU
The person addressed reused up with
start, and fiyed his keen. penetrating eyes
upon the fair stranger, who blushed, seemed
a little embarrassed, and said quickly
1T was General Marion wished to see.'
We'll, my child, am ready to listen to
anything you have to say was the kind
and gentle reply.
But, surely returned the girl in surprise,
you are not the great General Marion have
so often heard about whose daring exploits
are the terror of British and Tories, and the
hope Of all true lovers of their country T
well, no, I am not the great General
Marion because you see am very little
General Marion,' replied the distinguished
hero, with low, pleasant laugh. But.
thanking you for pretty compliment, so
very prettily expressed. beg leave to assure
you I am the person you wish to see.'
The girl still looked incredulous, but as
one who, not wishing to doubt the state
ment of . gentleman, could not readily bring
her mind to accept as fact that which was
SO totally at varience with her preconceived
ideas of q man whose exploits had been the
wonder Of friend and foe throughout the
length and breadth Of the land.
Better say what you've got to say at once
Miss suggested her conductor in whisper,
for the General don't like to be kept wait
ing, and you wont Gnd any other General
Marion than him (God bless him > if you
60 the world over
You may retire. sergeant + said Marion.
And as the man Withdrew, he continued -
Now pretty child, you can speak as freely
as to your own father
The girl burst into tears.
Alas ? said she, 4 have no father he fell
in defence his country @ 80
Where 2 Esd,
AT Fort Moultic.' .~
His name p
.Richard Selden.' ag
4 knew him. was near him when he
fcll-nearly cut in half by cannon ball he
never spoke Afterwards. Poor child ! God
bless you what can do to serve you p
oh, dear, kind sir, I am in great distress |!
and | have come to you as my only hope
Say on, my child ! But stay nsthinks
you look pale and weary. Are you not tired