The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1877-10-18
- Q l @ G t IT n / @ I.
How Marion Got his Rifles

The close Of the year 1850 was a
sad year for America. The British
hold the country from Charleston to
the upper Santee, and in order to
complete their conquest had estab-
lished q chain of posts through the
State, each OF which was strongly
fortified and defended by good
garrison. Organized resistance to
the British there was none. On the
American side the principal actors
in the strouggle were the men who
composed the famous light brigade
Of General Marion.
The favorite rendezvous Of Marion
was at Snow Island. This is q piece
of high river swamp, as it is called
in the Carolinas. and was surround
ed on the three sides by water, so as
to be almost impregnable. Here
Marion had his camp From this
fastness he issued forth at pleasure
to range the enemies granaries, or
capture q struggling party Of his
troops. Secure in his retreat, he
had no fear of pursuit.
In the city Of Charleston, the des-
potism Of the British was at its
height the proud spirited people OF
that capital were held down by a
grinding tyrany. Many Of them
were still open and uncompromising
in their hostility to the English,
while others, thinking they could
best serve the cause in that way af>
fected o hearty submission to the
conquerors, and were seemingly the
most loyal Of all the King Georges
subjects. Yet, while the English
saw this and congratulated them
selves upon the good effect it would
have ON the colonists, these very
'loyalists' kept the American com.
manders constantly informed OF Ill
that passed within the British lines,
and nanya disaster Of the English
was in this way directly attributable
70 them.
One Of these persons was lady Of
fine social position and great wealth.
Indeed, there were few persons
in al Charleston over whose submis-
sion to the crown the British were
more elated than they were over that
Of Ms. Annie Garden. She was Q
young and beautiful widow, Just
twenty Ave, and for several years
had BEEN the standing toast Of
beaux Of the Carolinas. When the
British took the city, she was one OF
tho first to submit to the king. and
since her house had been the favorite
gathering place Of the redeoat gentry.
Many Of Mrs Gardens friends, who
were stauneh patriots 10 the last.
quietly cut her acquaintance, and
shook their heads in silent indigna.
tion whom her name was mentioned
and when they dared speak ct all IL
was only to condemn the widows
trearchery. In the camp Of Marion,
however, there was ono cheek that
kindlsd with pride and not with
shame when the lady's name was
mentioned and - for General
Marion himself, he could have told
tales that would have startled the
widows Charleston friends, had Il
been safe TO do %.
While Marion WAS creating 70
great sn excitement beyond the
gatss Of Charleston, Mrs.. Garden
resolved 10 give . ball. Prepara-
tions were made on an extensive scale,
and the loyal element Of the city
was In high feather. The splendid
mansion Of The young widow was
dresses with aowsrs ltom caller 70
garrett and biased With lights on
6hs evening appointed Tor ths =.
ssmbly, snd ths band Of The garrl-
soa diceeassad svssl nssie % the
fhs salsflalaniat ~ a IL
tIeAk p ~. s.sva sssr lls
q - ~ - 6.