Chapter 4.

The clouds of danger darker and darker -- two additional regiments raised --
Marion promoted to a majority -- fort Moultrie built --
A British fleet and army invade Carolina -- grand preparations
to receive them -- admirable patriotism of the Charleston ladies --
heavy attack on fort Moultrie -- glorious defence of the garrison.



The cloud of war growing still darker and darker every day,
the council of safety determined to raise a regiment of artillery,
and another of infantry. In consequence of this, several of the officers
of the former regiments were promoted. Among these was my friend Marion,
who from the rank of captain, was raised to a majority.
His field of duties became, of course, much more wide and difficult,
but he seemed to come forward to the discharge of them
with the familiarity and alertness of one who, as general Moultrie
used to say, was born a soldier. In fact, he appeared never so happy,
never so completely in his element, as when he had his officers and men
out on parade at close training. And for cleanliness of person,
neatness of dress, and gentlemanly manners, with celerity and exactness
in performing their evolutions, they soon became the admiration and praise
both of citizens and soldiers. And indeed I am not afraid to say
that Marion was the `architect' of the second regiment, and laid
the foundation of that excellent discipline and confidence in themselves,
which gained them such reputation whenever they were brought
to face their enemies.