plied, 'Capt. Ferguson's memory was only too good.'"*

* Horry's MS. Narrative, pp. 74-75.--

While at the hospitable table of Mrs. Motte, it was whispered in
Marion's ears, that Col. Lee's men were even then engaged in hanging
certain of the Tory prisoners. Marion instantly hurried from the table,
seized his sword, and running with all haste, reached the place of
execution in time to rescue one poor wretch from the gallows. Two were
already beyond rescue or recovery. With drawn sword and a degree of
indignation in his countenance that spoke more than words, Marion
threatened to kill the first man that made any further attempt in such
diabolical proceedings.*

* Horry's MS. Narrative, p. 75.--

Chapter 15.

Correspondence of Marion and Greene--Anecdote of Colonel
Snipes--Marion takes Georgetown--Attempt of Sumter and
Marion on Col. Coates--Battle of Quinby Bridge.

It was while Marion was most actively engaged in the investment of Fort
Motte, that a correspondence took place between himself and General
Greene, which had nearly resulted in the loss of his invaluable services
to the country. A pure and noble spirit, Marion was particularly
sensitive to reproach, and felt deeply its injustice. From the moment
that Greene took command of the southern army, he had yielded the
most profound deference to his wishes, had seconded his slightest
suggestions, timed his own movements with a studied regard to those
contemplated by the commander, and, whenever the service would allow,
had devoted his little band to such duties as would lead to the
promotion of all those larger plans which were contemplated for the
execution of the grand army. His scouts had served for pioneers, his
cavalry procured provisions for the camp, and it was to Marion alone
that Greene looked for all his intelligence. But there was one favorite
object which Greene had in view, to which our partisan could contribute
little. The want of a cavalry force had been particularly felt by the
former, and he had been sedulous in the endeavor to supply this want,
from the very first of his southern campaigns. He had been pressingly
calling upon Sumter, Marion, and every officer, who might be thought
able to procure him a supply of horses; and active agents of his own
had been scouring every quarter of the country in search of this
indispensable agent of all great military operations. His quest had
been comparatively vain. The B