The Swamp Fox

Elusive and crafty, Francis Marion outwitted British troops during the American Revolution

  • By Amy Crawford
  • Smithsonian.com, July 01, 2007, Subscribe
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John Blake Whites oil-on-canvas General Marion Inviting a British Officer to Share His Meal hangs in a third floor hallway on the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol. White painted the Revolutionary War hero (in hat and blue jacket) from memory—the artists boyhood home was next door to Marions South Carolina plantation Pond Bluff.
John Blake White's oil-on-canvas, "General Marion Inviting a British Officer to Share His Meal," hangs in a third floor hallway on the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol. White painted the Revolutionary War hero (in hat and blue jacket) from memory—the artist's boyhood home was next door to Marion's South Carolina plantation, Pond Bluff. (U.S. Senate)

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With the American army in retreat, things looked bad in South Carolina. Marion took command of a militia and had his first military success that August, when he led 50 men in a raid against the British. Hiding in dense foliage, the unit attacked an enemy encampment from behind and rescued 150 American prisoners. Though often outnumbered, Marion's militia would continue to use guerilla tactics to surprise enemy regiments, with great success. Because the British never knew where Marion was or where he might strike, they had to divide their forces, weakening them. By needling the enemy and inspiring patriotism among the locals, Busick says, Marion "helped make South Carolina an inhospitable place for the British. Marion and his followers played the role of David to the British Goliath."

In November of 1780, Marion earned the nickname he's remembered by today. British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton, informed of Marion's whereabouts by an escaped prisoner, chased the American militia for seven hours, covering some 26 miles. Marion escaped into a swamp, and Tarleton gave up, cursing, "As for this damned old fox, the Devil himself could not catch him." The story got around, and soon the locals—who loathed the British occupation—were cheering the Swamp Fox.

Biographer Hugh Rankin described the life of Francis Marion as "something like a sandwich—a highly spiced center between two slabs of rather dry bread." After the war, Marion returned to the quiet, dry-bread life of a gentleman farmer. At 54, he finally married a 49-year old cousin, Mary Esther Videau. He commanded a peacetime militia brigade and served in the South Carolina Assembly, where he opposed punishing Americans who had remained loyal to the British during the war. Championing amnesty for the Loyalists was "among the most admirable things he ever did," says Busick. In 1790, Marion helped write the South Carolina state constitution, and then retired from public life. After a long decline in health, Francis Marion died at his plantation, Pond Bluff, on February 27, 1795.

Francis Marion never commanded a large army or led a major battle. Histories of the Revolutionary War tend to focus on George Washington and his straightforward campaigns in the North, rather than small skirmishes in the South. Nevertheless, the Swamp Fox is one of the war's most enduring characters. "His reputation is certainly well deserved," says Busick. Though things looked bad for the Americans after Charleston fell, Marion's cunning, resourcefulness and determination helped keep the cause of American independence alive in the South.

In December 2006, two centuries after his death, Marion made news again when President George W. Bush signed a proclamation honoring the man described in most biographies as the "faithful servant, Oscar," Marion's personal slave. Bush expressed the thanks of a "grateful nation" for Oscar Marion's "service…in the Armed Forces of the United States." Identified by genealogist Tina Jones, his distant relative, Oscar is the African-American cooking sweet potatoes in John Blake White's painting at the Capitol. Oscar likely "helped with the cooking and mending clothes, but he would also have fought alongside Marion," says Busick. "We have no way of knowing if Oscar had any say in whether or not he went on campaign with Marion, though I think it is safe to assume that had he wanted to run away to the British he could have easily done so." Historians know very little about Oscar, but the few details of his story add new interest to the Swamp Fox legend.


In early 1781, Revolutionary War militia leader Francis Marion and his men were camping on Snow's Island, South Carolina, when a British officer arrived to discuss a prisoner exchange. As one militiaman recalled years later, a breakfast of sweet potatoes was roasting in the fire, and after the negotiations Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox," invited the British soldier to share breakfast. According to a legend that grew out of the much-repeated anecdote, the British officer was so inspired by the Americans' resourcefulness and dedication to the cause—despite their lack of adequate provisions, supplies or proper uniforms—that he promptly switched sides and supported American independence. Around 1820, John Blake White depicted the scene in an oil painting that now hangs in the United States Capitol. In his version, the primly attired Redcoat seems uncomfortable with Marion's ragtag band, who glare at him suspiciously from the shadows of a South Carolina swamp.

The 2000 movie The Patriot exaggerated the Swamp Fox legend for a whole new generation. Although Francis Marion led surprise attacks against the British, and was known for his cunning and resourcefulness, Mel Gibson played The Patriot's Marion-inspired protagonist as an action hero. "One of the silliest things the movie did," says Sean Busick, a professor of American history at Athens State University in Alabama, "was to make Marion into an 18th century Rambo."

Many of the legends that surround the life and exploits of Brigadier General Francis Marion were introduced by M. L. "Parson" Weems, coauthor of the first Marion biography, The Life of General Francis Marion. "I have endeavored to throw some ideas and facts about Genl. Marion into the garb and dress of a military romance," Weems wrote in 1807 to Peter Horry, the South Carolina officer on whose memoir the book was based. Weems had also authored an extremely popular biography of George Washington in 1800, and it was he who invented the apocryphal cherry tree story. Marion's life received similar embellishment.

Fortunately, the real Francis Marion has not been entirely obscured by his legend—historians including William Gilmore Simms and Hugh Rankin have written accurate biographies. Based on the facts alone, "Marion deserves to be remembered as one of the heroes of the War for Independence," says Busick, who has written the introduction to a new edition of Simms' The Life of Francis Marion, out in June 2007.

Marion was born at his family's plantation in Berkeley County, South Carolina, probably in 1732. The family's youngest son, Francis was a small boy with malformed legs, but he was restless, and at about 15 years old he joined the crew of a ship and sailed to the West Indies. During Marion's first voyage, the ship sank, supposedly after a whale rammed it. The seven-man crew escaped in a lifeboat and spent a week at sea before they drifted ashore. After the shipwreck, Marion decided to stick to land, managing his family's plantation until he joined the South Carolina militia at 25 to fight in the French and Indian War.

Most heroes of the Revolution were not the saints that biographers like Parson Weems would have them be, and Francis Marion was a man of his times: he owned slaves, and he fought in a brutal campaign against the Cherokee Indians. While not noble by today's standards, Marion's experience in the French and Indian War prepared him for more admirable service. The Cherokee used the landscape to their advantage, Marion found; they concealed themselves in the Carolina backwoods and mounted devastating ambushes. Two decades later, Marion would apply these tactics against the British.

