ists, specially exempted from the privileges of the treaty
with Gainey, was a notorious marauder by the name of Fanning. He was a
sanguinary ruffian, with considerable talents, but brutal, reckless, and
most inveterate in his hostility to the American cause. Shortly after
the treaty with Gainey, this person appeared in the truce ground at the
head of a small party. It was feared that he would stir up the revolt
anew. He came for that purpose. Marion was at once upon the alert. His
force, divided into three bodies, occupied various parts of the lately
disaffected districts, and overawed the spirit of revolt, if it yet
existed. Finding the cause hopeless in that quarter, Fanning sent a flag
to Marion with a request that he would grant a safe-conduct to his wife,
and some property, to the British garrison in Charleston. Against any
such concession the officers of Marion expostulated. They were unwilling
that so cruel a ruffian should receive any indulgence. But Marion looked
more deeply into the matter, and yielded a prompt compliance with the
request. "Let but his wife and property reach the British lines, and
Fanning will follow. Force them to remain, and we only keep a serpent
in our bosom." Such was his reasoning, and the truth of it was very soon
apparent. Finding the hope of insurrection fruitless, Fanning fled the
country, and was as soon in Charleston as his wife.

The disaffected district was now covered by his troops, busied in
securing all persons who, declining to retire to the British, still
withheld their submission from the American authorities. In
the execution of this duty, some licentiousness followed--such
irregularities as are apt to occur where soldiers traverse a subdued
territory. Intimations of these irregularities reached the ears of the
partisan. No individual was charged with offence, and no particulars
were given; but Marion took occasion to declare his indignation in the
presence of officers and men. "I have heard insinuations," said he,
"which, if true, would disgrace my command; no accusation has been made;
but I wish you clearly to know that let officer or soldier be proved
guilty of crime, and he shall hang on the next tree." His firmness and
sincerity were known; and he heard of no more license. While engaged
in the irksome duty of arresting the recusant, he was equally busy in
granting written protections to those who subscribed frankly to the
conditions of the treaty. The judicious dispos