The Life of Gen. Francis Marion | Page 9

heaven were strong in the
bosoms of young Marion and his Louisa, yet could they not suppress
the workings of nature, which would indulge her sorrows when looking
back on the lessening shores; they beheld dwindled to a point and
trembling in the misty sky, that glorious land, at once their own cradle
and the sepulchre of their fathers.
Some natural tears they shed, but wiped them soon, for the earth was
all before them where to choose their place of rest; and Providence
their guide.
But Marion and Louisa did not leave their country empty handed. Her
Parents, 'tis supposed, gave Louisa money, but what sum, after this
long lapse of time, is uncertain. Nor does tradition say for how much
Marion sold his little farm. But it is well known that on their arrival in
Carolina, they went up into the country, and bought a plantation on
Goose Creek, near Charleston, where their dust now sleeps, after a long
life endeared by mutual love, and surrounded by every comfort that
industry and prudence can bestow.
We have said that Marion left his country for the sake of his
RELIGION: which appears to have been of that cheerful sort for which
a wise man would make any sacrifice. It was the religion of the gospel,
that blessed philosophy which asks not a face of gloom, but a heart of
joy. And thereunto enjoin a supreme love of God, and a close walk
with him in a pure and benevolent life. From this, the genuine spring of
all the sweetest charities and joys of life, Marion derived that
cheerfulness which appears never to have failed him. Even in his last
will, where most men fancy they ought to be gloomy as the grave
whither they are going, his cheerfulness continued to shine with
undiminished lustre. It was like the setting of a cloudless sun: which,
after pouring its fattening beams on the fields of a live-long summer's
day, goes down in smiles to rise a brighter beauty on another day. This
will is certainly an amiable curiosity, and as it may be of service to the

reader, by showing him how free and easy a good life makes a man
with death, I will record it: at least the principal features of it, as I got
them from the family.
After having, in the good old way, bequeathed "his soul to God who
gave it," and "his body to the earth out of which it was taken," he
proceeds in the manner following:
In the first place, as to debts, thank God, I owe none. And therefore
shall give my executors but little trouble on that score.
Secondly -- As to the poor, I have always treated them as my brethren.
My dear family will, I know, follow my example.
Thirdly -- As to the wealth with which God has been pleased to bless
me and my dear Louisa and children, lovingly we have labored together
for it -- lovingly we have enjoyed it -- and now, with a glad and
grateful heart do I leave it among them.
He then proceeds to the distribution. Liberally to his children: but far
more so to his wife -- and at the end of each bequest assigns his reasons,
viz., I give my ever beloved Louisa all my ready money -- that she may
never be alarmed at a sudden call. I give her all my fat calves and
lambs, my pigs and poultry -- that she may always keep a good table. I
give her my new carriage and horses -- that she may visit her friends in
comfort. I give her my family bible -- that she may live above the ill
tempers and sorrows of life. I give my son Peter a hornbook -- for I am
afraid he will always be a dunce.
But Peter was so stung with this little squib, that he instantly quit his
raccoon hunting by nights, and betook himself to reading, and soon
became a very sensible and charming young man.
His eldest son, who, after his father, was named Gabriel, married a
Miss Charlotte Corde, by whom he had six children -- Esther, Gabriel,
Isaac, Benjamin, Job, and our hero Francis, the least as well as the last
of the family. As to his sister Esther, I have never heard what became
of her; but for his four brothers, I am happy to state, that though not
formidable as soldiers, they were very amiable as citizens. They bought
farms -- proved their oxen -- married wives -- multiplied good children,
and thus, very unlike our niggardly bachelors, contributed a liberal and
laudable part to the population, strength, and glory of their country.
God, I pray heartily, take kind notice of all such; and