In 1761, after his militia had defeated the area Cherokees, Marion returned to farming. He was successful enough to purchase his own plantation, Pond Bluff, in 1773. In 1775, Marion was elected to the first South Carolina Provincial Congress, an organization in support of colonial self-determination. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, the Provincial Congress voted to raise three regiments, commissioning Marion a captain in the second. His first assignments involved guarding artillery and building Fort Sullivan, in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. When he saw combat during the Battle of Fort Sullivan in June 1776, Marion acted valiantly. But for much of the next three years, he remained at the fort, occupying the time by trying to discipline his troops, whom he found to be a disorderly, drunken bunch insistent on showing up to roll call barefoot. In 1779, they joined the Siege of Savannah, which the Americans lost.

Marion's role in the war changed course after an odd accident in March of 1780. Attending a dinner party at the Charleston home of a fellow officer, Marion found that the host, in accordance with 18th-century custom, had locked all the doors while he toasted the American cause. The toasts went on and on, and Marion, who was not a drinking man, felt trapped. He escaped by jumping out a second story window, but broke his ankle in the fall. Marion left town to recuperate in the country, with the fortunate result that he was not captured when the British took Charleston that May.

With the American army in retreat, things looked bad in South Carolina. Marion took command of a militia and had his first military success that August, when he led 50 men in a raid against the British. Hiding in dense foliage, the unit attacked an enemy encampment from behind and rescued 150 American prisoners. Though often outnumbered, Marion's militia would continue to use guerilla tactics to surprise enemy regiments, with great success. Because the British never knew where Marion was or where he might strike, they had to divide their forces, weakening them. By needling the enemy and inspiring patriotism among the locals, Busick says, Marion "helped make South Carolina an inhospitable place for the British. Marion and his followers played the role of David to the British Goliath."

In November of 1780, Marion earned the nickname he's remembered by today. British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton, informed of Marion's whereabouts by an escaped prisoner, chased the American militia for seven hours, covering some 26 miles. Marion escaped into a swamp, and Tarleton gave up, cursing, "As for this damned old fox, the Devil himself could not catch him." The story got around, and soon the locals—who loathed the British occupation—were cheering the Swamp Fox.

Biographer Hugh Rankin described the life of Francis Marion as "something like a sandwich—a highly spiced center between two slabs of rather dry bread." After the war, Marion returned to the quiet, dry-bread life of a gentleman farmer. At 54, he finally married a 49-year old cousin, Mary Esther Videau. He commanded a peacetime militia brigade and served in the South Carolina Assembly, where he opposed punishing Americans who had remained loyal to the British during the war. Championing amnesty for the Loyalists was "among the most admirable things he ever did," says Busick. In 1790, Marion helped write the South Carolina state constitution, and then retired from public life. After a long decline in health, Francis Marion died at his plantation, Pond Bluff, on February 27, 1795.

Francis Marion never commanded a large army or led a major battle. Histories of the Revolutionary War tend to focus on George Washington and his straightforward campaigns in the North, rather than small skirmishes in the South. Nevertheless, the Swamp Fox is one of the war's most enduring characters. "His reputation is certainly well deserved," says Busick. Though things looked bad for the Americans after Charleston fell, Marion's cunning, resourcefulness and determination helped keep the cause of American independence alive in the South.

In December 2006, two centuries after his death, Marion made news again when President George W. Bush signed a proclamation honoring the man described in most biographies as the "faithful servant, Oscar," Marion's personal slave. Bush expressed the thanks of a "grateful nation" for Oscar Marion's "service…in the Armed Forces of the United States." Identified by genealogist Tina Jones, his distant relative, Oscar is the African-American cooking sweet potatoes in John Blake White's painting at the Capitol. Oscar likely "helped with the cooking and mending clothes, but he would also have fought alongside Marion," says Busick. "We have no way of knowing if Oscar had any say in whether or not he went on campaign with Marion, though I think it is safe to assume that had he wanted to run away to the British he could have easily done so." Historians know very little about Oscar, but the few details of his story add new interest to the Swamp Fox legend.


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Comments (122)

nice

Posted by max farter on February 5,2013 | 03:40 PM

thanks that helps a lot

Posted by seema on January 12,2013 | 02:58 PM

sweet character in history

Posted by joey kopp on December 18,2012 | 08:23 PM

i realy want to know how he died

Posted by on November 30,2012 | 10:58 AM

When was this published?

Posted by Michelle on November 27,2012 | 08:31 PM

I love Francis Marion. He was a true freedom fighter and awesome guerrilla leader. If he was still alive, I would totally love to appoint him as my commander of my militia guerrilla group in case if my country gets invaded by a foreign power, aliens, or zombies. God bless you Franics Marion.

Posted by Daniel Lee on November 17,2012 | 02:45 AM

that one guy looks wierdD:

Posted by bobby j on November 7,2012 | 03:51 PM

good information, very helpful

Posted by on November 7,2012 | 03:10 PM

I am distantly related to George Washington. I don't know how but my mom told me that I was. I am definitely going to research my ancestry!!!!!

Posted by star tracy on November 7,2012 | 02:13 PM

This was a very interesting article. I was amazed at the information provided. I enjoyed it and think it was very educational and i will recommend it to my future teachers.

Posted by star tracy on November 7,2012 | 01:36 PM

wow what so fine art it's very pretty

Posted by brandynero on October 15,2012 | 09:49 AM

this is not entirely currect information

Posted by homishami on October 12,2012 | 09:22 AM

Dear Sirs,i want to make tin soldiers depicting the soldiersand Indians of the Revolutionary War.i want more good pictures of the swampfox,perhaps from a hollywood movie.More action!Perhaps from movie stills?? ib

Posted by ian C.Bodger on September 20,2012 | 07:33 PM

My mom has been working on our family tree to see our entire family and it turns out Ancestry.com says that he is my great great great great uncle.

Posted by Michael Holley on September 14,2012 | 03:01 PM

How is it impossible to be related directly to Francis MArion, Roger?

Posted by Michael Holley on September 14,2012 | 02:55 PM

I am related to Francis Marion so I myself and it seems alot of other people that i dont know are to! im finding my family!

