Mel Gibson-Francis Marion in: The Reel and Real Patriot
94Real and Reel Francis Marion
The Real Swamp Fox in Action
In 2000 Director Roland Emmerich released The Patriot. The screenplay's character "Benjamin Martin'' played by Mel Gibson was partly based on the Carolinian Revolutionary War figure Francis Marion. Mr. Gibson gave a good performance as he usually does.
The screenplay, however, added situations and the family narrative amongst other things that are inaccurate as to historical facts regarding the man. With that in mind; this writer shall attempt to put at least part of the true story to rights with the action that re-took American prisoners captured at the battle of Camden.
After the British had turned to the Southern colonies from the stalemated North in an attempt to re-invigorate their war efforts, they took Charlestown (Charleston, S.C.) and then defeated General Gates continental army sent south to confront them at Camden, S.C.
With the retreat and dispersal of the American forces, there hardly remained any men-at-arms in the state. The small number of remaining fighters included a band embodied by Francis Marion.
This able partisan maintained his ground below and along the Santee river, and managed, among the gulleys and swamps of that region, to escape and hide from from all the activity of the British and Tories( colonists who remained loyal to Britain). His force had been recruited mainly among his own neighbors, who knew the swamps and were familiar with the area.
He was utterly unfurnished with the necessities of war at first. Possession of saws from the mills for example, were turned into swords. So much was he distressed for ammo, he engaged in battle with not three rounds for each man in his party.
At other times, without any, his men were brought in sight of their enemies simply to display man power. For weeks his force did not contain more than seventy- five men; occasionally much less than that, all volunteers from the militia.
Yet, with this inconsiderable band, he kept his ground secure, amidst untold numbers of Tories who hung around his flanks with a watchful hostility that the animosities of a civil war in all but name can sharpen into a personal, raging hatred.
Various means were used to draw off or drive away his followers. The homes on the banks of the Pedee river, Black river, and Lynch's creek where his men usually came from were destroyed by fire, the plantations devastated and the black field and house servants taken away from the few that had them. But the results of this wantonness was far different than what they intended.
Revenge and despair solidified the patriotism of these ruined people, and strengthened their resolution; and the indiscriminate barbarity of the Brits and Tories, only increased their numbers and zeal.
For months, their only shelter was the thickets and the swamp - their only cover the massive forest and the stars above. Hardened by exposure, stimulated by a love for their land and com-patriots, they came forth from these hiding places when least expected; and the first warnings of their approach were announced by the flashing sword or whizzing musket-shot.
With a strategy that nothing could distract from, a caution that no trickery could mislead, Marion led his followers from thicket to sink-hole in safety, and was never more secure than when in the neighborhood of his foes.
He hung upon their flanks when they marched, he espied their camps in the darkness of the night, he pounced on their foraging details, he shot down their sentries, he harassed their every move, extracting a bloody toll through every swamp, thicket and river.
In this sort of warfare - which was ideally adapted to the topography of the country(and still is in some places to this day), the ingenuity of the Carolinians contrived to break up the actions and communications of the British.
Hearing that a body of prisoners taken at the Battle of Camden, about a hundred and fifty in number, were under march to Charlestown, with a strong guard, he determined on their rescue.
Placing his mounted militia for ambush, in one of the swamps that skirt the forest between Nelson's ferry and Monk's corner, he fell upon the escort and succeeded in taking the party captive. Having put the arms of the British into the hands of the rescued Americans, he hurried across the Santee.
He didn't pause until his prisoners were safely disposed of in the area of North Carolina. At that moment he and his men were far from the arm of danger; but unbeknown to Marion, a General Cornwallis had dispatched troops to find him.
The temporary departure of the "Swamp Fox" left South Carolina almost wholly abandoned to the enemy; but the fruits of his daring and success were yet to be seen.
Opposition to the Brits was never totally extinct in the state and Marion would soon return to his partisan activities as well as lead his troops to glory as a commander in such battles as Eutaw Springs.
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That was a very interesting and fascinating read. Thank you. Swampfox or Ghost, Marion or Martin; the valor of the people of that time shines through.
Hi Suzette! Thank you kindly. Pleased you enjoyed this. Your so right there, the movies do indeed take great license with the 'true story.' The Patriot film sure had a lady love interest for Mel, didn't it. His deceased wife's sister no less. We should remember that back then there weren't any large metro areas and things were still pretty rural and wilderness- like in many areas. So the tactics of Marion and his men suited perfectly for the time. Still some fairly wild areas here and there even today. And oh yes suzette, all's fair in love and war!
