[The Life of Francis Marion by William Gilmore Simms]@TWC D-Link bookThe Life of Francis Marion CHAPTER 6 6/35
The value of this fort was estimated rather according to its celebrity, than its real usefulness.
Subsequent events have shown that its capacity was not great in retarding the approach of an enemy's fleet to the city.
It was the error of Sir Peter Parker--obeying an old but exploded military maxim, not to leave an armed post of the enemy in his rear--to pause before a fortress, the conquest of which could in no wise contribute to his success,--and defeat before which, must necessarily endanger his final objects.
It was still the impression of the Carolinians that Fort Moultrie must be assailed as a preliminary step to the conquest of Charleston, and the post, as one of the highest honor and danger, was conferred upon Marion.* It was not known, indeed, at what moment the gallantry of the garrison might be put to the proof.
The British were known to be making large marine and military preparations at New York, intended, as it was generally understood, for the south.
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