Posted by Michael Holley on September 14,2012 | 02:52 PM

Very helpful information. Anyone know anything about Capt. Robert McCottrey who fought with Francis Marion? McCottrey's Rifles were noted sharpshooters and their techniques and tactics are said to be used to this day.

Posted by Jes McC on August 18,2012 | 09:42 AM

i liked the movie but mel gibson dramatized francis marion 2 much. he should have resherched more before he made it.

Posted by vernon on June 16,2012 | 11:17 AM

You are correct! No one is direct descendant, however, he is my great, great, great, great, great Uncle.

Posted by Robin on May 16,2012 | 06:56 PM

Where did you get this information from? Can I have access to a list of references?

Posted by Nich on February 17,2012 | 11:00 AM

One thing is certain, no one is DIRECTLY descended from Francis Marion.

Posted by Roger Richardson on February 16,2012 | 04:26 PM

This article really helped me with some school assignments I had, great research!

Posted by Lily on February 12,2012 | 12:44 PM

I was born and raised in Kingstree, SC, the county seat of Wiliamsburg County, where most of the men of Francis Marion's brigade were from.

To the person who commented about the difficulty of accurate fire from smoothbore muskets, Marion had his men use 'Goose shot" Bigger than birdshot, but not as large as Buckshot. His typical manuver was to have a soldier on horseback taunt the Tories or Redcoats, and when they gave chase, the men of his brigade , hidding along the side of the road, let loose with the gooseshot..Highly effective at close range and more likely to wound than kill.

I am descended from William McIntosh, a 16 year old sergeant wounded at fort Watson. According to family legend, Thom Duke, my mothers ancestor was Marion's "footman": but I am sure everyone wanted to claim some special connection.

South Caroina ETV produced a series Called "Chasing the Fox" about Francis Marion a few years ago. The DVD can be purchased from the SCETV website.

For anyone interested in the revolutionary war in the South in general, and Francis Marion in particular, I highly recommend the book , still available from my professor and friend, the late Dr. Henry Lumpkin "From Savannah to Yorktown". He also did an ETV series called "Then there were 13" but I am not sure it is still available. Dr. Lumpkin was first and foremost a military historian and understood the rules of 18th Cenury warfare, the weapons used and all the battlefields involved. He also taught me, something taught to him by his grandfather who was, like my great great grandfather in the Confederate calvary..."How to do a real authentic rebel Yell". It was modeled on the war whoop of the Cherokee, and had a scream followed by a yip yip yip.

Posted by Bill McIntosh on February 11,2012 | 04:41 PM

good info

Posted by AAR on February 10,2012 | 03:05 PM

I am glad to learn about this. I couldn't figure out why there were so many Francis Marions and Greenberrys in my family tree and others. this explains it

Posted by Steed Jones on February 1,2012 | 10:03 PM

he was a good person id like to be like him someday

Posted by michael on January 25,2012 | 08:41 AM

I, for one, really doubt that I'm related to Francis Marion. This article was very helpful for a report in 8th grade U.S history. Thanks!

Posted by Sarah Martin on December 29,2011 | 10:30 AM

Hey Wiley, my ancestor also fought with the Dutch Fork Milita under Col. Waters. I'm trying to find out more about the unit, please email me if you (hopefully) read this.

"Touche, Jason! My family fought in a the militia in Newberry County, SC under Colonel Philemon Waters, and used the tactics under Francis Marion, but I would never claim kinship to Sir Marion, and I'd love to know which hereditary society these who claim to be descendants for whom these met eligibilty requirements. Thank you very, very much!

Posted by Wiley on November 26,2011 | 03:21 PM"

Posted by Jay Hope on December 26,2011 | 07:23 PM

Saw the movie "the Patriot" and became more interested in Swamp Fox. In Charleston, SC at the Hayward Washington House is a chair actually made by the Swamp Fox. Awesome!

Posted by Joan R on December 17,2011 | 05:01 PM

I am not related to the "Swamp Fox," although it seems that puts me in the minority.

Posted by Ben on December 15,2011 | 08:24 PM

I am directly decended from Gabriel Marion and have the papers to prove it. We can dig them out if anyone is looking for connections.

Posted by Elizabeth McLean on December 10,2011 | 10:30 PM

i am in the 3rd grade. Cool! This is totally worth helping me write a paragraph about Francis Marion also knowen as 'Swamp Fox'.

Posted by Emily Tomlinson.4 on December 2,2011 | 07:01 PM

Touche, Jason! My family fought in a the militia in Newberry County, SC under Colonel Philemon Waters, and used the tactics under Francis Marion, but I would never claim kinship to Sir Marion, and I'd love to know which hereditary society these who claim to be descendants for whom these met eligibilty requirements. Thank you very, very much!

Posted by Wiley on November 26,2011 | 03:21 PM

I'm definately related to him. See! My middle name is the same as his incredibly common first name!

Honestly, no one cares if you were named after him. Being in his lineage is another story.

Posted by Andrew Francis Cavins on November 1,2011 | 05:24 PM

My fathers family also claim to be distnt Swamp Fox Relatives but only through the grand nephew or cousin That was adopted Who I was told was Dwight(last Name) changed it to Marion any info would be greatly appreceiated. Francis & his wife Mary Videau had no children born to them.

Posted by joyce crawford on October 29,2011 | 03:34 PM

My grandfather was named Francis Marion Kyte. I never knew why until my grandson, Brian, sent me information on the "Swamp Fox".

Posted by John Kyte on October 29,2011 | 03:00 PM

Francis Marion is indeed a collateral ancestor of mine. That's to say, I have direct lineage through one of his brothers. My great grandmother was a Marion, and my grandfather was Isaac Marion Bryan.

Francis Marion died without issue: My grandfather would joke that Francis "had no children to speak of." So perhaps, after all he did have children, as is said, "on the wrong side of the blanket. We don't know.

Posted by Rosa Kasper on October 19,2011 | 05:18 PM

I HAVE A LARGE PICTURE SIGNED BY D.L. EKTUND. IT IS TITLED FRANCIS MARION THE SWAMP FOX IT IS SIGNED AND THEN THE NAME IS PRINTED. CAN YOU HELP ME FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THIS.

THANK-YOU,
CAROLYN

Posted by CAROLYN GREAVES on October 3,2011 | 02:18 PM

My husbands Grandfather was named for Francis Marion. His name was Francis Marion Turner. His father was William Turner. His grandfather was John Turner and he was supposed to have fought uner Francis Marion.

