MARION, FRANCIS (1732-1795), American soldier, was born in 1732, at Winyah, near Georgetown, S.C., of Huguenot an cestry. In 1761 he served in a campaign against the Cherokees. In 1775 he was a member of the South Carolina Provincial Con gress. Commissioned a captain, he took an active part in the de fence of Ft. Moultrie in Charleston harbour (1776), and in the unsuccessful siege of Savannah (1779). In 1780 the British cap tured Charleston and overran the State. Made a brigadier-general by Governor Rutledge, Marion showed his genius in organizing a band of guerrilla volunteers; he gained recruits and trained them to be fearless riders and good marksmen, and "Marion's Brigade" became known far and wide for its successful exploits against the British. His sudden attacks often resulted in the capture of su perior numbers and intimidated the Tories. Col. Tarleton was sent to capture him, but soon despaired of finding "the old swamp fox," who eluded him by following swamp paths. His men united
with Gen. Greene's forces for important engagements at George town, Ft. Watson, Ft. Motte and Eutaw Springs. For a skilful rescue of Col. Harden's men, hemmed in by a superior British force which he defeated at Parker's Ferry, he received the thanks of Congress. In 1782, his brigade deteriorated during his absence; and there was a conspiracy to hand him over to the British. From 1782 to 1790, Marion served in the State senate where he opposed harsh treatment of the Tories. He was made corn mander of Ft. Johnson with a salary of £500 per annum, in recognition of his services. He died on his estate in Berkeley county on Feb. 27, 1795. As a soldier he was quick, resourceful and calm, a great partisan leader.
See W. D. James, Life of Francis Marion (1821) ; M. L. Wiems, Life of Francis Marion (1833) ; W. G. Simms, Life of Francis Marion (1844) ; E. McCrady, History of South Carolina in the Revolution (1901-02).