New volume of Francis Marion Papers released

A newly released volume of The Francis Marion Papers offers fresh insight into the Southern Campaign of 1781, a decisive period of the American Revolution that saw many of South Carolina’s most significant battles.

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, in partnership with the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), announced the release of Volume Two of the digital collection. The project, which builds on the previously released first volume, continues the effort to document and preserve the correspondence, orders, and accounts of Brig.

Gen. Francis Marion — known as the “Swamp Fox” — and his contemporaries.
“When we preserve and publish the papers of Francis Marion—and make them freely available to everyone—we’re not just safeguarding history, we’re opening it up,” said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. “These documents help us better understand the people, places, and choices that shaped South Carolina and the birth of our nation.”

Volume Two centers on 1781, when the Revolutionary War’s momentum shifted in the South. The collection includes newly transcribed letters to and from Marion, British correspondence referencing his actions, general orders, and editorial commentary designed to help readers follow the events of the campaign. Each document includes annotations, biographical notes, and links to maps and related sources.

“This volume will provide insights that earlier historians and biographers did not have,” said Rick Wise, director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and co-editor of The Francis Marion Papers. “It shows that the Swamp Fox was always focused on duty first, as he fought a partisan war that kept the British off balance and ultimately helped defeat the British Southern Strategy.”

The collection highlights key military actions of 1781, including the battles of Cowpens, Hobkirk’s Hill, Ninety Six, Quinby Bridge, Shubrick’s Plantation, Parker’s Ferry, and Eutaw Springs. Maps based on the 1775 Henry Mouzon survey provide historical context for the engagements.

Editor in Chief David Neilan began assembling the collection more than two decades ago, compiling letters and documents from archives across the country. The project was later revitalized under SC250 in 2022 and advanced by Wise and co-editor Ben Rubin, following the vision of the late Charles Baxley of SC250 and Doug Bostic of the Battleground Preservation Trust.

Like the first volume, Volume Two is available online at no cost to the public. Teachers, researchers, and history enthusiasts can access the documents through the SC250 website at southcarolina250.com/publications/. Volume Three, which will cover 1782 and beyond, is expected in early 2026.

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, established by the General Assembly, is charged with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary era and highlighting the state’s central role in securing independence. More information is available at southcarolina250.com.

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust has protected 72 historic military sites statewide over the past three decades. Details about its preservation work can be found at scbattlegroundtrust.org.