Francis "The Swamp Fox" Marion receipt signed ("Fran. Marion"). One page, 6.75" x 3", no place, [South Carolina]; April 23, 1781. Docketed. Francis "The Swamp Fox" Marion signs a receipt acknowledging supplies received from Captain William Richardson during the Siege of Fort Watson. A manuscript document concerning the receipt of supplies. It reads, in part: "Recievd. Of Captn. Wm. Richardson, Rashens, and forage for Eighteen Men and horses for the use of the American service." Boldly signed, "Fran. Marion." Countersigned by Lieutenant Samuel Taylor. Francis Marion (circa 1732-1795), a veteran of the French and Indian War, was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army and eventually rose to the rank of general. He was paramount in the fight against the British during their occupation of South Carolina. Today, he is best remembered for his use of guerilla warfare, which earned him the moniker "Swamp Fox." In April 1781, Marion and General Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee were responsible for pushing the British out of Fort Watson. On the night of April 22, in a stunning bout of American ingenuity, they erected the "Maham Tower" out of logs and branches. That same night, after placing riflemen atop the structure, the men silently positioned it against a fort wall and awaited the morning. When the British awoke on the 23rd, the day this document was signed, they were unable to safely reach the parapets due to the sharpshooter's musket fire and were quickly forced to surrender. War-dated documents from Francis Marion appear on the market infrequently, making this one all the more scarce given its occurrence on the day of a victorious battle. The document is accompanied by a handsome engraving of the general in uniform by G.P. Putnam. Condition: Small chip and hole along top margin that does not touch any text. .25" closed tear located at right margin. Area of dried adhesive with paper attachment to verso, with a minute-sized attachment carrying over to recto, presumably indicating prior mounting. Light pencil notation to recto. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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