Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1857-05-27
incident or two which he had derived from Gen.

Of his brigade WAS ordered into battle, Col. But
lcr was refused to be allowed to so, because the
Palmettos were actually broken down by fatigue
and priyation, and he was too feeble Tor duty
lie detailed the New York Regiment anG
another and ordered them forward. Col. Pierce
Butler demanded "a place in the picture
I" NO sir, your place is in the hospital" " Sir !!
said he, eleyating his noble figure, with fire
flashing from his eagle eye, "Nevcr, sir, while
the enemy is in sight, and our flag moving on
wardm He could not resist him-his demand
was accedcd to, and the regiment took 1T
"pace in the picture" a brilliant light on the
canvass. Gen. Quitman told him, too, that the
flag of the Palmetto regiment was the first thai
waved over the city of Mexico. "Sir, wa:
with that regiment at the gates Of the city, ano
when | called for flag to plant upon that gate
the Palmetto flag was the only one there, and
that was the flag that first spread its folds in
triumph over the Capital Of Mexico"
Mr.. Keitt mentioned this glorious testimony
to the brave Palmetto boys, because an effort
had been made to supplant them and talsify this
truthful history
Another incident lie could not omit, in lis
desultory ramble. While others had spoken oi
gallant commanders, who had fallen in the post
Of honor, there were others and many subordl-
mates. to whom he could award passing tribute
did time allow, but he would only allude to
onc-wlo had been there, but had fallen in
another field battling f-r the Palmetto State
lie alluded to the noble Brooks-his poor friend
Brooks--his colleaguc--h companion--h room
mate. lie spoke of his nnbleness, his gontle-
ness, his magnanimity, and related many beau
tirul incidents in illustration Of his character
He could not trust himself to speak more OF
him, but his object was now to mention an Incl
dent he derived from him, relative to his young
er brother who fell at Churubusco.
Poor Preston Brooks bad designed and was
having executed to wear signet ring, in mem
ory of his noble spirited brother, when he him
self was taken from the scene Of all his earthly
honors and labors.
When another regiment iled and all the hor-
rors and scourges of war were pouring down
upon the gallant Palmettos. hathcd in the blood
of their comradcs-when Shields said, "who
will follow me-" and Butler said, 'we will'-
Brooks, yes, the stripping Brooks, cried out,
"yes, all will follow you to the death" and he
did, The same ball which pierced his body
shiycrel his muskct-and shivered muskct
was to adorn the signet, with the motto salts
meruissr When this brother left home, Brooks
told him. his father said to lis old body servant,
90 with him and take care of him-1 contide
my son to you." How did the good old negro
act When the baptism of blood was going
on-whcn pcris were lingering around-wllen
the hot ignition OF stratagcm was every where,
with none to watch the wounded boy but this
old servant-hc was at his labor of love, taking
care of his charge. Crushed bones worked out
from the wouud-he gathered them up and pre-
served them. Tho noble spirit passed out, and
the corpse alone was left. What did the old
and faithful slave? The regiment gave him
mule and cart-thc soldiers helped him to make
rude collin. With his own hands he placed
the earthly remains of his beloved young mas
ter in this hcarse-hc conveyed it to Mexico
he carried it 10 Vera Cruz-he bore 1t on ship
board and By rail road to his old masters home,
and delivered the body and the bones OF her
child to his widowed and bercarcd mother, at
the Intel vi his birthplace. This Is literally
true. In classic story-in legendary annals-ln
ancient or modern tlme-whcre Is the equal oil
this touching story!
Mr.. Keitt discuurscd much eloqucnce III alu-
sion to the nabc dcc,is nl,'l daring OF the Pal
mctto Regiment, and asked, what was 1t that
made each one hcro2 1t WAS tue memory oil
Fort Moultric-of Eutaw-of Kings Mountain
and the glorious days Of Scvcnty-Six. In the
hour of danger anl in the crisis Of battle the
voice Of those fields were shouting to them, that
they were the trustees OF the honor: the pride
and callantry and hcroiSin Of South Carolina
and bravcy did they redeem this sacred obliga-
ton. 1t is due TO the men who were i'll this
clmpaign that its history should lie W!itton,
When the State gathc;cd aTourd tho bier OF her
Slaughtered ciliiciians she pledged herself that
the gallant band should Gc taken care ot-and
that its deeds should be recorded in history.
Courage and patriotism must have cxcmplars in
every arc. or they will diminish. The Palmet-
tos have acted and made history The State
should record it.
We have given but meagre sketch ol Mr..
kcitt's remarks us the duty Of enjoying It and
writing it out is rathc.; more THAN we were
equal to. lie concluded with the following SEN
timent:
The Palaetto Regiment onI The Palmetto ds-
s0cioliDR-Unc in war has illustrated the escllt-
cheon OF the State, let the State illustrate in
peace the other.
Col. James Handing was then called upon
and complimcnted by the presiding officer, to
which he replied with feeling and earnest ack-
nowledglucnt-sad if his brother Or himself
had done anv acts worthy Of notice or compli-
mcnt, it was proper to say that, born and raised
in this city, it was here that they received their
impulses from one who not by birth Caroll-
man was SO in heart and principle lie
could never forget Columbia and her people.
lie related several very touching and interest
lnr incidents relative to the gallant Dickinson
and others. and offered the following:
Gen. John A. Quiimou-Thc able tactician-
the wise statesman--and the patriot.
Capt Stanly gave;
TEe Health Of Edmund Belliagey, Esq.
To which Mr.. Bcllinger, after various ercuses,
responded in a very happy manner; his remarks
being historical, anccdotical, and exceedingly
social. In conclusion, lie rendered the follow
iIg sentimenti
Dauiel DeSsusup-C Clarum el renerabile no
uen.-He and his sons fought in the Revolution
on the right side. lis son. Henry William,
illustrated and adorned our Equity juriSpru-
dence. His grand-sons are amongst the duly
appreciated; and five Of his great grand sons
marched to victory under our glorious Palmetto,
The Hon. W. F. DeSaussuyc rose to this
tcast, and responded Us follows:-
Mr.. Presdent:--I take an interest in the
history of the Palmetto e-iment. This may
have induced your call upon Inc, which would
rather havowaivcd, after the brilliant displays
of wit and eloQuencc with which we just have
been entertained and instructed.
But the noble discourse of the orator Of .ha
Palmetto Association to day was emincntly sug-
ccstivc; and in reply to your invitation will
embody in toast, the sentiment which it so
we'll illustrated
4 large standing military force is indispensa-
BILE in Europe. Here this expensive and dam
gerous machinery is uncalled for. ExtempoSa-