Pictorial Life of General Marion; Embracing Anecdotes Illustrative of His Character (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 Excerpt: ...well-known Tory, who resided near Tarleton's encampment, and, representing himself to be a serjeant in Tarleton's legion, bearing a message from his commander, was received with a profusion of compliments, and great civility. It was considered a high honour by the wealthy loyalist to be remembered in so distinguished a manner by the British officer. Macdonald then, with unblushing effrontery, stated that Colonel Tarleton, knowing the excellent character of his stables, had sent, with his compliments, for one of his best horses, for the Colonel's own riding. This was a testimonial alike to his loyalty and to his " knowledge in horseflesh," which the loyalist could not withstand; and, as the serjeant took pains to make the message sufficiently adulatory to the distinguished devotion of the Tory to the royal cause, the dupe gave him his very best, his own favourite steed, and added a new saddle and splendid equipments. The serjeant was furthermore feasted with a hot and comfortable breakfast--a rare treat to one of Marion's men, and then despatched with a message to Tarleton full of the heartiest thanks for his consideration; as if the person who gave, and not the officer who received the splendid present was the party obliged. The old loyalist called at the camp, of course, to receive the Colonel's acknowledgments; and was not a little chagrined, as we may well suppose, when he discovered the trick which had been played upon him. This adventure put Serjeant Macdonald in possession of one of the finest horses in the Brigade. It was justified on the plea that " all is fair in war;" but we think that even the Serjeant himself would have valued his charger more if it had been obtained in a fair fight, with an open enemy. Marion himself rode, d...