Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-05-04
SERGEANT JASPER.
A Tale of The Re,


war, Sergeant Jasper enlisted in the seconC
South Carolina Regiment of Infantry, command
ed by Colonel Moultre. He distinguished him
self at the attack which was made on For
Moultrie on Sullivan's Island, the 28th of June
l776. In the'warmest part Of the contest ths
flag staff was severed by a cannon ball, and the
flag fell to the bottom Of the ditch, on the out.
side of the works. The accident was consider.
ed by the inhabitants of Charleston as putting
an end to the contest, by striking the American
coors to the enemy The moment that Jasper
made the discovery that the flag had fallen he
jumped from one of the embrazures, and mount
ed the colors, which he tied to sponge staff,
and replan:ed them on the parapet, where he
supported them until another flag staff was pro-
cured. The subsequent activity and enterprise
of this patriot induced Col Moultre TO give
him sort OF rowing commission, 10 90 and
come at pleasure, confident that he was always
usefully employed. He was privileged to Sc
lect such men from the regiment as should
choose to accompany him in his enterprise. His
parties consisted generally of five or six; and
trie was apprised Of his absence. Jasper was
distinguished for his humane treatment when
an enemy fell into his power. His ambition ap
OF bravery, humanity and faithfulness in the
carr In which he was engaged. When it was
in his power to kill, but not TO capture, it
was his practice to permit single prisoner to
escape. by his sagacity and enterprise, he Of
ten succeeded in the capture of those who were
lying in ambush for him.
In one OF these excursions, an instance of
bravery and humanity is recorded by the biog-
rapher of Gen. Marion, which would stagger
credulity, if it was not well attested. While
he was examining the British camp at Ebenezer,
all the sympathy OF his great heart was awaken
ed by the distresses of a Mrs. Jones, whose |
husband, an American by birth, had taken the |
kings protection, and been confined in irons for
1eserting the royal cause, after he had taken the
path of allegiance. Her well founded belief
vas, that nothing short of the life of her hus. |
1and could atone for the offence with which he
vas charged. Anticipating the scene of a be.
owed husband expiring on gibbet, had excited
nexpressibe emotions of grief and distraction.
Jasper secretly consulted with his companion,
Sergeant Newton, whose feelings for the dis
ressed female and her child were equally excl.
ed with his own, upon the practicabity of re-
easing Jones from his impending fate. Tho
hey were unable to suggest plan Of opera
ions, they were determined to wait for the most
avorable opportunity, and make the effort
The departure Of Jones and several others lin
rons) to Savannah, for trial, under guard con-
lstlng OF sergeant, corporal and eight men,
,as ordered upon the succeeding morning.
Within two miles of Savannah, about thirty
ards from the main road, is a spring of fine
'ater, surrounded by deep and thick under
God, where travellers often halt to refresh
with cool draught from the clear
,untaln. Jasper and his companion consider
this the most favorable to their enterprise. ,
hey accordingly passed the guard and con- t
'aled themselves near the spring. When the $
1emy came up, they halted, and only two of ;
le guard remained with the prisoners, while r
e others leaned their guns against the trees u
careless manner, and went to the SPRING
sper and Newton seized two muskets, and dis. c
lied the two sentines. The possession of the =
ms placed the enemy in their power, and COM il
'iled them to surrender. The irons were IN. s.
N OFT and arms put in the hands of those who
d been prisoners, and the whole party arrived
Perrysbnrgh the next morning, and Joined the S
nerican camp.
Ihere are few instances upon record where
rsonal eXertions even for self preservation
I'm certain prospect of death, would have in.
ced resort to an act so desperate of execu.
N. How much more laudabe was this, where
spring to action was reused bv the amenta.
ms OF female unknown to the adyenturers. =
bsequentlyto the gallant defence at Sullivan's Dc
and, Colonel Moultrie's regiment was present. NJ
with a stand of colors, by Mrs. Elliott. which TO
had richly embroidered with her own hands, al
reward for Jaspers particular merit. Gov. GO
tledge presented him with very handsome at
ord; During the assault against Savannah. al
officers had been killed and one wounded. OF
to repant these coors upon the IL; irl
mys parapet, upon the Springhil redoubt pc
u before the retreat was ordered JASPER en-. of
vored TO replace them upon the works, and Ii
ne ne was In the act received mortal wound 60
Tell into the ditch. When retreat was or. 0''
ed, ne recollected the honorable condition -
10 whlch the donor presented the colors to
regiment ne succeeded in bringing them off. +
or Horny called TO see him soon after tho re- 4
t. to whom, it is sad he made the following o. OF
munication; G "a.
have got my furlough That sword was fen
ented to NE by Gov. Rutedge, for nv ser. foil
In the defence of Fort Monltrie. Give il we
~ father, and tell him have worn it in hon % ont
II the old man should weep, tell him his Mic
died in the hope of a better life. Tell Mrs auc
ut lost my life in supporting the coIors the
IA she presented to our regiment. Sbopd on
ever see Jones, his wife and son, tell them ven
eris gone, but that the remembrance Of the -
e ne fought for them brought a secret low -