Better live upon foes than upon friends, was his maxim; and this practice of living amongst foes was the great school by which his people were taught vigilance.
The adroitness and address of Marion's captainship were never more fully displayed than when he kept Snow's Island; sallying forth, as occasion offered, to harass the superior foe, to cut off his convoys, or to break up, before they could well embody, the gathering and undisciplined Tories.

His movements were marked by equal promptitude and wariness.
He suffered no risks from a neglect of proper precaution.

His habits of circumspection and resolve ran together in happy unison.

His plans, carefully considered beforehand, were always timed with the happiest reference to the condition and feelings of his men.

To prepare that condition, and to train those feelings, were the chief employment of his repose.