The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1906-07-05
MARION'S BRIGADE
BY MAJOR j. H. ROBINSON

.
In consequence of these documents,
many persons were put to death, and
many families deprived of their substance.
But acts of this nature provoked the
suffering people beyond endurance, and
compelled many to arms with the firm de-
termination to conquer or perish on the
field of battle. Men stung to madness
by wreng and injustice made excellent
soldiers, and with such leaders as Marion,
Sumter, Mcclure and Davis, could not
fail to give brighter aspect to the cause
of freedom.
The British arms being victorious at
Charleston and Camden, and British posts
being established in various sections of
the country, it was vastly easy for the
Tories to show their might, and manifest
their deadly hostility to the Wings.
1t was but a few days after Cunning
hams defeat before he was again at the
head of desperate band of cutthroats,
committing cruelties at which the heart of
decent humanity revolts. But the 'Bloody
Scout learning little wisdom from past
punishments, was cautious in its move
ments, fearing lest Marion should surprise
and cut them in pieces in some moment
unexpected to them.
One evening, few days after the af-
fair at Rocky Greek, negro riding
fiery horse was brought into camp by
the sergeant Of the guard He refused
to tell his business 60 any one, but OBJ
stinately persisted TO see Gen. Marion.
When conducted to the presence of the
officer he shook his head and looked at
him incredulously.
This is the general" said the ser
geant.
dat am doubtful !" muttered the Afri-
can, in low voice. ''Dey say he am
mighty great man."
Hush Not great in person, but in
deeds" whispered the sergeant.
IF you is de gin'ral, he hab communi-
Gated de nature OBJ de circumstance" said
CIffee, bowling, and doffing his hat.
Il am; what have you to say, my
lad?" rejoined Marion, in his usual mild
and affable manner.
dis chile am berry particerler, 'kase de
times am berry wicarious."
Who sent you, sirY' inquired the gen.
eral, somewhat sharply.
Berry fine missus-one great lady,
massa," was the reply. II am de post
Office as she sent dis writin' by"
rs it directed to me?" said the gen
eral.
"Am Francis de initial Of your fuss
name?" continued Cuffee, cautiously.
1T is," returned the general, with a
smile
And does de letters of your last name
xyid NJ
little n and fourish?' continued the
negro. And, finally, massa, does de in
itial of dis place begin wild Lynch's
Greek, and a pot-hook you could hang
your hat on?"
You have described it precisely" ex-
claimed the general, good-naturedly.
den it am all right. / .hab de honor
to present dis writin' to General Marion,
who am arter de Royalists and de crown
OBJ England, like the footsteps oh death
when he takes arter de poor plantation
slaves"
Marion took the letter and glanced at
the superscription. The letter was writ
ten in an elegant female hand, and the
chirography obviously that of female.
This is from fair lady, then,' he
said, musingly.
Her eyes am like de stars dat lumin-
ate de canister of heben," remarked the
negro, POLITICALLY.
Indeed !" replied Marion, mechanical
ly, opening the letter.
1T am fack, and dis chile know OBJ
British ossifers who tink it am a priyi-
lege to kiss anything her white hand hab
| touched" added the negro, apparently not
a little shocked and displeased at the
irreverent manner with which he broke
the seal of the neatly folded missive.
Without needing Cuffee's last remark,
the general proceeded to examine the
contents of the letter. 1t was dated at
Nelson's Ferry, and read as follows:
General Marion-The wanton barbara
| ties practiced in this and the adjoining
| districts by Cunningham and his ruth
less band impel me to address one who
has proved himself so ready and so able
to punish the crimes of our sleepless aud
ever vigilant enemies. The inhabitants
of this community are filed with unutter-
able dismay. for no one knows how soon
| II may be his or her destiny 70 suffer in
the cause. The I,oyalsts triumph over
us, and our ears are daily shocked with
some new tale of woe. We look to you
for aid, and feel assured that we shall net
be disappointed. The name of your gall
liant brigade is already word to make
our oppressors grow pale, and let me add
that your deeds are lauded by the fair
lips of your country women, the brave
are generous and the first to rebuke wick
edness and injustice. Believe me, sir, our
hearts win beat with joy when we hear
the bugles Of your inyincible brigade.
While the name Of Marion is remember
ed with respect and crowned with honor,
that of Cunningham will be loaded with
obloquy and associated with the blackes,
infamy. With esteem,
MARY vIDEAU.o
| When the general had perused this
missive, he dismissed the negro, and sent