The progress of the British was thus usually distinguished when they reached a settlement of the patriots.
The suspicions of Marion were soon confirmed by the arrival of Colonel Richardson, from whom he learned that Tarleton was really at the plantation, the fires of which he saw, in force with his whole legion, and two field-pieces.

The strength of the British was double his own, and, to increase his anxieties, it was discovered that one of his men,--probably one of the late converts, who had joined the ranks after the defeat of Tynes,--had deserted to the enemy.

In command of a force so superior, and in possession of a guide well acquainted with the country, Tarleton was too strong to be withstood.

The position of Marion was no longer safe.

He at once fell back, and crossing in silence and darkness a dense and gloomy swamp of vast extent, called the "wood-yard", halted on Jack's creek, a distance of six miles from his late encampment.