S.C. letters from Revolution general released publicly
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust has released the first volume of the Francis Marion Papers which it believes has the potential to reshape the public’s understanding of one of the American Revolution’s most heroic figures.
The Francis Marion Papers include, among over 600 historical documents, letters written to and from General Francis Marion otherwise known as Swamp Fox. The nickname came about as a result of his elusive guerrilla warfare tactics against British forces.
The trust said that the general’s legacy has previously only been shaped by secondhand s and folklore. These new documents will provide the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into his thoughts.
Rick Wise, director of SCBPT, said, “This project is rewriting history. A lot of historians and biographers have gotten Marion wrong in some respects. These papers offer a more nuanced and personal look at his character, leadership and strategies.”
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The Francis Marion Paper project was originally conceived in 2005 and the materials, discovered at locations including Harvard University and the University of Michigan, were compiled and annotated by historians, archivists and researchers from multiple institutions.
The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust released the papers in collaboration with the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission. They were released for free access digitally.
Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250, said, “This is not just for scholars; it’s for teachers, students, history enthusiasts – anyone with an interest in the American Revolution. By making these documents widely available, we’re ensuring that Marion’s legacy, and his role in our independence, is explored and understood in its fullest context.”
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The first volume of the Francis Marion Papers, including illustrations and battle maps, was released on Feb. 27, the anniversary of General Marion’s death. They can be accessed here.
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