IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 533 

Recognizing and commending the name change of the USS Chancellorsville 

to the USS Robert Smalls, in honor of the late Representative Robert 

Smalls, an extraordinary native of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his 

significant contributions to American history. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JUNE 21, 2023 

Ms. MACE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Armed Services 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing and commending the name change of the USS 

Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls, in honor of 

the late Representative Robert Smalls, an extraordinary 

native of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his significant 

contributions to American history. 

Whereas Robert Smalls was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1839, during a time when African Americans 

were enslaved, and their rights and freedoms were systematically denied; 

Whereas despite the oppressive conditions of slavery, Robert 

Smalls exhibited exceptional bravery, intelligence, and unwavering determination throughout his life, defying the 

constraints placed upon him; 


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•HRES 533 IH 

Whereas Robert Smalls gained national acclaim on May 13, 

1862, when he orchestrated a daring escape from 

Charleston Harbor aboard the Confederate vessel CSS 

Planter, which he commandeered while its White crew 

was ashore; 

Whereas, by impersonating the captain and using intricate 

knowledge of the ship’s workings, Robert Smalls successfully navigated past Confederate defenses, freeing himself, his family, and several enslaved individuals onboard, 

ultimately delivering the ship to the Union Navy; 

Whereas Robert Smalls’ courageous act was a turning point 

in the Civil War and a significant contribution to the 

Union cause, demonstrating both his ingenuity and his 

commitment to the principles of freedom and justice; 

Whereas following the war, Robert Smalls played an instrumental role in the Reconstruction period, serving as a 

Delegate to the South Carolina Constitutional Convention 

and later becoming the first African American elected to 

the House of Representatives from South Carolina; 

Whereas throughout his life, Robert Smalls continued to advocate for civil rights and equal opportunities for all, 

leaving an indelible mark on American history as a visionary leader, legislator, and champion of justice; and 

Whereas the renaming of the USS Chancellorsville to the 

USS Robert Smalls pays homage to a remarkable individual who exemplified courage, resilience, and a tireless 

commitment to freedom and equality: Now, therefore, be 

it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) commends and supports the name change of 

3 the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls 


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•HRES 533 IH 

1 in recognition of Robert Smalls’ extraordinary con2 tributions to American history and his status as a 

3 native of Beaufort, South Carolina; 

4 (2) recognizes Robert Smalls’ heroic escape 

5 aboard the CSS Planter as an act of remarkable 

6 bravery and ingenuity that played a significant role 

7 in the Union’s efforts during the Civil War; 

8 (3) celebrates Robert Smalls’ subsequent ac9 complishments as a legislator, advocate for civil 

10 rights, and pioneering leader during the Reconstruc11 tion period, leaving an enduring legacy of courage, 

12 perseverance, and dedication to justice; 

13 (4) acknowledges that the renaming of the USS 

14 Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls serves as 

15 a reminder of the importance of honoring individuals 

16 who have made significant contributions to American 

17 history, particularly those whose stories have been 

18 historically marginalized; 

19 (5) encourages the citizens of Beaufort, South 

20 Carolina, and the Nation as a whole to learn from 

21 Robert Smalls’ remarkable life and continue striving 

22 for equality, justice, and the protection of funda23 mental rights for all individuals; 

24 (6) expresses gratitude to the United States 

25 Navy for recognizing the significance of Robert 


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•HRES 533 IH 

1 Smalls’ story and for commemorating his legacy by 

2 renaming the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Rob3 ert Smalls; and 

4 (7) requests the Clerk of the House of Rep5 resentatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to 

6 the Secretary of the Navy and the commanding offi7 cers of the USS Robert Smalls, expressing the sup8 port and appreciation of the House of Representa9 tives for this momentous name change. 

Æ 


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