Class dismissed! Ha ha JKenny, glad you liked the history lesson my friend. Yep, Benjamin Martin was an amalgamation of several Rev. War figures, most prominently Fr. Marion. Oh yes, two different meanings for Tory. Assume that's your conservative party. During the conflict it was often son against father and sister against cousin. A civil war in all but name. Most of the Tories emigrated to Europe or were forced to Canada at it's end. Thanks mate, we're all good friends now I hope!
Hi there Tammy, appreciate you sharing this with your followers. Hey, that's right, you were a resident down there and worked at the college too. Yes, lots of statues and even a county and National forest named after him. The Patriot was a good movie despite using some artistic license, and the idea to write this one came from that. Thanks Tammy, it's an honor to do Francis Marion's memory any kind of service.
Great Hub, Alastar! I enjoyed reading this. I did not know the movie was based on a real person. Movies usually take great license with the "true story" and usually romanticise the movie. I did know that during the American Revolution that our men used guerilla tactics to defeat the British, and I say all power to them as all is fair in war.
The article is very suspenseful and keeps the reader's attention!
Another great history lesson, Alastar. I had no idea 'The Patriot' was based partly on true events. I remember watching the film and enjoying it. I had no idea that the loyalists were known as 'Tories'. We still use the term today to describe members of the Conservative party. Great work, mate. Voted up.
Great hub! I used to live in Swampfox territory in South Carolina where there are many statues and tributes to Francis Marion. You did this important historical figure a wonderful service. I enjoyed reading this!
They were basically pre-disposed to that kind of warfare having grown up in the swampy coastal areas and of course burning with a keen desire for independence. They knew how to use their environment to best advantage- they were extremely effective and motivated guerrillas before that term was even invented in the Napoleonic Wars. Glad you were gripped molometer my friend, and appreciate the share.
Truth is often stranger than fiction.
To think that these men conducted this kind of warfare. With so little, in terms of equipment, and out in all weathers.
Is a testament to their determination and courage.
Well written and kept me gripped all the way through.
Excellent historical hub on an interesting character. Well done Alastar
Voted up interesting and useful information.
SHARING
Thank you very much Theresa. Yes, Gibson's character in the Patriot was based on Francis Marion and a couple of other figures. The big battle at the end of the movie was an amalgamation of several battles too. Theresa I tell you, when that movie was shooting down in S.C. it was a very big dealio for folks, Gibson ate lunch at a mom and pop one day and left a 5 dollar tip, its probably still hanging on the wall of the place..lol!
Alastar- Well-written historical essay. I was not aware that Francis Marion was the protagonist played by Mel Gibson in The Patriot, not that I knew much about Marion, but the name was familiar. Smooth easy flow to your writing, informational without being tedious. Nice work. :) Theresa
Bit of a difference between the film and the historical reality isn't there. But where would the movies be without artistic license eh. It was a good picture though. Got an inside story on the making of it I'll tell you about sometime. Francis Marion is a good liberal-arts college, go Patriots! Thanks Tammy.
Wow. Interesting hub. I loved the movie. I worked at the University in South Carolina named for him.. in the Swamps. Great read.
Sure it makes sense Frank. That's what its all about...finding new interests and making fresh discoveries. Having a fair smattering of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects is ideal. You know, the scientific world has pretty much shown that the past, present, and future are in a circle so to speak; so when you concentrate on one your really concentrating on all three if that makes any sense..lol. Thanks and keep the new views going my friend!
You sit and realize how much we ( or I ) at least know about American History.. I base my history mostly from those old westerns like Wagon Train Gunsmoke.. never looked at it with a wider scope.. I;ve always been a big fan of what is to come.. and not what happened to get us here.. your little taste in hubs may have stirred a knew view in me Thanks I hope all this makes sense? Frank
Appreciate that Peggy! In the action is always better than watching from the side-lines. Never thought of their clothes and feet in the marshy terrain but your right- they no doubt had a rough time of it there along with all the other challenges. They rose to the occasion though. People who fight from conviction always have a one up on traitors and mercenaries!
The way you write draws your readers in as if they are right there on the sidelines viewing the action for themselves. You bring history alive! Just imagine the soggy clothes and foot problems that Marion's troops would have suffered fighting in the swamplands as they did! But they had motivation to spare as they saw their homes and lands devastated by the enemy. Great writing! Up votes!
BTW, our friend Mel Gibson has surely seen some tough times, lately. He seems to be such a deep and sensitive man and, yet; his public persona belies it. He chooses the most compelling roles (either chooses or is seen to fit each role very well; which underscores how he appears) I wonder what lurks in the heart and soul of such a man. Anyway, this is off the track but, the thought occured to me so I wanted to put it out to ponder. A 'big one' in the works...must be why the hourglass...time's a' ticking!
