ot enrolled on the Continental
pay list. That they should seek the field at all, thus circumstanced,
will be ever a wonder to that class of philosophers who found their
systems upon the simple doctrine of human selfishness.

True to their chief, he rejoiced once more in their fidelity; and,
marching into Williamsburg, he continued to increase his numbers with
his advance. His present object was the chastisement of Col. Harrison,
who was in force upon Lynch's Creek; but his progress in this direction
was suddenly arrested by his scouts, who brought him tidings of large
gatherings of Tories in and about Salem and the fork of Black River.
In this quarter, one Colonel Tynes had made his appearance, and had
summoned the people generally, as good subjects of his majesty, to
take the field against their countrymen. It was necessary to check this
rising, and to scatter it before it gained too much head; to lessen
the influence of Tynes and his party, over those who were doubtful, and
afford the friends of the patriots an opportunity to come out on the
proper side. There were other inducements to the movement. Col. Tynes
had brought with him from Charleston, large supplies of the materials of
war and comfort--commodities of which the poor patriots stood grievously
in need. They hungered at the tidings brought by the scouts, of new
English muskets and bayonets, broad-swords and pistols, saddles and
bridles, powder and ball, which the provident Colonel had procured from
Charleston for fitting out the new levies. To strike at this gathering,
prevent these new levies, and procure the supplies which were designed
for them, were controlling objects to which all others were made to
yield. The half naked troops of the brigade found new motives to valor
in the good things which the adventure promised. Tynes lay at Tarcote,
in the forks of Black River, and, as Marion was advised, without
exercising much military watchfulness. The head of his column was
instantly turned in this direction. Crossing the lower ford of the
northern branch of Black River, at Nelson's plantation, he came upon the
camp of Tynes at midnight. A hurried, but satisfactory survey, revealed
the position of the enemy. No preparation had been made for safety,
no precautions taken against attack. Some of the Tories slept, others
feasted, and others were at cards--none watched. Marion made his
arrangements for the attack without obstacle or interruption. The
surprise was c