Marion was as true and gentle as he was bold and brave. He was never cruel to prisoners, and was greatly opposed to punishing the Tories after the war was over. Marion's neighbors often elected him to high office and in many other ways showed that they admired him, even if some did not agree with him. [Illustration: "MARION AND HIS MEN" SURPRISE THE BRITISH _Dashing out of the swamp, Marion fell upon the guard of a band of patriot prisoners, killed or captured the British, then set the prisoners to guarding the redcoats_] [Sidenote: =A potato feast=] During the war a British officer was invited to take dinner with Marion. What was his surprise to see only sweet potatoes, baked in the ashes, set before him. After this feast the officer resigned, saying it was useless trying to defeat such soldiers. SUGGESTIONS INTENDED TO HELP THE PUPIL =The Leading Facts.= _1._ When Hale heard the news of the fight at Lexington he hastened to the front. _2._ He went inside the British lines to learn their plans, was caught, and executed. _3._ Greene went to Boston, saw the British army, returned home and prepared his minutemen. _4._ Washington sent him to the Carolinas after the defeat of Gates. _5._ In the retreat of the American army after the battle of Cowpens, Greene turned and fought the battles of Guilford Court House, Hobkirks Hill, and Eutaw Springs. _6._ Daniel Morgan with ninety-six men marched from the Shenandoah Valley to Boston to join Washington. _7._ He won the battle of Cowpens against Colonel Tarleton. _8._ Francis Marion's "Brigade" was made up of a small number, mounted on their own horses, and armed with their own guns and swords. _9._ He was called the "Swamp Fox," because his men, attacking after nightfall, usually escaped to a swamp before daylight. =Study Questions.= _1._ What was Hale doing when war broke out? _2._ Why did he go within the British lines? _3._ Where was Greene born, and why was he called "the learned blacksmith"? _4._ How did he get his company of minutemen drilled? _5._ What leaders did Greene have to help him? _6._ Who was General Morgan? _7._ What did Burgoyne say to Morgan? _8._ Explain how Morgan prepared for the battle of Cowpens. _9._ Picture the battle. _10._ What anecdotes are told of Tarleton? _11._ Picture the scene at General Morgan's burial. _12._ How did Greene win a victory by retreating? _13._ What became of Cornwallis after the battle of Guilford Court House? _14._ What other battles did Greene fight? _15._ What proofs of affection did South Carolina and Georgia give? _16._ What is the rank of Greene as a general? _17._ How many were in Marion's "Brigade," how were they armed, and how did they fight? _18._ Why did Tarleton call Marion the "Swamp Fox"? _19._ Who praised General Marion? _20._ Read _The Song of Marion's Men_, by William Cullen Bryant. =Suggested Readings.= NATHAN HALE: Brown, _Nathan Hale, the Martyr Spy_.