Marion, Francis, as Continental General

Receipt signed ("Fran.Marion"), one half-page (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.; 89 x 140 mm), [Nelson's Ferry, South Carolina], 10 October 1781, also signed by Thomas Blackwell, c[ommisary], docketed on verso "settled 24th Nov 1783 Wm Ransom Davis"; two edges guarded on verso touching the docketing only.

This receipt, signed nine days before Cornwallis's surrender, perfectly demonstrates the manner in which Marion's brigade of partisans survived. It records the taking of "five steer weighing thirteen hundred and tweny pounds for the use of Genl. Marions Brigade" from the estate of Jared Nelson whose family ran the ferry on the Santee River at Nelson's Ferry. Not only was a receipt prepared, but the taking was reimbursed after the war to Davis (brother of Jared Nelson's widow Leticia).