Governor Rutledge, a noble spirit and famous orator--the Patrick Henry of Carolina,--had withdrawn to the North State, to stimulate the energies of the people in that quarter and gain recruits.

His example was followed by Sumter, Horry and others,--by all, in fact, who, escaping captivity, were in condition to fly.

The progress of Cornwallis and Tarleton left mere distinction, unsupported by men, with few places of security.

Marion, meanwhile, incapable of present flight, was compelled to take refuge in the swamp and forest.
He was too conspicuous a person, had made too great a figure in previous campaigns, and his military talents were too well known and too highly esteemed, not to render him an object of some anxiety as well to friends as foes.

Still suffering from the hurts received in Charleston, with bloody and malignant enemies all around him, his safety depended on his secrecy and obscurity alone.