ermission, in order to receive the last blessing
of a dying father; and, exulting in the unworthy artifice, he hurried
to Dorchester, which, on that occasion, was to be the scene of his
recreation. During his absence, Marion arrived at the truth of the
story, but said nothing. When the youth returned, which he did after two
weeks' absence, he proceeded to the marquee of his Commander, to report
himself, and began a tedious apology for having stayed, so long. Marion
gently interrupted him, and, with a smile, in the presence of all the
officers, replied--"Never mind it, Lieutenant--there's no harm done--we
never missed you." The effect of this sarcasm is said to have been
admirable; and to have resulted in the complete reform of the offender,
who, from being a trifling, purposeless, and unscrupulous young man,
grew considerate equally of his duties and his word, and, by a career of
industry, sobriety and modesty, made ample amends, in future days, for
all the errors of the past.

With the formation of new regiments, under the resolves of the
Council of Safety, Marion was promoted to a Majority. This appointment
materially enlarged the sphere of his duties. But he was one of those
remarkable men, who, without pretension, prove themselves equal to any
trust which may be imposed upon them. Without the presence of an actual
enemy, he addressed himself to the task of preparing his men for the
encounter with them. He was constantly on parade, at the drill, closely
engaged in the work of training, in which business, while very gentle,
he was very exact; and, in such a degree had he improved the officers
and men immediately under his charge, that they were very soon regarded
as a model for all the rest. He was called the "architect of the Second
Regiment". Weems, speaking for Col. Horry, says, "Indeed, I am not
afraid to say that Marion was the ARCHITECT of the Second Regiment,
and laid the foundation of that excellent discipline and confidence in
themselves, which gained them such reputation whenever they were brought
to face their enemies." The value of this training was very soon to be
subjected to the most thorough of all possible tests. He was ordered
with his Regiment, under command of Col. Wm. Moultrie, to take post at
Fort Sullivan, on the island of that name, which stands at the entrance
of Charleston harbor, and within point blank shot of the channel. The
difficulties and deficiencies of this post, furnished some admirab