Posted by Reva Turner on August 27,2011 | 04:02 PM

What is wrong with these people? I read the article because I find it very interesting, not because I want to pretend to be related to someone.

Posted by Connie on June 4,2011 | 08:36 AM

I find these comments hilarious, as I, took, grew up being told we were related to the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion. My dad's name was Marion Locke Hart and there were Francis' in the family. Why do so many people want to lay claim to him as a descendant? I guess I would also like to know more about his genealogy.

Posted by Judy Hart Christensen on June 2,2011 | 08:59 PM

It is nice to know that many you are descendent. When you have some time, take a ride to Pineville, SC Hwy 45 that is your history of Swamp Fox. Look up Mr. John Wiggins he is the historian of Pineville, SC.

Posted by Joe on April 19,2011 | 01:13 PM

Wanted to add,my fathers middle name was marion,after the swamp fox,and grandmothers last name was hunter,whom supposedly came from the liniage.Possibly the fox's brother Ben.Can any one help?

Posted by benjamin daniel jordan on March 23,2011 | 04:49 AM

I have been told all my life that I am related to the swap fox, and Daniel boone.Would love some help tracing these statements.Benjamin Daniel Jordan

Posted by benjamin on March 23,2011 | 04:36 AM

My mother's maiden name was Marion. A family member traced our lineage back to Frances Marion's family. Though he did not have children of his own, he would either be an uncle or cousin.

Posted by lady di wv on March 21,2011 | 11:14 PM

I have proof of being a descendant of John Alden and Percilla Mullins of the Pilgrims and in that documentation is a family line of many relatives named Francis Marion and Marion Francis family members. It goes through the Haydens of Yellowstone Park fame and my great great grandfather was named Marion Francis Logan of the pioneer family of Logans in Boseman Montana. I have been told from 3 generations back that we were related to the Swamp Fox but as cousins and not from any of his non-children. I am also related to the two Adams presidents through the Alden clan and Daniel Boone, Longfellow, and William Cullen Bryant I have been approved with my documentation to belong to the Descendants of the Pilgrims society and they are very tough when it comes to proof. Hoping someone else out there has more information on the Marion line for me.

Posted by Jeffry Francis Baldwin on March 3,2011 | 10:18 PM

I think it's funny to read all these people saying they are related to him. But if you look at the facts, he never had any children. So all of you are reading false information.

Posted by Jason on March 2,2011 | 12:18 AM

All the men in my family sire the middle name Francis.The only information I have is from the maiden name Liles side of my family. I have heard stories passed down from my grandparents, but would love to know everything in writing. I am not sure were to start. It is commical however, after reading accounts of his life, how his personality traits reflect all of us within his bloodline.

Cheryl Paul
mother is Terry Liles (maiden name)
My uncle: Gary Francis Liles
grandfather: Garland Francis Liles
great-grandfather: Sterling Francis Liles
Arkansas

Posted by Cheryl Phelps on February 9,2011 | 12:35 AM

Thank you for this excellent history of Francis Marion. I will place it on my student wikispaces.My students visited several Smithsonian Museums in October, and Marion Natl. Park on South Carolina Ave. They could not believe that there was not a statue so we have issued the Swamp Fox Challenge to raise funds for a statu! Join the brigade! http://swampfoxpark.wikispaces.com/ include songs, poems, and schorlay resources...yours included.

Posted by Sandra Allison on February 6,2011 | 07:54 AM

Nowhere do I find a mention of Marion having any children. How are all these folks descended from him? Hmmm.

Posted by Jim on February 5,2011 | 05:35 PM

I am also a descendant. My father's birth name was Marion Francis in fact. And I have run into many people, who upon hearing the name remark, "I know someone named like that also", and I explain they must be another of Marion's descendants. I am surprised there are so many as well. Take care all.

Posted by SK Harold on February 4,2011 | 12:20 PM

not sure how far back but i am related also...on my grandmother's side. its neat to see so many other descendants of him. got the wheels turnin in my head...i want to find out more!

Posted by lynn brown vargas on January 25,2011 | 12:14 AM

I am a direct desendant of Gen Francis Marion and would like to purchase this biography. How can I make that happen?
Thank you.

Posted by Charles Marion Hunter on January 25,2011 | 04:06 PM

I need help! pleeease...who was the swap fox? and what was his contribution t the revolutionary war? help mee!

Posted by fccg on January 19,2011 | 12:39 PM

I learned this year that my ancestor William Taylor married the widow Marion, mother of Frances Marion and that they were Huguenots who moved to So. Carolina. So, my ancestor would have been a half brother of Marion. I have no proof for this, except an old Bible record written in 1927 by a Taylor ancestor. This has created a new interest for me of the events during the Revolution in S.C. and the actions of Frances Marion. Wish I knew more about his genealogy.

Posted by elizabeth goslin on January 17,2011 | 12:39 PM

I as well am related to him. My family has an heirloom that has been passed from Francis to Francis in our family even before him. It is a crystal last supper plate. My middle name is Frances, and my grandmother on my fathers side was the last Frances before me. When my grandmother passed away the tradition was broken and it was passed to her daughter as I was not born yet and there was no Francis or Frances to pass it to.

Posted by Rachel on January 6,2011 | 04:05 AM

geez seems like everyone is related to this guy...

Posted by swamp hippy on January 1,2011 | 12:54 AM

ummm so who was known as swamp fox like i need help with this paper

Posted by tj on December 15,2010 | 07:07 PM

My family was contacted in the late 70's by a gentleman from Jacksonville, Florida- he was writing a book on Francis Marion. It was at this time that I learned that I am a direct decendant.
On my Grandmother's side. Her family name was Baxter.
On another note, I have recently learned that I am also a direct decendant of Carter Braxton- signer of the Declaration of Independance.

Posted by Charlotte Marie Braxton on December 11,2010 | 08:07 PM

The idea that it was somehow blameworthy to fight against the American Indians in the 18th century is a good example of historical transference, or applying current ideas of political correctness to an era that has no relationship to our own. And owning slaves was hardly a crime - even 80 years later Abe Lincoln in his inaugural address would promise to help pass a Constitutional amendment which would have guaranteed the continued existence of slavery in the Old South "forever." Nor could the amendment ever be invoked (that's actually unconstitutional, but then, Lincoln seldom paid any heed to the Constitution, or civil rights).

Posted by kent beuchert on November 19,2010 | 12:12 PM

im related to him!!!!!! how cool!!!

