•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 success-
fully navigated past Confederate defenses, freeing him-
self, 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 instru-
mental 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 ad-
vocate for civil rights and equal opportunities for all, 
leaving an indelible mark on American history as a vi-
sionary leader, legislator, and champion of justice; and 
Whereas the renaming of the USS Chancellorsville to the 
USS Robert Smalls pays homage to a remarkable indi-
vidual who exemplified courage, resilience, and a tireless 
commitment to freedom and equality: Now, therefore, be 
it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) commends and supports the name change of 
the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls 
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•HRES 533 IH 
in recognition of Robert Smalls’ extraordinary con-
tributions to American history and his status as a 
native of Beaufort, South Carolina; 
(2) recognizes Robert Smalls’ heroic escape 
aboard the CSS Planter as an act of remarkable 
bravery and ingenuity that played a significant role 
in the Union’s efforts during the Civil War; 
(3) celebrates Robert Smalls’ subsequent ac-
complishments as a legislator, advocate for civil 
rights, and pioneering leader during the Reconstruc-
tion period, leaving an enduring legacy of courage, 
perseverance, and dedication to justice; 
(4) acknowledges that the renaming of the USS 
Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls serves as 
a reminder of the importance of honoring individuals 
who have made significant contributions to American 
history, particularly those whose stories have been 
historically marginalized; 
(5) encourages the citizens of Beaufort, South 
Carolina, and the Nation as a whole to learn from 
Robert Smalls’ remarkable life and continue striving 
for equality, justice, and the protection of funda-
mental rights for all individuals; 
(6) expresses gratitude to the United States 
Navy for recognizing the significance of Robert 
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•HRES 533 IH 
Smalls’ story and for commemorating his legacy by 
renaming the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Rob-
ert Smalls; and 
(7) requests the Clerk of the House of Rep-
resentatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to 
the Secretary of the Navy and the commanding offi-
cers of the USS Robert Smalls, expressing the sup-
port and appreciation of the House of Representa-
tives for this momentous name change. 
Æ 
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