|
|
Wedgefield Becomes a Prison
Due to these conditions some of the plantations near the busy little port city were taken over for use by the troops and recuperating soldiers and were also used to quarter some of the more important prisoners of war. They were housed in the residences and the outbuildings, and a small guard was left to police them.
Wedgefield was just such a place. Several highly prized prisoners were sent there. Two old men and four women of their household who were taken with them interned at Wedgefield. Some twenty troops who were on rest leave were stationed there as guards.
One of the prisoners was most important to his captors and caused the wile little American, General Francis Marion, great concern. He was the father of one of the trusted authors in Marions Brigade. The old man was very proud and arrogant, but he was also in his dotage and at times became very confused. He had been present when many of the plans and strategies for some of the local operations had been formulated; and his son, as well as the General, were afraid that in an unguarded moment during one of his seizures or confusion, or in a proud, boastful mood he might unknowingly furnish the enemy with damaging information. It was most important to them that he be found and taken beyond the reach of his captors.
Marion sent one of his trusted spies into Georgetown to try to learn where the old gentleman was being held. He was told to get in touch with the merchant's daughter and have her help him obtain the information. The young woman stated that she had seen the old man, his daughter, and a niece, and that along with his wife and a granddaughter the party had been temporarily lodged in her father's servant house under a heavy guard. No on had been allowed to see them. The day before, all of them had been taken away early in the morning, but to where she did not know. She was certain though that their new quarters could not be too far away, for the detail that escorted them had returned to Georgetown before lunch time
The story
continues... The Escape.
Wedgefield Plantation
129 Clubhouse Lane
Georgetown, SC 29440
email: info@wedgefield.com
843.448.2124 or 843.546.8587
fax: 843.527.4884
|
