BLACK OAK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 1/ 



cumstances the command devolved upon Peter 

 Gaillard, who had gallantly sustained himself, and 

 that if he had met with support from his brother 

 officers the day would have been lost ; Marion's 

 force was the weakest, and he had hoped for a sur- 

 prise, which he failed to effect. The horses' feet 

 on the bridge a mile off apprised the sentinel of 

 his approach, and allowed time for the enemy to 

 prepare for the battle. Gen. Marion instructed 

 my father to return his congratulations, and to say 

 that at any hour fixed upon he would advance 

 with his staff in front of his brigade, meet Mr. 

 Gaillard as a friend, and escort him into camp. 

 Policy dictated this, because Peter Gaillard had in 

 the camp many bitter foes. The day after being 

 fixed upon, my father, who was deputy brigade- 

 major under Major K. Simons, left the camp, and 

 returned with- his friend at the point designated. 

 As soon as he was in sight, Marion advanced with 

 his staff, met and cordially greeted him, as did 

 each of his family. The manner and the precau- 

 tions taken thoroughly quashed every symptom of 

 discontent. Peter Gaillard solicited and received 

 posts of peril and honor in quick succession. 

 When Col. Cotes fired Biggin Church and the 

 large amount of stores contained in it, and at- 

 tempted to reach Charleston by Bonneau's Ferry, 

 Peter Gaillard was given a command to check him 

 at Watboo and at Huger's bridges and at Bon- 



