(American, 1781-1859)Gen. Marion In His Swamp Encampment Inviting a British Officer to Dinner, New York: James Dalton, 1840, hand colored mezzotint, image 16-3/4 x 20 3/8 in.; black lacquer frame: 22-1/2 x 26 in. - Note: General Francis Marion, a native of South Carolina, understood the only way to combat the British forces during the Revolution was through guerilla warfare. As part of the southern campaign, he and his men lived off the land and hid in the swamps to evade the British. His elusive and sly tactics earned him the title of "Swamp Fox". John Blake White's 1830s original painting of this scene is also informally known as the "Sweet Potato Supper". The meal depicted was said to have occurred on Snow's Island when a British officer came to arrange an exchange of prisoners. In an act of hospitality, General Marion offered to share his modest meal. According to legend, the British officer was so impressed with Marion and his men's willingness to sacrifice in exchange for liberty that he resigned his commission and switched alliances. The Swamp Fox is not only a Revolutionary War hero, but also one of the south's most famous sons. The image became so popular that versions were created and appeared on Confederate banknotes issued in 1861 by South Carolina as well as this mezzotint by John Sartain. - Provenance: The Old Print Shop, New York, no. 9971 (label verso); Property from the Collection of Dudley and Constance Godfrey repaired and retouched complex tear into image at top, some tide lines in margins; frame with abrasions