Do you ever get sick of health and weight loss trends? It seems a new one pops up every week or so (especially on The Dr. Oz Show). It's maddening trying to sort it all out.
So, what does the Roman Empire, a Revolutionary War Hero and me have in common?
We all recognize the wondrous power of apple cider vinegar!
At my writers' group this past Monday, one of the members asked me about Francis Marion.
"Who's Francis Marion?" I asked.
"You don't know who Francis Marion was?" John was incredulous. "The Swamp Fox?"
Clueless, I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders.
"Revolutionary War?"
I shook my head. He looked around the room to see other blank faces.
"Doesn't anyone know their history?" he barked, clearly frustrated.
I confess, history is not my strong suit. John proceeded to tell me about this Revolutionary War hero who drank vinegar on a regular basis. I came home and Googled him.
Turns out, Francis Marion, aka The Swamp Fox, was indeed a hero from the Revolutionary War. Born in 1732 in South Carolina, he was the youngest of six or seven children (depends on the source). He was known as The Swamp Fox because he was skilled at attacking the British and then escaping via the swamps.
He also was a teetotaler. While his troops sat around the fire at night imbibing in spirits, Marion sipped from his canteen filled with water and apple cider vinegar. Smart man! Many say this is what fortified him with incredible endurance.
But accounts of consuming ACV go much further back... all the way to the Roman Empire. Posca, a popular drink of the time, was made by mixing a variety of herbs with water and vinegar. Some say this is the drink that "powered the Roman Empire." Are we surprised?
So, there's a bit of history for your Vinegar Friday. Now you have the opportunity to win a copy of my book, VINEGAR FRIDAYS and find out the many reasons why I, too, drink ACV. Simply enter on the Rafflecopter by answering this question: Why was Francis Marion known as The Swamp Fox.
Open to US and Canada only. Winner will be announced on the next Vinegar Friday -- 1/24/14.
Good luck!
when I drive south along I95 I pass a sign that tells me I am near the home of the Swamp Fox. I didn't know his name though... just the movie. But there is a Military History entry http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/americanrevolutio1/p/American-Revolution-Brigadier-General-Francis-Marion-The-Swamp-Fox.htm with some good information. Francis Marion seems to have learned from the less formal tactics employed by the Cherokee during the French & Indian war. He used these to develop a "hit and run" style of fighting against the British during the Revolutionary War. This caused Cornwallis to send Lt. Col Tarleton to deal with Marion, Tarleton "pursued Marion over 7 hours and 26 miles before breaking off pursuit saying 'As for this damned old fox, the Devil himself could not catch him.' "
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mini history lesson, CailinMarie!
DeleteHe is considered one of the fathers of modern guerilla warfare.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware of that. I basically just looked up Marion and ACV and didn't delve much further.
DeleteI actually have never heard of the person or the movie. I guess at my age, that is sad. But this book does sound very interesting!
ReplyDeleteLinda Mahoney
I had never heard of him, either, Linda. And yes, I think the book is interesting! :-)
Delete