Well thats mighty kind of you Kathy. Thank you. This started out as a three part series but the second one didn't do much for some reason so it got fixed up and put in war movies. Glad you got something out of it and your the worthy one with your increasing number of followers. Right now K theres a big one in the works..maybe. }{
I've seen the movie several times but, never was it as compelling as this retelling of our history. Amazingly well written, Alastar...your words, in some instances, flow beautifully together, creating the exact image you wish to create. Fine, fine writing, my friend.
Another of your excellent offerings which open up history for your rapidly growing # of followers; and rightfully so! A treat and and an educational experience.
I like the 'play' on words in your title, too.
Up, Awesome, Beautiful (in writing style and description), Useful, Interesting...and their should be an Excellent, too!
Your right to keep in mind they're just movies. All of em are of course made for the bottom line and aren't too picky about historical accuracy in the main actors. There are exceptions however. Have you seen 'Gods and Generals' to name one? Gibson was pretty good as the Braveheart don't cha think. Thanks for read and comment ruffrider.
Yes Frank Drebbin alter ego was once a serious actor. Weather its patriot, braveheart, Davy Crokett at the Alamo staring John Wayne or Fess Parker as crockett, I always keep in mind that it is a movie. Not always accorate.
There you go again my Irish friend; absolutely no offense was given. It was with tongue- in- cheek that I mentioned it was often a girl's name. And I did say I'd be proud to wear that badge. Of course the south is known as Dixie and use that anyti..no, I insist you address me that way when using friend from now on. Braveheart was an awesome movie- though not with a 100% historically correct screen- play, but who should care. That was a shocking betrayal by Robert the Bruce! I love bag- pipes and U.K. history too! Have a good one Spirit and don't take anything this fool says too seriously.:D
I am just back from doing my daily two hours at the local high school where I teach children who have problems and have just had my lunch. Once again it just goes to show how simple things like a name has the potential to cause all sorts of problems. I thought that Dixie was a term for the confederate states and that was why I used it. It was an innocent misuse of the word by me trying to be funny and sticking my foot in it again.
When I first saw BraveHeart my heart almost burst. I loved it so much I must have watched it at least five times and three of those were in succession when it was first released. The scene that always gets me the most and there plenty of scenes that got me is when he pulls off the Bruce's helmet and realises the betrayal. That look by Mel Gibson haunts me to this day.
Have a great day Alastar (notice I am playing it safe with the name!)
Good morning Spirit, that was a story that taught this old dog a new trick: don't allow the blood to get up when writing an article. Where the 'less than shining light' came from over here I don't know; but it caused a small controversy at the time probably because of scenes in the movie like when the evil Colonel Tavington burned the church down with all the innocent town- folk in it. I'm going to watch MC at your recommendation and I have seen BH several times and your correct, other popular flicks have been as harsh or harsher. Am finishing up a story right now and I appreciate you pointing out Mr. O'Brian's hub. Although Dixie is generally a woman's name over here, I'll proudly wear the badge with honor anytime my Irish friend.:D
I noticed your exchange with Nell and was surprised to hear how you feared how the English would react to being shown in a "less than shining light". If you haven't seen Michael Collins or Braveheart then you will not be aware of how tame in in comparison is the Patriot's treatment of the English.Having said that I thoroughly enjoyed your completely enthralling account and wonder if you have thought of publishing a book. Slarty O Brian has just published a hub explaining how to self publish that you might want to check out. yes it is now morning and I have just had my breakfast and have read my Alastar Packer story of the day! Have a good day my Dixie friend!
The 18th century is a fave here and you bet I've heard about Rodger's Rangers ahorseback. That's kewl you live right near that history. There was a well reviewed book that came out on him not long ago. When this was first put out it was very well received but pt. two tanked for some reason so I placed this one in the context it's in now. The Patriot is a good flick...just some artistic license with the story-line..Appreciate the read & comment my friend.
Alastar , What can I say but Awesome , One of my fav movies, Have you ever heard of the Rodgers Rangers of revolutionary fame, they fought in the northeast a few miles from here is a stone pile and marker , a single grave , a few miles further is the trail of rivers where many of thier missions began and ended. The Connecticut and Ammunusic rivers . I love this era of our country , perhaps the purest time of patriotism ,of all. Excellent hub.
