Marion, Francis | The Swamp Fox acts as executor for the estate of comrade in arms

Marion, Francis

Partially printed estate document signed ("Frans Marion," with paraph), accepting the responsibility of discharging a debt as executor of the estate of Anthony Ashby, who fought with Marion in the South Carolina Militia during the Revolutionary War

Partially printed document (330 x 200 mm), printed by Bowen & Markland, Charleston, South Carolina, accomplished in a clerical hand, [Charleston], 1 January 1786, various dockets on verso, including records of three payments against the obligation witnessed by John Drayton; browned, stained, darkened at folds, fold separations and repairs. Housed between two sheets of mylar sealed with double-sided adhesive tape.

The Swamp Fox acts as executor for the estate of comrade in arms. According to the dockets on the verso, it took nearly ten years for this obligation to be discharged. John Drayton, then a young lawyer in private practice, noted three payments: 10 October 1789, 22 June 1790, and 24 February 1796—this final installment was received from Robert Marion, his father, Francis, having died the previous year. Drayton went on to a distinguished career, serving as governor of South Carolina, and Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, appointed by President Madison.