But the activity of Marion was
necessarily straitened by the condition in which he found his men. They
were wretchedly deficient in all the materials of service. His first
effort to supply some of their wants, was in sacking the saw-mills. The
saws were wrought and hammered by rude blacksmiths into some resemblance
to sabres, and thus provided, Marion set his men in motion, two days
after taking the command. Crossing the Pedee at Port's Ferry, he
advanced upon a large body of Tories commanded by Major Gainey, who held
a position upon Britton's Neck. Gainey was considered by the British an
excellent partisan officer, but he was caught napping. Marion moved with
equal secrecy and celerity. After riding all night, he came upon the
enemy at dawn in the morning. The discovery and the attack were one. The
surprise was complete. A captain and several privates were slain, and
the party dispersed. Marion did not lose a man, and had but two wounded.
In this engagement, our representative, Major James, distinguished
himself, by singling out Major Gainey for personal combat. But Gainey
shrank from his more powerful assailant, and sought safety in flight.
James pursued for a distance of half a mile. In the eagerness of the
chase he did not perceive that he was alone and unsupported. It was
enough that he was gaining upon his enemy, who was almost within reach
of his sword, when the chase brought them suddenly upon a body of
Tories who had rallied upon the road. There was not a moment to be lost.
Hesitation would have been fatal. But our gallant Major was not to be
easily intimidated. With great coolness and presence of mind, waving his
sword aloft, he cried out, "come on, boys! here they are!" and rushed
headlong upon the group of enemies, as if perfectly assured of support.
The ruse was successful. The Tories broke once more, and sought safety
from their individual enemy in the recesses of Pedee swamp.

Marion did not suffer the courage of his men to cool. In twenty-four
hours after this event, he was again in motion. Hearing of the proximity
of another body of Tories, under Captain Barfield, he advanced against
him with as much celerity and caution as before. But he found Barfield
strongly posted, in greater force than he expected; warned of his
approach and waiting for him. It was no part of Marion's practice to
expose his men unnecessarily. He had too few, to risk the loss of any
precious lives, where this was to be avoided. He