In the fortunes of neither--in the several tasks allotted to them,--in their various situations,--did their deficiencies of education appear to qualify their successes, or diminish the respect and admiration of those around them,--a singular fact, as indicative equally of the modesty, the good sense, and the superior intrinsic worth of both of these distinguished persons.

In the case of Marion, his want of education neither lessened his energies, his confidence in himself, nor baffled any of his natural endowments.

On the contrary, it left his talents free to their natural direction.

These, it is probable, were never of a kind to derive, or to need, many advantages from a very superior or scientific education.

His mind was rather practical than subtile--his genius prompted him to action, rather than to study,--and the condition and necessities of the country, calling for the former rather than the latter character, readily reconciled him to a deficiency the importance of which he did not feel.
* Pond Bluff now lies at the bottom of Lake Marion.
-- A.L., 1996..