Posted by Burtt on November 3,2010 | 02:32 PM

According to family stories, we are descended from one of francis marion's brothers. My great, great grandmother's name was mary elizabeth marion. I had a great aunt and a great, great aunt named marion. Mary Elizabeth was supposedly born in new york state.
Any information gratefully accepted. Thank you.

Posted by claire wilensky on October 14,2010 | 07:53 PM

Thanks to all that have commented here!

Great to see interest in the "Swamp Fox"...SCETV ran a special on him just a day or two ago. If you're interested you might try to obtain a copy of the program from them, it is for sale and very interesting.

Just for your knowledge...Francis Marion married late in his life and to my knowledge never sired any children of his own, marrying his 2nd cousin from an ajacent plantation.

Although Pond Bluff (his plantation) is under Lake Marion now...he isn't...I recently paid homage to him at his brother's plantation(Belle Isle) where he is buried, a short distance east of the canal on Hwy 45 above Lake Moultrie.

There are many in America that don't know just how crucial that war in SC was to our independence and the contributions the "Swamp Fox" made to the cause

. He's a very interesting character in our history. Allen

Posted by Allen Atchley Sr. on September 11,2010 | 01:06 AM

When I was ten years old Walt Disney first introduched me to the Swamp Fox. He soon became my favorite legendary hero, including Davey Crocket. We realize as adults that men who become legends are always exaggerated, especially by Hollywood. My point is simple, we enjoy the exaggerations in the books and movies. The truth isn't usually as much fun.

Posted by Dwight Cooley on July 10,2010 | 09:20 AM

while going thru some old documents.. i found an essay I wrote in the 6th grade about my Great grandmother Edith Mcdonald Carpenter.. I remember clearly getting the information from my Grandfather (by marriage, not related by blood as he was my grandmother's second husband)that my great grandmother's grandfather was indeed General Francis Marion. So, I am a grandchild of Francis Marion it would seem. I would love to get more information but both of my grandparents have passed on. This is on my Father's side. My father is very ill and cannot speak so all I have is this information that I obtained from my grandfather when he helped me to write my essay..

Posted by Jennifer Dunn Richter on June 5,2010 | 06:25 PM

I have verbal history that I am related to Francis Marion as he is a great, great, great, great, great Uncle. I have been told my family comes from the line of Ben, one of Francis Marion's brother. My father Leon Oran Marion was born in Colorado Springs in 1925 and died in 2007. Does anyone have any information about the families of the brother of Francis Marion.

Posted by Richard Brockington Marion on May 25,2010 | 01:19 PM

It would seem to me the incident during the major battle of Cowpens in Revolutionary War where Major John Cunningham led the Georgia Militia to fire 2 rounds and then retreat back to reinforcements where they took over to "win the battle" was the same "type battle" Mel Gibson played in the role of the "Swamp Fox". See if the two events -movie vs actual - Study the battle of Cowpens and see if I am not correct? Cowpens was a major victory where the "tide changed" along with the battle of Kings Mtn. and the battle at Guilford Courthouse where Cornwallis lost a majority of officers and men and thus had to eventually retreat back to VA where he was cornered at Yorktown.

Larry Wilson
Elberton, Elbert County, Georgia
(Where Major John Cunningham is buried)

Posted by James Larry Wilson on May 21,2010 | 11:50 AM

Francis Marion is my Great, great, great, great Grandfather. Many people claim to be his relative and I don't know why but I am truly one of his decedants. When you study his life, in all it's wonder and brutality, his military tactics are ingenious. He is considered "The Father of Guerilla War Fare"....His tactics are still being taught and used today by our military. The movie "The Patriot" is so loosely based on his life.

Posted by Pam on May 10,2010 | 01:26 AM

where are our "swamp foxes" when we need them the most...

Posted by scott cusmano on May 4,2010 | 11:35 AM

Related to the Swamp Fox, too. Grandfather named after him. Couldn't find anything on his children. Send a note to help on my quest for more info. Thanks! Amy

Posted by Amy Kirch on April 24,2010 | 01:09 AM

My family has come from South Carolina and Alabama. I was told Francis Marion was in my family tree. I haven't confirmed it, but would like to know. If anyone has information on the lineage, I would love to know. Thank you!You can email me at alloriginal994@gmail.com

Posted by Paul Marion on April 4,2010 | 10:47 PM

I am a direct desendent of The Swamp Fox. I am the only direct desendent as all the others have passed on. "et tuve au vond"

Posted by duke lester charles on March 27,2010 | 06:19 PM

my what i think grandfather benton was a swamp fox one of my family mimbers told me about him but i dont know much .
but at least i know some history.

Posted by kira on March 27,2010 | 03:24 PM

Well, I don't really know what to say...I'm sitting on the couch with my husband watching a "his" movie so I start googling stuff on the internet. He jokingly googled my name, (with my maiden last name.) SHOCKER! I was always told I was a direct decendant of Francis Marion, I'm even named after him. My great grandfather was Francis Marion Folsom, the President of RCA in Elvis' day, (he also put in the P.A. system in the Vatican)...I also have Indian in me, so can anyone shed some info on "my" relation to him? I'm so intregued since I share his name!!!
Frances Marion
franifu@mac.com

Posted by Frances Marion... on March 17,2010 | 12:33 AM

I just finished reading (for the second time in 40 something years) a book by Gwen Bristow - "Celia Garth" which inspired me to research Francis Marion on the internet. It was fiction but really told a lot about what I have read here today. For anyone interested, it is a good read on the Revolutionary War mainly in Charleston.
I am not related to Francis Marion either!

Posted by nancy on January 26,2010 | 02:27 PM

My mother's grandmother told her we were related to Francis Marion by way of an Indian. My great grandmother was Mary Jane Boyd (Molly), her mother Doshe White and father John Boyd were born in the early 1800's.

If anyone has any documents that Francis Marion ever had any children or reliable stories of illegitimate offspring, I would enjoy receiving that information at mackeymv@gmail.com

I have tried DNA Indian Ancestry typing but it has not been helpful.

Posted by Victoria Strobl Mackey on January 19,2010 | 09:30 PM

good for a history project

Posted by on January 13,2010 | 01:40 PM

I'm not related to Marion in any way whatsoever. :D

Posted by Fabio on January 12,2010 | 12:07 PM

Part of the three personalities that Mel Gibson played in the "Patriot" was Col. Bratton, hero of Huck's Defeat. The first part of the movie was shot at modern day Brattonsville on Col Bratton's restored plantation. This was protrayed as Mel Gibson's home.(Francis Marion was never at Brattonsville) While the curator let the actor ride a horse up the Bratton House steps, the movie makers had to construct a "double" to burn down.