Oh my. Your expanding my already thick skull James but thank you so kindly. That hero and his followers certainly should be admired. It was a good movie and they did base it loosely on the 'Fox'. But for example, the big battle at the end was written around the 'Battle of Cowpens' but Marion wasn't even in that. It was filmed near my area and the folks here went crazy over Gibson. Like he had lunch one day in a little dinner and left a 5$ tip, which they had him autograph and then framed it on the wall where it probably is to this day. Appreciate and thanks very much James.
Oustanding article! I have long admired the Swamp Fox and his band of renegades. And I enjoyed the "Patriot." But I never knew there was any connection between the two. Fascinating!
Hi angie and thank you. Perhaps one day they'll be a return to Canada. You truly have a most beautiful Country and people. I'm not one to pat myself but I was very pleased with Fire and Bayonet. Hope you like it. Your 'Tarheel' friend AP
Hi! Alaster.
I like military history, tomorrow I will read your story - Battle of Kings Mountain: Fire & Bayonet.
Your Canadian friend Angie
Well hi to you and beautiful Canada angie. Thanks for the compliment. Mel did give a good performance but the movie producers were hoping this would be another 'Braveheart'. Didn't quite get there but if it had been released after 9/11 who knows.Its pleasing to know you gained some history and I might just cover the 'Fox' again. Part 2 didn't seem to catch on for some reason but going about it a different way we'll see. Thanks again angie.
Good Hubpage - Alaster Packer
I have seen the movie "Patroit", Mel Gibson gave a good performce. Reading your hub, I learned some American History.
AP, I don't know how I was unaware of this article before. Sometimes, HP does not notify me and I just have to go searching.
You have written such an excellent article, here. You really make history come alive and your writing style makes it all very interesting. Thank you for this wonderful hub.
Blessings...
Lela
Up/Awesome/Useful
voted up! very nice historical hub. you have a way with words, for sure. i am looking forward to reading the next part! from one history buff to another. :)
Hi Teylina, well thank you for your interest and comment. Nell's post was something and she brought up some good points. Hope the overloads on my part were OK. That's a good idea you have there, guess one could start a question in the history forum and start something going. Thanks again. Yours Teylina.
Here I was trying to merge these two historical figures--didn't realize one and the same, musing on what a great read, and how good writing like this enlightens in a fun way. Then tried absorbing/remembering stuff others commented on as our minds work like dominoes, and then I hit Nell Rose! Nell, honey, you overloaded my poor brain! Maybe there's a collaborative hub for a bunch of you! (Remember Yamamoto, others too--what a jump from the Swamp Fox!). This was great, Alastar! Thanks! And thanks to the rest of you!
Thank you very kindly Tony and I too love to find out about the history of other countries. Happy Easter to you and your beautiful family Tony!
Very interesting bit of history. I love history and learning about the history of other countries is great. Thanks for the excellent read.
Love and peace
Tony.
Thank you lobonorth for your very kind comment. It was a rather an intense one that got the blood up some. With the next one I hope to keep the pressure at normal.
A truly great piece of writing - history could not be made more thrilling!
Wow! The history has my head spinning...lol. Nell, another impressive display of power. Recently have been ruminating over finding a good book on the Jacobite rebellion, Bonnie Prince Charlie and all. That was in the 1740s. In the Amer. Revolution you had in the southeast at least, a very large pop. of English, Scotch -Irish. The Highlander Scots generally stayed with England. A great many Americans would probably be surprised to find out their roots come from indentured servants..lol. Noticed a new book out called "The Tin Ticket" about the deportees to Australia. Your right about it being jumbled up; as you had different First Nation tribes on one side or the other, different nationality's and ethnicity's on opposite sides in what was really a Civil war in all but name. Strange days for sure. Now, I'd like to congratulate you on your win in the contest. Your Hub was magnificent and fully deserved it. Its one I plan to read again. Triple tak and yours Nell.
Hi, Alastar, I am reading a series of books by Diana Gabaldon that mentions this time, and the one thing that stands out is that it was such a mixture of people then, for example, the English were fighting with the Scots etc, and on the other side the English were fighting with the Scots as well! not really English and American as at that time there were loads of so called Convicts that were sent out to Australia and the Americas, so some were on one side and the others fought against them, these days we see it as England against America, but it was so much more jumbled up than that, strange eh?
Hi Alaster,
A great hub and again I must admit that I have learnt so much since joining everyone here on HP.
I have bookmarked my favourite historical/travelling ones and this one will be joining them.
Keep them coming.
Take care
Eiddwen.
travel_ man I'm glad you brought that up because i always thought the Moro conflict was in the early 20th century. Have been enlightened now however.People like your friend who fight from conviction always have an advantage despite their sufferings over paid troops.If one can stand and use to advantage the conditions in swamps that says a great deal.The 'Patriot' is a good film and am glad you saved it. Thank you very much travel_man.
