With the release of Volume Two of The Francis Marion Papers, readers can now explore one of the most pivotal years of the American Revolution—1781, when the tide turned in the South and South Carolina became the stage for decisive battles. But this new collection is more than a milestone. It represents the culmination of one man’s decades-long effort to preserve the story of a Revolutionary War hero and make it accessible to everyone.
Nearly 20 years ago, David Neilan, a retiree with a deep interest in Revolutionary history, picked up a used book about Francis Marion, the legendary “Swamp Fox.” That chance discovery sparked a mission that would consume the next two decades: gathering, transcribing, and annotating every piece of Marion’s surviving correspondence.
Reflecting on the journey, David wrote, “To say the least, this has been a long and winding road. If it had not been for my mother’s being raised in Florence, South Carolina—Francis Marion country—and Walt Disney’s movie, Swamp Fox, someone else might have organized Marion’s letters and his correspondence probably would have been published before now.”
David’s meticulous detective work uncovered more than 600 documents, from major archives to single letters tucked away in small historical societies. As the project grew in scope and historical importance, it became clear that realizing its full potential would require broader collaboration and support.
That support arrived with the creation of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250). Under the leadership of the late Charles Baxley, the project was revived in 2022, with Rick Wise and Ben Rubin stepping in as co-editors to help bring David’s work to publication. Together with Publications Manager Vally Sharpe, who oversaw the editing, formatting, and presentation of the volumes, they transformed David’s extensive research into a resource for scholars, educators, and the public.
Their shared goal has always reflected Charles Baxley’s original vision: to create a resource that serves both scholars and everyday readers — a collection rigorous enough for historians and researchers, but accessible and engaging for students, teachers, and anyone interested in South Carolina’s vital role in America’s fight for independence.
The result is a three-volume series that traces Marion’s life and legacy through the Revolutionary era. Volume One, released earlier, covers 1759–1780 and lays the groundwork for Marion’s rise—from his early military service to the formation of his militia brigade. Volume Two, available now, focuses exclusively on 1781—the decisive year of the Southern Campaign, when British strategy centered on Charleston, Georgetown, and the coastal corridor. And Volume Three, planned for release in spring 2026, will follow Marion’s later correspondence through the end of the war and beyond.
With 318 documents and letters, Volume Two offers the most detailed look yet at Marion’s leadership during the fiercest period of the war. In 1781, his militia often stood as the only organized resistance east of the Wateree River. His men, initially irregular fighters, evolved under his command into a disciplined force capable of defeating British regulars—as they famously did at Eutaw Springs.
“The Francis Marion Papers provide remarkable insights into the role Marion and his brigade played in winning the American Revolutionary War,” said Rick Wise, co-editor and director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. “David Neilan did an outstanding job bringing together many lost letters and documents that reveal details previously unknown about the Swamp Fox. Ben Rubin and I helped edit the manuscript, adding context to show where these materials fit within the broader chronology of the war—but the major credit belongs to David, whose years of work created this foundation.
“Volume Two is a deep dive into Marion’s resilience and leadership during 1781, a year when his militia often stood as the only active resistance east of the Wateree River. Facing immense tactical and logistical challenges with little outside support, Marion transformed his men from guerrilla fighters into a force capable of defeating British regulars. These papers offer a closer look at Marion’s unwavering focus on duty and his pivotal role in disrupting British strategy and turning the tide of the war.”
Thanks to SC250 and the Battleground Preservation Trust, The Francis Marion Papers are freely available online for students, teachers, scholars, and history enthusiasts.
“When we preserve and publish the papers of Francis Marion—and make them freely available—we’re not just safeguarding history, we’re opening it up,” said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. “These documents help us better understand the people, places, and choices that shaped South Carolina and the birth of our nation. Most of all, they ensure that every generation can connect personally with the story of freedom that began right here.”
What began as one man’s curiosity is now a cornerstone of Revolutionary War scholarship. Together, the three volumes of The Francis Marion Papers offer the most complete portrait yet of one of America’s most influential patriots—and a vivid account of how South Carolina helped shape the outcome of the Revolution.
Explore The Francis Marion Papers and the newly released Volume Two on our website.