After serving under Col. Bratton in the Revolution, David Sadler eloped with Elsie Bratton, one of Col Bratton's five precious daughters that he guarded so well in the Movie & in real life. David & Elsie settled across Six & Twenty Creek in Anderson County, SC on David Sadler's Revolutionary War Veterans Land grant. The rest is history...generations of Sadlers grew up in Anderson County & served their Country in Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, & VN. I am sure that we would have welcomed the Swamp Fox to fight on our side in any of these engagements. Mel ?? - can he fight?

Posted by george sadler on December 31,2009 | 05:00 PM

having hunted in the swamp foxes haunts for decades i have found a kinard spirit with his men riding my marsh tackies on hunting trips in the big pee dee river basin.

Posted by david grant on December 4,2009 | 08:21 AM

If his wife was 49 years old when they married, is it likely that they had any children? If so, why are they not listed in the article?

Posted by bg on December 2,2009 | 02:52 PM

I have an old family tree saying I am related to Francis Marion. If Francis Marion is related to Isabel and Robert Gaston then I am related to him. My grandfather's last name was coleman so if an ancestor of Francis Marion's last name was Coleman I am related to him

Posted by Rebecca on November 9,2009 | 09:31 PM

The name Marion originated from old France. It comes as far as we know of from the 8th century. I suggest to verify the Heraldics from the name. There were 2 branches from La Bretagne that we know of... The American Hero Francis Marion must be a descendant of one of these lines I beleive...

Posted by Lucien Alexandre Marion on October 30,2009 | 03:32 PM

According of what my Grand-Grandma said to her children , we, from our Family Tree Legault-Marion were from South ( USA) from my grand-grand mother's side. We must remember that Louisiana State was once possession and named after King Louis the XIV of France and Marquis De La Fayette also was a Heroe of the War Of Independance. Very proud to be a Marion. A salute to my American cousins. Merci

Posted by Lucien Alexandre Marion on October 30,2009 | 02:20 PM

I would just like to inform anyone who is looking for further bibliographical information that the best primary source I have been able to access is William Dobein James's *Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion and a History of His Brigade*, which was published in 1821. James was a teenager during the Revolution and fought under Marion.

Posted by Elizabeth Youel on October 29,2009 | 08:01 PM

I have read about the men he commanded,in those days it was hard to hit a man at 100 yrds. with the weapons of the day. To fight for Marion,a man was required to be able to hit a foes head at 200 yrds. That would be like taking a 8x11inch peice of paper,trimming about 3 inches off the bottom and about 1 1/2-1 3/4 inches off both sides and putting it 200 yds away. Quite an accomplishment using a smoth bore flintlock rifle.

Posted by Ed Switalski on October 23,2009 | 06:54 PM

Ive also have been led to believe that I was related to the swampfox. About 21 years ago I ran across a young man out of Santa Rosa ca., he claimed his aunt taught history out of San Francisco state university. Her name frances marion. The young man had signed his name to a welcome list just before I did. I was taken in by the fact that we both had the same last name. We had spent hours talking about the Marion's, he shared that his aunt and her husband (I believe) were both history buffs and had many personal items related to the swampfox and one of his close friends, I believe the governor of Tennessee. I Was in invited many times to their home outside of mount tamapias ca., nut was never able to make the trip. I've since enjoyed this and many other sites of marion's trying to established possible connections to the swampfox. I only know my connection, spawn from my great great Great grandmother, whom was a full blooded Cree indian who carried the family name, and stories of how our families fleed the south and escaped to the Midwest and Canada. ddmarion

Posted by David Dwayne Marion on September 21,2009 | 01:28 AM

I am doing this history report for class and i need more info of him in the rev. War i cant have anything before that or after that. I need some help. When did Francis Die. Did he diew during the Revo. War or what please help me find out that information

Posted by Jessica on September 18,2009 | 02:25 PM

I have a document which sheds light on a small incident in the history of Francis Marion and his partisan fighters. It is about the "dinner" provided to General Marion and his guest, a British offcer" who was offered a sweet potato meal in Marion's camp. In Samuel Weaver's pension application, he states that he was in Marion's camp on temporary duty on the occasion of the officer's visit to discuss a prisoner exchange. He was asked by the General to give his own sweet potatoes, roasting on the coals, to the general and his guest. Samuel Weaver placed the potatoes on pine bark (because it was all they had) and gave them with pride to his general. Samuel's report was that the "dinner" was actually "breakfast" in the orderly report. This sworn statement of the event contradicts the depiction of the event in John Blake White's painting now hanging in the Seanate gallery, showing Marion's servant as the donor.

Posted by Nell Weaver Davies on September 14,2009 | 09:34 PM

I am trying to find a sounce of information about Alexander Hodges. He was active with Francis Marion during the Revolution. Hodges moved to Texas indirectly and was one of the original 300 families to get a land gran from Stephen F. Austin. Sizable plantation in Ft. Bend County texas. Hodges and Family are buried near hear. I'm trying to put together a story of his life and am lacking his early history. Thanks Frank Walters, SugarLand, Texas.

Posted by Frank Walters on August 18,2009 | 10:46 PM

My great great grandfather was James Francis Marion Bailey. Story goes that he was the son of a Mississippi River Boat Captain but his mom died when he was young so he lived with several relatives until he was 15. At that time he headed west to Oregon. He fought with Kit Carson in the Rogue River Indian Wars (southern Oregon). He married Ellen Burt (pioneer to Oregon) in 1859. I am trying to find out if he could be a relative to Francis Marion. Does anyone have information? Please e-mail me at cindierker@msn.com. Thanks!

Posted by Cindi on August 11,2009 | 08:49 PM

Novelist Noel B. Gerson wrote a book entitled Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox back in the late 1960s. You might try and get a hold of a copy of that. It was a novel but I remember it being a great companion piece to the Disney series.

Posted by D Harris on August 6,2009 | 11:13 PM

I am writing a novel for young people based on the activities of General Francis Marion, otherwise known as the Swamp Fox, during the Revolutionary War. Any information that could be used for historical background would be greatly appreciated. I will do much of my research in the area, but other added insights would be helpful. I, too, watched every Disney episode of the The Swamp Fox, with Leslie Nielson. Thank you for anything you can give me.

