Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-01-30
CHAPTER l.

season when might seemed to have
achieved victory over right. The most
hopeful of the patriots began to despond
and to feel that their cause was lost
forever. Toryism prevailed unchecked.
Peaceable citizens were slain without
mercy, and their substance wasted.
South Carolina was literally trodden I'M
der foot by a remorseless foe, and the
sun arose upon burning houses and
houseless fugitives. Many accepted royal
protection, and as many rejected it with
ineffable scorn.
Though dark and discouraging the pc
riod opposition had not yet ceased; a
few daring souls still contended for lib
erty and justice. At Williamsburg a
small party of horsemen was collected.
No two were dressed alike, if we except
the covering for the head, each wearing
leathern cap, more substantial than
ornamental A few had rifles; some had
fowling pieces; others had rude but
heavy sabers fashioned by the skill of
the neighboring blacksmith; and there
were others who were armed with
swords of the ordinary kind.
However shabby their apparel, and
however indifferently they were armed,
it was very certain that they were with
out exception we'll mounted, and men
of high and stern determination. This
little band of horsemen was commanded
by Francis Marion-a man whose mill
tary career proved successful and bril-
liant They fell into line. A command
ing figure rode forward and addressed
the men. 1t was Col. Horny, the friend
and able supporter OF Gen. Marion.
Friends, neighbors and fellow SOL
diers." said the colonel, Il have propo-
sition to make-that you hereafter be-
distinguished as a body of men by the
name Of Marion's Brigade. AS many as
are in favor of this proposition will ride
three PAGES to the front"
Without hesitation every horseman
moved to the front, and the line remain
ed unbroken.
Here comes the general" said Ben
Rowan, a man famous for his personal
strength and daring.
"He is rather small in stature" re-
marked a recruit, who had Joined the
brigade that morning.
HE is quite large enough to unite in
his own person great generalship. I'M
daunted courage and indomitable perse-
verance," relied a young man whose
name was ForstalL
He's all of that" added Rowan, ap-
provingly; "and he rides one of the best
horses in the State. It's my opinion
that Tarle-on's cavalry can't keep in
sight of him"
80 far as 1 am able to judge in the
premises we are all pretty well mount
ed" said Forsta'l. glancing at his COM
panions with evident pride
80 we are" rejoined Ben Rowan;
'and SO we ought to be, for the brunt
of the battle is coming upon US. We
are almost alone in the field"
'Verily, l love not the sound of the
trumpet, and the lifting up Of the
spearw exclaimed Job Dawson, an ath-
letic Quaker on the right Of Rowan.
''Then what are you here forT asked
the latter, contemptuously. For one
/ came here to fight, and I'll follow that
lion-hearted Marion as long as I can
sit on a horse and WELD any kind of
a weapon"
81 came hither, friend Rowan" re-
piled Dawson, quietly, 'to prevent wan
ton cruelty and the shedding of blood
Verify, my soul hateth the neighing of
eteeds and the preparations of war"
You'd better go home, them" answer
ed Rowan, grutfly.
Francis Marion. mounted upon his re-
nowned horse, rode leisurely to the front
of the brigade, and every eye was fixed
earnestly upon him.
Men and soldiers: / have been sent
here by Gen. Gates to be your leader.
shall endeavor to discharge my duty;
but if l fail it will be because l lack
ability and address, and not because
do not love my country as dearly as any
other man. l have heard that you are
all tried and true; and l rejoice that it
is so, for it shall be my highest ambi-
ton to lead such against our naughty
enemies. l have adopted for my motto,
Liberty or Death and | solemnly as
sure you that | mean to abide by it. 1t
Is my firm and unalterable purpose never
to abandon the field so long as there is
one true soldier in South Carolina to
go with me to battle. Our numbers are
increasing hourly, and if you are brave,
resolute and prudent, the whole coun-
try will hear of your achievements
Your sweethearts shall blush with pleas
ure when they hear your names spoken
your wives will weep pearly tears of Joy
and gratitude. and your children in after
years will strive to emulate your noble
deeds. | feel within me an assurance
that this brigade will yet become the
terror of British hirelings, and a word
to make the Tory tremble even while
the bayonets of CORVALLIS CLEAN over
his dastardly head. We will surprise
our foes by sudden sallies; we will awe
them with the exploits of men resolved
to conquer or die; we will appear TO
them in unexpected places; we will cut
off communication with their different
military posts; we will, in short. barass
them at all times, until they can feel no
sense of security on the soil of South
Carolina"
The general ceased, and the brigade
cheered kim to the echo.
That's what l call the right kind of
talk" exclaimed Ben. enthusiastically
lit may suit thee, friend BENJAMIN"
replied Job Dawson. calmly.
Rowan looked disdainfully at the
Quaker, but did not deign to reply.
The general wishes to see YOU" said
Col. Horny, in a low voice to Dawson
"Tollow me-"
Job Dawson obeyed the summons, and
IN a few minutes his gigantic figure was
seen towering UP OeSAue tue smaller per-
son of the brigadier.
Il have been informed by one of my
men, said Marion, that you can tell
me something about the movements OF
Major Gainey. the Tory leader, who has
done so much mischief of late"
AS thou seest. friend Francis. l be-
long to that peculiar sect called Ouakers
"a people wto love peace, and abhor
contention. Verify, I cannot fight with
carnal weapons; but this much I will say
that man of Belial, whom they call
Gainey, and who leadeth the disaffected
of our countrymen to battle and vexeth
this unhappy land not a little, is now
resting from the work of slaughter on
the banks of the Pedee, at place cali
ed BrittOn'S Neck. Hence, friend Fran
els, l would advise thee to keep out Of
the way of that man of blood, lest he
should fall upon thee and smite thee
with the edge of the sword"
Il thank YOU" said the general, with