"Had Tarleton," says Judge James, "proceeded with his jaded horses to Benbow's, he would have exposed his force to such sharp shooting as he had not yet experienced, and that in a place where he could not have acted with either his artillery or cavalry." But Tarleton had tired of the adventure.

After a pursuit of twenty-five miles, he found his progress arrested by a swamp, wide and deep, through which his eye could discern no beaten road.

But this should have discouraged no resolute commander, having his enemy before him.

Marion had already preceded him in the passage, and was then within ten miles, awaiting his approach.

He could have reached him in three hours, and four might have sufficed for the march and conflict.