The Life of General Francis Marion — John Locke — John Shaqi
The Life of General Francis Marion
John Locke · en
At the commencement of the fray, poor Mrs. Jones, half frightened to death,
had fallen to the ground in a swoon, with her little son
piteously screaming over her. But when she came to herself,
and saw her husband and friends around her, all freed from their fetters
and well armed, she looked and behaved like one frantic with joy.
She sprung to her husband's bosom, and with her arms around his neck,
sobbed out, "Oh bless God! bless God! my husband is safe;
my husband is not hung yet;" then snatching up her child, and straining him
to her soul, as if she would have pressed him to death, she cried out --
"O praise! praise! praise God for ever! my son has a father yet!"
Then wildly darting round her eyes in quest of her deliverers, she exclaimed,
"Where! where are those blessed angels that God sent to save my husband?"
Directing her eyes to Jasper and Newton, where they stood
like two youthful Samsons, in the full flowing of their locks,
she ran and fell on her knees before them, and seizing their hands,
kissed and pressed them to her bosom, crying out vehemently,
"Dear angels! dear angels! God bless you! God Almighty bless you for ever!"
Then instantly, for fear of being overtaken by the enemy,
our heroes snatched the arms and regimentals of the slain,
and with their friends and captive foes, recrossed the Savannah,
and in safety rejoined our army at Purysburgh, to the inexpressible
astonishment and joy of us all.
Chapter 8.
The count D'Estang, with the French fleet, arrives to attack Savannah --
our army marches and joins him -- fatal effects of D'Estang's politeness --
biographical dash of young colonel Laurens -- curious dialogue
betwixt him and the French general -- unsuccessful attack on Savannah --
the brave Jasper mortally wounded -- is visited by the author
in his last moments -- interesting conversation --
dies like a Christian soldier.
Could the wishes of our army have availed, those gallant soldiers,
(Jasper and Newton) would long have lived to enjoy their past,
and to win fresh laurels. But alas! the former of them,
the heroic Jasper, was soon led, like a young lion, to an evil net.
The mournful story of his death, with heavy heart I now relate.