Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-08-28
From the Yorkville Enquirer of 1871

INSTALLMENT XVI
oriain of General Francis Marion's
Partisan Corps.
1t is a fact much to be regretted
that so little effort was made at the
proper time to hand down to posterity,
completer biography of those Revo-
lutionary heroes whose deeds will
live and brighten whilst men continue
to love freedom. TIL names Of Sumter
and Marion are interviewer with the
nursery tales of South Carolina and In
timately blended with the history OF
the thirteen colonies in their struggle
for freedom; but the most interesting
portion Of the lives of these heroes has
been swept by the waves Of time into
the gulf Of oblivion. OF their boyhood
we know comparatively nothing. There
was a time when the history of both
these men could have been traced from
the cradle to the grave. That period
has passed and we must be content
with their history commencing with
their military exploits.
Gen. Francis Marion was Of French
extraction. His grand father-Gabriel
Marion-fled to South Carolina when
after the revocation Of the edict or
Nantes, a spirit Of malice and hate
kindled the fires Of persecution which
desolated the homes of the Huguenots.
Like most of the Huguenots who fled
to South Carolina during bloody
period, the grandfather was a gentle
man by birth and education. He, with
his young wife, whose maiden name
was Louisa D'Aubrey, settled on the
Cooper river Here they bought a
plantation and by industry and econo-
my, accumulated enough Of material
wealth to make them comfortable and
respected. The oldest son Of this
worthy couple was honored with his
fathers name. He settled at Winyaw
and became the father of one daughter
and five sons, of whom Francis was
the youngest.
The year 1882, the same that gave
birth to Gen. George Washington-gave
birth to General Francis Marion. The
facilities for obtaining thorough edu-
cation were then poor, compared with
what they are now; hence the education
Of Marion was limited. We are not to
conclude that 1t was entirely neglected.
At that time books were not so album
dant as they are now; but what few
books were owned by the first set
tiers of this country, were generally
standard works and were better used
than books are at the present day.
They were studied rather than read.
In early youth, Marion was desirous
to lead the life Of sailor. His moth
er, however, either from a maternal af-
lection which would not suffer her to
be separated from her son by broad
oceans, or because she saw that her son
was not fitted for such life, set her
self in opposition to his inclination.
In spite of the remonstrance of his
mother young Marion at the age OF
sixteen, embarked on a schooner bound
for the West Indies. The vessel found
cred at sea and Marion narrowly es-
capped a watery grave. The crew con-
sisting Of six persons left the sinking
ship and entrusted themselves to a
small boat. On board this boat there
was neither food nor water. On the
flesh of a single dog, which had ac-
companied them, they subsisted a
whole week. On the sixth day the
captain and mate became delirious,
leaped overheard and were drowned.
On the seventh day Marion and three
others nearly dead and suffering ex-
cruciating tortures, reached land.
Marion returning home was content to
follow his mothers advice rather than
his own inclination. He now engaged,
with energy in the useful and honor
able occupation Of tilling the soil.
In 1853, when he was twenty six
years old, his father died. After this
event he quilted the old homestead
and settled on the Santee, about four
miles from Eutaw. The next year
marks the date of his military career.
The Cherokee Indians, as we have al
ready seen, were at this period giving
the people of South Carolina a great
deal of trouble. The brother Of Fran
els Marion raised in 1859, a company
of cavalry. Francis was member OF
this company. In 1861, Francis Marion
served as lieutenant in Capt William
Moultries company in the war with the
Cherokees and other tribes Of Indians.
The Indians being subdued and peace
being restored to the country, Marion
was in 1875 chosen a member of the
Colonial Congress of South Carolina
From Boston to Charleston, the
country was greatly agitated. The
people talked about nothing but British
oppression and liberty. In May, ITS,
the news of the battle Of Lexington
reached South Carolina. Francis Mar
ion was among the first to espouse his
country's cause and to offer his SER
vices in defence of her rights. 1t was
determined 10 raise llllCS iC6iihChtS
two Of infantry and one Of cavalry--for
the common defence of the country.
Christopher Gadsden was chosen col
onel Of the first infantry regiment and
William Moultrie, Of the second. Fran
els Marion was captain under Colonel
Moultrie.
Previous to the attack of the British
upon Sullivan's island. Marion had
risen to the rank Of major. After this
battle, Col Moultrie was promoted for
his gallant defence of the fort, to brig
adler general and Marion rose to the
rank of lieutenant colonel. From this
period until the siege of Charleston In
1880 Moultrie and Marion were con-
stantly together. They enjoyed each
others triumphs and shared each 9TH
er's misfortunes.
In March, 1880, Col. Marion with a
company of friends was invited to dine
at the house of Alexander Mcqueen of
Charleston. They were all true Wings
and their host determined that they
should be entertained in a manner be-
coming their merit. Wine and intoxi-
eating drinks were furnished in prince
ly abundance and all were pressed to
drink. The company were assembled In