had provoked the laughter
of Gates' veterans, we have a description also, furnished us by the same
excellent authority. We know not but that this description will provoke
the smile of the reader. But, of such persons, in the language of the
Judge, "even trifles become important." "He (Marion) was dressed in
a close round-bodied crimson jacket, of a coarse texture, and wore a
leather cap, part of the uniform of the second regiment, with a silver
crescent in front, inscribed with the words, 'Liberty or Death!'"

Such regimentals show rather the exigencies than the tastes of our
partisan. This scarlet cloth, of which his vest was made, was almost
the only kind of color which the Carolinians could procure after the
conquest of Charleston. The British seemed to distribute it with the
protections and pardons, perhaps as a popular mode of disseminating
their principles. Moultrie somewhere tells a ludicrous anecdote of some
Americans (prisoners on parole) who were nearly cut to pieces by a party
of their countrymen, in consequence of their scarlet jackets. They had
taken the precaution to dye them with some native roots, but the dye had
disappeared, leaving the original color nearly as vivid as before.

According to Weems, Marion made rather a theatrical display on taking
command of his brigade. He swore them in a circle upon their swords,
never to yield the contest until they had secured their own and the
liberties of their country. There is no authority for this statement,
either in the work of James, in the MS. of Horry, or in any of the
authorities. There is no doubt that such were his own sentiments, and
such the sentiments which he strove to impart to all his followers;
but the scene as described by the reverend historian was quite too
artificial and theatrical for the tastes of Marion. It does not accord
with what we know of his modesty, his unaffected nature, and the general
simplicity of his manners. He instilled his lessons by examples rather
than by speeches. His words were usually very few. He secured the
fidelity of his men by carrying them bravely into action, and bringing
them honorably out of it.

Marion's career of activity commenced with his command. Though always
prudent, he yet learned that prudence in military life must always imply
activity. The insecurity of the encampment, with a militia force, is
always greater than that of battle. The Roman captains of celebrity
were particularly aware of this truth.