Young and tender families were to be provided for and guarded in the thickets where they found shelter.
These were often threatened in the absence of their protectors by marauding bands of Tories, who watched the moment of the departure of the Whigs, to rise upon the weak, and rob and harass the unprotected.
The citizen soldiery were thus doubly employed, and had cares to endure, and duties to perform, from which regular troops are usually exempt, and for which regular officers seldom make allowance.

The good judgment of Marion, taking these necessities into consideration, exercised that patience with the militia which secured their fidelity.

When he found this or that body of men anxious about their families, he yielded most generally without reluctance to their wishes.

This indulgence had its effects.

Their return was certain.