Posted by Shirley Watson on August 2,2009 | 09:18 AM

My father worked on the Santee-Cooper River Dam Project before I was born. As a child, we frequently returned to the Monck's Corner area. While there, he showed me an old rambled down wood frame house which sat on private property. He said that it had been a home of Swamp Fox. All of my research shows that his property is currently under Lake Marion. Does anyone know of an existing picture of the home that would have been taken before the Lake overcame it? Was the house moved elsewhere? If he was interred on his Belle Isle Plantation, which is supposed to be under Lake Marion, were the graves relocated before the Lake overtook the sites? I have found these.I have ancestors who survived Cowpens and Kings Mountain and may have fought w/ Francis Marion so, I have a vested interested in putting all of the pieces together.Thanks for your help.

Posted by Janice Long on July 4,2009 | 01:25 AM

"Please explain to me how Francis Marion helped the "yanks" win the war in the south"

I am sure Jonathon was referring to the part of the REVOLUTIONARY war that took place in the south - not the war between the states. The Revolutionary War started in the North - when it wasn't the quick mop-up the British thought it would be and after several major battles, the British moved the heat of the confrontation to the South, starting by taking Charleston.

Much of Marion's effect was felt in the south following the fall of Charleston - thus Marion "helped the yanks win the [Revolutionary] war in the South". The "Yanks" being the "Rebel" or "Patriot" fighters of the Continental Army and the Irregulars, as opposed to the British forces with their "Loyalist" or "Tory" supporters.

Posted by Ginger on July 4,2009 | 08:16 PM

Jonathan's reference to "Yanks" has nothing to do with the Civil War. The term "Yankee" started with the American Revolution, such as in the song .... "Yankee Doodle Dande."

Posted by glenb on July 4,2009 | 07:28 PM

Please explain to me how Francis Marion helped the "yanks" win the war in the south. The war between the states didn't officially commence until 1861 and Francis Marion died in 1795. That is a span of 66 years. Please enlighten me. As to his lineage, I have no clue.

Posted by Dave on June 25,2009 | 02:33 AM

Marion was a major component that helped the yanks win the war in the South. Folks be careful when you site that your ancestor is Francis Marion. There are a couple posts that state that Marion is their Great Great grandfather. This can not be the case as Francis Marion had no children with Mary Videau.

Posted by Jonathan on May 28,2009 | 10:32 AM

Like the people above, I have always been told that I am a descendant of Francis Marion. My great grandfather was Francis Marion, born Feb. 16, 1828, died Nov. 2, 1911 and buried in a small cemetery in Atlas, Illinois and my grandfather is Henry Douglas Marion. Could Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox had a son who made his way west to Illinois?

Any information would be appreciated. Colleen, email Je727@aol.com

Posted by Colleen Jersild on May 13,2009 | 09:39 AM

Nice article. In times like these we need to look back at the men and women who sacrificed a great deal so that we live in freedom today. For those of you looking for info on family connections to Francis Marion I may be of some help. I am a collateral descendant of his. I have often wondered what happended to his sisters and who their descendants are.Perhaps some of you may have info on who their descendants are. My line is descended from a brother of Francis Marion's grandfather.(Hence Francis' greatuncle). My line stayed in South Carolina around the same area for a while but some years before the Revolution moved to a French speaking settlement on the james river in Virginia.Samuel Marion was born there. He also fought against the British in the revolution and after it was over moved to Lee Co. Virginia where my family has been since 1799. The Marions are pretty small family, not a very common name so far from what we've gathered the Marions of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are all related.If anyone is interested let me know I'll try to help. I'm studying for the Virginia Bar exam right now so be patient and I'll return emails asap.

Posted by Fredrick Marion on May 1,2009 | 04:29 AM

I too have been told that I am a great-grandson, five times removed, of General Marion on my mother's side. The Marions of Winston-Salem NC. They were tobacco farmers. I am trying to trace the lineage back. If anyone has any additional info, please e-mail me at: Lite2nite@aol.com Thank you

Posted by Robert Marion Dee on March 16,2009 | 12:44 PM

wow i did not no you where related to swamp fox

Posted by Evan on February 27,2009 | 12:38 PM

I am related to Francis Marion. My grandmother was Mamie Snow Jones, of North Carolina. She always said we were related to the Swamp Fox. When I was a child/teenager, my grandmother had a book (small, paperback) that told about the history and the family tree of Francis Marion, and our names.... my mother,my sisters, and brother's names were in the text, showing the ancestry. I don't know what happened to the book after she died, but would be interested to know if anyone is aware of his family tree. Thank you. chaase52@hotmail.com

Posted by Carol Haase on February 8,2009 | 12:56 AM

john and simon justice are related to my mothers side of the family they served with francis marion one was adrummer the other played the fife.

Posted by cecil conrad on January 24,2009 | 09:05 PM

im 51 now, and have heard stories of francis marion since i was a child. i grew up on a 136 acre farm in house springs missouri, the last battle site of the osage indians in missouri. there in school, i was introduced to the stories of the swamp fox in my 5th grade study class. later i was told by my mother that francis was related on my fathers side of the family. these stories fascinated me as a child. it was then i was told of the strong friendship he shared with george washington and later found out that both washington and u.s. grant along with robert e. lee are also relation. there is also a close relation whom taught american history at san francisco university-her name was also frances marion before she married i believe. thought i was not to courious at the time, she processess several documents of francis marion the swampfox and gov. sewell i believe whom was a close friend of francis marion. bottom line, her knowledge of the marion family, may be of great interest to those children of the swampfox... last i knew she lived on mt tamalipas north of san francisco ca sincerely david d marion england5766@yahoo.com

Posted by david dwayne marion on January 20,2009 | 12:10 AM

The "Swamp Fox" story has been a favorite of mine since I began reading his story when I was in fourth grade.I must admit it was quite by accident, I think the cover first attracted my attention; however it was a weekly enjoyment for as long as it took me to finish this book. I wonder how close to reality was the 50's Disney version, I believed starred the much younger white haired actor from the movie Airplane Leslie Nielson; to historical accounts? Thank you

Posted by Frank Scarpinato on January 19,2009 | 04:43 PM

I am supposed to be a descendant of Francis Marion's sister who was supposed to have married a man whose last name was Whitlock. Would somebody who might have this information, please let me know? I would appreciate it. Frances Walden Shaffer, e-mail dodgie@bellsouth.net P.S. In my family, in each generation, there is a Francis or Frances, suppoedly keeping the Francis Marion name.

