Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-03-19

From preamble and resolutions passed oy
The Cincinnati Society Of South Carolina, we
ex,rac, the following biographical sketch Of
the late Major ALEXANDER GARDEN, President
of the Society:
Mai. Garden was born in Charleston, or the
4,h of Dec l757. His father, DR.. Alex. Gar"
den. a native OF Scotland, was eminent az
scholar and. Physician. The Son was sent by
him, to England, for his education, in the I'm
wear of his age. At first he was with Mr..
Rose, who kept school about miles from
London. AT the age Of thirteen. he entered al
Westminster, where he studied faithfully ana
zealously. In his eighteenth year, he was re-
moved to the University Of Glasgow, where ne
continued TO improve as a scholar, and 10 pre-.
pare himself for the business and the duties OF
life. Having finished his course, he leil the
University at twenty one, and went 10 FRANCE
AK la Chappelle and Brussels. AT this latter
place, he resided for some time with Mrs.
Blake, Of South Carolina, who received and
entertained him with maternal kindness
There he acquired an excellent knowledge OF
the French language, and renewed his former
studies.
Whilst he was sill in Europe, his father, who
was devoted adherent Of The British cause,
finding that his sons political sentiments were
altoge her American, and despairing OF pro-
ducing such change as he desired, wrote TO
him, that upon his coming home, he would
give him a sum that a mere pittance, IN
comparison with his fortune, and then leave
him 10 provide wholly for himself Although
the loss Of large estate was thus 10 be the pc
nalty Of his perseverance in republican senti-
ments, ne embraced the offer with readiness,
s. returned accordingly. He arrived in Charles
ton in June or July, 1880, and remained with
his father for fortnight; at the end OF that
time, on account Of their grea, difference OF OPT
Mon as to the Revelation, he LETT his fathers
house, and resided here with British officer,
named Campbell Bling himself inhexibe,
aud seeing no hope that his father would be re-
conciled on principle to his bearing arms on
the America an side, he resolved that his respect
and feelings as a son, should no longer prevail
over his duty as an American. He therefore left
Charleston, then in possession OF the BRUSH,
aud in October or November, 1880, joined
Col John Laurens, as volunteer, al the High
Hills Of Saniee. He served under him, and
was frequently in skirmshes al the Southwark,
before the lines Of Charleston, while the Bri-
fish held il, and was engaged in spirited ac>
ton with the British Cavalry and Infantry,
who ere driven within their lines at II addrills
Point;-when Col. Laarens was killed at Fields
Bluff, on Chehaw, Major Garden was in the act
Of bringing up a detachment Of Gen. Greene's
army 10 his assistance.
III February, 1882, he received the commits
sion of Lieutenant in Lees Legion, and upon
Col. Morris resiening the place Of aid 10 Gen.
Greene, Major Garden received the appoint
ment. Col. Laurens had previously recon-
mepded him by letter to Gen. Greene, at the
time when the Commander in Chief in the
Southern States was quartered at the planta
lion of Col. Osborn, al Pou Pom Whilst in he
military family Of Gen. Greene. he was often
consulted by him, and was chitfly employed in
conducting his official correspondence, and
writing his confidential letters. Al the close
Of tie war, the same officer gave him further
prof of his personal gard by en,rusting his
lady to .,he special charge Of Major Garden,
who accordingly attended her home to Rhode
Island.
His father left America about the time ofthe
evacuation OF Charles,on, and was never recon-
ciled to the conduct Of lis son. AS far as de-
pended upon him, our departed friend would
have had to begin life with little OF nothing
but South Carolina, whom he had loved, no"
nored and served, as du,ilul and affectionate
child, restored TO him, at the end Of the war,
such of his fathers coDfscated property, as
still remained unsold. With the exception OF
occ asioual absences, he resided in his native
State, either in Charleston or at Combahee,
during The remainder Of his life. After filling
respect ably, useiully and amiably, the private
stations Of husband, father, friend, he died on
24th Feb, 1899, aged II years, 2 months and
20 days.