New biography of the Swamp Fox

Just read an intriguing review of this new biography by John Oller, "The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution," in the June issue of Muzzle Blasts. It's being lauded as not only eminently readable, but covering new ground on this singular American hero, who insisted even his enemies be treated with dignity -- perhaps South Carolina's "Man for All Seasons." It's an antidote to these toxic times to read about a man to whom character mattered a great deal. My copy inbound.

The Swamp Fox was one of my childhood heroes. I still have the Landmark book about him. I might pull it out and read it again for the tenth time. :idunno:

Landmark books! I lived on those and the Hardy Boys in elementary school.

:hatsoff:

After reading this topic, I got on Youtube and found the first Disney TV movie, "How the Swamp Fox got his name" and you wouldn't believe how fast a flintlock pistol can be fired in succession from horseback. :rotf:
We were so naive when young and innocent. :haha:

Yup the Disney version was one of my favs as a kid too. Can still hear the theme song when I think of the show. Was a great introduction to muzzleloaders though. Hell got and has kept me interested for all these years. 😀 Art

Oh yeah, I loved those Disney Swamp Fox episodes and I can still hear the theme song in my mind. It was so different from the local history Am. Rev. stories I grew up with in New England.

I ordered a copy of the book a few days ago and I'm looking forward to reading it. The reviews have been great. It will go on the shelf with the books about King's Mountain and Cowpens.

Jeff

Wonder why it is that on a lot of mornings, I can't remember what I had for dinner the night before....but sitting here just now, I remember every word of the Disney "Swamp Fox" theme..??
:shake:

I agree! By the way RI here

I have enjoyed watching those Swamp Fox episodes on Youtube . . There is more than just one because I watched two or three of them a while back.

I had heard that Mel Gibson's "Patriot" was partially based upon the Swamp Fox and partially on someone else (can't recall who now).

I too read the review in Muzzleblasts . . .box interests me, though I am not the reader that I should be . . . I have about 4 books on my nightstand that I've read the first few chapters of . . . they've been there quite a long while.

Just read this lively biography. I had no idea how close a thing it was in South Carolina between the Tories and the patriots. Endless side-switching, murder, burning, plundering, hatred and treachery. The Revolution was much more nuanced and bitterly partisan than I had imagined. And I did not realize the war went on for more than a year after Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown.

you wouldn't believe how fast a flintlock pistol can be fired in succession from horseback

Click to expand...

That was the predecessor to the 200 shot six-shooter in western movies. :haha:

Mac1967 said:

I have enjoyed watching those Swamp Fox episodes on Youtube . . There is more than just one because I watched two or three of them a while back.

I had heard that Mel Gibson's "Patriot" was partially based upon the Swamp Fox and partially on someone else (can't recall who now).

I too read the review in Muzzleblasts . . .box interests me, though I am not the reader that I should be . . . I have about 4 books on my nightstand that I've read the first few chapters of . . . they've been there quite a long while.

Click to expand...

Daniel Morgan would have been the other one Mel Gibsons character drew from...His going around the campfires and relating to his men, asking them to take 2 shots and then going to the next line was what not only endured him to his men but helped win the battle of Cowpens...

Just for fun, I watched that first of the eight Disney Swamp Fox episodes again for the first time since I was about 7. Walt's writers did weave in some facts -- Marion broke his ankle jumping from the second story at a party in Charleston where the doors were locked as was the custom then -- and escaped capture when the British seized the city hours later. But it was pretty hilarious to see Leslie Neilsen galloping his horse back and forth through the same stock ponds with the same two pet alligators and woods draped with fake moss. Not a cypress or a water moccasin in sight. You just can't make southern California look like South Carolina's lowlands!

:rotf:

Read an article about guerrilla warfare in the 1600's and 1700's and the author mentioned that like Robin Hood, the Swamp Fox was actually several people acting in the southern colonial campaign, sometimes in a coordinated effort sometimes independently, although Marion gets almost all the credit.

He also would show no mercy to natives... He has been noted for his brutality against many Cherokee in the Carolinas and a rapist towards the enslaved.

Funny what details history chooses to leave out!

However, the mans tactics are dang interesting to read about.

He must have been a Hero to the South. The Confederacy had Marions likeness on one of their $10.00 bills. Offering some sweet potatos to Sir Banistree Tarleton.

Crewdawg445 said:

He also would show no mercy to natives... He has been noted for his brutality against many Cherokee in the Carolinas and a rapist towards the enslaved.

Funny what details history chooses to leave out!

However, the mans tactics are dang interesting to read about.

Click to expand...

Crewdawg, remember the victors write the history books.

Just got a copy of this book for Christmas. Have not started reading it yet, but I too can hear the theme song every time I look at the book.

We seem to be having a Leslie Nielson revival or something. His old Swamp Fox series is mentioned here and on another post as well. There is a post about "Missing Colorado Clyde". In is an outake from the movie Airplane. The "Dont call Me Shirley" gag.
Sorry I didnt mean to change the subject, I too remember the Old Disney show and am a fan of the Swamp Fox. Nostalgia? Y'all are bringing back memories!

Bill

I just ordered the book. Looking forward to reading it.

Thanks

Fleener