The Minute Boys of South Carolina: A story of "How we boys aided Marion the Swamp Fox"

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The Minute Boys of South Carolina : A story of "How we boys aided Marion the… by James Otis is a juvenile historical adventure novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the American Revolution in South Carolina, it follows teen narrator Rufus Randolph and his friends—most notably Gabriel Marion, brother of Francis Marion—as they organize a “Minute Boys” company and assist the famed “Swamp Fox” in partisan warfare against British regulars and Tory auxiliaries. The opening of the story frames the tale as Rufus’s own letters, after a brief historical recap of Charleston’s fall, Clinton’s harsh proclamation, and the rise of partisan leaders like Francis Marion operating from Snow’s Island. In Charleston, Rufus and Gabriel plan to flee and form a boys’ unit, recruit Archie Gordon, and warily include Seth Hastings, who promptly betrays them to redcoats; the boys escape by skiff under fire. They reach Gabriel’s home, secure mounts and the loyal guide Peter, link up en route with the Marshall brothers, and make a hard push through ferries and swamps to Marion’s camp. Reporting an enemy column under Major Gainey, they witness Marion’s surprise night strike at Britain’s Neck, which scatters the foe and yields vital supplies—though Seth slips away—and two prisoners warn of a larger force under Captain Barfield upriver; Marion then tasks the boys to volunteer for a swift, risky reconnaissance, sending them off light and wary.