resent occasion, was
a surprise. It had long been a terror; so much so that but for his
remoteness at the camp of Greene, they had, in all probability, never
ventured to resume their arms. Three separate bodies of men, by a
judicious arrangement of our partisan, were prepared to enter their
country at the same moment. These were so placed, that, though operating
separately, they might yet be made to cooperate if desired. The effect
was such as to paralyse the incipient resolution of the loyalists. They
showed no disposition for fight; and feeling their temper, conscious of
his difficulties, and now no longer hopeful of help from the British,
Gainey dispatched a flag to Marion with proposals to treat for a
pacification. He was not unwilling to renew the treaty which, just
one year before, he had entered into with Horry, who then acted as
the lieutenant of our partisan. This treaty, influenced by British
emissaries, the Tories had very imperfectly kept. In small squads
they had been perpetually rising, and committing trespasses upon
their neighbors whenever the withdrawal of Marion's men afforded them
opportunity. They had now everything to fear from his anger; but they
also knew his willingness to forgive. Relying upon this, and making a
merit of necessity, the communication of Gainey expressed the
warmest solicitude for peace. To this Marion was prepared to listen.
Commissioners were appointed on both sides. They met, but, unhappily,
they recognized in each other well known personal opponents. They had
often met in strife, and could not forbear alluding to their encounters.
The conversation grew warm, the parties excited, and instead of coming
to terms, the commissioners almost came to blows. They separated with
increased resentment. A fierce skirmish followed, and the attempt to
adjust their differences was renewed between the respective commanders.
Marion was anxious to effect a pacification. His services were required
below on the Santee and Cooper, to check the incursions of the British,
and he consented to meet and confer with Gainey in person. This
determination was censured by some of his officers. They denounced
Gainey as a leader of banditti; and, certainly, his conduct, on many
occasions, deserved the reproach. They reproached Marion for committing
his dignity in treating with such a person. But this suggestion did not
affect him. He was governed by views and principles very far superior
to those which influenc