Do you mind checking this out and generating the letter if appropriate?
Rob Godfrey
Office of Governor Nikki Haley
Desk: (803) 734-2028 | Mobile: (803) 429-6068
From: Tina Jones [mailto:americanrootscompany@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 3:06 PM
To: Godfrey, Rob
Subject: Fw: Requesting Special Ltr Honoring Revolutionary War Patriot for Veteran's Day
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Tina Jones <americanrootscompany@yahoo.com>
To: "ribgodfrey@gov.sc.gov" <ribgodfrey@gov.sc.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 3:00 PM
Subject: Requesting Special Ltr Honoring Revolutionary War Patriot for Veteran's Day
Dear Mr. Godfrey,
I am requesting special letter of recognition and any other appropriate form of acknowledgement from Governor Haley for OSCAR MARION, an enslaved patriot of the War of Independence. He grew up with and later fought next to Brigadier General Francis Marion, aka, the "Swamp Fox." Oscar Marion made an extraordinary contribution as a native son of South Carolina by serving in several capacities throughout the entire 7-year war even as an enslaved servant.
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of special post-humus recognition that he received at a historic ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. It is here that his image is depicted in historic oil painting which hangs on the 3rd floor of the senate wing. The following is the formal request:
VETERAN'S DAY Letter of Post-Humous Recognition
November 11, 2016
Honoree: Oscar Marion,
African American Patriot of the American Revolutionary War for the Southern Campaign
Residence: The honoree resided in South Carolina
Requestor's Name: Ms. Tina C. Jones,
Principal at the American Roots Company
Registered Researcher for the National Archives
Special Event Planner for The Oscar Marion Project and a Marion Descendant
Requestor's Phone No.: 443-627-0677
Email: americanrootscompany@yahoo.com
Requestor's Address: 451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 119-234, Rockville, MD 20850
Branch of Service: 2nd South Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army
Additional Information:
In 2006 the enslaved African American man kneeling behind the table and roasting sweet potatoes in the fire was identified in a historic oil painting at the U.S, Capitol by Ms. Tina C. Jones, as Oscar Marion. Oscar was referred to as the "faithful servant" of Brigadier General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" whom he accompanied into the American Revolutionary war and fought alongside him throughout the entire 7-year war. Oscar chose the deliberate path of patriotism.
A commemorative ceremony was held at the U.S. Capitol in December 2006 where Oscar Marion received post-revolutionary recognition after 230 year for his heroic service including proclamation from President George Bush and U.S. Representative Albert Wynn. The U.S. Senate Curator's Office has now updated their official records and website to reflect this American Patriot's name.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has supported a project to identify the names of African Americans, Native Americans, and individuals of mixed heritage who supported the American struggle for independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution.
Forgotten Patriots – African American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War: A Guide to Service, Sources, and Studies
The second edition of Forgotten Patriots (2008) identifies over 6,600 names of African Americans and American Indians who contributed to American Independence. Oscar Marion's name and image is included in this publication.
In 2009, a special Arlington ceremony bestowed military honors on Oscar Marion, an African American Patriot. Marion, the personal slave of the famous “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion, fought in the Revolution alongside his master. The character Occam in the movie The Patriot is fashioned after Oscar. Oscar’s remains are likely buried on a South Carolina plantation; the Arlington ceremony partially recognizes the contributions of African Americans in gaining the nation’s independence.
Oscar Marion – a South Carolina son
General Marion's Sweet Potato Dinner
Before the Civil War, money was printed both by the Confederate States of America and by the banks of the individual Southern states. Southern banks enshrined slavery in their monetary system to remind those who came in contact with their bills that the institution was the region's economic bedrock.
The "Sweet Potato Dinner" painting was printed on confederate notes in denominations of $5 and $10.
General Francis Marion's Sweet Potato Dinner -- SC, $5 Post War Note, Criswell (Type 5), March 2, 1872. General Francis Marion offers a dinner of sweet potatoes to British General Banastre Tarleton (1754-1833). Brigadier General Thomas Sumter (1734-1832), Member of the South Carolina House & Senate; Congressman & Senator (at lower left), Major General William Moultrie (1730-1805); SC Senator; Lt. Governor; Governor (at right).
General Francis Marion's Sweet Potato Dinner -- Confederate States of America Currency, $10 Note (Type 30), September 2, 1861, third issue, B. Duncan, Printer/Engraver. Brigadier General Francis Marion offers a dinner of sweet potatoes to British General Banastre Tarleton (1754-1833). Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter (1809-1887), Confederate Secretary of State (at lower left), Minerva, the Roman Goddess of War (at right).
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Tina C. Jones