The Republican., 1892-03-04

0Os ANU SttiNd Mh THEIR ANSW EHs
But disheartening news reached Ma
rion's ears while on the return from Sam.
pit bridge to his lair at Shows Island.
The swamp band numbered less than 800
men. and after drawing off force large
enough to battle Watson and the scouting
parties needed for the large territory
threatened by the British, there had been
only n handful left to guard the camp.
This handful had been overcome by Doyle,
who had crossed over from the Wateree to
the Pedee country, north Of the scene Of
Marion's and Watsons encounters, and
swooped down on the island with relent-
less hand. Everything OF value to the
partisans was destroyed provisions,
ammunition and arms When the scouts
brought this word to Maron's bivouac no
time was lost in mourning, and the band
led as usual by feet cavalry, started
to take vengeance on Doyle. Doyle, how
ever, soon put the deep waters of Lynch's
river between his column and the hot
pursuers and avoided battle, although
forced to take some punishment from Ma
rion's sharpshooters at long range, and
prepared to retreat toward the British
lines Mt Camden, on the Wateree
This spring campaign OF 1881 put Marion
upon his mettle not only as u planner and
fighter, hut as leader Of men. The hot
chase after Doyle, the despoler of his
island camp, had led him far to the north,
and while thus engaged his vigilant scouts
brought word that Watson, whom he had
escorted to Georgetown on the jump. had
been REINFORCED and was moving rapidly
toward the Pedee to try the issue over
again. There was still u third party in the
field against Marion, and at that hour the
swamp band was the only armed body OF
patriots in South Carolina. Marion WAS
anxious, il not perplexed. In private in.
terview with his faithful lieutenant, Major
Horny he gave voice to his thoughts and
desired to know whether. in the event OF
his being compelled to take to the noun
tains, the officers and men of his band
would share his fortunes and carry on the
war. go, and bring me their answeri" he
exclaimed to Horny.
The answer was soon returned and was
a hearty Aye, aye" over which, says
Horry's chronicles, the Swamp Fox" was
"tiptoed' and declared, 81 am satisfied, one
of these parties shall soon feel u.s."
Tradition says that the band was then
drawn up in circle and sworn with
drawn swords to follow Marion, to never
yield to the British, and TO fight until lib
erty should be won.
The pursuit of Doyle was again taken
up, and Marion crossed Lynch's river to
attack him, bat found that he had fled Ia
Camden in II panic. Marion then turned
TO meet Watson, and by rapid marching
struck his camp on the Pedee Watson
bal every advantage and Marion awaited
attack. The partisaus had Rot two rounds
Of ammunition to a man.
In this crisis Marion's scouts brought
news thaG an American army under Gen.
Greene was entering South Carolina from
the north, aud Light Horse Harry Lee was
at hand with his legion to cooperate with
Marion. The bivouac of the partisans was
astir in twinkling, boats were hauled
from their secret moorings and Lees horse
men were ferried across the Pedee to Join
forces with the swamp band. Watson also
heard the news, and initiated Doyle in 3
hasty retreat, burning his stores and bag
gage and sinking his cannon in the swamps
Marion and Lee then marched against the
British forts on the Santee, captured Forts
Watson and Motto and ultimately the fort
Of Georgetown, breaking the hold of the
British upon the river line of defenses and
forcing them back toward Charleston.
This was the beginning Of the end, and
Marion's band fought on until South Caro-
lima was reclaimed for liberty.
0EoR0S L. KILaG11-