Posted by Frances Walden Shaffer on January 2,2009 | 07:46 PM

Very informative this helped me a lot on my report and this was the best informational entry I could find thanks a lot

Posted by ats student 5 grade on December 16,2008 | 01:41 PM

I am a 5th grade U.S. History teacher, and although the movie is extremely bloody I use the overall facts that show how ordinary men gave up a lot for our country. The students have enjoyed learning about our nations beginnings, and this movie gives a good historical fiction portrayal of the facts. We read about the facts first and then see what Hollywood does to spice it up. If I can get them interested in finding out the true facts it is worth it all. I do not show the movie in its entirety, buta variety of scenes that reinforce what we have learned.

Posted by Barbara on December 15,2008 | 12:05 AM

My mother's side of the family is related to Francis Marion. Her Maiden name is Sides and I was told that Francis Marion is one of my great grandfathers. Supposedly we have a violin that was his. Not sure if that is right, but that is what I was told. Very interesting to hear aboout everyone's story of Francis Marion!

Posted by Ted Baker on November 21,2008 | 05:02 PM

correction-William Clarkson and Margaret Simons are buried in Elmwood c. Charlotte NC

Posted by Charles Lewis Clark Thomas III on November 11,2008 | 02:13 PM

We are related to Esther Simons. Sister to Frances. Living in Charlotte NC. William Simons and his wife are buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte in the Clarkson/Moore family site. Relatives include Springs,Clarksons and Myers. I am also a Lewis from Va. Related to Corp of Discovery, CLCT

Posted by Charles Lewis Clark Thomas III on November 11,2008 | 01:48 PM

Am looking for the children of Marion Frances, I believe his grandson is Stephen McCurdy for oCt 26, 1790. If so, my children are his great great...grandchildren. Can anyone help me?

Posted by Annette Denning on November 6,2008 | 11:04 PM

The Patriot was a Great Action Movie and while not entirely accurate did have one thing accurate the Filming location -The Francis Marion National Forest near Charleston. Not far from where the General is buried. In fact the location for Cornwallis’s Headquarters (where Benjamin Martin parleyed for his men's release) was Middleton Place the Plantation that the real Cornwallis used as his headquarters. Of course Mel was not the first to play this hero; in the late 1950's Walt Disney attempting to capitalize on the lighting in a bottle he had with surprising success of Davey Crockett did a TV series "The Swamp Fox” with Leslie Nielsen in the Title Role. It lasted, I believe, 2 seasons but it too met resistance when they tried to take it world wide audiences. I can still recite the Theme song: "Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox-Tail in his hat - Nobody knows where the where the Swamp Fox At...Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox -hide'n in a Glenn , runs away to fight again!" John

Posted by John on October 24,2008 | 09:05 PM

This is inconclusive. The fact remains he did use Cherokee tactics. The fighting styles did include much mutilation and savagery. The human parts were traded amoung the natural communities as currency. The British would get the same today if they came back. America, oh sweet America.

Posted by George of Iowa on September 16,2008 | 04:39 PM

CVH: The title character in "The Patriot" is not Benjamin Martin. It's his son Gabriel. Benjamin Martin is based on Marion, Daniel Morgan and Thomas Sumter. Mario

Posted by Mario on September 2,2008 | 10:02 PM

One reason the British could not catch the "Swamp Fox" once he entered the marshes is that they rode their own horses - almost certainly a breed of Spanish Colonial's known as "Marsh Tackies". There are only less than 200 pure bred Tackies left. Most are still in South Carolina on the coast. I just bought one and she is gentle, intelligent and sturdy. George

Posted by George Kahrs on August 3,2008 | 10:08 PM

My mother, Fern Mitchell, daughter of Silas Mitchell found she was a fourth cousin of Marion.

Posted by Harry Parkhurst on July 6,2008 | 06:31 PM

I agree with Christine. The Patriot movie wasn't ment to be all that acurate in anything but the timeline. It was even advertised that most of the main characters in the movie were bits and pieces of different heroes of the American Revolution. Jason Isaac's character, Tarleton was based on at least three different British leaders and the rest was invented for the movie. Mel Gibson even said that Benjamin Martin was only loosely based on Francis Marion. No movie that Hollywood has ever made with a historical figure will ever be more than fifty percent accurate. They go for the thrill factor over historical accuracy.

Posted by Brenna on May 22,2008 | 01:01 PM

One thing to keep in mind is that the movie "The Patriot" was not meant to be a biography. The character Benjamin Martin, was BASED on the military career of Francis Marion. If you know the history of the Swamp Fox, then you see the similarites, but it wasn't meant to be 100% accurate.

Posted by Christine on May 11,2008 | 02:12 AM

I love your paintings

Posted by Elizabeth on April 22,2008 | 06:37 AM

I'm grateful to Mel Gibson for his storytelling. If it hadn't been for "The Patriot", I wouldn't have persued learning about Francis Marion. Mel's done our country a service by bringing to our attention this era of our country's history. It's up to us to take it from there. Thanks to the Smithsonian for continuing our education.

Posted by Theresa on March 17,2008 | 09:42 AM

what is francis marion middlename

Posted by janie on February 15,2008 | 12:59 PM

There was something absurd in the movie to the effect that the black workers on Marion/Gibson's plantation were salaried employees. And the title character of the film was motivated not by patriotism but by the desire to avenge his son's death. An untruthful, needlessly gory film.

Posted by cvh on January 30,2008 | 05:44 PM

Increidble. Who knew so much information could be backed into such a small article. I had always known that the Patriot was off by a little bit, but not by that much. Again, I am astonished, and this informative section will help me a lot with a small project I am working on. Hopefully, there might be a new Fox soon, we might need it. Sanmihiniu, Demothenes

Posted by Demosthenes on January 19,2008 | 06:03 PM

Very informative, I did not know tht Mel Gibsons movie was misleading at all about blowing The Swamp Foxes image so far out of proportion that he might be conceived as a so called "Super Hero". Now and then, I run into so called "Red-Necks" out in the country near Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleten, or Clareden counties that seem to still carry on that strong dedicated attitude of Southern Traditions that thier fathers, fathers, father taught them with pride and respect. ( I'm with them ! ). I feel that there are still people out there looking for a cause to support that may never come but thier hearts are there if needed. " The south has values that the north will never know " ... I'm origanally from New Jersey.

Posted by Homer on December 20,2007 | 08:36 PM



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