Thanks for hopping by Frog and the compliment. This hub was a tough one. Writing stream of consciousness first person memories is almost easy compared to a non-fiction historical one. By the way found out two half-sisters live near you. Appreciate the invite and will drop by today.
Fascinating piece of history. And to think that it all happened right around my present stomping grounds here in Carolina.
Excellent work my friend. Stop by and see me.
The Frog
I've seen the film and converted it as mp4 video file on my external hard drive. The situation is at its worst in actual fights of government soldiers. One of my friend related to me that he stayed in a swamp (with leeches and mosquitoes) for 15 days just to guard their location during the siege between the Moro rebels and Philippine army.
WillStarr, thank you my friend; and your oh so right. Yamamoto was the best General the Japanese had and I suppose that's why knowing their code we ambushed him in his plane fairly early. A nephew stays here some times and he likes to watch this prison show. One time it was about Scotland being the knife murder capitol of Europe, which surprised me. But it reminded that if a person is set on that, any old handy thing will do. We Americans have made/or allowed some bad mistakes but most of us aren't cowards and will defend our homes and Country while we hope and pray for peace, love and understanding. Thank you very much Will. Yours AP.
Great stuff, Alastar Packer, and it demonstrates what a few armed civilians can do!
Like it or not, the United States Military was nearly defeated in Iraq by a few armed guerrillas, so we should never underestimate the power of an armed citizenery.
As Admiral Yamamoto noted during WWII, Japan had no intention of invading the US mainland because, "There would be a gun behind every blade of grass."
Since Obama took office, the number of armed citizens has grown to around 100 million, far more than Yamamoto would have faced!
Nell dear, this was a bit of a brave one for you to comment on.I wonder how the English people took it because over here it raised a little controversy about showing the Brits in a less than shining light.The reason folks here still hold some hard feelings is that although Major Ferguson at Kings Mt. was a Scottish officer, the men he commanded were Americans that turned on their neighbors and kin to stay with King George. That said, Nell we love the U.K. people and have for a very long time. You are amongst the greatest folks in the world. Triple tak Nell.
Hi ress, great to hear from you. Was going to check the singer today but got caught up...every time i think about the moment the anticipation gets better.Its funny but i meet the screen-writers brother once in Gastonia, he told me his bro was getting all his friends bit parts in it..lol. At some point back in the 70s Bratton was just an old broken down house were people partied. Amazing what they've done there since. Thanks ress
Aha! Love that one Fiddleman. Will have to look for it on the u-tube.Your absolutely right about those men-and the women too - think how history would be different without the Fox or the Kings Mt.men. Last time I went there guys were still throwing a rock and spitting on Ferguson's cairn. That's what its all about. Burn our homes will he. NOT! Thank you brother. Yours AP.
Hi, I do remember the film, I think they always miss bits and change certain things to fit into the storyline, fascinating history, thanks again nell
Alas,
Check out the last hub in the Related area of this one: Travel and the.... by Patty Inglish,Ms. She includes a picture of Leslie Neilson as the Swamp Fox!
Good job again! I studied Francis Marion in high school but I did not realize "The Patriot" was based on this man. Drove over to Brattonsville a couple of times after the movie came out. It's interesting over there.
Good job Alastar,I remember watching some episodes of the Swampfox on television when I was a kid. Swampfox,Swampfox, tail on his hat, nobody knows where the Swampfox is at. He along wwith those Tar Heels at Kings Mountain are the kind of Americans that bought our freedom.
Thanks jt your input and interest is always appreciated. Yours :)
OK you convinced me. It just gets lonely in the man cave. Merci Hyph.
No, I am sorry I didn't. I didn't know Leslie Nielson played him either, but can see that happening. Take a break Alastar. You deserve it, you've been writing a lot lately!
Time for a break when i start posting reply's on the wrong comment hub. Any ways thank you Hyph and did you notice the pic at the bottom..never knew Leslie Nielson played him on TV. :-)
Alastar you make history very interesting to read This was written very well and held my interest throughout the whole story. Looking forward to part 2
Alastar, you wrtoe about one of my favorite historical people. When I was 8 years old I read a biography of Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox. I have since always followed any writings about him. You have done an outstanding job here and in an interesting manner!
Alastar Packer Hub Author 2 weeks ago
The 'Swamp Foxes' story is a fascinating read and I hope to write on more of his stealthy and heroic actions in future- and Mel did a pretty good acting job as his screen character Benjamin Martin which was loosely based on Marion and a few others.